RACEGUY Reviews

Where Were You?

Let me start by saying, I’ll keep this short in order to get it up on-line a little more expediently (that means fast, I think). I’ll just try to summarize a bit and fill in the fine points once I get a look at Tammy Devlin’s notes. Believe me, I will leave a lot of blanks that need filling, and you may have questions I have to chase down answers for. Don’t forget, you can leave your thoughts and questions at “comments” at the bottom of this column.

I will also quickly apologize for the odd “tint” the photos appear to have. I hate being intrusive, so I set the camera for very low light so the flash would not be going off in people’s faces and causing a distraction. I’m also a crappy photographer.

I’m not sure why it should matter a damn to me, but it does, so I’d like to extend a thanks on behalf of the motocross community to everyone who took a couple of hours out of their Saturday to listen and speak on behalf of just over 450 license holders here in the region. The people in that room this morning deserve a round of applause.

Turnout for your AGM may have been up slightly, but I am still resentful of those who passed on this opportunity and will now start questioning and, yes, complaining. My best guess would put a total of somewhere near 60 participants in the room when the group was at its maximum. This might sound halfway reasonable until we deduct the promoters, competition committee, rider reps, etc. Those people alone account for 18 or more of our number today, or almost a third if you’re doing the math.

We should also factor in the number of non-voting hands in the room. I am not a license-holder, I do not vote. Riders’ girlfriends, boyfriends, multiple family members, and hairdressers do not get a vote. One license, one hand in the air. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of hands to represent the entire motocross community here in the region, but that, apparently, is how the majority want it.

The region again owes a debt of gratitude to Larry Northrup for taking on the thankless role of facilitator for the AGM. With barely three hours in which to cram all the questions and discussion, it’s a monumental task to keep this type of meeting on agenda.

Once again, it all began with a blank sheet, and the floor was thrown wide open for questions that would be addressed. One page led to a second, and finally a single, lonely item for page-three. Once again, I will try to be brief and focus on the changes. The fine details will be fodder for another day.

Top of the deck were two items that certainly belonged under the heading “Hot Topics”. As it is at tracks all over North America, “flaggers” or martials were a major concern, but while the issue was initiated from the floor, there were no prospective solutions offered. While we are all in agreement that there is lot of room for improvement, the fact that flagging crews are seldom the same at any two races at the same track, makes any formal training virtually impossible.

One practice that will end immediately is the use of mobile phones and/or the presence of “friends” on the track during the race. Promotors are encouraged to try and find a few stable individuals to act as key people on the flagging team, and the idea of having a “chief martial”, as is the case at Riverglade, is also a suggestion we would like to see taken seriously.

It was also suggested that over the winter, everyone, including potential flag personnel, would have an outstanding opportunity to watch the DVD from the Brett Downey Foundation. I very highly recommend EVERYONE in the sport track down a copy and watch it a time or two before next season. You can get your own personal copy by clicking here - BRETT DOWNEY FOUNDATION While it’s a $10 donation that goes directly to the foundation, I hope you will send them a little something extra for the amazing work they are doing in our sport.

One additional safety concern was the positioning of a region radio at totally blind sections of all circuits. This has been too long coming, and must be an absolute going forward.

I, personally, would rather stick sharp objects in my eyeball than score laps at a motorsport event. I have done it. I’d rather not have to do it ever again. There is no amount of appreciation sufficient for what these people do. Scoring was again called into question. Why stop now? It’s only been going on for over a hundred years.

While I believe it IS the case at every track in the region, it was made clear that a minimum of two scoring teams are a requirement. It was pointed out that no form of motorsport ever challenges a result in which two scoring teams produce identical sheets.

This, of course, brought us to the topic of transponders. Without getting into all the back and forth, it was agreed that the region would revisit feasibility of an electronic scoring system that would travel with the series. I will point out that how these costs would be borne were not a subject of discussion. It must be remembered that these expensive systems do not eliminate the cost of human scoring teams which will make costs for promoters higher, while also increasing the costs coming out of the meager money going through the region, and adding to costs for riders who would be required to rent or purchase a transponder. Enough said on that topic. We will discuss this further once Larry Northrup has an opportunity to do a little costing and cost/benefit analysis. You will be advised.

While it took up a little space on the “hot list”, nothing will change regarding qualified riders borrowing motorcycles to complete their day should the bike they started with suffer a failure once the rider had taken a start in his first moto. It was emphasized, though, that wherever possible, numbers should be changed over (which is easy for riders borrowing the same brand of bike), and more importantly, scoring cannot be guaranteed if race officials are not made aware of the change going to the line. This will be another area where greatly enhanced responsibilities for the staging official will be put into play.

I should point out that while we have allowed this practice in the past, it is a deviation on the CMRC rule book. Today’s decision was to entrench it as a regional amendment to the rules as published. Not a lot changes for us, aside from a greater emphasis on the riders’ responsibility to inform all appropriate race officials. I will make the personal comment, though, that I completely sympathize with the point made by David Estabrooks that this rule affects Pro riders in a significantly different way than any other class. Maybe a meeting between the Pro riders and teams could result in an agreement across the board that, at that level, you must finish the day on the chassis you started the day with. That would be a great compromise on behalf of the riders and let their true Pro attributes shine through.

No matter which track, or region, or country, you will always have the greatest passion expressed amongst the 50cc families. It was very quickly discovered that no one disagreed that safety is paramount above all. The overriding concern appeared to be the blending of the two age groups, even though a two gate drop start has been the norm when the groups are combined, there are still vocal opponents to the practice.

