The FINAL Fast Five
October 7, 2011
There are names that have come and gone, and those who have never left the list through two full championship series. In either case, I hope it has meant something special to everyone who had their name published here, and also to your family and friends who followed along throughout both seasons.
This week’s synopsis will be short and sweet. Do not be disappointed if you, or your class, are not discussed specifically. In many cases, the championship was written in the stars after round-5, or even before.
I will be posting the top-3 for each class in both series, kind of a banquet preview, and I’ll let you know when I figure out where to put it.
Now, onward with a quick look at how our amazing Fall Championship series looked after the 6th and final round.
The Front-Five in both 50cc classes closed out the year with no positional changes over round-5 results. Christian Landry returned to the Fast-five in 65cc as Adam Hilling fell off the list, while Tyler Jurkowski pulled off a similar last-minute miracle in 85cc 12-16, bouncing Zach Crossman from 5th. Adam Craig proved to be the player in 85cc 7-11, as he was the pivot in an exchange that say Adam Hilling disappear from the chart from 4th spot, while Craig came from off the page to step over 5th place Brendon Clark for a series ending 4th on the list.
A 4th-5th swap in ATV Junior saw Dave Cameron bolt by Tyler Smith to lock down the 4th slot, but the interesting story in Junior Quad was Chad Gionet exercising his right to stay down in Junior until the end of the season. Chad “stockpiled” upgrade points totaling 29, (11 more than the 18 needed to move up). Chris Slaunwhite wasn’t that far behind Chad with 22 (he can no longer escape the move to Pro). With solid riders like Justin Leblanc already taking the step up voluntarily, ATV Pro gates should be very deep in talent in 2012.
Where does one start with the ATV Pros? Short weeks ago, Damon Baker was not even on the Fast-Five radar. His celebratory super-human leaps over the finish-line jump as he took the checkered in both Riverglade motos were genuine expressions of nothing short of ecstasy, as the brilliant young Nova Scotian fought to the end to plant himself on the #2 step on the podium, a mere five points back of new Fall champion, Eric Drapeau. Nick Hebert would capitalize on the absence of Billy Lemay to step up to 4th.
While there were a number of contenders for story of the weekend, not many will disagree with me that the spirit of motocross was captured by one young man on that critical weekend. With a slim 14 point edge over T.J. Martin for the MX1 Intermediate title, the commotion just over my shoulder during practice told a story that came across more like a nightmare.
As track personnel and EMTs scrambled to “the compression” (the dip between the “spectator” jump and the tunnel), I watched a pretzelled #721 KTM eased off the track, while an obviously battered Patrick Reid tried to shake his bloodied body back to the here and now.
Devon Strang’s description of the “no footer” “front-tucked-under” landing from a couple of stories high had us both shaking our heads in speculation of Reid losing a title due to a bail in practice at the final race of the year.
Whatever it is that drives the great riders in our sport, it was exuding from Patrick Reid that Saturday. In spite of it all, the kid climbed aboard and manned-out 7/6 moto scores for 7th O/A and enough points to crawl to the top of the championship podium just seven up on the resurgent T.J. Martin. The other “feel-good” story in the MX1 Intermediates? How about my tower-mate, the incapacitated Devon Strang, holding on to his 3rd place on the podium on awards night, in a tie-breaker with Justin Leblanc. That class alone was worth the price of a ticket.
Photographer unknown
MX2 Intermediate marked David Strang’s final race as a “yellow-plater”. The title had been mathematically clinched at round-5. Strang took his swan-song ride nonetheless, and once again decimated the competition. Pro plates will not be out of place in any way on this young man’s motorcycle, especially when you consider he double-classed the day, making his MX1 debut on Larry Northrup’s unfamiliar CRF450, and also going 1-1.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
The other story in the MX2 Intermediates was the 150 point tie for 2nd going in to the weekend, between Curtis Doucet and T.J. Martin. It was a combination of T.J. applying himself beyond any effort I’ve ever seen him put in, and Curtis appearing just plain uncomfortable in the heat of the battle through both motos. Both warriors will make it to the podium on awards night, one wishes the positions were reversed.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
The drama of Skip Justason’s ride with a possibly broken foot has been discussed on the front page of this site, but it deserves another brief mention here, as the Saint John NB based veteran powerhouse determinedly defended his marginal lead over Nova Scotia’s Scott Fraser to limp to the Plus 40 championship by a mere 9 points. The ever-consistent Colin Hopson soldiered on for the bronze, while Daniel Leger and Glenn Biddington rounded out the Fast-Five, trading places at the last round.
