Edie snags three wins

From the Alberta Mini Roadracing Association

CALGARY, AB -- Round one of the six-round AMRA national series commenced in Calgary after an emergency change of venue due to predictions of spring blizzard-like conditions at Stratotech Park in central Alberta. Despite the last minute locale change almost 100 class entries competed at this national event sponsored by Midwest Motosports Canada Ltd.

After the enforced Canadian winter hiatus, race day opened with beautiful warm Alberta weather. The first class on the line was the Spec Supersport class, predicted to be dominated by Bodhi Edie and his PMP Honda Powerhouse dealer sponsored CBR125R. A valiant effort was displayed by AMRA President and Youth Mentor Jay Fox, but Edie quickly pulled away from the group. After two heats overall results saw Saskatchewan Mini Roadracing Associations (SMRA) Edie in first, followed by AMRA's Fox and SMRA President Emil Peev.

Formula Thunder was dominated by AMRA's KJ Gamblin from Sherwood Park, AB. AMRA Vice President Robbie Haynes was excited to be on the grid with his protégé and nephew Cody Conrad. Conrad's lap times were only a half second behind his uncle's after the first heat. Two heats and overall results saw 15-year-old Gamblin pull an early lead in the '09 point series followed by 11-year-old Conrad in second and Haynes in third.

In the first Formula 80 heat Edie, Fox, Rob Ross, Ian McWhirter, Jay Baloch and Haynes freight trained around the 1100m track. Edie led the first seven laps, closely followed by McWhirter and Fox. Lap five caught Haynes "daydreaming" coming out of corner one, the highest speed corner at Varsity Chrysler Speed Park and he crashed. McWhirter took over the lead for laps eight through 11 but on the final lap Edie lined up McWhirter, came in underneath and smoothly pulled away into the final two corners to secure the lead.

Heat two of the Formula 80 class was very similar to the morning's competition, with Edie schooling all who attempted to usurp him. Overall results found Edie with an early point lead followed by Fox, Ross and 14-year-old Emerson Lefurgey.

McWhirter leads the Motard Class, which ran in combination with the Formula GP class.

Haynes will be out for round two of the series with a fractured collarbone, but should be healed for round three at the end of June in Calgary.

Formula Pocketbike was dominated by '08 Pocketbike 40cc Provincial and National Class Champion Chris Mah. Twins Daniel and Pierre Pelletier fended off International competitor Chris Mooney from Dublin, Ireland to finish second and third, respectively. Class Sponsor Brendon Schmidt from Grinn and Barrett Motosports maintained an extreme spectator's viewpoint to finish in fifth place, promising a stronger finish in the upcoming rounds.

The Canadian Powersports Group-sponsored 'Thumper' class ran with the 17" Thunder class. Defending National Thunder Champion Jay Fox, with pole, got his patented holeshot and led a train consisting of Gamblin, Ian McWhirter, Matt Bagshaw, Jay Baloch and Rob Ross until the later moments of the race. On lap seven Bagshaw came in underneath Fox in the hairpin, charging out to remain in the lead for the final few laps of the heat. Fellow competitors followed Bagshaw through the hairpin leaving Fox to finish in fourth overall.

Thunder standings at the end of the day saw Bagshaw with Gold, Gamblin with a Silver and Baloch with Bronze. Thumper standings saw champion McWhirter with Gold and Stuart Pullen with Silver.

Round two of the Canadian National Mini Roadracing Series will take place June 13-14 at 3 Flags Motorsports Park in Regina hosted by the Prairie Sport Riders Association.

Results
Formula 80: Bodhi Edie, Warman Sask, Jay Fox, Calgary Alberta, Rob Ross, Calgary Alberta
Motard: Ian McWhirter, Calgary Alberta
Thunder: Matt Bagshaw, Calgary Alberta, KJ Gamblin, Edmonton Alberta, Jay Baloch, Calgary Alberta
Formula Thumper: Patrice Lambert, Edmonton Alberta
Thumper: Ian McWhirter Calgary AB, Stuart Pullen, Calgary Alberta
Formula Thunder: KJ Gamblin, Edmonton Ab, Cody Conrad, Calgary AB, Rob Haynes, Calgary Ab
Spec Supersport: Bodhi Edie, Warman Sask, Jay Fox, Calgary AB, Emil Peev, Saskatoon Sask
Under 21 Spec: Bodhi Edie, Warman Sask, Matt Bagshaw, Calgary Alberta, Emil Peev, Saskatoon Sask
Formula under 21: Emil Peev, Saskatoon SK, Emerson Lefurgey, Calgary Ab, Cody Conrad, Calgary Ab
Spec Over 21: Rob Ross, Calgary Alberta, Jay Fox, Calgary, AB, Ian McWhirter, Calgary Alberta
Formula Over 21: Jay Fox, Calgary, AB, Rob Ross, Calgary Alberta, Ian McWhirter, Calgary Alberta
Pocket Bike Open: Christopher Mah, Edmonton, Daniel Pelletier, Edmonton, Pierre Pelletier, Edmonton
Pocket Bike 40cc: Christopher Mah, Edmonton, Daniel Pelletier, Edmonton, Pierre Pelletier, Edmonton