At the end of the “give and take”, it was determined that officials would guarantee separate motos so long as the class gated a minimum of a mere five riders. By way of background, championship points are not issued to classes of less than five riders according to the rule-book, so this is a reasonable threshold for the separate moto concern. I will point out that this region DID generously award points to 50cc riders even when there were less than five, which happened on at least eight occasions this past season.

It happened almost too fast and too smoothly for an issue as loaded as the Veteran class situation, but quicker than a John Force ¼ mile pass, the Vets had agreed to a MAJOR shift in the way the Vet Jt./Vet Master classes will race in 2012.

The initial question revolved around advancing Juniors based on the current 18 point upgrade system used in non age-class divisions. It was made clear that another regional amendment to the rule book could easily put upgrade points in effect. Another suggestion was made, especially considering the hit and miss turnouts in the Master’s class this past year, that the two classes be amalgamated into a single Vet GP class. To my amazement, this was overwhelmingly well received by the Vets in the room and now become a reality, at least for a one year trial in 2012. To the riders, I say BRAVO!

It’s obvious the pro class needs a little energy transfusion. Aside from promises of a healthy number of riders making the jump to Pro for next season, the promoters agreed to discuss implementing one of two options in the coming year. One would see Pro riders exempted from class registration fees and maintaining the “payback” structure currently in place. The other would leave the sign-in fees as is, but offer a guaranteed purse for the class at each track. We’ll see what transpires and how the Pros and the pro-motors do at arriving at a compromise that best for all.

Radios made the agenda this year, but, hopefully, the recommendations made will be put into play for next year. One is the aforementioned positioning of a radio and responsible person at totally blind areas of all tracks on the circuit. The second is the assignment of radios to critical individuals uniformly at every facility to ensure both smooth raceday operations and a higher level of safety for everyone at the track.

The suggestion of track entry/exit lanes (such as you find at Strangs) led back to the topic of pushing bikes to and from the gate. While every promoter will be encouraged to develop dedicated, enclosed transit lanes, a long discussion eventually led to track owners relenting and offering to allow riders the opportunity to ride to staging as directed in the rule-book, which is 1^st gear and no faster than walking speed. In exchange, competitors must accept that ANY violation will result in disqualification and loss of points for the day, and the possibility of a fine in addition should the incident be deemed serious enough. Track officials, rider reps, and members of the competition committee have full authority to enforce this rule. This is a zero-tolerance situation.

Before 2012 dawns, there will be a written procedure in place to be distributed at all races regarding the process of questions, appeals, and protests. By the time we line up for the first moto of next season, everyone will have a clear direction for who to see when things don’t seem quite right. Seems like a simple, elegant solution to me. The same raceday handout will also clearly indicate who your rider reps are and their role as advocates for any rider issues.

Watering during motos was also easily dealt with. This practice will NOT be allowed going forward. Watering for critical dust control situations will take place only between motos and during breaks. Wish everything was that simple.

The remaining items on the flip chart will get a brief mention here. First, the sensitivity of race officials to the “consumers” they serve was a topic of discussion, and it was agreed that a little more thought given to responses and a little more working together would go a long way to remove an imaginary line that sometimes makes it an “us against them” situation. Empathy from both sides is needed but hard to legislate. It was a point well taken, and hopefully it will lead to smoother relations between competitors and organizers.

A youth ATV class was discussed, but at this point, there has been no market and no serious request for such an offering. The industry seems disinterested in making the appropriate equipment or promoting racing at this level, and the participants in the sport haven’t shown much interest, so it is off the table for the time being.

Emergency personnel and equipment made the empassioned discussion list again this year, and there is no question everyone in that room shared equal concerns. This is another outcome that will need a bit more study before any major decisions are made. Promotors were to add to their agenda to discuss what they do and don’t have access to reasonably. Provincial laws will be looked at to see how to best replicate the best teams at each track equally. The Pleasant Valley model of having one of the medic crew call all the shots from the tower was discussed and will hopefully be considered by all operators. Finally, my own personal hope is that we can all put our heads together and agree to nominate a volunteer safety committee to steer these issues and ensure compliance.

Last item on the last page was simple. Do we relocate the ATV motos to different positions on the schedule, for a variety of reasons. Thankfully, it was agreed that the current scheduling was very good for the quad guys as they get to wrap their day before the end of the first set of motos, which just happens to make the track much more user friendly for the 50cc kids who benefit from the flatter smoother track profile left by the quads. From the standpoint of everyone in the room, this was a no-brainer. It ain’t broke, so don’t fix it.

There are a number of other points I like to make, but I promised to drop by the banquet before everyone ran out of steam. Thanks to every single person who participated this morning. I’ll be back to fill in some blanks very soon, and the next column will cover the promoters meeting and 2012 schedule, so don’t go too far away.

Congrats to tonight’s podium people. Thanks to today’s participants. I’ll be back at this page in no time. Spread the word so everybody has an idea how hard we all worked for them today. I hope to see your questions and comments posted on this page. Just scroll down a tiny bit, and click “comments”.

ERRATUM

(That’s latin for

Stuff I forgot)

Well, I made it to the banquet briefly, so I obviously didn’t have time to do a lot of updating here. So, I’d like to apologize to everyone who read this item shortly after it was written, as I now offer new bits and pieces and have forced you to find your way back to the bottom of this (now quite lengthy) page. If you’re wading through this for the first time, please pardon the structure in this segment. The next few paragraphs are things that have come to me after writing the first posted version of this little ramble.