Ryan MacKay’s late season move to the disabled list proved costly in the Junior GP where his 11 point lead going in to the weekend became an 11 point deficit at the end of the day. The way eventual champion Konnor Long was hammering holeshot awards, having MacKay on the gate might have made for the moto of the year. The “Killer Bs”, Brennan and Belyea also made the single GP moto a must-watch, with Ryker Brennan scooping the final podium step, and Alec Belyea slipping past Josh Ellis by two points to finish 4th in the Fast-Five.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
The Fast-Five in MX1 Junior finished their championship series in the order that stood at the beginning of their final day. Brandon Carter had already secured his championship one round early, so he let his 200 points ride and voluntarily tested himself as an MX1 Intermediate. That left room for a battle that separated Laurent Jacquard in 2nd, from Kurt Taylor in 3rd, but a single, insignificant point. When the curtain fell, the outcome was as the day had started. Jacquard will occupy the silver medal step, and late-bloomer Kurt Taylor will have grown into a highly-prized step of his own.
Photo shamelessly stolen from Facebook
Ryan MacKay’s wounded status also affected the outcome in MX2 Junior, where the final day began with Ryan up by just eight on Konnor Long. Long left nothing to chance, even with holeshot heavyweight Logan Gallant playing for keeps. At the end of the day, Long had passed MacKay’s number to secure the top podium step, but with a sizable point gap to 2nd going in to the final round, Logan Gallant could not pass MacKay’s points, leaving the missing-man good for 2nd in the championship, while Logan sees the stage in 3rd.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
If you’re a points watcher, you’d have been hard pressed to find a more active class through two complete series, than the Women”. Rider progression and competition level is spectacular to see and, without question, some of the best two and three-way battles of the season have come in the “Blue Plate” group. While the top three on the podium this awards night will deserve audience energy second to none, a look behind at how the Fast-Five finished up says even more about my favorite class.
Jessica “Longname” watched “The Glade” from the sidelines and through the viewfinder, yet her points held up enough to let her close out the series in the Fast-Five. Lorrina MacKinnon valiantly held on to 5th on the list until turning it over to Francine Leger in the final moto.
Johnny Montes’ “working man” status cost him the last chance of 2011 in the 25 Plus class, yet, even though “The Spanish Fly” was absent from three race weekends, he still finished in the Fast-Five and one position off the podium. Ryan Farris is the benefactor, capturing 3rd as Michael Matheson steps up one to 2nd. Penalties here and there notwithstanding, Jason Viner will securely be at the top of the box. has a reserved step on awards night.
The Schoolboy story could easily be a small novel with its twists and turns heading for “The Glade”. While Ryan MacKay was too damaged to “ride it out” and defend three titles, he had become determined to “man-up” and climb aboard for the Schoolboy championship moto in hopes of just finishing close to Mat Clements to defend his 45 point cushion. It could be done simply by starting and finishing the motos even well back in the pack. Then came the news. Not only had Mathew Clements suffered a major mechanical failure, there was simply no time to get the KTM back in action before the weekend. MacKay was in for the title without leaving the EZ-up. Isaac Nice took advantage of Clement’s absence to take over the silver medal spot, as did Logan Gallant, who gratefully accepted the third step.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
The “I know I’ve got it in me award” for the day came from the same class that gave us the “Heartbreak of the year award”. The single-moto Supermini format proved to be the undoing of Justin Leger, who held a tiny two point lead going into the final round. Cole Butcher searched deep within himself as he stared into turn-one from behind the Riverglade gate and what he found was that extra one percent he needed to slip his Suzuki in behind the “nothing to lose” chargers Isaac Nice and Jason Gray and follow his tunnel vision all the way to the checkered flag, while Justin Leger, possibly a victim of his own nerves, struggled to stay out of trouble and traffic to find his way to 8th at the flag. Butcher carved a two point deficit into a five point edge at the end of the day to head straight off to be fitted for the Supermini crown. Isaac Nice would finish just one point behind Leger for the third podium step.
The story of how Skip Justason almost kicked not one, but two, veteran championships to the curb was covered on page one, but the idea of a rider over 40 years of age mounting his Kawasaki with what could very well have been a broken foot, in order to secure his championships, is a story that speaks volumes about what motocross men are made of. The Skipper carried a 48 point edge over fellow fog-towner, Austin Sleigh in Vet Junior, and did not need to ride moto-2 as he had already clinched the title. Had he not ridden, and Sleigh scored the win, it would still be Justason 244 to Sleigh 221 at the end of the series. That’s not the way these guys are wired. As the sun set on the Vet Junior class, it was Justason, Sleigh, and Islander Kurt Taylor making up the championship podium.
