Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
By Chris Pomeroy
Photo by James Lissimore
Sometimes a great photo can say the same as a 1,000 word story; we’ve all enjoyed photos like that before. During the 2016 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, Davi Millsaps has, on many occasions, started near the front of the pack and then before you can even count to ten, he’s made the pass for the lead and takes off for the moto win. According to my calculations, Millsaps has won a total of 10 out of the 16 motos raced thus far. This 62.5 winning percentage is good, but it really doesn’t do justice to how dominant he’s been this summer. Other than a few hiccups at Gopher Dunes and Ulverton, and a ten position penalty at Round 2 in Nanaimo, Millsaps has done exactly what you’d expect a former US Supercross Champion and Supercross main event winner to do. He’s been confident, fit, and he’s shown his high level of talent at times during each of his ten moto wins.
When looking through James Lissimore’s photos from this past Sunday in Moncton, I came across this photo of Millsaps passing his teammate Kaven Benoit on the opening lap of the first MX1 moto (at least I think it was the first moto). This scenario has played itself out many times this season when someone other than Millsaps has taken holeshot, and then in the blink of an eye, Millsaps pulls the trigger with an aggressive pass and then disappears. In the early rounds I could see this happening, as maybe a few of the top riders weren’t expecting Millsaps to be so impatient. But, you don’t win Supercross heat races and main events in this era without knowing how to make passes quickly. Even on this sport’s best days, you usually have very little time to make decisions. Any hesitation, especially on the first few laps of a moto, can cost a rider any chance at a good finish. Since the first round in Kamloops, Millsaps has practiced this strategy numerous times as he simply does not wait for anyone to find their groove.
This photo jumped out at me yesterday because it really sums up Davi Millsaps’ 2016 MX1 Championship pursuit. Even though it was his teammate and new friend Kaven Benoit, Millsaps didn’t waste any time going for the pass. I’m not sure if he finds his passing lines during the sight lap, or if he just uses his abundance of natural talent and improvises on the spot. Whatever he does, it has worked in spades as Millsaps hasn’t had to spend very much time eating roost. If you get a chance to watch an MX1 moto before the series ends in a few weeks, you better not blink in the opening few corners as Millsaps has mastered the art of making a grand entrance on his factory KTM.