Frank Percey Wilkins photo

There was a significant amount of discussion regarding number plates and rider numbers, (again, as there always is), but the room was in agreement that 2012 is the year the “number frustration”, that also often causes scoring problems, comes to an end. A lot has been said but next to nothing done in the past. The group agreed that the rules needed to be given teeth, and those teeth need to be applied whenever necessary. That means investing your money on bling like anodized plugs and hub-stickers had better not take priority over proper, legible numbers. It would be a costly choice.

Again, a stepped-up role for the staging official, combined with instant communication between staging, registration, and referees, will police problems with improperly numbered riders/bikes. It’s time to read your CMRC rule book very carefully before marrying numbers with plates. A rider with an improper number will get a written warning only once. If a rider shows up at ANY event after that warning, without the number problem corrected, they will be disqualified for the day and will not be returned the entry fee for the day.

ATV riders need to read the rule book VERY carefully and comply fully. Pros are reminded they are also required to have a properly numbered jersey and chest protector.

One more quick item on numbers; (I love great suggestions from the folks on the floor) 50cc teams are all encouraged to apply for two-digit numbers as they are much easier to read and deal with in general. By the way, the time to deal with number issues, no matter who you are, is right now. It gives us all a whole off-season to get things dealt with at CMRC.

Another issue absolutely everybody, and I mean riders, their handlers, moms, dads, aunties and uncles, cousins twice removed, first grade teacher, and EVERYBODY who may have an effect on your life…MUST KNOW. Registration will officially close at 8am on race mornings. That means, you WILL be at riders’ meeting because you have no reason to be anywhere else. Registration will be closed, so you won’t be hanging around there. Even when you bring your best puppy-dog eyed excuse, ANY attempt to register after 8am will AUTOMATICALLY come with a late registration fee. There will be no exceptions. There is no excuse for anyone not having that little task completed before 8am, at which time, you should all be at the aforementioned riders’ meeting and ready to go to the line. For those who will try to test this rule, be fully prepared to pay a premium of $10 per class. We are now aware of this rule over six months from the time it goes into effect. There is no excuse. Come up with a way to get it done by 8am on raceday, or come up with the extra cash. Sounds pretty darn simple to me.

In discussing the flagging and radio situations, I neglected another great idea that we will employ in 2012 and has proven itself all over the world. Track personnel, particularly at more critical points, will be issued VERY LOUD whistles. It’s been proven that the whistles, when properly employed, get the attention of all nearby track people, the medical team, and even some of the riders. It’s a no-brainer…and it’s ingenious. Thanks for that simple, potentially lifesaving change. Now, if I could just convince everyone to adopt the “blocked track” flag. They’re also still working on the “wheels-on-the-ground” flag at tracks around the world.

Frank Percey Wilkins photo

There were a couple of minor changes within the competition committee and the rider reps, including the addition of extra representation for racers. I’ll be posting the details on both very important parts of the organization soon, possibly at the “Breaking News” page. Watch for it.

OK, now that I’ve put the fear of God into everyone, I’d like to go work on a little something regarding the banquet I didn’t go to, and the promotors’s meeting I’m glad I didn’t go to. In case you’re wondering about the schedule for 2012, it looks like we’ll have to wait until the end of November.

In the meantime, you have a whole off-season to get ready for a very promising and exciting new year in 1012. Now, go look after those numbers.

 

RACEGUY Reaches Out

Something to Talk About

With the hourglass quickly running down on what many consider the Atlantic Region’s most important day of the year, (AGM and Awards Night), I figured it’s time to give the proverbial pot a little stir. (I prefer to look at it as stirring a pot as opposed to being accused of stirring up s*#t)

While I’m a firm believer that your banquet and awards evening must be free of the politics that often surround organized sports, I am just as firm in my belief that the general membership meeting held earlier in the day should be considered almost mandatory for license-holders and the families that accompany them to race events, whether they are regulars on the circuit or simply take part in one or two races per season. Let’s just say, it’s the proper way to exhaust the “politics” before the party.

Jessica Longname photo

Without being too “hardass” about my personal feelings on the subject (yet), I will again submit that “if you’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” Every season, (and I may have seen a few of those), I end up biting my tongue as various and sundry political points are presented both as offhand comments or full blown arguments at racetracks across the region as the year unfolds. Most often I remind the purveyor of said politics that these items and issues can only be addressed properly in the setting of your Annual General Meeting. In most cases, these very same people dredge up every excuse in the world for not attending said meeting, and some of these excuses are so ridiculous they should be shared with Facebook comedy groups.

Like any organization that has HUNDREDS of active members, there will be critiques and concerns regarding how policies, practices, and regulations are arrived at, and whether they might be considered good, bad, or inconsequential for the membership. This is perfectly normal and natural. What I find unusual is, while many sports and organizations are forced to leave these discussions to an elected board, (often behind closed doors), with minimal if any input from the general membership, YOUR region is incredibly inclusionary, giving you the opportunity to offer input and even make motions from the floor during the most important meeting of the year.