The Vet Master class was almost a non-event for the Fall of ’11, having failed to make a points-paying gate from round-two through round-five, but the “Bad Ole Boys” were back for “The Glade”. Scott Fraser, Ryan Farris, and, against all odds, Tony Emond will be podium-bound on banquet night, but it’s even more inspiring to see absent riders Abbie Landry and Joe Doucette finish off the year still listed in my Fast-Five.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
In Youth, the legend lives on. Canada’s king of the Youth Class, Davey Fraser, will once again top the box on awards night. Even though he scored a perfect series, it was not an easy ride for the Yamaha pilot. Kyle Chatham proved on numerous occasions that he can ride at Davey’s level, and in both Youth and Pro, Chatham was a deadly threat living inside Fraser’s head every time they went to the line. First year Pro Brad Lockhart learned a lot in ’11 and his natural ability elevated him to the last podium step, while the remainder of the Fast-Five is well represented by David Strang and newcomer Brandon Carter.
The amount of energy emanating from Kyle Chatham going to the Pro gate for moto-1 at Riverglade could have lit a good size city. Chatham is moto-wise enough to know that nothing short of three outright moto wins would do if he was to have a shot at the title. Even with the magic trifecta, Davey Fraser would have to score something less than a string of seconds to give up the top spot. Three wins by Kyle would close the gap to leader Fraser by nine, but there was a 12 point margin to overcome.
Frank Percy Wilkins Photo
Chatham’s energy and determination were obvious to all in moto-1. It was, without question, a race for the record books, and in the end, it was the kid from Riverview NB fist-pumping his way past Randy Mollins for the moto-1 win, Fraser in for 2nd. Maybe Chatham used up just a little too much of that nuclear power in the first moto, or the reality and mathematics had settled into his head, but from the gate-drop in moto-2, the championship writing was on the wall.
It was Fraser, Chatham, Lockhart in moto-2. The Fraser/Chatham gap was still at a now mountainous 12 points, and the outcome of moto-3 closed the deal with the order at the flag; Fraser, Lockhart, and Chatham. To finish off the final Pro Fast-Five of the year, big props go out to “working-man racer” Johnny Montes who holds on to 4th on the list, and “Mr. Durable”, “Comeback-Kid” David Estabrooks posted 5th.
We had two magnificent and most memorable series in 2011. We shared the highest highs and the lowest lows. In the end, we were all pivotal parts of a year in the history of the amazing sport of motocross and the inseparable family we have become.
Enjoy it to its fullest as you share your much deserved banquet and awards night. You have all worked remarkably hard for it, and this is your reward.
I also want to encourage, badger, and even browbeat you into taking part in this year’s Annual General Meeting. Recent downturns are only temporary and your input is the key to an accelerated recovery. It can’t be done without you. Our sport can and must get even better. That won’t happen if the people who matter most would rather go shopping than “get going”. See you at the AGM.
(if you’re not careful, I’ll compile a list of the missing and post it on the front page of this site – we wouldn’t want that now, would we?)
Congratulations to all. Thank you for doing what you do.
Now start making your notes for the AGM!
