Greetings from a very tired Pomeroy household. After leaving the Deschambault track last night at exactly 18:19, we turned into our driveway just under 8 hours later. I’m sure every parent will agree that these long post-race drives get harder and harder as we get older. Anyway, we made it home and now it’s time to suffer through this final Monday of July.
Let me start off this week by thanking the entire MX Deschambault ECAN crew as well as everyone at AMO Racing. I’ve said this before but the best decision that the ECAN made was bringing in AMO Racing to run the competition side of the event. This allowed them to focus on the facility, as well as the Social activities and pretty much everything else. I’ve been attending events in Quebec since 1989, and I can tell you that racing in this Province is special. The people and the riders are very passionate about the sport, and although they sometimes have a different way of doing things then maybe we’re used to, being there is always an unforgettable experience.
The 2024 ECAN was no different! From the moment we drove into the MX Deschambault facility, it felt like we were somewhere special. Each year the Thibault family makes improvements to the facility, and last week people kept commenting on the upgraded showers. Unfortunately, the showers were in demand as everyone had to deal with very muddy conditions on Thursday and Friday morning as Mother Nature provided the track with more than enough moisture. Thankfully, the sun came out to stay late Friday morning and by mid-afternoon the conditions improved. On Saturday, the riders had an unbelievable track for the final day of the ECAN, and the racing reflected the conditions. There were entertaining battles in every class, and the level of racing was very high. We had a great week and now it’s time to focus on the biggest race of the year, the Walton TransCan, which begins in a weeks’ time.
Once the Amateur racing wrapped up on Saturday, it was time for the awards ceremony and then Round 7 of the Triple Crown Series on Sunday! Coming into the penultimate round of the series, both Kaven Benoit and Jess Pettis were clinging to an 8-point lead in their respective classes. For Benoit, yesterday was his home Province race and one that he’s always done well at. Back in 2016 at the Deschambault National, he became one of the only riders to beat Davi Millsaps straight up. It was an incredible performance that year, and once again Kaven rose to the occasion yesterday in the opening 250 Pro/AM moto. With Drew Adams parked on his rear wheel for 30 minutes, Benoit held the lead and refused to give it up. I think the biggest lead Benoit had all moto long was maybe three seconds as they made their way through the lapped riders. Other than that, you could’ve fit them in the telephone booth, the battle for the lead was that close. Yes, the track was a little one lined and difficult to pass on. However, I didn’t see Benoit make one mistake the entire moto, so good on him for not bowing to the pressure from Adams. In moto two, the roles were reversed as Adams grabbed the holeshot and led the entire race. Benoit was close at times, but wasn’t able to come anywhere close to making a pass. In the end, they split motos and will once again head into Round 8 separated by just 8 points. Off of the track, the KTM Team did try and protest Drew Adams for violating the rule that states that a rider may not receive outside assistance from anywhere outside of the roped off mechanics area. I guess during the second moto Drew Adams mechanic (who happened to be his Dad this weekend), gave Drew a few pit signs on a section of the track behind the mechanics area. It was a mistake on his Dad’s part as he didn’t know the rule. Drew ended up just getting a warning and that was it. I understand that rules are rules and they’re there for a reason, but this violation to me wasn’t black and white. On other parts of the track the teams have spotters that lean over the fence and cheer their riders on, and even tell lappers that their riders are coming. So is that different than giving a rider a pit board sign just outside of the designated area? Anyway, I’m sure it will be brought up at the next riders meeting. But with an 8 point lead and things seemingly going their way, it leaves me a bit curious as to why the KTM team would rock the boat on a ‘grey area’ rule violation? In talking to Drew after the race he appeared more fired up than ever before, and that is not what you want if you’re Kaven Benoit heading into the final round.
In the 450 class, both the KTM riders had a solid day at Round 7 and will now head into the final round just 10 points apart. Obviously, Pettis is in the driver’s seat and at this point he would have to make a big mistake or have large bike issue to lose this title now. Both Natzke and Pettis ride the Walton Raceway track very well so I wouldn’t give either rider an advantage next weekend. If Natzke goes 1-1 then all Pettis has to do is go 3-3 and the title is his. Jess has more overall wins this summer so I believe that gives him the edge if they tie in points. Both riders appeared relaxed yesterday after the race, and so far it’s been great to see the two teammates remain friendly and respectful throughout this title fight. Two things impressed me yesterday with these two talented riders. First, in the opening moto Pettis was in fourth and almost ten seconds behind the top three riders, which at the time consisted of Tanti, Kilroy, and Natzke. It took Pettis about 15 minutes to catch them and pass them, but he did, and it was a pretty amazing ride. Then it moto two, Natzke knew it was must-win situation for him as moto one was certainly a missed opportunity. Narzke would grab the holeshot and never look back! It was a great ride and a big moto win for the Kiwi, and who knows, after Walton he may look back at that second moto yesterday as a 450 Championship saving race. The final round at Walton Raceway is going to be incredible to watch!
In the Pre-Mix and WMX East motos yesterday, there were also battles all over the track. Once again, Sam Gaynor (who also happens to be celebrating his birthday today), dominated the Pre Mix East motos. Jimmy Decotis was there and was fast all morning long, but crashes kept him from challenging for the lead. In the WMX East class, it was Jamie Astudillo who took the OA win and clinching the title along the way. Eve Brodeur won the opening moto, but a bad start and a crash in moto two kept her from getting to the front. There was great racing in both classes, and I also want to give shout out to young Cooper Wallis who was involved in a big pile up during the opening lap of the first Pre-Mix moto. He ended up breaking his femur and had to undergo surgery this morning in a Quebec City hospital. Heal up Cooper and we hope to see you back at the track soon.
Well, that is it for me this week. I could probably go into greater detail about the week, as well as the weekend, however, I’m dead tired from driving home last night, so I will save it for another day. As I mentioned at the beginning, we had a great week and the Thibault Family were excellent hosts. Now it’s time to reflect, recharge, and then start preparing for the biggest motocross event in Canada, the 2024 Walton TransCan. Thank you for reading this week and good luck to all of the Canadian riders competing this week at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National.
