1 January 2001

It's a perfect day for a look back at the 2000 CMRC Atlantic Motocross season!

We finshed up our 2000 season at the double header weekend in Moncton last October and saw one of the best year's ever in Atlantic Canadian motocross.  Hundreds of riders, new tracks, old tracks getting better all the time and the CMRC Referees, registration folks and track promoters are all doing a fantastic job.  It's a good time to be racing MX in Atlantic Canada.

Especially enjoyable is the large quantity of young racers and their families at the track.  It wasn't always so.  The sheer number of 50, 60 and 80cc riders bodes very well for the future health of MX in our region.  And, the Beginner and Novice classes are also bursting at the seams.  Hopefully we'll continue to produce more Mitchell Cookes and Ryan Lockharts in the future.  Speaking of which, here's a little perspective on some of the tracks and riders in the season that just went past...

TRACKS OF ATLANTIC CANADA

Kingston
I have two favourite tracks on the circuit and this is one of them.  The only sand track in the area, Kirk Avery and his wife Lee Anne do a superb job of organizing each event.  Both races this year were extremely well run, the changes to the track are all positive, and the 50cc track is a fantastic idea.

Riverglade
The oldest track still in use, Riverglade underwent some much needed improvements this season.  Larry Northrup and Earl Doucette have been great stewards of this track over the years.  The topsoil and sand injections have improved things tremendously and the new step-up jump is killer.  Also, hats off to those guys for hosting the National all these years.  That one race gives hope and promise to all our younger riders.  Seeing those national guys race on our home track have shown all of us "what's possible" and Larry and Earl are to be thanked for that.

Meteghan
Many folks say this track is too far away or that it's layout is too simple, etc.  But you know what?  The organizers of this event give it 100% each time we show up there and the track improves each time we go.  Also, it's one of the few tracks which provides water for the riders to wash their bikes.  I look forward to racing at this track every time and I hope the Comeau's continue to offer racing there.

Pleasant Valley
I feel bad for Joanne and Robbie Cooke for the last three races at their lovely track have been nasty quagmires.  Mud races are not fun for anyone involved and it makes it really tough to get specatators out.  Hopefully they won't be too discouraged and continue to make improvements to this challenging track.  Many riders complain about the steep jump faces (and landings) but the track has other virtues not found elsewhere.  Namely the rolling terrain, cambers and great soil.

Fox Hollow
Lee Steeves and gang (Jake Landry, Keith Ratchford, Tubby, who am I missing?!) put this fantastic track together.  A mix of everything imaginable, Fox Hollow has sand, loam, hardpack, and pea gravel.  How often does that happen?  Add in a super mix of cool jumps and hills and you've got a winner.  Fox Hollow should become a classic on the Atlantic scene very soon.  Be sure to check out Lee's motocross school which will be held at the track May 27 and June 24.  Email: lightningleesteeves@hotmail.com for more information.

Keswick Valley
Outside of Fredericton in Burtt's Corner, Terry Bird's track is a mix of sand and loam and is my favourite track on the circuit.  Lots of very cool jumps and a spectator-friendly layout.  Many snivel at how rough the track gets, but I have to admit I kind of like that.  Terry's looking at making the track longer in 2001.

Fredericton Arenacross
The arenacross held at the University of New Brunswick's Aitken Centre last April was a fantastic event!  Terry Bird (same as above) and crew did an outstnading job of preparing the track and bringing in some of Canada's finest racers, as well as a few Americans.  The two-day event has a complete amateur program and should not be missed by either rider or fan.

Truro Arenacross
Promoted by Anthony Turner, Jeremy Wallace and Joanne Cooke  this springtime Atlantic tradition went off without a hitch last year.  After the whoops were tamed down a bit, the racing was excellent and to my recollection, there were no serious injuries.  That's always a bonus with early-season arenacross events!  Their follow up race in November was even better than the Spring event, and we're looking forward to seeing that packed horse stadium again and again.

RIDERS OF ATLANTIC CANADA

Bradley Lockhart
Okay, here's a kid who's more factory than his brother!  He was stylin' with that No Fear setup.  Man, he's growing up fast.  Did everyone notice how he started really racing this Fall?  Brad's got really nice form and style (stands up a lot) and I'm sure he's going to be awesome if he stays with it (I have a feeling he will...).

Zachary Hedeman
I noticed Zachary went up to Walton this year to do battle with the other 50cc riders in Canada, and to be honest, I was surprised he didn't finish first.  Zachary's got a McGrath-like record in the 50cc class - let's hope he continues to learn as he moves up the ranks.

Charlie Smith
Hee hee hee!  Charlie's a great kid with fantastic parents behind him.  Moreover, he's got a really positive, learning attitude which will be the reason he'll go super fast in the future.  Come to think of it, he's going pretty fast now!  His brother Levi seems equally talented and together they might become a fearful MX duo.

