In the pits: Gopher Dunes

Photos by James Lissimore

If you’re attending Round 6 of the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals this Sunday at MX101’s Sand Del Lee – and it’s your first national of the summer – here’s what you can expect to see off the track and in the pits.

Defending MX2 champ, Austin Politelli, showing off his Monster Energy apparel under the Leading Edge Kawasaki Factory pit area. Don’t be shy, go ask these guys for an autograph or picture. If not him, then ask his girlfriend.

Great minds think alike: These two gents are responsible for keeping the Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha race bikes feeling fit and fast. On the left, we have Chris Bondi of BONDI Engines who has been building some of the fastest steeds at the Canadian Nationals since the days of Noah. On the right, we have more new school blood with Adam ‘Stu’ Robinson. After honing his skills at Machine Racing, Robinson moved over to OTSFF where he took over their suspension and snocross racing programs.

I think it’s safe to say that Bobby Kiniry (front) and Shawn Maffenbeier are Trailer Park Boys fans. (Why is Shawn focusing so intently on Bobby’s chest?( Deep thoughts …. deep, nipply thoughts.)

 

Current MX1 points leader and three-time champ Colton Facciotti with his personal TV crew

 

As soon as the moto ends, run over to the podium for your chance to grab some swag, goggles or a taste of champagne!

 

Cole Thompson remains out for the rest of the year with a knee injury, but the Royal Distributing KTM Fox Racing rider is still out supporting his teammates and staying positive. Everyone needs a break from racing, right? Pardon the pun.

Of course GDR Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Derek Schuster is happy – his team has the points the lead and comfortable one at that! Facciotti currently leads the MX1 series by 28 points over Mike Alessi, but Schuster says it’s not comfortable … but nice.

 

Donk: “Wow, what is it?!” Mike Brown was hired to have some fun at Gopher Dunes and get the Husqvarna brand in front of some eyes. The plan worked; Brown did well on the track, playing around the top 10 and it’s safe to say everyone knows Husky is back into motocross as everyone is sharing pics and the cost was probably quite minimal for the exposure received. Good job, Andy and Flo.

 

Jammin’ Johnny Grant is ready to rip this weekend for the Sand Del Lee round of the Canadian Nationals! The MX101 crew has their track in tip-tip shape for Sunday’s race and is known for putting on some of the most memorable races.

 

Josh Hill – following the second MX1 moto: “So, I tried this other line and it was filled with bumps too. The I tried this other one .. yeah, more bumps. When does Supercross begin again?”

 

Jeremy Medaglia getting some pre-race advice from his father, Derek. The Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki rider is struggling a bit this year, but hasn’t had much time to get adjusted to his Kawi. With the series visiting his hometown track this weekend, hopefully that encourages a better result from Medaglia.

 

Machine Racing’s John Nelson supporting his buddies Surwall and Gauld. How do we get more people to the races? Let’s start with a reality show based around customers and riders going into Machine Racing everyday. Watch Nelson tear them apart and tell them how it is. Could be like Survivor … every time someone cries they get kicked off.

 

Go North Young Man: Jesse Pierce came to Canada and walked away with a holeshot, $200, top 10 finish and some great exposure.

 

Can MX101 Yamaha’s Jesse Wentland maintain his moto-winning momentum from Gopher Dunes into his team’s home national at Sand Del Lee this weekend? We’ll see!

 

Smile it up, Kyle Chisholm – you deserve it. After a second overall at Gopher Dunes last weekend, the Floridian is excited to keep it going with two more sand tracks on the map, Sand Del Lee and Deschambault.

 

O’Doyle’s Rule! This picture says it all … you don’t want to butt in line at a Tim Horton’s with Kyle Keast and his dad Jamie standing there. That’s trouble. A rough go at Gopher for Keast, but with a new exhaust and fresh double-double in hand, he’s ready to rock at SDL.

 

What the heck? How does Alessi record his footage without a camera in the case? Trick photography? Nope – in practice Alessi sometimes wears the case only. Saves it all up for the Main Event!

 

 It’s always an impressive sight looking down the row of factory racing displays.

Another view … come see these guys this weekend at Sand Del Lee!

GE is a finance partner of KTM and now also a supporter of their Canadian race program. Thanks for the support, guys! Hope you appreciate OUR interest 🙂

 

This 1995 Jeremy McGrath CR250R replica by Gopher Dunes’ Derek Schuster is a thing of beauty. Maybe we auction that off to raise money for Team Canada at Motocross of Nations?! That would net us a cool $15,000 easily.

 

Donk is still trying to figure out what this mythical “Husqvarna” is all about. “Hus – ka – var – na.”

Support those who support Canadian motocross …. drink Rockstar – and like it!

 

What the winner takes home every weekend.

 

 I will say I like this style better than pushing a hat down over your ears.

KTM’s Tyler Medaglia giving out the goods to a young fan.

It’s what we’re all dreaming about: a factory ride! And young Weston Wrozyna has one in only his first year as a pro. He better ‘get on it’ though if he wants to keep it! Haha, just hassling ya, Weston. Good luck this weekend at Sand Del Lee!