Monday Maniac #20
By Ryan Gauld
Did you know today marks the 20 day countdown to Nanaimo? It seems just like yesterday we were wrapping up at Walton, or should I say getting blown away at Walton. Time sure flies when you’re not always paying attention. Lately, paying attention, for me at least, has been distant. Yesterday I was at RJs for the ANQ and it was full blown reminiscence day because guys like Ken Clark, Chuck Mesley, Ryan Matthews, Joel Saarits, Ryan Lockhart, Iain Hayden, Kyle Keast, Brent Thur, Brett Lee, myself and a few more all showed up. If you look at this list, all are over 25, some over 30, and even one over 40 (I’ll let you guess that one. Hint: He showed all the kids the fast way around RJs yesterday) If you combine the experience these riders have, you would have nearly 250 years worth of stories. Could you imagine sitting by a campfire with each and every one of them? I can guarantee being entertained, scared, grossed out, and intrigued, plus I would learn a few things. That’s a very special part about the motocross community. If you have been a part of it for some time you always have memories to share and compare with so many others that have the passion for the sport like you do.
A great old pic that was sent to me by Dan Holmes. He thought this was me on the #3 bike at the Bracebridge fair. It's actually Jason Gould from 1992. This was a pretty unique race back then; under the lights, on the grass and wooden jumps. That's right, I said wooden. It was pretty crazy. Thanks for sharing Dan.
Like I said above, we’re 20 days away from Nanaimo for the beginning of another year of fresh stories and memories from new and old passionate racers and fans alike. With all the teams making switches, riders moving around and the addition of the two Saturday nationals, the 2012 Monster Energy Motocross Nationals could be filled with excitement, drama, stories, and memories beyond our wildest imaginations. Buckle up!!
So just before we get going here in Canada, the AMA Motocross series gets underway at Hangtown this coming weekend. How many wild stories already surround that series even before a gate has dropped? It’s crazy to see all these guys swapping bikes and teams, but as a fan this is what helps get the excitement built before you even see how it unfolds. My vote is for Stewart and Roczen this weekend. I believe Stewart is going to be the old Stewie on this Suzuki. He has so much to prove to himself and his loyal fans. In the Lites I’m going with Ken Roczen. I think this kid is going to fly this weekend. Battling with him will be the Gieco boys, Tomac and Barcia, but I have to go with Roczen coming out on top. Here is how to watch this weekend:
Hangtown
Sat 5/19 FUELTV 4:00-6:00pm 1st Motos
Sat 5/19 NBC Sports Network 12:30-2:30am 2nd Motos
Mon 5/21 NBC Sports Network 3:00-5:00pm 2nd Moto
Re-Air Wed 5/23 NBC Sports Network 12:00-1:00am Highlight Series
It was pretty funny this weekend behind the gate at RJ's. I guess they put new wood in because it was so close to the gate that people were constantly hitting the gate. You really needed to clean out the line and make sure you had maximum room to push your bike. There definitely was no cheating, but as you see here, there were some "A little to quick on the draw" moments. LOL
As per usual, RJ's always has some big jump behind the gate (it's nearly been the same sort of deal, just different obstacles at times for 20 years). In practice, a few pros did it but the landing was kind of sketchy. So James Farrington got in the dozer and cleaned it up then tons of riders started to do it. It became less cool by the time each and every rider that did it, until Westen Wrozyna jumped it on his 150. Now that was cool to see.
This past Sunday was the ANQ at RJ Motosport Park just north of Barrie, Ontario. The weather was perfect, the track was rough, tough and made for some great racing. It was s a long day, and I mean a long one. The problem was, or actually not the problem because this is great for the sport, but each class had their own race, meaning there were enough riders in every class so that you could not double up in the program. Usually you see Vet Master and Youth together, or Plus 40 and Ladies. Well, that couldn’t happen because so many riders showed up. It was like running the Trans Can where each and every class got their own moto. This is great for the sport but made some people pretty upset because of how late the day was. There were a few other issues brought to CMRC man Brett Lee’s attention, and he dealt with them accordingly and made the people happy (I think) that were upset on how they were treated.
Forty-four years ago to the day, Don Davidson started racing. Congrats on such a big mile stone Don. You're one of the most passionate racers that I have ever met, and to know you have been going racing that long is quite astonishing!
Last week I drummed up some good drama by sharing and saying a few things that came out wrong. I changed them on the site but the words used were not directed in any way shape or form. Those who know me or read my stuff on a regular basis realize that. In fact 95% of the feedback from that blog was all good. There was just that one negative, which is even cooler than the positive feedback. Just knowing that the competition (so they call it) has a keen eye on what goes on and is looking for some way to stir some crap up means more than a pat on the back. Stay classy red numbers!!
So this long weekend coming is a big annual event at Motopark. Here is all the info needed for this coming weekend: Click to enlarge and print off
This young lady did her part for the community by handing out free magazines. Happy Mother's Day Tracy!!
Okay, that’s it for this week. Thanks for reading.