Robbie Swinkels
Here's another example of what happens when super kids drag their super parents to the track!  Now that Robbie's healthy again (broke his femur practicing last August) he's rarin' to get back on the bike.  His super-smooth style and laid back attitude is a deadly combination in this sport, and I won't be surprised when Robbie's at the top of the heap.

Shane Elliott
Often overshadowed by some sick-fast punks in the 80cc 7-12 class, Shane is a fine rider in his own right.  Hopefully he's moving up to the big bikes soon as he's quickly out-growing those KX 80's.  Look for Shane at the top of the Junior ranks soon - maybe on a Honda?

Mark Bird
Okay, if you can fish all week and still clean up the 80cc/Supermini class on the weekend, you must have some serious talent!  Mark's a shy, quiet kid with all the promise of his older brother Jamie.  Now if he'd only practice once in a while!  I'm looking forward to the time when/if Mark takes his racing serious - he'll be incredible.

Jaime Swinkels
Will Jaime be known as "Robbie's sister" or will he be known as "Jaime's brother"?!  Hey, it doesn't matter - they're both awesome.  Jaime's got a really nice riding style, and since she moved up to the 125, her confidence has been growing.  She's hitting the jumps faster each time she goes out, and this past Fall, she was definately the smoothest and most confident-looking of the women racers.  If she keeps stays with racing she could become one of Canada's best.

Heidi Cooke
Speaking of Canada's best...  Heidi's one of the best racers I've ever seen.  Period.  Boys, girls, whatever - it doesn't matter.  She's got the original never-say-die attitide and it shows on the track.  If it weren't for the complications of injuries last year, I think Heidi would have given Jessica Paterson, Stefy Bau and Angie Keuntjes a few fits.  As it is, I'm sure she's the top women's rider in Canada and hopefully with an injury free 2001 she'll be one of the top US riders as well.  Combine all this with her stunt work in the upcoming movie "Rollerball" and it's easy to see Heidi's career is only going upward.

Quad guys
Some folks seem to crap on the quad guys but I don't.  I think they're cool and some of them have serious talent.  Did you see the Pro's doing the double-double section at Fredericton?  I was scared just watching them.  Glen Baker is the survivor in this class and he took the Fall Pro championship in 2000.  But what's with Kyle Ledwidge?  He was hauling!  At the Truro AX in November he was doing the 180º turns with his front wheels locked and the rear end swinging around behind him perfectly.  Very impressive!  He's got that 4 banger dialed in for sure.

Derick Scott
Whenever I hear "road warrior" now I think of Derick.  "Dick" (as he's known) is a gifted rider.  For '01 he says he's going to train and get serious again about racing.  Well, if that's true, and his performance in the Team Race at Riverglade was any indication, he'll be smokin' fast this Summer.  A great jumper, Derick just needs some conditioning and another second per lap to stay with the (Pro) leaders for the whole moto.  As it is, he's the undisputed fastest Vet in the land.

Philipe and Ghislain Brealt
Man, all I heard in the pits was Larry (the announcer) talking about these two guys.  They're just coming up through the Junior ranks and Philipe won the +25 class in the Fall.  They're both great riders with nice, smooth styles.  Look for more championships from these guys in '01.

Lowell Sabine
I'm told Lowell is a former Pro racer and you know what?  It's not hard to tell!  Lowell gets that KX 250 of his to haul down the track.  He's a big, strong guy and uses that to his advantage.  I imagine he's moving up to Intermediate for '01.  Those guys should be worried.

Boo Green
And speaking of Intermediates, here's a guy who dominated most of the racing in the 125cc Intermediate class in 2000.  You know, it's hard not to like Boo if you know him, but he's a crazy dude.  Jumping up from the small bikes has been a fairly easy transition for Boo.  This year he raced locally as well as travelling to some (all?) of the 125 East Canadian MX championships and did pretty well, I'm told.  Boo's got a never say die attitude and had several come-from-behind victories this past Fall which were very impressive.  That, and the support of his Dad (David), should keep Boo on the straight and narrow long enough for him to fulfill his promise.

Adam Turner
Another super-talented kid with tons of parental support behind him.  Adam's one of the most talented riders on the circuit (if you haven't noticed) and riding with him this year was a real pleasure.  We trained together a lot last Spring and his speed is improving.  I remember one of the early motos at Kingston where Adam was second (behind Mitch) and it took me the whole moto to catch up to him - he hauls!  He's got a knack for making his bike go fast and shows a great deal of promise.  This year Adam plans to race the 125 East Canadian championships again and I'm willing to bet he makes the program at the majority of the races he enters.  And, when it comes to the 250 Intermediate class, the other guys have some catching up to do.

