As the 2016 Canadian National AX Tour powered by Rockstar Energy moves towards its final two rounds this weekend in Calgary, AB, we take a look back at last weekend’s event in beautiful Penticton, BC. With warm temperatures outside of the South Okanagan Events Centre, the action inside was at a feverish pitch as this race was not only Round 3 of the AX Tour, but also Round 2 of the Future West AX Championships. With limited dates and venues available, these two AX promoters came together in hopes of making one massive event.
With 21 pro riders entered and almost 300 amateurs, one could argue that this was Canada’s largest indoor event to date. If we look back to the past 30 years of AX racing in Canada, we think you could find a race or two in AX savvy Quebec that might be comparable to this one, but regardless of history and numbers, it was great to see two competing promoters come together.
Heading into Penticton, one had to think that Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha rider Chris Blose was the odds on favourite to dominate. With Colton Facciotti and Steve Mages (the winners of the first two rounds) not making their way out west, all of the attention was on Blose. However, with this being a combined AX Tour/ Future West event, there was a host of western riders who were looking to prove themselves on their home turf.
Perhaps this East vs West battle motivated Chris Blose to heights we haven’t seen before from the Yamaha rider? Or maybe it was the opportunity that Blose and the rest of the riders had to begin the quest for the Parts Canada $25 000 triple crown payout, which goes to a rider who can sweep the final three rounds of the AX tour? Whatever the reason, Chris Blose looked much more comfortable on his Yamaha as he raced to all three main event wins in Penticton.
So with Chris Blose in the driver’s seat, the AX Tour sets its sights on the grand finale this weekend in Calgary. With races both Friday and Saturday nights, fans will certainly be able to get their fill of this high paced, excitement filled sport. With a number of western riders planning to make the trip to Calgary, Blose will definitely have his hands full as he tries to win this title, as well as secure the Parts Canada Triple Crown.
Results from Penticton:
Pro Open
1. Chris Blose YAM
2. Jess Pettis YAM
3. Noah McConahy HSK
4. Karl Normand KTM
5. Davey Fraser HON
6. Ross Johnson HON
7. Keylan Meston YAM
8. Shawn Maffenbeier KTM
9. Sebastian Lave HSK
10. Ryan Lockhart KAW
11. Brock Leitner KAW
12. Chris Howell HSK
Pro/Am Lites
1. Chris Blose YAM
2. Shawn Maffenbeier KTM
3. Noah McConahy HSK
4. Ross Johnson HON
5. Brock Leitner KAW
6. Davey Fraser HON
7. Ryan Lockhart KAW
8. Jess Pettis KAW
9. Codie Rouse KTM
10. Keylan Meston YAM
11. Chris Howell HSK
12. Sebastian Lave HSK
Clash for Cash
1. Chris Blose YAM
2. Ross Johnson HON
3. Noah McConahy HSK
