AMA Motocross News
Trey Canard won a moto and finished second in the other Saturday at the Spring Creek National in southern Minnesota to claim his second straight overall title in the 250cc class of the Lucas Oil Motocross Series.
It was the third time this year that a rider from the GEICO Powersports Honda stable claimed an overall title as Eli Tomac earned one in Sacramento, Calif., at the start of the outdoors season.
Trey Canard says: “This was the best outdoor race I’ve ever had,” said Canard, who dominated the second moto by leading all 15 laps. “Even in practice I was just on it, finishing two and one, I think. Juts a great day.
“In Moto 1 I led early, then got passed by Christophe (Pourcel) but I stayed right there and even passed him and led a lap later in the moto, which was a big confidence booster for me. I ended up second by just a bit but it was a good, good ride.
“The second moto felt perfect the whole way around. I really couldn’t have asked for anything more. It was awesome, and I’m really happy for GEICO Powersports and Honda. I feel good right now.”
Racing for the first time since May 8th when the Supercross season ended, superstar rider Kevin Windham had a sparkling return filling in for the injured Davi Millsaps, finishing fifth in Moto 1 and fourth in Moto 2. His respectable results netted him a fourth-place overall finish.
The 32-year-old legend wasted little time showing everyone he was up to the task, taking the holeshot in Moto 1 and leading the first seven laps. He also held his own in Moto 2, staying in the top five throughout the race, and hearing plenty of adulation from the crowd.
Kevin Windham says: “I could hear and see the fan’s support all day. I kind of got emotional there, tearing up a little. I was like, ‘toughen up man,’ but it was really special.”
“I didn’t know what to expect coming into this race. I’ve been very anxious, and even though I’ve been practicing for the last three weeks I didn’t really know where I stood. I’m pretty happy with how I rode but it was hot and I faded a bit. I’ve gotta race myself back into riding shape. Thanks to Honda Red Bull for giving me this chance and GEICO Powersports for the bridge to that team. It was an effortless transition.”
Fellow 450cc rider Metcalfe started slow with a 16th place finish in Moto 1, but rebounded with a sixth-place result in the second moto to maintain fourth place in the world rankings, just two points behind third-place rider Ben Townley.
Brett Metcalfe says: “To maintain my position is about all I could ask for today,” Metcalfe said. “I just didn’t feel good so I was pleased to ride better in the second moto and salvage the race.”
Barcia also had a dubious run in the first moto, finishing 16th, but managed to reach the podium in Moto 2 with a great ride that ended with him in third place.
Justin Barcia says: “Overall it was a pretty decent day,” Barcia said. “I’m happy. I should have done better in the first moto. I was running fourth or fifth but I endo’ed going up a hill and dropped back. That made me really focus on Moto 2 and I liked the way I rode. We got third, so that was cool.”
A steady day netted Wharton fifth and seventh place finishes, while rookie Tomac was 13th in Moto 1 and 11th in Moto 2.
Blake Wharton says: “The track was good, I thought, and my lap times were fairly good,” Wharton said. “In Moto 1 it seemed like I got a good jump, and had a good run. It was a battle…very hot out there. The track was different in Moto 2. It wasn’t as hot, but it got slicker and I missed some shifts. We’ll move on and get to Washougal and try to do better.”
Eli Tomac says: “I started mid-pack and just kind of stayed there in a big crowd of riders,” Tomac said. “It was hot. I almost passed out and I started thinking I might not be able to ride the second moto. I got in the pool and cooled off and managed to ride pretty well in Moto 2. I’m progressing with my riding, so that’s good.”
Up next, the series travels to the Great Northwest for next Saturday’s Washougal National in southern Washington, just over the border from Portland, Ore.