As this is being written, tens of thousands of people around the world are “occupying” their cities’ financial districts and downtowns and risking arrest, personal injury, and yes, even death, all for one sole purpose. Millions of individuals on this tiny planet are tired of being tuned out. “Occupiers” and those who support them are simply sick and tired of having no voice where the powers in politics are concerned, and with the corporations they have made rich beyond all imagination. While it may seem a stretch to equate the Occupy Wall Street movement with our tiny little region and our tiny little sport, the point must be made; across this planet, people are willing to go through absolute hell to be heard, while we are given every opportunity to influence at least our motocross destiny, and we turn it down flat.

I often wonder if people have fallen into the trap of believing “someone else” will deal with it. Over the years, I have learned that there are some who consider a shopping trip or a visit to Crystal Palace more important than this one annual opportunity. I see it every year.

Darlene Graves photo

While Atlantic Canada may boast numbers slightly north of 400 licensed competitors, we are lucky to have 40 breathing bodies in the room when the AGM comes to order, and, easily, a dozen or more of those people represent the region and track-owners. Even those who have a valid reason for not attending, most often fail the community by not making their thoughts and wishes known to someone who WILL attend, and giving that person their proxy in the event that a vote is held. Let’s not even start to consider how one could easily find ways to participate on-line or through social media.

Toward the end of this MX season, Dave Hewitson presented us with a brilliant survey that promised to make your thoughts and ideas part of the process, while keeping your identity absolutely anonymous. This was a chance to have your say without even attending the AGM. From the over-400 stake-holders in Atlantic Canada, plus the parents of those under 16, less than 50 have completed and submitted their questionnaires. How can it be that people constantly claim they want to be heard, then take a vow of silence when it comes time to open their mouths? How can people, on one hand, say they DON’T want the decision-making process left in the hands of a few individuals at the head table, while, on the other hand, they have more important things to do than pick up a pen and complete a quick survey? (Or take three hours out for a meeting one day a year). I am left perplexed and, once again, disappointed.

For the 4^th or 5^th time this year, an extensive thread has erupted at MXForum in which the “club” business model, used in most other parts of the country, is both criticized and outright blamed for many of the issues plaguing riders in those regions. Numerous individuals have suggested removing the clubs from the equation altogether and developing a new model centered upon the promoters/track-owners and eliminating expensive “club” involvement. News out of Quebec indicates that region has developed and will implement a new structure in 2012 that will put their series completely in the hands of a consortium of the sport’s biggest stake-holders in Quebec, again, the track-owners/promoters.

Jessica Longname photo

As much as I have pointed this out in the past, it’s a perfect time to remind you, again, that this “producer/consumer” model was developed and refined in this region, and the model has been proven to stand the test of time. Others in this country, and in many parts of the U.S. envy you for the position this puts you in. You have an organization that is, out of necessity, totally in touch with the sport, that takes on all the responsibility for the events you attend, that allows and accepts your input, and yes, even gives you an opportunity to present ideas, make motions, and in many cases, even vote on issues that affect your participation in the sport.

All this is my way of setting up the most important weekend of the year for many of you. I beat my head against this wall year in and year out, but I never get totally used to the painful outcome. This year, I have this particular bully pulpit and, as you can see, I am determined to use it to its maximum advantage.

Our sport in this region is now feeling the delayed effects of the 2008 financial downturn that hit many others much harder and faster. We should have had time to consider and respond to the changing economic climate. The overall health of the sport, from the AMA Pro level on down, is considered sketchy at best. Teams are scaling down, or folding altogether. Very solid riders are without work or even the prospect of a job. Sponsors that are staying in the game are trying to do far more, with far less. Bridging the gap until we all get back on our feet again will be critical over the next couple of years at a minimum. We will not build that bridge on the crumbling structure of “status-quo”.

As a sporting community, we cannot afford to “just keep up”. It is up to all of us to find creative ways to pull out and pass. It is imperative that we get ahead, and stay ahead of the curve. This will not be done without considering the sport from every viewpoint, and being pro-active in making the changes needed to not just maintain, but to build again upon levels of fan and rider participation, of sponsor and community awareness, and of desirability as a “player’s” sport and an unmatched family undertaking.

Emily O'Neil's Facebook pic

Sometimes I feel like I’m taking the military basic-training approach, and, if I just continue to repeat my message long and loud enough, it will finally sink in and become something you respond to subconsciously and completely automatically. Unfortunately, it seems the command is being given, but very few are snapping to “attention”.

I’ve pounded my point long enough. An upcoming AGM puts us back in the “speak now or forever hold your peace” position once again. While it is unbecoming for a man to beg and plead for anything, I am doing just that. I am asking you…PLEASE…invest just a tiny bit of your time with us on Saturday, October 29^th. It will be an investment in yourself and your sport. If you have agenda items, questions, or comments, you can post them here by clicking “comments” below or contact myself or Larry Northrup through any of a number of methods.

I would also like to see your input, positive or otherwise, shared here as food for thought for our readers. Again, you simply have to click “comments” just below this column and you can post your input right here for the whole world to see. You can remain anonymous when you comment here, or, if you send something to my e-mail and ask to be kept out of things, I can assure you, your wish to maintain your privacy will be honoured.

You have the power to make a difference at your fingertips. It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t cost anything extra. It doesn’t require anything more on your behalf than simply speaking up vocally, or with a keypad. For just a few hours out of one single day…one out of the 365 packed into every year…you can have a significant impact on the sport and the region we all love.

Emily O'Neil Facebook Pic

Which part of this community do you want to fit in to? Guess we’ll see on Saturday. I’m hoping you’ll surprise us…..in the RIGHT way. See you there.

