First off, let me say this regarding this week’s Walton TransCan. I cannot believe that it’s been a year since the best riders in Canada gathered at the Lee Family farm in the tiny hamlet of Walton. It honestly feels like not that long ago. However, here we are again on the eve of the biggest event in Canada moto, and this year we’re celebrating 30 years of the Walton TransCan. Although I wasn’t at the first one, I’ve been to a lot of them since, and each year the week in Walton, ON has produced some unforgettable memories that will no doubt last a lifetime. As my family and I head to ‘Motocross Town’ tomorrow our thoughts and conversation will no doubt centre around what the upcoming week might look like and how cool it is that we’re tackling this adventure once again as a family. Also, I don’t want to jinx it but unless the Weather Network is using an old Commodore 64 for their weather modeling the forecast for Walton this week looks fabulous.
As I mentioned last week I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have witnessed the Walton TransCan from many different angles. I’ve been there as a pro rider from 1994-2000, as an avid fan for a few years after that. In 2011 and 2012 I work closely with the Walton crew in building their event program. This was a great experience as I was able to see firsthand what goes on behind the scenes as far as meetings and the planning to make the TransCan happen. Obviously, everyone knows that it’s not an easy process and an event with this many moving parts takes months to plan. But to sit in meetings in February trying to plan out an event that is not going to place until August is a challenging task. Even for a crew that had done it for so many years. I guess the process could be best characterized as a funnel. You start with a bunch of ideas and a list of things to get done and when they have to be done by, and then slowly you complete each task until it’s time for people to begin driving into the Walton Raceway gate. I know I just simplified it but that is basically it and I’m almost positive that the process hasn’t changed. Finally, after working on the TransCan program for two years in 2013 I turned 40, and that not only kicked off my Vet racing days at the TransCan but it was also the first year that my son Ayrton raced his PW50 in the 50cc 4-6 class. That was a special year indeed and although I won’t be going after my 7th TransCan title this year, Ayrton is still going strong and 2022 will represent the first year that he will race this event on a big bike. Time keeps flying by and like I said, each year the TransCan brings new memories for the Pomeroy Family and we can’t wait to see what adventures unfold this week.
As I’m sure you all read a week ago Husqvarna Motorcycles Canada and Walton Raceway announced that former 450 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion Zach Osborne will be coming to the TransCan this week to hang out and take part in all of the festivities. And then to cap it all off Zach will be racing the 450 class on Sunday at Round 9 of the Triple Crown Series. This is great news as Zach is not only a great rider as well as a great guy, but overall he’s a terrific ambassador for our sport, and to have him travel to Walton Raceway is pretty special. Now, the big question has been can Zach, who won his 450 outdoor title in 2020 put an end to Dylan Wright’s perfect season? Well, my opinion is the only rider who can ruin Dylan’s perfect season right now is Dylan himself. Meaning, that unless Dylan has another Sand Del Lee moto two opening few laps, no one including Zach is going to beat him on Sunday. Now, I’m sure that Zach’s presence on the gate will have Dylan’s attention as it should, but in a 35-minute moto in the heat and deep ruts of Walton Raceway on Sunday I’d bet on Dylan all day long. Also, depending on the shape that Zach is currently in I think even Tyler Medaglia and Tanner Ward will have him covered in the long motos. However, it should be interesting to watch and if you’re sitting at home and debating whether or not to come to watch on Sunday you had better get off your butt and drive to Walton Raceway. With what we’ve been through for the past two years now is the time to come back to Walton and watch some world-class racing live! I know that Supercross can be viewed successfully from our couches at home while the snow flies outside, but outdoor motocross is best viewed live where you can not only hear the bikes but also smell them.
So as the quest for a perfect season unfolds in the 450 class the real drama could come from the 250 class as our 16-year-old sensation Ryder McNabb goes for his first ever pro championship. Ryder currently leads the 250 class points standings by 23 over Mitchell Harrison who not so long ago held the red plate himself. However, as the Triple Crown Series came east just over a month ago Ryder has been on fire and I for one will be shocked if he doesn’t win this title on Sunday. But stranger things have happened and pressure has been known to make athletes make some crazy decisions. Heading into Sunday Ryder most certainly has some pressure on him and I’m sure from the moment he wakes up on Sunday the weight on his shoulders will feel heavy. I mean, the kid is 16, and how many kids that age have to deal with the pressure that he will have to burden on Sunday? Not many that’s for sure. However, between his parents, his team, and all of his fans, Ryder will have a massive support group behind him and really all Ryder has to do is go out and ride his dirt bike. Thankfully, he does have some points to play with so there is a small margin of error for the young GDR Honda rider. As I said above, if you ever needed some extra convincing to drive up to Walton Raceway on Sunday to watch some racing this is it. A possible perfect season in the 450 class as well as a championship battle in the 250 class. Not to mention if you get there early you can watch the Brodeur/Astudillo battle in the WMX class as well as some exciting FXR Pre-Mix class action. It all gets underway on Sunday morning so please visit www.waltonraceway.ca for all of the details.
Of course, before the pro riders take to the track on Sunday we’ll have four days of amateur racing and at the end, we’ll be crowning national champions. The racing as always will be exciting all week long and I cannot wait to see how all of the storylines play out. It all gets underway on Wednesday afternoon with the customary 250 Intermediate class as the opening gate drop of the week. This class will no doubt be one of the most exciting of the week as the battle between names like Scott, Rempel, Bryan, Morningstar, Schofield, and perhaps a few others should be fun to watch. Also on Wednesday are the opening motos for the Supermini class, the always exciting 30B class, the Pro class, as well as the Ladies class, and a few of the kid’s classes. It’s going to be great and I can’t wait to see everyone there.
Well, that is it for me this week. It’s time to pack up the trailer and get ready to depart for Walton Raceway tomorrow morning. I love driving into the gate for the first time and seeing everyone getting set up for the week. I hope everyone has a successful week as well as a safe week. Good luck and once again thank you for reading this week’s Gate Drop!