MX stars tackle "toughest track"

From CMRC Media

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Gopher Dunes, arguably the toughest track in Canada, hosts round 2 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals this Sunday.

After enjoying the relatively hard pack conditions of Circuit de Ste-Julie in Quebec last weekend, the MX1 and MX2 combatants will face the deep sand, ruts and energy draining whoops of Gopher Dunes in Courtland, ON. Gopher Dunes is a reality check that can be a humbling experience for even the most seasoned rider. Winning a race here is more than just a victory; it’s all about bragging rights and knowing you’ve tamed a monster.

“It’s always a tough race at Gopher Dunes, guaranteed. It all comes down to who the best sand rider is and who is in the best condition,” said CMRC’s Mark Stallybrass. “The track takes no prisoners. It really separates the men from the boys.”

For last weekend’s MX1 double moto winner Colton Facciotti, Gopher Dunes is a track he has not faired well on over the past three seasons—two DNFs in 2005; 16-9 in 2006; and DNF-17 in 2007. The Team Toyota Yamaha Blackfoot Fox Racing headliner will have to come to terms with the track this time out if he wants to build on the points lead he established at Ste. Julie.

“The track is tough for everybody,” said Facciotti. “I’ve had my problems there but the past doesn’t equal the future. I have every confidence in myself that this year will be my year at Gopher Dunes.”

If Facciotti wants to win at the Dunes, Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki’s Dusty Klatt will more than likely be the rider he’s going to have to beat. Klatt, who swept both motos at the Dunes in 2006 on his way to a championship winning season, will be out to redeem himself after a lacklustre second moto last week in Quebec that saw him finish in 13th place. In the first moto, Klatt unequivocally proved he will be a contender for the MX1 crown with a second place finish behind Facciotti.

Look for local riders like Kyle Keast and Chuck Mesley to be in on the up front action. Mesley recorded second overall on the strength of 2-7 motos in 2007 while Keast snared sixth with 7-8. Paul Carpenter, who registered a double moto win, is not taking part in the series this year.

In MX2 action it’s anybody’s guess who’ll ride off with the overall win. For a number of the contenders, including last weekend’s No.1 & No.4, Leading Edge Kawasaki’s Teddy Maier and KTM Royal Distributing Thor Riverside MX’s Eric Nye, this will be their first time at Gopher Dunes.

Their moment of truth will be lying in front of them as they face off against the likes of Team Suzuki Rockstar Energy OTSFF’s Jeremy Medaglia. The rookie sensation, who carded third overall at Ste. Julie, proved his mettle in the deep sand last year, finishing fourth overall riding as an Intermediate.

Gopher Dunes is located 30 minutes south of Highway 401 on Highway 59, 5 Km south of Highway 3. Tickets are available at the gate.