RACEGUY Reports

Fighting to a Finish

Unlike the ill-fated 2010 version of the Atlantic Region season finale, rain may have been on the menu for 2011, but the outcome couldn’t have been more different than last year.

This time around, there would be no rain-out, this year, being replaced by almost ideal MX conditions. While the rain came, sometimes reasonably hard, but for very short periods, it only served to make the historic Riverglade course more challenging and technical. Chronic mist until mid-afternoon provided exceptional dust control while the on-and-off precip caused some of the track’s notorious hard-pack to compact and become shiny and greasy at the same time.

It’s not like the riders needed anything to make the track more challenging with the previously-planned new section open for business, creating a very level playing-field when it came to strategy and line selection. The most curious part, although I passed on using the stopwatch all day due to conditions and new configurations, is that Earl Doucette was on the radio on a number of occasions questioning how Riverglade could have added an uphill, followed by a very unusual chicane-like section with both banked and off-camber characteristics, and still be seeing sub two-minute lap-times.

The hilltop "chicane" in the new section

Look closely. The wildlife is still there

Another feature of the newest Riveglade reno is the fact that the “Orchard Turn” is now a very fast right hand sweeper as the turn has been opened up to feed into the new portion of the track. This resulted in two things. The fastest of the Pros and Intermediates were playing with fire running a very tiny cushion around the outside in order to build exit speed for the uphill that came next. This meant the knobby tracks left behind were breathtakingly close to the edge of the large “lagoon” that holds quenching water for the sprinkler system. The second of the two things it spawned? That would be speculation on when we’d have our first swimmer.

That distinction, with style-points for a total immersion of both bike and rider, goes to Mitchel Guindon, who was plucked from the chocolate brown pond, along with his 85, as the highlight of the Supermini moto. The best part is, both made it back for the second 85 12-16 moto and the Green Bay P.E.I. rider managed to pull off a 6^th O/A in the class, even after zeroing the Supermini. He even had a fresh, clean, predominantly white jersey and a crisp running bike when he made his return for his 2^nd shot at the pond. The outcome was far more rewarding than winning the cannonball competition.

Went to a motocross race

And a swim meet broke out

My slightly wobbly arrival at the track, in the wake of a couple of 10-hour over-night shifts, (and another just hours away), was almost instantly interrupted by hard-core moto reality, as before I had hooked up with all the necessary track people, just feet over my shoulder, Patrick Reid wadded himself and his KTM in a mis-timed landing on the historic spectator jump, leaving Devon Strang wide-eyed and babbling about how ugly it was and how another championship contender had been slapped out of contention by the laws of gravity.

After using this site to set up some of the epic battles we were to face on that fateful Saturday, and briefly detailing the crushing outcome of Devon Strang’s P.E.I. play-day that put an end to his championship series as quickly as his bike came to a stop in the sandy island soil, one of the first riders I sat down with on Saturday at “The Glade” was young Mr. Strang, who came fully equipped with a mental notebook full of news that would make the chase for the championships even more twisted.

While we spoke briefly about Devon’s pulverized pelvis and crossed-up collarbone, the conversation also covered brother David’s impending appearance at the Montreal Supercross and upcoming winter adventure at Colleen Millsaps Georgia-based training facility, eventually we turned to the news we neither really wanted to hear, or deal with.

Fully expecting that the bloodied face and broken-down body language of Patrick Reid, as they scraped him from the track, was to cost him the MX1 Intermediate title he had poured his heart, soul, and guts into, Devon added insult to info.

One hella fast race director

Ryan MacKay, who headed to the final day with an 11 point lead in the Junior GP championship, and an eight point edge for the title in MX2 Junior, as well as a 45 point championship cushion in Schoolboy, would spend the final round watching from the seat of a Honda four-wheeler and popping pain pills as needed.

The MacKay story only got more dramatic. While there was little he could do about his impending overthrow by Konnor Long in both Junior GP and MX2 Junior, Ryan’s 45 point gap over Mathew Clements in Schoolboy still showed mathematical possibilities, if the Riverview NB rider could “man it out” to a couple of wounded-but-willing finishes anywhere near the Keltic Transport KTM of Clements when the flag dropped. MacKay was willing to give it a go.

It was all speculation and totally unnecessary calculator crunching. Just a couple of quick rooster-crows from the gate-drop at “The Glade”, Clements’ trusty steed came up lame, and, try as they might, there was no repairing or replacing the bike by Saturday morning. Ryan MacKay would salvage one of three Fall Series titles from the shade of the EZ-Ups and the seat of an ATV.

There were so many amazing stories on the day, that to touch on many more would stretch this thing to the point where it needs a hard cover and a place in the library. You’ll see some of it touched upon at the points page, which is another huge undertaking and ongoing as I continue to verify and complete calculations on the big “Upgrade Points” spreadsheet. (You’ll read more about that before the banquet)

Meanwhile, this never-ending front page needs just a couple of items to make it even semi-complete and give you just a tiny look into the story that was the Riverglade wrap-up.

NEVER the preferred method or transportation

On this day, nothing may top Patrick Reid’s “all moto-all man” performance in dragging his battered body to the line and aboard his mount to fight to the last breath for his championship, finishing 7-6 at 7 O/A, and EARNING a championship by seven points that are worth more than ANY other seven points in his career. Respect.

