Keast strikes twice

From CMRC Racing

The Auburn Hills track was epic this weekend for Round 2 of the Motovan.com Ontario Provincial Championships. The $8000 of purse and prizes offered up held a second to the immaculate track.

“I really put a lot of effort into my track in the last two weeks,” said promoter Tom Bitz as he surveyed the track earlier Saturday morning. Re-designed pits, new track designs and expanded medical support made for one of the best events Auburn Hills has held in 10 years of racing.

The Pro racing was the headliner of the event with names like Doug Dehaan and Derek Fisher making series debuts against regulars Kyle Keast, Ryan Gauld, Pierce Chamberlain, Ryan Lockhart and Joel Sarrits.

Machine Racing’s Keast (MX1 1-1, MX2 2-1) raced to two overall wins in both the MX1 and MX2 action. “I actually got a couple of good starts, and that helps with the guys going so good here this weekend,” said Keast. “I am pretty happy so far. Next weekend I will be in Port Perry, which is my home track and then it is time for the Nationals so I am really pumped. The season is going really well for me right now.”

With another impressive second in the MX1 and a third in MX2, Gauld (MX1 3-2, MX2 4-3) continued to show strong form and looks to be in a good position to take a run at the MX1 and MX 2 title in Ontario championship action.

Nova Scotia’s Lockart (MX1 2-0, MX2 1-2) was all smiles with the track conditions. “The track is just awesome, lots of ruts in the corners and it is just so fun to ride.” Lockhart pushed his Suzuki to a second overall finish in the MX2, but a costly second moto DNF ended his strong day on a low note in MX1 action.

Lightning Powersports-backed Saarits (MX1 4-3) had an up and down week leading up to Auburn Hills. His bike was stolen, and then recovered. Saarits showed up at Auburn and showed character taking a third overall in the MX1 class.

Other notables included Suzuki's Marcus Burke, who went 1-1 in 125cc Junior action; Mx101's Paul Kelly swept the Vet Junior action; and Stan Stuinski took 2-1 overall in +50. For complete results see www.cmrcracing.com.

This weekend's CMRC-sanctioned racing in Southwestern Ontario moves to SJG Fourwinds Motocross Track in Port Perry, May 21.