Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
The transition from outdoor motocross to Arenacross or Supercross is always an interesting one for our pro riders. Not only does bike set-up and suspension change, but so does a riders mindset and training regime. In recent years our riders have had to be ready for the AXTour Series early in the season before the outdoor nationals begin, and then the SXTour Series in the fall. However, because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we’ve seen a different race schedule in 2020 and now that the five-round MXTour Series has concluded, the only indoor racing this year is coming up this weekend and next weekend. For the first time, all four rounds of the Rockstar Energy Triple Crown SXTour Series will take place at Gopher Dunes. There won’t be fans or any seating areas surrounding the Gopher Dunes SX track, but once the gate drops the racing should be as exciting as it always is.
The Track
For several years now the Gopher Dunes AX track has been a favourite place to practice for local pros. With a fun layout and good solid dirt, the track is challenging, but not too challenging if you know what I mean. Back in 2017, Gopher Dunes held its annual Sand Storm event on this very track and it ended up being one of the coolest races of the season. Portable lights were brought in and the racing was entertaining all night long, even in all of the amateur classes. As I said, we should see much of the same during these next two weekends as there will be pro classes as well as a selected number of amateur classes competing.
The Riders
Except for newly crowned 250MX Champion Jess Pettis and the young rookie sensation Jacob Piccolo, all of the top riders in both the 250 and 450 classes will be lining up this Friday at Gopher Dunes. This means that we’re going to get to see Cole Thompson battle Dylan Wright and the rest of the 450SX riders. We’re also going to be able to watch all of the fast and aggressive kids in the 250SX class battle it out this weekend. As I mentioned, Cole Thompson who in recent years has won just about every indoor series we’ve had is healthy again and is looking forward to getting back on the race track. He will have his hands full with Dylan Wright, who is no doubt going to be entertaining on the Gopher Dunes SX track, and also Shawn Maffenbeier, Matt Goerke, and Tyler Medaglia. Both pro classes are going to be extremely competitive and you can watch all of the racing from the comfort of your home on either Fox Sports Racing or the Two-Wheels TV App.
The Schedule
Beginning this Friday, the day will kick off early for the amateur riders as their first practice session will start at 9 am. A few hours later the amateur riders will have their heat races which will seed them into the main events later on in the day. At 12:40, the pro riders hit the track for their first practice session and that will continue until just after 2 pm. At that point, the amateur riders will have their main events and then the pro main events begin at 4:30 pm. This year there will be two main events for each of the pro classes as well as B-Main’s for the riders who don’t make the A-Main. This schedule will repeat on Saturday for Round 2. Also, each night two amateur classes will be featured in the Parts Canada Amateur Showcase and will race as part of the night program in between the pro races. As you can see there is something for everyone this weekend at the opening rounds of the 2020 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown SXTour Series. If you need any more information please visit www.rockstartriplecrown.com