Skip Justason also emphasized the “man” in human, after a little “one-on-one” versus son Brent, (I believe in the Junior GP) that was “just one of those fun little things we do on the final day.” At the time, I remarked, I’d hate to see this little test of egos turn out badly, since Skip was still fighting for or protecting Vet class championships. I should have kept my mouth shut, but if I do that at races, I don’t get paid. The words were, unfortunately, prophetic.

With both of his first Vet motos out of the way, Skip Justason had just pounded his foot to the point where he and his people were very concerned that the foot was broken. Churning out a little of my (usually within the ballpark) head-math, we concluded Skip could risk dumping the Vet Junior moto as his 47 point edge was a clinch. Not so with the Plus-40, where a teeny eleven points separated Scott Fraser from “Skip’s Championship”. He could choose to bail on the Juniors, ride Plus-40 with a potentially broken foot and TRY to stay as close to Scott Fraser as possible, OR head to the ER and win one while settling for 2^nd in the other.

While I might have placed a bet on him gutting it out in the Plus-40, I couldn’t have predicted Justason going “all-in”. Even more out of the realm of reality were “The Skipper’s” improbable 3^rd in Plus-40s for 3^rd O/A on the day, along with 2^nd in Vet Junior for 2^nd O/A. Respect.

Need more? We saw the Fall Series face-to-face between “The Killer Bs”, Belyea and Brennan, go all the way to the final flag of the year. We watched David Strang’s last ride as an Intermediate and his debut on a 450, in both cases enjoying nothing short of brilliance. We also watched Brandon Carter rip down the red digits and test the waters as an Intermediate, only to put in a performance that made him look like he’d already spent a year behind a yellow plate. Don’t forget we got a chance to enjoy the show as Logan Gallant scored a whole team’s wardrobe in Holeshot tees, courtesy the very smoothly run Maritime Cash, Toys For Big Boys, Honda Canada, Riverglade MX Holeshot challenge. (2-stroke addicts should note, all that winning came on a KTM 2-stroke).

Let’s not overlook Damon Baker’s determined drive to the very final flag, that saw the multi-time ATV Pro champion go from non-existent in podium points mid-way through the Fall Series, to proudly on the podium come awards night, just five points off the top step. That drama ranks right up there with watching Cole Butcher reach deeper than he ever has to go from two points back to upset Justin Leger for the Supermini title by a thin five point margin. There was also the intensity of the Curtis Doucet versus T.J. Martin story, with the two tied for second going into the final round, and Martin absolutely determined not to lose. They ended up a mere four points apart, with T.J. accomplishing his goal.

There was David Estabrooks Maritime Cash Holeshot win, followed by his “rag-doll of the year” performance, followed by his remount and ride to the end of the day. In the same breath, we should also mention “Tango” Tony Emond, whos love of big doubles had him dancing seeing stars as he, his bike, and the Riverglade soil became very intimate, very fast. The seemingly indestructible Emond walked away, uphill, and sent me a message explaining how a total nitrogen loss in the rear shock caused the bike’s unexpected reaction and his three-storey drop-kick and grapple with a full grown motorcycle.

Of course it's a little fuzzy...

It's a bunny!

I’m smiling as I say, we also kept the #181 tradition alive through a combination of creativity and sweat provided by Justin Gosslin - berm-bunny extrordinaire - with special mention to Curtis Doucet, who was, apparently, a draft keg (yes, it IS actually “draught”). It was all in the spirit of Kyle, and that’s what truly matters.

I’ll take just a second to also say thanks to everyone who participated in any way in the “Joe Show” fundraisers. The Lion’s Club, with ringmaster Glenn, rounded up almost $300 in 50/50 money alone, and Kurt Taylor and the Burke family get huge props for looking after tickets for that amazing lottery.

Fundraising awards go to The Lions

Kurt Taylor, and the Burke Family

These are for everybody else

Come awards night, we will have some old hands at podium appearances, along with some very deserving fresh new faces. Stories like the ones above will have somehow gotten bigger and better and even more the stuff of which legends are made. (and wait ‘til the alcohol starts talkin’!) In my mind, this season, both series, and each and every race, came with this type of drama and so many great stories. That’s what makes our sport unquestionably one of a kind. I guess that’s what keeps me coming back.

I’ll continue to get everything together for the points page, although I’m about to start another string of 10 hour all-nighters, so I’ll need you to bear with me. In the meantime, make sure you have your banquet tickets in hand NOW. Drop everything you’re doing for the most important single meeting you can attend in any year and bring your best thoughts and questions to the AGM. Finally, keep dropping back here. We’ll be wrapping up 2011 and getting into some really interesting “stuff” over the off-season.

Another sure sign of the end of the season

This place is about to get BUSY again. Don’t stray too far. The “on track” season is coming to a close…but the “on line” season is just getting interesting.

RACEGUY & RIVERGLADE

Looking Back on the Day
September 21, 2011

“Back in the day” --- Now THERE’S an expression that can get an old fart in a heap of hurt. “Back in the day” is a phrase that most often means its user has a problem letting go of the past. I try to shy away from it like the plague, but every once in a while, old-fartitis causes one to trip over the term and find it necessary to slip it in somewhere.

Thinking about all the work that has already gone into making this Saturday’s series finale at Riverglade something far beyond just another motocross raceday, makes me proud to be part of this sport. Thinking about what the weekend will hold for you in memories that will last a lifetime, makes me think about the so-called “good ole days” and how much it meant to those of us who got to share the experience.

