After each round of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals we at MXP are going to speak with some of the Team Managers to get their thoughts on how the weekend went for their team. This firsthand account will give our readers the knowledge of exactly what went on with their favourite riders at each round. Here are the Team Managers thoughts about the first round in Nanaimo, BC.
Pat O’Connor: Monster Energy Parts Canada Leading Edge Kawasaki
We’re really happy with how our weekend went in Nanaimo, we came into round one wanting to be consistent and I think we did that. Obviously getting the overall in the MX2 class with Austin is a highlight, but I’m happy with how all of our riders did.
With it being Brett’s first race up here he didn’t know what to expect from the track or the other riders. He wanted to win that second moto pretty bad, but after a few laps of eating rocks, he backed it down and took second. Teddy rode well all day and I think he is just going to get stronger, he also knows how to be consistent, so he will be there for all nine rounds. Tyler crashed pretty hard and is really sore, but he should be good to go for Kamloops.
Like I said, it was a good start to the series, with it being round one at that track, everyone couldn’t wait to get there and then couldn’t wait to leave. We’ll take it and move on to Kamloops, we’re definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
Andy White: Red Bull Fox Royal Distributing KTM
Our weekend at Nanaimo went pretty well, I thought all three of our riders rode really well and to come out of the weekend with some wins and some podium finishes, we’ll take that for round one. After last year’s mess, as long as it didn’t rain than I was going to be happy.
In the MX2 class Kaven was pretty nervous coming into round one with all the expectations people have for him in 2013. But, I thought he handled himself quite well, that track is his least favourite of the series so he’s happy to have it over with.
In the MX1 class I thought Colton and Tyler rode incredible, obviously with Colton dominating the way he did probably surprised a lot of people, but we knew how prepared he was and how hungry he is. Tyler wants to be a podium guy every weekend and we think he can be as well. On Sunday he was close and I think you will see some good things from him as the series moves on. All the riders were really happy with their bikes so heading into Kamloops, the entire team is really excited.
Andre Laurin: Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha Motovan.com
I kind of have mix feelings from Sunday, I thought Richard Grey rode really well and with it being the first round you have to take what you can get and he did that. He is still young and I think with a little more confidence on the National stage he can be a podium guy.
To be honest, I thought Bobby would have been contending for the win in the MX1 class, with the type of racing he has been doing all winter he should be ahead of those guys. But, he came into the weekend pretty sick and in the end he did the best he could.
The thing I am most disappointed with in the Shawn Maffenbeier accident, that kid worked so hard to be ready and his practice times were great so I figured it was going to be a good day for him. But, to have him crash on the section that everyone wanted changed beforehand, it’s just not right. However, that is racing and we’ll move on from here. All in all, we’re happy with the weekend and hopefully the series goes well for us.
Derek Schuster: GDR Honda Canada Troy Lee Designs
I thought round one went okay for our team, both riders rode well and our bikes worked great. It’s unfortunate that Blake is injured because I really think he has the speed to run up front, hopefully he will feel better soon and can make run in the East.
I think it’s really cool that Nathan finished so well at round one, a lot of people questioned why I would put him in the MX2 class when he rides a 450 so good. But, I look at this way, in moto two he finished fifth in MX2, I think he is a third to fifth place rider right now in that class which is awesome for him and for the team. Well, I don’t think he would do that well in the MX1 class so for all of our sponsors and supporters, it’s better that he is in the MX2.
Both of our riders are great kids and they both work hard, we have a great team and I’m very excited for the remainder of the series. I am also happy that the track turned out so good, I was a little nervous to be the guy on the dozer, but I think it was okay. I heard a few people tell me that that was the best the track has ever been. On to Kamloops now.
Kourtney Lloyd: Cycle North Powersports Team Honda
I am on cloud nine with how our team did on the weekend, it was a great start to the series. I’m not going to lie to you, I was a tad nervous coming into Nanaimo. While I knew we could do well, I just wasn’t sure how it was all going to play out.
Let me also say that I love our team dynamic, everyone is great and it’s like one big family under our tent. I thought Ross rode really well in the MX1 class, I think he will do better as the series moves on and he can back on his race bike. On Sunday he had to ride a pretty much stock CRF450 so that probably cost him a few positions.
In the MX2 class, let’s just say that I was super pumped with how Brad rode and I want to apologize to anyone I might have injured by the podium while I was dancing around. I promise to try and contain myself better next time. For our team, third overall is just awesome and I hope that every round goes as smooth as Nanaimo did. Ross and Brad are looking forward to Kamloops, both riders like that track so it should be another good weekend in beautiful British Columbia.
Josh Snider: Redemption Racing KTM
We’re really happy with how the weekend went for us, we had some decent finishes and we all stayed safe. Gavin went 7-7 in the MX1 class and that isn’t where he wants to be, but we’re going to make some changes going into Kamloops so he feels more comfortable on the bike.
The coolest part of the weekend was that we were able to get both holeshots in the MX1 class. In moto one Eric Jeffery got his very first pro holeshot so he was really excited and in moto two it was Gavin’s turn to do it. The funny thing was that we made a bet with my Dad that if we got a holeshot than he had to shave his beard off. I think he’s trying to back out of that bet now but we’ll get it done. All things considered it was a great start to the series and we’re really excited for Kamloops.