Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Josh Hill third overall in Canadian National Debut
For immediate release
Kamloops, BC(June 3, 2014) The 2014 CMRC Canadian Motocross National series kicked off this past weekend under warm, sunny weather at The Wastelands track in Nanaimo, on British Columbia’s scenic Vancouver Island and the two-time defending Canadian National champion team of Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki was excited to get back on the track and work on making it a third straight year of bringing home the championships.
In MX1, things started off well as Teddy Maier rode to a solid second place while making it a close race to eventual winner, Colton Facciotti. In moto two, a
crash in the second turn forced him to ride through the pack as he rode to sixth place, which gave him fourth overall on the day.
Making his Canadian debut at Nanaimo was Josh Hill and the former Supercross winner didn’t take long to find his groove as he rode to an impressive second in the second moto and third overall on the day, on the strength of his 4-2 moto finishes. Hill was happy with how his day went: “It was good. I really enjoyed the vibe in Canada and how friendly everyone has been. Not having raced outdoors in a while, it was good to get out there and show I could run the pace. I know I’m only going to get better.”
In MX2, all eyes were on defending Champion, Austin Politelli, and with the California native still recovering from his broken femur in the winter, he knew a consistent finish would help get him on track to defend his title, which he delivered with 4-3 moto finishes for third overall. With nine more rounds to go, Politelli will gladly take the podium finish: “I’m still getting back up to speed after the winter and Nanaimo can be a tricky track so even though I want to win, I’ll definitely take third place on the day and know I’m right in the hunt.”
A late addition to the MX2 team was Jeremy Medaglia and the former series runner-up was still dialing in his bike at the first round. Unfortunately, a couple incidents left him with only 12-6 finishes for seventh overall. In the first moto, a take out by Vince Friese left him on the ground and having to work his way back up and a good start in moto two was marred by a tip-over that again saw the Ontario native having to work through the pack. With more testing this week, there’s no doubt that Medaglia will be up front and challenging for wins in no time.
Sadly, the final member of the squad, Jess Pettis, didn’t make it out of round one as a crash in the first moto left him with a broken bone in his arm. The rookie MX2 pilot will be out an undetermined amount of time while he heals up.
With Nanaimo wrapped up, the team moves on to their most anticipated round of the year as the series heads east to the hometown of the Monster Energy Thor Kawasaki team and the Whispering Pines facility in Kamloops.
To check out more photos from the weekend and a behind the scenes look at the Monster Energy Leading Edge team, make sure to “like” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/leadingedgekawasaki
The team has to give their sponsors a huge thanks for all their support. Without them their 2014 season wouldn’t be possible:
Monster Energy, Thor, Kawasaki, Parts Canada, Leading Edge Motorsports, Alpinestars, FMF, Renthal, Galfer Performance Braking Systems, Boyesen, Acerbis, Dunlop, D.I.D, Lime Nine, VP Fuels, Samco Hoses, C4MX, XTrig Racing Technology, Hinson Clutch Components, Mechanix Wear, Motorex, Matrix Concepts, Sunstar, K&N Oil Filters, All Balls Racing, Cometic Gasket, Kamloops Ford Lincoln, 100% Goggles, Stomp Designs, Works Connection, Dubya Wheels, Sony Canada, Graeme Brough Suspension, DT1 Filters