Blaine Prest
Blaine's the man!  Taking the 125 Pro championship in the Fall, Blaine showed some impressive speed all year.  But what's scary is how fast he goes on his practice track - nobody can stay with him!  Blaine's an old school racer who doesn't like to lose, but you know, I've never seen Blaine take someone out or even block pass anyone, for that matter.  Maybe under than tough exterior Blaine's just a big teddy bear.  Hmmmm... maybe not!  Looking forward to many more great battles with Blaine in the future.

Lee Steeves
Even though Lee didn't win any championships this past Fall, I'd be remiss in not mentioning him here.  Lee's one of the hardest working riders on the circuit and in fact, right now he's in Florida training for the upcoming season.  Lee's got a great work ethic and a never-say-die attitude.  If he's able to develop his skills in even the slightest amount, Lee's going to be awesome.  Look for Lee at the front of the Pro pack this Summer.

Avery MacDonald
Avery just moved to the Pro class at the end of the Fall series.  He's got his own track (which has local racing) in Loch Lomond, Cape Breton, and he's a former hotshot snowboarder.  It's not hard to tell he's a talented guy (just ride around a track with him someday) and he's one of the gutsiest jumpers in the Atlantic.  I always watch Avery in practice to see what jumps he's doing.  I expect Avery to do very well in Pro, and if he continues to improve his skills, he could be one of the top riders in our region.

Jamie Bird
Another way-fast rider who didn't win any championships this Fall but who is one of the fastest riders in Atlantic Canada right now.  Having just moved up from Intermediate, Jamie had an incredible 2000 year with many trips to the USA (NESC races in New England) and he also qualifed and raced at Loretta Lynn's.  How many Atlantic Canadians can say that?  Jamie's got a fluid, energy-conserving style which allows him to use his slight frame to advantage.  Light riders have really good power-to-weight ratios and Jamie used that to holeshot the 125 National at Riverglade last summer.  If you didn't see his performance that moto (9th) you truly missed out.  I expect Jamie will go as far in motocross as he wants - his parents are behind him all the way.

Kirk Avery
The master four-stroker has turned to the tiddler class for 2001.  Kirk Avery is one of Atlantic Canada's greatest motocrossers ever.  His epic battles with Johhny Montes are legendary.  But did you know Kirk was an Intermediate when *I* was in Junior?  We're talking 1986 here people.  That's 14 years ago - almost older than Mitchell Cooke!  Anyway, Kirk was awesome to watch then, and he's awesome today.  For 2001 he'll be riding his new CR 125 and I hope he's planning to race the whole series.  The Pro class is getting larger and more competitive and Kirk is sure to be at the front no matter who else is there.

Johnny Montes
Talk about your greatest Atlantic Canadian racers...  Johnny surely fits that description.  With more Pro championships than (perhaps?) MX legend Glen Hoar, Johnny is one of the finest riders I've ever had the pleasure to witness.  His riding style is so good it's scary.  There's a lot of "what if's" surrounding Johhny's career, but let's all be glad he continues to race here in our region.  Without his speed and style, many of our top riders today would have had little to shoot for over the years.  No word yet on his plans for 2001 but I hope he rounds up another bike and joins the fun.

Ryan Lockhart
Supernewf has been racing Atlantic Motocross since he was, like, four years old or something.  I remember seeing Ryan race around Riverglade way back in 1991.  It's too bad I didn't get to see him race around Riverglade in 2000, but injuries forced him out of much of the action this year.  Without question Ryan is one of Canada's top motocrossers, and certainly one of the fastest to come from this region.  Geared up with Honda's this year, Ryan's got a racers heart and if he keeps it on two wheels in 2001, he'll be back at the front of Canadian Pro motocross.  

Mitchell Cooke
Atlantic Canada's fastest export to date, Mitchell has a bright future ahead of him.  One of the more talented of the National riders, Mitch is also the best jumper in Canada today.  In the air he keeps his bike lower than everybody else and therefore gets back on the gas sooner.  Those skills helped him reach a 4th place finish at the Riverglade National last summer.  Re-signed with Two-Wheel Pro Action Kawasaki, Mitchell is the only Canadian on the three-man team and I expect he'll be a contender for the 125 East championship.  

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2001

So there you have it - a little re-cap on the 2000 Atlantic MX season.  Hope you enjoyed it and I haven't alienated too many people (!!).  

2001 looks very good already: there's some talk about a national CMRC Arenacross championship, a new track in PEI, a new track in Troy, Nova Scotia (Port Hawkesbury) and more local Arenacrosses this Spring than you can shake a stick at. Also, the PRO TECH suspension shop has expanded East in the form of Anthony Turner - which means trackside suspension service for the first time in Atlantic Canada.  And, along with this website, Paul Smith (www.fastbydesign.com) is also promoting the Atlantic scene.  Things are hoppin' in Atlantic Canada - I just can't wait for the first event in April!

See you all in 2001.  

Roddy