FXR Racing: Ulverton Canadian Nationals Photo Report

Story and photos by James Lissimore

This week, the Rockstar Energy Drink Canadian Motocross Nationals made their way to the French speaking province of Quebec and one of the best tracks on the National circuit – the Ulverton track, just south of Drummondville. The Ulverton track is the closest in layout to an AMA circuit, with lots of elevation, sandyish soil and great scenery. It’s always one of the top stops of the year. Plus, the French language lends a bit of a European feel to the stop so it makes for a pretty unique weekend.

Rain showers in the morning led the way to sunny skies and warm temps by the time the motos came around and we were treated to great racing in both classes. It was an all out war in MX2, with riders Dakota Alix, Dylan Wright, Shawn Maffenbeier and Cole Thompson all taking turns leading but as has become the norm this year in the Canadian Nationals, it wouldn’t be without controversy, as double moto winner, Thompson, saw his second moto win relegated to a fourth place finish when it was determined he cut the track. The penalty allowed Dylan Wright to take his first ever overall victory.

In MX1, Davi Millsaps early season dominance has subsided since a practice crash during the break left him unable to properly prepare for the Eastern swing of the series. In moto one, a lead was slowly chipped away by Matt Goerke before an uncharacteristic mistake allowed Georke by to take the win. In moto two, Millsaps never really got going and struggling to hold on with blisters, the points leader could only muster an 8th place finish.

Let’s take a look at what went down at Ulverton…

One of the nicest tracks on the Canadian circuit. The Ulverton track has plenty of elevation, soft dirt and nice scenery.

Dakota Alix jumps out front on the start of the MX2 moto

With Jeremy Medaglia out with an injury, Brad Nauditt was given the oppurtunity to fill in on the GDR Honda team for the rest of the season. The Washington native finished fifth overall.

New England’s Eric Grondahl made the short trip across the border to race Ulverton. He finished 16th in MX2.

New York state’s Willy Shatrau also made the trip north. He finished 21st overall in MX2.

It was an up and down day for Mark Worth. The Arizona native finished sixth in moto one but a crash in moto two left his bike stuck in a fence. By the time he got it out he was way back in last place but charged back to get 23rd.

Vermont’s Dakota Alix lives really close to the Ulverton track, just across the border, so he was in for a second straight weekend of Canadian Nationals. The KTM pilot finished fourth overall.

Another week of leading laps and finishing second overall for Shawn Maffenbeier.

Cole Thompson was the fastest MX2 pilot again this weekend and took the checkered flag in both motos but it wouldn’t be a Canadian National without someone being docked. This time Thompson was given a three position penalty for cutting the track when a bobble sent him off and the ref’s decided he didn’t try to get back on at the earliest possible location. 1-4 finishes gave him third overall.

He’s been knocking on the door for a while but Thompson’s penalty gave Dylan Wright his first overall victory. The MX101 Yamaha pilot went 3-1 on the day.

Getting moto one started.

Davi Millsaps gets the jump on the competition.

Cade Clason(6) grabbed the first MX1 moto holeshot. The Ohio native finished 7th overall.

Idaho’s Morgan Burger grabbed a pair of 10th’s, which was good enough for 9th overall.

Texas’ Kyle Swanson finished 12th overall.

A week after a 13th in moto two at Southwick, Canadian Snocross racer and former KTM Canada pilot, Tim Tremblay, was back for his hometown race. He went 18-9 for 13th overall in MX1.

Oregon’s Broc Loftus made the trip north, finishing 24th overall.

Utah’s Riley Brough had a solid day, finishing 11th overall.

Mike Alessi has struggled a bit at the sandier tracks. He finished 5-5 on the day for 6th overall.

Colton Facciotti(2) getting chased by a pair of Rockstar Yamaha’s. The multi-time Canadian champ has been struggling lately, going 6-4 for 5th.

After a practice crash a few weeks ago, Davi Millsaps hasn’t been practicing much and it seemed to catch up with him at Ulverton. Leading the first moto, he was slowly getting reeled in by the Yamaha duo of Matt Goerke and Brett Metcalfe, before a tip over left him with a second. In moto two, blisters left him struggling to come to grips with the track and an 8th was the best he could muster.

The Ulverton race is definitely a hometown race for Kaven Benoit – his dad is even the announcer. The track is only open once a year for the National so he doesn’t get to ride their a ton but he still used the energy from his local crowd to take his first ever MX1 podium, with 3rd overall.

For a second straight weekend, Brett Metcalfe took the second moto win. Despite starting the season off slow, things seem to be clicking now for the Australian.

Matt Goerke made it two straight overall wins and closed the points deficit to Millsaps up to 25 points. It’s still a pretty big lead but the defending champ is starting to make things interesting.