Today, we enjoy a professionally managed and highly structured raceday that is a continuous nine hours, with very little, if any, downtime. Today, we still get to enjoy the moto-moms’ legacy, which is now a chilli dinner, but I’m sure, a lot of the “fun” we used to have, has been toned down a bit, due to the risks of being caught on cell-phone pics or video, and the threat of it all ending up on Facebook, You Tube or Twitter.

The tradition of the “moto-moms’” continues. The night-before party is still one of the best social events anywhere, raceday morning pancakes date back to the era of Gord Close and Harry Lord. The racing will be as intense as ever, as always, and – just like the good ole days - there will be plenty of riders changing everything from class number-plates, to bikes, to the classes they will ride on raceday. Oh, yeah…the banquet tickets will be on sale…another traditional Riverglade Finale feature.

The season finale has always given us the unexpected as well. Kyle Elliott was the master of that discipline. When Kyle suited-up to go to the line…Kyle suited up. I still feel the sting of the loss of Kyle Elliott, but I hope someone with a sense of humour will pay tribute of Kyle this weekend and keep a tradition alive. We miss you Kyle. It would take one helluva man to even TRY to fill your sumo suit.

Now, we get into the part where things have changed or been lost altogether. I know I will miss things on this list, but here is just a very small sample of what always made the Riverglade season finale so incredibly unique as a whole package.

Back in the day, (There! I said it!!), this race drew dozens of “strangers” who’s yearly race calendar included ONLY this event. We also had a pretty consistent turn-out of riders from Quebec. Often, we’d have a one-off rides by local legends who had “retired” but needed a fix. Throw on some of your old gear, (the stuff that you can still get into), borrow a ride for the day, buy a jug of fuel, and hit the grin factory.

Again, looking at ancient history, one race never failed to captivate the crowd and always more received more help and encouragement than any other class. Ask your favorite old fart about “The Mechanics Race”. You could write a book on the antics of mechanic-riders, their mechanics, the families and friends, the pranks and practical jokes, the bikes…DAMN  I miss “The Mechanics Race”. Possibly more than once, we also ran a two-up or tandem race. If you were to Google “peeing your pants laughing”, I’m pretty sure there would be a link to a motocross two-up tangle. Then, of course, there’s always the “Dads on pee-wee bikes” sprint race, even a “moms only” event at least once, if my memory isn’t mixing reality with hallucination together again.

At one point in time, the most important place you could have your name immortalized was the “Team Trophy”. The “Team Race” consisted of three-rider teams that included one Junior, one Intermediate, and one Pro, with a draw to determine who raced with whom. Scoring was MXdN format, with the team scoring the LEAST number of points after adding the points of all three riders. This race was a straight-up 100% payback, so the winning team got more than just their names on that magnificent trophy.

My favorite thing about the “Team” trophy is that there are teams engraved on there that include home-grown local boys teamed with Canadian champions. Having your name and Marco Dube engraved as team mates has to be a helluva feeling.

Alas, as the class structure grew and grew, schedules became tighter and tighter, and time for anything other than accepted classes became non-existent.

One more thing I am missing. While there are some folks still using the season finale as a showroom to sell off their excess and used “stuff”, in the 70s and 80s, that race was like a HUGE flea-market or garage-sale. This alone added to the crowd as it drew out a whole herd of off-roaders, play-riders, budget racers, and poseurs, all with cash-in-hand ready to snatch up your worn out Gaernes, or buy out your entire stock of leftover tear-offs.

As I said, we still have some people taking advantage of a captive audience, but just imagine the difference if we organized and promoted a huge flea-market/swap-meet at the final race of the year.

OK. Time to get my head out of the past and back to reality. We WILL have another weekend to remember at Riverglade. We WILL have drama and excitement GUARANTEED, due to a lot of close championship chases and scores to be settled. We just won’t have “a few of my favourite things” as mentioned above.

You know what? I guess this makes me kind of glad I was there “back in the day”.

See everyone at “The Glade”. Bring along your grin liniment.

**I’m working on pictures right now, but Photo Bucket is totally messed up. I’ll add ‘em when that $^##^&@*% web site lets me at them. Check back.

FOR DETAILS ON JOE DOUCETTE FUNDRAISERS AND THE COMPLETE RIVERGLADE WEEKEND SCHEDULE, CLICK THE "Breaking News" tab above.

RACEGUY Renumerates

This is IT!

Now-or-Never Time is Here

Number-one on my list of things to get said before I jump in to the topic of the day, is a huge thank you and congratulations to the Strang Gang for an absolutely top-notch event. I could find no flaws whatsoever in how well everything went together. (well...maybe one little one - see 3rd photo below)

Secondly, I, once again, apologize for not getting things done here as promised. When I bitched and moaned about everything around me going downhill and sideways simultaneously, the list seemed never-ending. That was BEFORE a major engine failure on the way to Pleasant Valley, a little unsolicited body work.....here's a better look at my last two weeks...

Add all that weirdness to starting a job that is 10 hour shifts from 11pm to 9am, while going through some pretty extensive testing for another job during daytime hours...anyway, let's just say I've been a little off my rhythm. I'll get it all straightened out, I promise! You have my apologies and a plea that you bear with me.

NOW.....down to the reason we're here. My night before any race is taken up by reviewing and reassessing championship battles going in to the next round. This week, I foolishly decided to take a look at the already-complete Spring results and compare, contrast, and take a look at the trending.

