Andy White: Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox KTM
For most teams I think round three was pretty good, for us however it was the first weekend we went racing without Colton Facciotti and it was tough for sure. Both our riders had tough days. Kaven suffered a DNF in moto one that has unfortunately put him way behind in points, and Tyler had sort of an off day by his standards. Although he is still in second in the MX1 class, he lost a ton of points to Metcalfe.
I think coming in, both Kaven and Tyler felt a little uneasy about the Calgary track. I think they’re obviously better soft terrain riders so with the Calgary track being hard pack maybe it didn’t suit them. Kaven had great starts in both motos but on the first lap of moto one he made a mistake and went down. He was fine but the damage to the bike was bad enough that he had to pull off and head back to the pits. In moto two, he rode well but couldn’t match the speed of two very good hard pack riders. He was definitely mad at himself and hopefully that will show this weekend in Edmonton.
Tyler’s day was good but like Kaven he made a small mistake early in one of the motos and went down. He got up and charged hard but by the time he got near the top five the leaders were long gone. We made a few bike changes with Tyler and he felt comfortable on the bike so we’re looking forward to having a good race this weekend. I think both our riders are going to come into round four very highly motivated.
Adam Robinson: Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha Motovan.com
To sum up our weekend with Bobby, I think the word is progress. We made so much progress with him and the bike this weekend. Obviously, it showed on the race track and ultimately in the results. In moto one he went from pretty far out of the top 15 to third, and then in moto two he led for a long time and finished second. So I think this weekend really helped his confidence in knowing that he can run with Metcalfe at the front of the pack.
With Richard Grey, I’d say he just struggled all weekend. He didn’t get very good starts so he was always playing catch up. I think on that track you needed to be up front right away to get in that pace to see what lines the leaders were using. When you’re in the middle of the pack it’s really hard to get into the top five.
All in all though it was a good weekend and we’re excited to go to Edmonton and keep things going. After this weekend we get a nice break and then it’s onto the heat and humidity of the east.
Kourtney Lloyd: Cycle North Honda Canada Troy Lee Designs
All in all we had a pretty good weekend. Obviously I’m stoked that Ross and Brad both won holeshot awards, and Ross won the $1200.00 from Royal Distributing. Dinner this week is on him for sure. Coming into Calgary we were really optimistic in our program and the changes that we have made to it.
Graham Brough worked his magic with Ross’ suspension and Rekluse came onboard with clutches for him. I think mentally Ross was more prepared for Calgary than any other round thus far. He rode really well in the first moto and battled hard ending up 7th. In the second moto, he ended up getting a handlebar to the ribs and struggled for the rest of the moto. Sorry to Gauldy about missing the holeshot award onstage but he didn’t want to throw up on a Monster Girl.
As for Brad, he got the holeshot in Moto one. He rode really well and finished third to get on the podium again. Brad spent the week in California and came into Calgary ready to rip. After the first moto he heard a noise coming from his engine and couldn’t run it for the second moto. Unfortunately his backup motor was down too, and we had to borrow an engine from fellow Washingtonian’s Kevin and Graham Scott. Thank you guys so much for saving the day. He tried his best to get into his third position again but without the power of his C4 engine like he’s used to, it just didn’t have enough power to keep up. He fell back and ended up 6th. Obviously as a competitor he’s not happy with this and is going into Edmonton with hopes of reclaiming his podium spot.
Kevin Tyler: RM Motorsports MX101 Yamaha
We had a really good weekend. It all started off in qualifying with Jeremy getting a really good time and a good pick on the gate for the first moto. Unfortunately for Shawn, he went down in practice and got a handlebar to the ribs. That certainly slowed him down for the entire day, but he didn’t quit and managed to salvage some points.
Jeremy had really strong day. He rode the wheels off his Yamaha to finish second in the first moto, and I think he had a great chance to win the second moto but a little mistake cost him as he went down. He ended up third overall for the day and we’re really happy with how he rode. We’re also happy with the way Shawn too. He was strong despite his really sore ribs.
Heading into Edmonton we’re really excited and hope to pick up where we left off on Sunday. I know it’s just a matter of time before Jeremy wins a moto. Hopefully it’s soon because I think when he wins one, he win will a bunch.
Pat O’Connor: Monster Energy Leading Edge Parts Canada Kawasaki:
Our weekend was great in Calgary. We seem to be on a good roll and hopefully it continues. With the exception of Tyler Villopoto, I thought all of our riders had a good day on Sunday and we still have both red plates so that’s a good thing.
We knew Brett would be strong in Calgary after riding so well in Kamloops. What can you say about that guy right now? He just keeps getting stronger each race. Teddy also felt good. He had the fastest qualifying time in practice and in both motos he was right up there. Unfortunately in the first moto he had a freak thing happen to his bike and it caused him to DNF. It wasn’t anything he did or the bike’s fault, it was a weird deal. In moto two, Teddy was one of the guys who could’ve won that moto so he feels good and we feel good heading into Edmonton.
Austin just keeps going every race. That kid doesn’t seem to make any mistakes and he just puts himself in a good position each moto. Obviously his confidence is super high right now so we hope he can keep it rolling. Tyler is struggling right now. He either doesn’t get a good start or has to play catch up, or he gets a good start and makes a mistake. He needs to get better and he knows that more than anyone. This weekend Tyler will not be there. We’ve given him the weekend off to get healthy and hopefully come back strong for the east. As a reward for riding so well, we’re going to have Josh Allen under the tent this weekend. We’re happy for him and he is really excited.
Josh Snider: Redemption Racing
Sunday was pretty good for our team. We had a few ups and downs but it was good. Eric rode great and had the best finish of his career in Calgary. He had two really good starts and finished very well. I think his confidence is growing with each race.
Gavin also rode good but in moto two while he was running in sixth his rear axle came loose and he had to stop in the mechanics area for repairs. By the time he got going he was way back, but he charged hard and got some points. I think with Gavin right now he is really fit, but he wants to be better at the beginning of the moto when everyone is sprinting. He has gone home this week and will work on that and hopefully in Edmonton he’ll be strong.
So far everything is good. This week we’re staying at the Allison’s farm so we’re going to get some riding in and also have a good time I’m sure. We’ll see everyone in Edmonton for round four. We’re definitely looking forward to it.