Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
After a three-week break, the 2019 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown SXTour Series is set to resume this Saturday in the modern and spacious Videotron Centre in Quebec City. The Videotron Centre was built in 2015 to try to attract an NHL team back to Quebec’s capital city. So far that has not happened as the NHL has opted to go to Las Vegas and most recently Seattle. However, if the league does decide to add another Canadian team, Quebec City is ready with this incredible arena.
There is definitely a lot of history hanging from the rafters in the Videotron Centre. Photo by James Lissimore
Many years ago, Quebec City was a regular stop for AX in Canada with many exciting races at the old Colisee Pepsi Arena. Last year the sport returned to this beautiful city on the shores of the St. Lawrence River when it hosted Round 3 of the 2018 SXTour. As much as the return to QC was a historic milestone, I’m sure no one will ever forget what went on during the day, as well as in the final turn of the 450 main event. I won’t go into all of the unforgettable and disturbing details from that race, but in many ways, it changed how the sport is governed at the pro level in Canada. Thankfully, our sport moved on from that day in Quebec City. Heading into this weekend, once again we’re all looking forward to some clean and exciting racing.
Phil Nicoletti enjoyed mixing it up in Montreal with some of his former USA SX friends and he hopes to close out the 2019 Triple Crown Series in the next few weeks. Photo by James Lissimore
In the 450 class, Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha rider Phil Nicoletti has what I’m told is a 30-point lead over Cole Thompson in the chase for the Triple Crown title. Since Round 1 of the SXTour in Montreal, the points have been more difficult to figure out than a Rubik’s Cube. For now, anyway, let’s assume that Phil’s lead is 30 points with two rounds remaining. Since mid-summer, Nicoletti has been at the top of his game so it’s really no surprise to see him leading the way in the 450 class. I spoke to him two weeks ago at Moto Park and told him how good he looked at the Montreal SX just a few days earlier. In case you missed it, Phil’s speed in Montreal was every bit as good as that of Dean Wilson, Justin Brayton and Malcom Stewart. Phil told me that he loves SX and that he wishes more of the SXTour rounds were on bigger tracks. We all know how good Cole Thompson is on these tight tracks so this weekend should be very interesting. At this point Cole has to win and Phil really only has to finish on the podium during these final two races. It’s also great to see Cade Clason close to a Top 3 finish in the overall Triple Crown Series. Cade has had a great year in Canada and I’m sure it would be exciting for him to finish off 2019 strong.
Marco Cannella will be looking for his first win this weekend in Quebec City. Photo by James Lissimore
With Dylan Wright already securing the 250 Triple Crown Championship a few weeks ago, all that is left in this class is the battle for bragging rights and bonus money. Also, with a few of the top riders out with injuries, this weekend could open the door for some of the younger riders to shine. One rider that I feel needs a win more than anyone is Marco Cannella. At the Montreal SX, Marco was on the gas, and if it wasn’t for his big get-off late in the final main event, the overall win would’ve been his. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt and will be back this weekend in Quebec City, hopefully with an extra boost of confidence. With just two main events remaining in the 250 class, I feel Cannella should win at least one of them.
The racing should be exciting this weekend inside the massive Videotron Centre. We need a stress-free night of racing in Quebec City and then that will set up a great final round in Hamilton on October 19th.
