H.O.T. Toronto Race Report

The weekend started off on the right foot with the Honda of Troy Squad being featured on Press Day. Michael Willard- and his Canadian racing history- made him a favorite with the news and television crews.

The additional track time proved to do our guys some good, making a transfer from the day practice into the night program a breeze. #92 Willard ran impressive laps inside the top 10 in timed qualifying. The gate lineup put Kilbarger and Willard in the First Heat and Durham and Lipanovich in the Second. Kilbarger and Willard rode a solid heat race and qualified directly into the main with a 12th & 18th gate pick for the main. Durham and Lipanovich didn’t fair as well as Lipanovich got one of his patented good starts but struggled through the first long timing section. Sean found himself just outside of qualifying in 12th place come race end. Durham was running a strong 6th on lap 2 of the second heat. He made a pass on Metcalf for 5th and gapped him about a second when a technical rhythm section claimed him, sending him over the handlebars, head first into the ground and right into Metcalf’s path. Darryn struggled to get to his feet and the medical staff did what they could to comfort him. It was off to the Asterisk Medical truck for him where an examination showed no breaks just a solid shot to the head that would keep him out of the last chance qualifier and there for main event.

The main event was on and it was some of the best racing we have seen yet this year. #412 Kilbarger shot out of the gate with a respectable 12th place start. #92 Willard got pushed to the outside of the track and into the tuff blocks. He was forced to stop and kick a tuff block cover off of his bike putting him about a full straightaway down on the last place guy – he had his work cut out for him. #412 was in an intense battle with multiple riders and this slowed his pace allowing Willard to catch their pack. Willard and Kilbarger put on one heck of a race with each other for about 5 laps before the sand section caused Kilbarger's rear wheel to lock up and his bike to stall on lap 6. #92 Willard never looked back and charged forward. Michael rode with intensity that we have not see out of him to this point. Over each and every jump he had his head on a swivel looking to see who was in front of him and who he was going to claim next. Come lap 8, he saw #341 Izzy was about 5 seconds out and he put on an inspiring charge catching and passing Nicco on lap 12. At the end of his charge Michael was able to net himself 9th in the main-an impressive finish when taking into account he passed 10 competitors to earn his place. After refiring, the #412 Kilbarger was able to fight off multiple riders and still put in a solid 14th place finish. Levi shows the heart and desire of a true champion and deserves the opportunity to show what he can do when he is healthy. He continues to battle the pains of his leg injury and has been plagued with fatigue issues.

Everyone is looking forward to heading to Dallas this week and experiencing the new Dallas Stadium – The HoT crew and team continues to grow and improve with each and every passing week. Darryn Durham is fully ready to go this week with only a few bumps and bruises that he will not let stifle his quest towards the podium.

The Honda of Troy/Kilbarger Racing Team would like to acknowledge the sponsors who make this effort possible.

Honda of Troy, Kilbarger Racing LLC, Eleven 10 Mods, WAR - We All Ride, Fox Racing Shox, Cycra Racing, Motorex, TAG Metals, Yoshimura, Motion Pro, Renegade Race Fuel, Faction Mx, N-Style, Dunlop, DP Brake Pads, QTM, G2 Ergonomics, ARC, Boyesen, Light Speed, Hinson, RK/Excel, Ride Eng., Hammerhead, Straight Shot Air Filters, Bell Helmets, Hot Hedz Designs, Von Zipper, Total Image AutoSport, Kicker, ICW, Rocks Racing Services, Injectioneering, IMS Foot Pegs, Franklin Equipment, and Gabriel Logan

Photos: Jeff Kardy – www.kardyphoto.com