What I discovered was, in some cases, fascinating, and others, almost frightening. While I certainly enjoy new names popping up in the Fall Series Fast-Five, the disappearance of others makes for the most volatile and unpredictable twin series in my often challenged memory. Just try to follow the curves.

Of the list of riders who finished the Spring Championship among the front-five, a huge number were absent from RACEGUY’S Fast-Five going into round-5. I was going to offer a quick rundown, but I don’t think there is such a thing. It starts in 50cc 7-8, where Spring Champion Jackson Landry is absent from the Fall list.

65cc podium finishers in 2^nd and 3^rd in the Spring, Brock Landry and Jesse Wells are not part of the equation for the Fall. 85cc 12-16 Spring Champion Ryan MacKay has taken his talents up the ladder, while 85cc 7-11 3^rd and 4^th place Spring finishers, Brock Landry and Jesse Wells are again missing from the list.

My favorite people in the world are often Juniors who are REAL racers and move themselves up in accordance with their abilities. It’s for that reason ATV Junior champ and 3^rd place Stephane Bourque have left Fall Series accolades to others. These guys have my respect.

Going into the weekend at Strangs, Spring Champion Damon Baker had not yet made a Fast-Five appearance in the Pro Quad group. That will change for the 6^th and final round. Also notably absent this fall is Josh Doyle, who will step up on the banquet podium in 3^rd for the Spring, but is a non-entity for the Fall.

Scottie Young is not back to defend his Spring title in the MX1 Intermediate, while injuries have kept Devin MacPherson from doubling up on his MX2 Intermediate crown. Injuries have also put an end to David Butler’s defense of his 3^rd in the Spring.

Another of my “real men of moto” heroes for 2011 is Devin Sleigh, who won’t defend a Spring Junior GP title and has proven himself an instant threat in his new undertakings. After a Spring Series 3^rd, Myles Clements will be hard pressed to even make a mark on the Junior GP numbers in the Fall, as Strang’s marked his return from the disabled list.

MX1 Junior Spring Champion, Randy Dunbar, has been a non-player in the Fall sitting back in 15^th place having raced only two rounds. Mark Brown has taken his Spring Series silver and parked it for the Fall.

Devin Sleigh’s Spring title in MX2 Junior will mark his last podium with red and white plates, but that isn’t all that throws this class wide open. Myles Clements, the back of the front five in the spring, is just returning from injury. Mathew Clements is scrambling from 6^th place, Ryan MacKay has moved up to the big bikes, and the combination of Konnor Long, Logan Gallant, Alec Belyea, and Ryker Brennan has upset threat written all over it.

Alexandra Josey has been a non-entity this Fall, seeing only two events, one of which was rain-shortened. Francine Leger is still riding out her recovery from damage to her hand, which we all know can be concentration killer and powerfully painful. She will hit only three of the six fall rounds. After a ridiculous rag-doll this past weekend at Strangs, Jessica Malaknejadorangi will be a questionable start for the final Riverglade round. IF she could tough out a top 3, the remote possibility exists she could still find a spot on the podium on banquet night. Emily O’Neill and Chelsey Hall will have a lot to say about that.

The Plus-25 Vets are another wide open book this Fall. 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th place finishers from the Spring, Roger Toney, Bob Newey, and David Atkinson are all absent from Fall points. With two missed events, it also appears Johnny Montes will fail to repeat his Spring title as he goes into the final round 26 points behind Jason Viner.

Once again, Devin MacPherson’s stay on the disabled list means we’ll have a new Schoolboy champion for the Fall. Logan Gallant, Justin MacKinnon, and Brandon Frenette, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th in the Spring have all struggled to maintain those standards this fall. Logan is closest to the banquet podium, sitting 19 points behind Isaac Nice.

Vet Junior Spring Champion Eric Findlay has not returned to defend his title this fall. Neither has 2^nd place finisher, John Gallant. Vet Junior is another class that will see big changes on banquet night.

Final words go to Ryan MacKay and Devin MacPherson, who will both play a role one final time, MacKay by taking his Spring title and leaving the Supermini class, and MacPherson, whos injury-related absence in the Youth class will keep him from repeating at least his 3^rd place finish from the spring.

So why am I concerned, and, yes, even frightened by what the numbers are saying? Well, quite simply, it would appear predictions we began making about 4 years ago are now, in some part, coming true.

As with other series and regions across North America, more and more riders and families are cherry-picking their events, even within the confines of short six race series as we opted for this year.

It’s the big picture that has me asking more questions than I could possibly have answers for. Our long-range outlook considered the need in current economic times to maximize your racing dollars and minimize expenses. Everyone could foresee reduced rider registrations and the need for an efficient flow to the series. Everyone was prepared for at least some of the changes that are coming about.

Again, it’s that big picture we had better start paying very close attention to, and the time to start is right now.

Our status and standing, as this season comes to a close, opens the door for many questions that will have a great bearing on the future of motocross here in the region. These are, in fact, questions that are being asked by racers and race organizations across this country and south of the border.

How do we maintain ridership through a slow economy? How do we add value to the experience? Where do we find additional sources of financial support? How do riders and teams package themselves for sponsors? How do we create and encourage new participants at the entry level? Oh…that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The way we’re taking part in our sport has changed…possibly FOREVER. The time to start thinking about the future is the present. Wouldn’t you rather be part of the solution than part of the problem?

Think about it.

I’ll have more to say about the season finale soon. Fast-Five is going up now at the “Atl-Points” tab.