Yamaha Motor Canada Presents Behind the Lens From Pleasant Valley
So far the racing in the 2017 Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals has been incredible in both the MX2 and MX1 classes. So as the riders headed into Round 7 in Truro, NS, all everyone could do was expect the unexpected. After a very tough weekend at Round 6, which saw MX2 points leader Cole Thompson crash and hurt his thumb, as well as his teammate Kaven Benoit crash out and suffer season ending injuries. The KTM Thor Racing Team was hoping for a much better day at Pleasant Valley Raceway. When all was said and day, it was definitely a day to forget for Cole Thompson and many of the top riders in this series. Racing on a very challenging, and at times, frustrating race track, Round 7 was as much about survival as it was scoring points. For a look at what went down in Nova Scotia, here are a collection of James Lissimore photos for this weeks Yamaha Motor Canada’s Behind the Lens.
Mike Alessi has really come on strong in the second half of the MX1 series. At Round 7, Mike again rode great and to finish up in third overall.
Nathan Bles got off to a great start in the opening MX1 moto and would go on to finish 9th overall. Sadly, moments after this photo was taken, Alessi and Facciotti touched in mid-air causing Colton to crash very hard.
Jess Pettis shows the fans what you do when you win your first ever pro national.
After struggling for the past few weeks in the sand, Dillan Epstein came out at Round 7 and simply dominated the MX1 class.
The race to the finish in the second MX2 moto was this close between Jess Pettis and Jacob Hayes.
Davey Fraser had a great day in front of his hometown fans and finished up in 7th overall in the MX2 class.
During practice at Pleasant Valley, MX1 points leader Matt Goerke did not look very good at all. However, during the motos when it mattered the most, Goerke rode like a beast to finish up in 2nd overall.
Dylan Wright has been on fire since the MX2 series headed east. In fact, he’s so confident right now that he doesn’t even need to look where he’s throwing his swag.
Jacob Hayes rode great at Round 7 and almost won the second moto. Hayes definitely needs to win a moto before the end of the season in the MX2 class.
After seven very difficult rounds, Shawn Maffenbeier is finally back on top in the MX2 class.
Whether it was bike set-up, nerves, of just a bad day, Tyler Medaglia struggled all day in front of his family and friends. Look for him to be much better this coming weekend in Moncton.
The battle for the lead in the second MX2 moto was insane for 20 minutes. These kids certainly love to just send it!
Team work makes dreams work!
Considering Pettis had been out since Regina with a broken collarbone, we think it was pretty amazing to come back and take his first overall win of his career.
Jess Pettis’ smile said it all as he took to the top step of the podium.
The weather was perfect and the crowds were large at Round 7.
After making a bit of a mess of his day, Christophe Pourcel now must pull out all of the stops to make up the points on leader Matt Goerke.
This photo could serve as a travel post card from Nova Scotia.
Tanner Ward got to talk to Travs and the Rockstar girls after his first MX2 moto holeshot.
Here is that incredible holeshot by the young KTM rider.
Dylan Wright has been gaining momentum for the past three rounds, he will definitely win a moto very soon.
Your very happy MX2 podium.
With Pourcel down and out with an illness, his mechanic had to fill in during the MX1 podium celebrations. By the look on his face, I don’t think he minded.