Goerke’s clean sweep, 1-1 overall finish seals team’s first ever MX1 title
Kamloops, BC(August 13, 2012) Heading into round 8 of the 9-round Monster Energy CMRC Canadian Motocross Championship in Richmond, ON, both MX2 rider, Teddy Maier, and MX1 rider, Matt Goerke, held commanding leads in their respective classes. The threat of rain in the small hamlet just outside Ottawa didn’t stop a large crowd from gathering and cheering for their favourite riders. The nasty weather stayed away from the Sand Del Lee track and everyone was treated to some great racing.
With #108 Kyle Beaton still in a Moncton hospital recovering from a leg injury, Maier was the sole MX2 rider for the Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki team. Maier admitted he was nervous as he tried to capture his 2nd MX2 title and went into Sunday trying to leave MX101 with as many points as he could.
He got off to a strong start in his first moto and passed the green flag to end lap one in 2nd place behind his closest rival in the points, Jeremy Medaglia. Protecting his points lead and nursing a sore shoulder from a practice fall, Teddy settled into 2nd position and remained there until the checkered flag.
When the gate dropped for moto 2, Maier, once again, found himself safely near the front of the pack. This time, he settled into 3rd position and stayed comfortable while not taking any un-necessary chances with his 27-point lead. At the end of the day, Maier’s 2-3 moto scores secured him 3rd and left him with a comfortable 19-point lead.
In the MX1 class, both Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki riders, Tyler Villopoto, and series leader, Matt Goerke, headed onto the moist sandy track looking to have a great day. Villopoto got out to a top-10 start in the first moto and worked his way up to 4th by the 5th lap. He would end the race in 7th spot and put his Kawasaki 450 into the same position in the second moto. His two 7th place scores placed him in 6th overall for the day.
Goerke went into the day with a comfortable lead atop the MX1 points and that meant he could have simply sat back and protected his lead, but that’s not what Goerke had in mind. He was in 5th spot early in the first moto and slowly worked his way past the front runners until, when he received the halfway sign, he was in the lead and pulling away. In the end, Goerke crossed the line in 1st place and took the maximum points heading into the 2nd moto.
At the start of the final MX1 moto, Matt found himself chasing familiar rival, Dusty Klatt. The two managed to slowly leave the rest of the field behind and would wage one of the best lead battles of the year. Lap after lap, Goerke hounded Klatt, looking for any opening he could find. Lapped riders played a part in the race and Goerke was even forced off the track in a corner as he attacked Klatt. He was finally able to make the pass as the two entered the famed ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ section. Once the pass was made, he motored on to yet another win and 1-1 day.
With full points for the round, Goerke has clinched the national MX1 title with one round remaining. On the podium, Matt said, “This is great and it feels awesome!” This in Matt’s first Canadian championship and the presentation will be made next week on the big stage at the Walton track.
The series now moves to the small town of Walton, ON for the 9th and final round of the series where Matt Goerke will be crowned MX1 champion and Teddy Maier is likely to make it a clean sweep for the team.
For more information on the Monster Energy CMRC Canadian Motocross Nationals, visit www.cmrcracing.com
To check out more photos from the weekend and a behind the scenes look at the Monster Energy Leading Edge team, make sure to “like” our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Monster-Energy-Leading-Edge-Kawasaki/125003157570156
The team wants to give a huge thanks to all their sponsors who are making their 2012 Canadian National effort possible. We can’t do it without you!
Monster Energy, Leading Edge Kawasaki, Parts Canada, Thor, Motul, Alpinestars, FMF, C4MX, Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Graeme Brough Suspension, Smith Optics, VP Fuels, Pirelli Tires, Lime Nine, Renthal, Mechanix Wear, Zeta, Moto Tassinari, Matrix Concepts, Sunstar, D.I.D, Acerbis, Hinson Clutch Components, Boyesen, Stomp Designs, Pro Wheel, LeoVince Carbon Fiber, CV Products, Goldfren Brakes, XTRIG Triple Clamps, DRC Hardware, TM Designworks, JE Pistons, All Balls Racing, K and N Filters, Acceleration Fitness
8/14/2012 4:18pm
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