Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
As we head into Round 4 of the 2018 Rockstar Energy Triple Series in Sarnia, ON, the points in both classes are obviously still close. In the 250 class, Shawn Maffenbeier leads, while the ageless wonder, Ryan Lockhart, sits in second. Both riders, along with Tanner Ward and Marco Cannella, will be in Sarnia this weekend, so look for the battles to be intense.
In the 450 class, the battle for the red plate has been exciting since the opening gate drop of the series. At the opening round, Colton Facciotti was the dominant rider as he got off to the early series points lead. At Rounds 2 and 3 in Calgary, Cole Thompson took control of both main events and was able to steal the red plate from Facciotti. With just three rounds remaining in the AX portion of the Triple Crown Series, all of the riders will be going for it this weekend. Let’s take a look at the top five in both classes as the Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series rolls into Sarnia.
450 Class
1) Cole Thompson – 91 points
We think it’s safe to say that overall Cole Thompson has been the fastest rider thus far in this series. Although he finished behind Facciotti at the opening round, he was able to come back in Calgary and dominate. Of all of the riders in the field, Thompson has the most high profile indoor experience as he’s competed in the Monster Energy Supercross Series in recent years. He knows how to get great starts and how to be super aggressive in the opening laps. This weekend, Thompson will be racing in front of his hometown fans, so look for him to be even better than he was in Calgary.
2) Colton Facciotti – 90 points
Sometimes we feel that people forget just how much indoor experience Colton Facciotti has accumulated over the years. Growing up in BC where AX has been a big part of their racing scene for over twenty years, Facciotti found success indoors at a very young age. As we sit here today, Colton is probably the most well-rounded rider we have in Canada, capable of winning in any condition. Since he knows how to race and win indoors, it will be interesting to see how aggressive he is during the final three rounds of AX. In Calgary, he was just as fast as Thompson at times, however he wasn’t able to get his usual great starts. We would love to see these two riders start together on Saturday night and battle for the win.
3) Tyler Medaglia – 75 points
So far in 2018, Tyler Medaglia has been extremely fast during these opening AX rounds. His ability to get great starts and ride aggressively have served him well. If Tyler wants to grab a main event win during these final three indoor rounds, he will have to find a little extra corner speed. These big 450s are difficult at the best of times to navigate around a tight AX track. With Tyler being a little shorter of a rider, and also one that loves to steer the bike with his rear wheel, finding speed through the tight corners can be challenging. If Tyler can continue to use his biggest attributes (great starts and aggressive riding) this weekend in Sarnia, he may find himself on top of the podium. Either way, it’s great to see this cagey veteran sitting third overall in the 450 class points and riding so well.
4) Matt Goerke – 70 points
During the first three rounds of this AX Series, Matt Goerke has been a little off the pace. We know he was coming off an injury prior to the series, and also at Round 1 he had some bike issues. In Calgary, Goerke was a little better and was able to show the speed that we’re used to seeing from the multi-time Canadian Champion. Will we see an even better Matt Goerke this weekend in Sarnia? I believe we will as he has had more time to get comfortable on his Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha. I don’t think Goerke gets enough credit for how smart of a rider he really is. With this in mind, he could just be playing it safe and waiting for the chance to defend his 2017 MX1 title later this summer.
5) Dillan Epstein – 63 points
After three rounds, Epstein is probably sitting just about where he thought he would. With this being his first season aboard his new Yamaha 450, it’s definitely going to take some time to get used to the new blue bike. With each lap, it appears like Epstein is getting more and more comfortable, and it wouldn’t surprise us if he has his best race this weekend in Sarnia. With the success he had last year in the outdoor series, Epstein needs to remain healthy and be ready for the opening round of that series in Calgary.
250 Class
1) Shawn Maffenbeier – 91 points
Winning the 2017 MX2 title has really given Shawn Maffenbeier the belief that he is the best rider on the track. We’re not saying that he wasn’t the best before, but he just looks like a completely different rider so far in 2018. He looks great on his new Kawasaki, and so far in this Triple Crown Series he won’t settle for anything less than a win. Look for Maffenbeier to continue his winning ways this weekend in Sarnia and extend his points lead.
2) Ryan Lockhart – 69 points
Very few people, including Ryan himself, thought he’d be sitting second in the 250 points after three rounds. However, the Newf is second and he’s heading to Sarnia this weekend. Although Ryan hasn’t been one of the fastest riders in 2018, he’s been one of most consistent and that is why he’s in the position he’s in. Ryan also knows how to ride indoors, and he knows how to stay out of trouble and get the job done. With a few riders sitting out this weekend out in the 250 class, Ryan should no doubt be a podium guy in Sarnia.
3) Tanner Ward – 62 points
Tanner Ward is definitely one of the riders who should be doing better in this series. All winter he’s been competing in the Amsoil AX Series in the USA, so he does have a lot of indoor experience. Although his speed has been great, Tanner appears to be trying too hard and making mistakes that have cost him. With this weekend being his home race, look for Tanner to be very fast from the moment the gate drops. With some smart riding and a little bit of luck, Tanner Ward could win the 250 class in Sarnia.
4) Marco Cannella – 61 points
With this being Marco Cannella’s first ever pro series, you would expect him to be making a few mistakes at crucial times in the race. However, during the first three rounds Marco has not only been very fast but he’s also at times shown the decision making of a veteran rider. Yes, he’s made a few small errors that have cost him, but overall he’s been very good. There’s no doubt he is only going to get better. Look for him to be very fast at these Ontario rounds and then carry that momentum into the outdoor 250 series.
5) Dylan Wright – 61 points
Unfortunately, Dylan Wright will not be racing in Sarnia this weekend due to a shoulder injury he suffered a few weeks ago in Calgary. This is bad news as coming into 2018 Wright was one of the riders favoured to win AX main events. Now, he must heal up and then focus on nothing but trying to win the 250 Championship this summer. This is an important summer for Wright as he needs to finally solidify himself as a championship contender. Wright has always been fast and has always been a threat to win races, now he needs to put it all together and challenge for a title in 2018.
