Quantz doubles opening round

By John Hopkins

Calgary's Greg Quantz claimed victory in the Expert 600 and 250 classes at the opening round of the CMA National Ice Race Championships in Cow Lake Feb. 8.

In the Expert 600 division, Quantz rode his Yamaha to first place ahead of fellow Calgary rider Bryan Watt, also on a Yamaha, and the Husaberg of Airdrie, AB's Monty Brown, respectively. Michel Grenier of Gatineau, QC (Yamaha), Sean Potter of Aldersyde, AB (Yamaha) and Airdrie's Pat O'Grady (Honda) rounded out the top six point scorers.

In the 250 division Quantz was followed home by Watt, Grenier, Potter, Edmonton's Darin Deep on a Honda and the Yamaha of Calgary racer Pawel Czerwony.

Spruce Grove, AB's Mitch Hlushak was also a double class winner, taking both the Intermediate 600 and 250 victories on his Yamaha. Mitchell Brown of Airdrie was second in both classes, on a Husaberg in 600 and a Yamaha in 250. Third in 600 was Scott Coonfer of Chestermere, AB on a Husaberg while Red Deer's Yvo Schmucki claimed the final podium spot in 250 aboard a KTM.

Riley Stormoen of Water Valley, AB won Novice 600 on his Yamaha while Calgary's Colin Brock took Novice 250 on a KTM. The Youth 85cc winner was Red Deer racer Trent Hlushak on a Yamaha.

Other class victories went to Laurie Anne Benko (Women), Monty Brown (Veteran), Charles Wakelin (ATV Expert Over 500), Mitch Hlushak (ATV Expert Under 500), Bill Mackie (ATV Novice Over 500), Jamie Cayer (ATV Novice Under 500), Steve Patriquin and Robert Law (Sidecar Traditional) and Matt and Scott Coonfer (Sidecar Modified).