Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
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Well friends, once again that time as come as the busiest weekend in Canadian Motocross comes to a head at Walton Raceway. Before I get into what is currently happening I have some tragic news to pass along and wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the Charlton family in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. At a race this past weekend at the fabled Antler Lake track just outside of Edmonton, 37-year-old Veteran racer Dave Charlton passed away at the race track after hitting the ground hard. I do not know a lot of the details but have been in contact with a few members of the club and they are very devastated at the tragic loss of their member and solid family man. May you rest in peace Moto brother.
This year’s Parts Canada Walton Trans Can Champions will be crowned tomorrow and our National numbers for 2016 will be settled on Sunday. Once again I cannot help but repeat myself and say, wow what a truly great year it has been for Canadian Motocross. For myself personally moving forward and for our sport in Canada it has been nothing short of amazing. Tomorrow I am beyond honoured to sit in the host chair here at Walton Raceway and broadcast all the ‘Live’ action from start to finish as champions are crowned for the first time in the 24th annual Trans Can history. This is truly a great step forward for all those aspiring to hit their mark on the amateur level as well as their families and supporters. I will sit in with my colleague Chris Pomeroy from MXP Magazine as well as others who will participate from various locations on the fabled grounds including the spot everyone wants to be, the podium. If you are wondering what to expect and how it will turn out, let me join you. I guess the best way to put it is just like a racer, all we can do is all we have done. The pre-race prep has been done, the ground work has been laid and by all accounts I expect things to go off without a hitch. I know the crew behind the Parts Canada Trans Can are very proud of this first off broadcast and I believe what we see tomorrow is only the beginning of something much needed and it will snowball very quickly.
As I put this to pad here I have yet to see a lot of the early action but as race day unfolds on Friday I plan to get my fill. I am a little bit overwhelmed coming back to Walton as this is the anniversary of my life changing crash here four years ago. As time has passed I have come to realize how fortunate I am to be connected to such a strong, vibrant, caring community with my many friends and family at the races. I know it is a bit of a cliche but when they say there are no guarantees in life it is so true. I often say the only true stock of trade of any value is the one of the here and the now. As long as I am alive I will never forget the last day I was able to line up at a Motocross race. Yes, it was the Trans Can. Shortly before the gate dropped my wife told me that she loved me and said to have fun. Looking back now on what transpired in the next four or five days brings a tear to my eye for the sake of her and all of my loving family members and friends. I only mention this as I have now had time to heal and have a greater respect for not only life but living in the now and cherishing each moment.
There are literally no guarantees friends and there is also no rhyme or reason to an accident. My near death experience at the 2011 Walton Trans Can was very profound. I will not get into details but I can tell you that I was, on what I now realize, the other side looking down at my body. There were many gathered around and I knew exactly what had happened and what was going on. The next thing I knew I was looking upward into the face of medic Carol Henderson and Direct Motocross’s Billy Rainford. The nature of their reflective looks in my direction signified the grave nature of my condition. Surrounding them were many many people to which a very bright aura of protective energy hovered. I truly believe that the positive energy and aura of all of you amazing people protected me from the ominous darkness awaiting in the background. Too deep for some of you, maybe, but it was my experience and one I will never forget. The next few days were touch and go but in the end and after nine months of hospitalization I did survive. I have not gone a single day since that crash that I have not struggled with pain and tedious related difficulties as a result of complications. Am I complaining? Absolutely not. Motocross is the best sport on earth and I believe it has been in my blood since birth. It is now my elixir in the sense that it is more painful to stay housebound as apposed to being at the races performing my many media duties. We are definitely a unique breed and I know that if you are reading this you most likely know what I am talking about. I can almost assure you that in 25 years from now when you look back on the 2015 Trans Can it will be the memory of the experience that is most pertinent and not you or your rider’s results. Make the best of your experience at this year’s Trans Can. I know there are many that wish they could be fortunate enough to be in your place.
To be able to be back at this iconic event and share my steadfast passion and undying love for this sport is very rewarding. The way I roll now and with the involvement I have with many riders and their families I have a much broadened perspective for what is truly important. This sport is about having fun and making the best out of each and every situation. There are three spots on the podium and I also believe the Trans Can will award the top ten in each class a trophy. Very nice as each and every one of you that hits those marks has earned it. I as a race fan find myself cheering for and applauding everyone who has made the commitment and sacrifices to get to a big event like the Trans Can. In my eyes there are no losers in this sport, you are all winners. If winning is your goal then get after it. This sport rewards those who dedicate themselves.
I am also looking forward to being teamed up with Bill Petro and The Legends Of Canadian Motocross this weekend at the Trans Can. Bill’s project is aimed at preserving the sport of Motocross’s rich and vibrant history through its archived imagery. We will have many items for sale and up for auction at the Trans Can to help raise money for this project including a signed Kaven Benoit Fox jersey. The tent and display is pretty amazing as it is clad with images of many of our sport’s pioneers and champions from yesteryear. I will also have some brand new, Limited edition Canadian Moto Show ‘Legends Of Canadian Motocross’ t-hirts that have been made up for this weekend. Stop by the tent and say hi, Bill will be there Saturday and Sunday. I will be at the tent on Sunday in between ducking to the fence to watch the final Pro motos of the season wind down. The MX2 title belongs to Kaven Benoit and his Royal Distributing KTM connections, congratulations Kaven. There is still, however, only four points separating Jeremy Medaglia on the Honda Canada Gopher Dunes bike and MX-101 Canada’s Motorcycle Jimmy Decotis. It should be some great racing especially after seeing Jeremy have his best ride ever on the Honda in Ulverton. In the MX1 class, wow! We could only hope it would come down to the Walton Raceway finale. Colton Facciotti will look to see his GDR Honda carve into the points lead held by the title sponsor team of Rockstar OTSFF’s Matt Goerke. Thirteen points separate these top two with Goerke still holding the Red Plate, and in my opinion master of his own destiny this Sunday. There are two motos to run, which include two gate drops and all the obstacles and variables that two motos of top level racing provide. Yes, it is not over until the checkered flag is waived on Sunday.
Before I get back to work here at the Trans Can I would like to remind everyone that Future West Moto is still looking for partners for the upcoming Fall Classic Canadian Arenacross Series. I have sponsorship promo packages with me here at Walton and I believe this winning effort offers a ton of value to potential partners. The Canadian Arenacross Series has a carnival-like atmosphere and provides entertainment for all members of the family on and off the race track. I will also be broadcasting all of the action once again ‘Live’ every weekend through my Canadian Moto Show platform. Last year’s broadcasts were a hit and this year I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. If you would like to become a member of our winning team please contact fwmstu@hotmail.com
Let’s Go Racing friends. Until next Friday Flight, Airmail out………………….