2011 CMRC Atlantic RegionFall
Championship SeriesFINAL
STANDINGS
Championship SeriesFINAL
STANDINGS
After 6 of 6 Rounds | |||
50cc 4-6 | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 81 | Brent Chapman | 266 |
2 | 68 | Colby Beaulieu | 219 |
3 | 25 | Roman Anderson | 202 |
4 | 44 | Makayla Clark | 170 |
5 | 91 | Marcus Akin | 108 |
50cc 7-8 | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 77 | Damon Burbine | 272 |
2 | 321 | Luke Penney | 237 |
3 | 13 | Nole Chapman | 206 |
4 | 54 | Aaron Nice | 179 |
5 | 60 | Blake Bransfield | 174 |
65cc | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 50 | Brett Young | 275 |
2 | 20 | Hayden Dennis | 220 |
3 | 57 | Adam Craig | 184 |
4 | 56 | Jonah Nice | 175 |
5 | 184 | Christian landry | 146 |
85cc 12-16 | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 200 | Isaac Nice | 272 |
2 | 53 | Cole Butcher | 224 |
3 | 91 | Jordan Melanson | 221 |
4 | 257 | Brett Alexander | 154 |
5 | 287 | Tyler Jurkowski | 119 |
85cc 7-11 | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 50 | Brett Young | 252 |
2 | 25 | Justin Leger | 246 |
3 | 20 | Hayden Dennis | 174 |
4 | 57 | Adam Craig | 166 |
5 | 94 | Brendon Clark | 164 |
ATV Jr. | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 199 | Chad Gionet | 254 |
2 | 492 | Michael Tucker | 210 |
3 | 824 | Chris Slaunwhite | 188 |
4 | 931 | Dave Cameron | 133 |
5 | 72 | Tyler Smith | 122 |
ATV Pro | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 42 | Eric Drapeau | 164 |
2 | 152 | Damon Baker | 159 |
3 | 217 | Franco Hache | 153 |
4 | 17 | Nicholas Hebert | 133 |
5 | 33 | Billy Lemay | 91 |
MX1 Intermediate | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 721 | Patrick Reid | 215 |
2 | 778 | TJ Martin | 208 |
3 | 119 | Devon Strang | 167 |
4 | 315 | Justin LeBlanc | 167 |
5 | 281 | Brad West | 149 |
MX2 Intermediate | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 700 | David Strang | 275 |
2 | 778 | T.J. Martin | 208 |
3 | 777 | Curtis Doucet | 204 |
4 | 138 | Rickey Hovey | 136 |
5 | 188 | Tyson Orsatti | 132 |
GP Jr. | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 719 | Konnor Long | 133 |
2 | 97 | Ryan MacKay | 122 |
3 | 261 | Ryker Brennan | 90 |
4 | 358 | Alec Belyea | 81 |
5 | 43 | Josh Ellis | 79 |
MX1 Jr. | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 771 | Brandon Carter | 200 |
2 | 32 | Laurent Jacquard | 167 |
3 | 194 | Kurt Taylor | 151 |
4 | 30 | Zack Grealey | 146 |
5 | 55 | Colby MacDonald | 143 |
MX2 Jr. | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 719 | Konnor Long | 224 |
2 | 97 | Ryan MacKay | 207 |
3 | 96 | Logan Gallant | 188 |
4 | 261 | Ryker Brennan | 180 |
5 | 358 | Alec Belyea | 174 |
Women | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 108 | Elizabeth Burke | 247 |
2 | 161 | Chelsey Hall | 195 |
3 | 150 | Emily O'Neil | 189 |
4 | 133 | Jessica Malaknejadorangi | 133 |
5 | 909 | Francine Leger | 126 |
25+ | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 787 | Jason Viner | 187 |
3 | 191 | Michael Matheson | 164 |
4 | 906 | Ryan Farris | 153 |
1 | 100 | Johnny Montes | 147 |
5 | 183 | Tommy Read | 128 |
40+ | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 21 | Skip Justason | 211 |
2 | 38 | Scott Fraser | 202 |
3 | 528 | Colin Hopson | 197 |
4 | 123 | Daniel Leger | 166 |
5 | 49 | Glenn Biddington | 153 |
Schoolboy | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 97 | Ryan MacKay | 225 |
2 | 200 | Isaac Nice | 219 |
3 | 96 | Logan Gallant | 194 |
4 | 31 | Mathew Clements | 180 |
5 | 71 | Benjamin Morrison | 172 |
Super Mini | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 53 | Cole Butcher | 103 |
2 | 25 | Justin Leger | 98 |
3 | 200 | Isaac Nice | 97 |
4 | 409 | Jason Gray | 94 |
5 | 257 | Brett Alexander | 74 |
Vet Jr. | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 21 | Skip Justason | 266 |
2 | 27 | Austin Sleigh | 221 |
3 | 194 | Kurt Taylor | 206 |
4 | 11 | Tom Goodine | 152 |
5 | 123 | Daniel Leger | 147 |
Vet Master | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 38 | Scott Fraser | 94 |
2 | 906 | Ryan Farris | 80 |
3 | 94 | Tony Emond | 78 |
4 | 928 | Joe Doucette | 39 |
5 | 184 | Abbie Landry | 38 |
Youth | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 61 | Davey Fraser | 250 |
2 | 997 | Kyle Chatham | 216 |
3 | 286 | Bradley Lockhart | 196 |
4 | 700 | David Strang | 183 |
5 | 771 | Brandon Carter | 137 |
GP Pro | |||
Pos. | # | Rider | Points |
1 | 61 | Davey Fraser | 348 |
1 | 997 | Kyle Chatham | 331 |
4 | 286 | Bradley Lockhart | 270 |
3 | 100 | Johnny Montes | 173 |
5 | 218 | David Estabrooks | 140 |
extracted from http://www.cmrcracing.com/
absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed
