Out of the Blue - Eastern Preview

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Denaye Giroux pulled off a much-wanted #1w plate, June 19 at Wild Rose MX Park in Calgary. BC's Missy Hackett and Rachel Springman rounded off the overall top three. The complete top 10 for the CMRC Western Women's Nationals are:

1.Denaye Giroux
2. Missy Hackett
3. Rachel Springman
4. Camille Baker
5. Sydney Dickson
6. Sierra Roth
7. Amy Aspell
8. Lacy Stock
9. Brittany Danyluk
10. Annelise Shendruk

Title winner Denaye Giroux has been busy racing in the states and she sent over this email as she was on her way to Millville to take on the WMA race.

"Winning the title meant alot to me, especially because I have been working at this for so long. I don't think that some people realize how much the women riders are putting in to this sport. We do the same amount of hard work as the guys do, We want to win just as badly as they do, and having a Women's series that gives us this opportunity is huge. I know we still need alot of work to get the series to a level higher, but that will take a few years to get the numbers up.

I love this sport, and I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't, everyone has their fair share of bad luck, I know from experience that you can't just give up. There were times where I didn't think this was worth it, but I take it all back now after winning this year.... Hard work pays off!! See you all in Walton in a few weeks!"

2nd overall Missy Hackett sent this over.

'2011 Nationals were great! I had a blast doing it on my Echo Cycle Husqvrana CR 150! It was a shame that the series got cut to 3 races, 3 weekends in a row and 2nd & 3rd place overall didn't get plaques or recognition this year. Hopefully next year we can see the series back to its fullest and more girls lined up. The tracks this year were great and so much fun to ride. The competition really stepped up this year and made for some close exciting racing.'

3rd overall Rachel Springman also shared her thoughts on the season.

'I thought the series went very well! The racing was so close, the tracks were so different every round, and I had a blast. Even though the numbers were lower this year then usual, I do think that the series went smoothly and there will hopefully be more signups next year. I am super pumped I accomplished my goal of a top three in the series, and that every girl stayed safe out there! I'd like to thank Holeshot Motosports, Springman's Saab, and especially my Mom and Dad, they do so much for me.'

The women's series now moves to the east with Canada's toughest track up first. 2010 east champ, Heidi Cooke won't be there to defend her title as she's expecting a baby this fall. There was rumour that American Taylor Miller would be back to defend her overall national title, but nothing recent has surfaced. We will find out this coming weekend in Courtland, ON.

Eastern Nationals Schedule

July 16/17            Gopher Dunes, Courtland, Ontario

July 23/24            Circuit de Ste-Julie, Ste-Julie, Quebec

August 6/7          Sand Del Lee, Richmond, Ontario

#1 Heidi Cooke

2010 East Champion
2010 Out of the Blue / Parts Canada / Anti-Gravity Top Rider - East

KTM 250SX-F
This 8-time Canadian Champion will unfortunatly not be able to line up to defend her title as she is expecting a baby this October. Expect to see her on a KTM next season to take another run at it!

#4 Karly Pozdnekoff

KX250F
Karly will be racing the East this year since she is finishing up nursing school in Ontario. She has a final preceptorship to do this summer, but she’ll make time for the three eastern rounds. She’s been “going to the gym religiously” and was able to get some rides in this past spring. Karly is sponsored by New Way Motorsports Kawasaki and Fly Racing gear. Karly is a tough and aggressive rider. I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets a podium finish at at least one of the rounds.

#323 Jocelyn Facciotti

RMZ250

Jocelyn is suppose to dust off the boots and make her comeback this weekend at Gopher for the Gopher Dunes Suzuki team. If all goes well we may see her take on the rest of the series and take a run at the title! She will be sporting a new number and of course a new name that has a reputation for going fast!

Jocelyn will make her return to racing at Gopher Dunes this weekend! James Lissimore Photo.

#19 Mischa Wright
KTM 144SX

Mischa was 20^th at Walton last year and finished the East in 10^th. For 2011 she is sponsored by O'neal, Spy, OC Suspension, and Parker Bros.

#28 Alex Josey
Husqvarna CR 125

Alex was unable to contest the 2010 Eastern Nationals due to a serious knee injury. She’s back and fired up for the 2011 season. She’ll take in all three of the national races and is pumped to be on the sand tracks. She’d like to thank RPM Cycle, Motovan and mom and dad.

#33 Jessica “Longname” Malaknejadorangiz
CRF 250
Jessica spent a month in California this winter with Todd Schumlick and the PerformX crew, training and getting ready for the eastern nationals. Jessica: “I had an amazing time and learned more then I could have ever imagined. I am just going to put my head down and work hard until Gopher comes around and I’ll be ready this year!”

Kirsten will take a run at the tittle after a strong season last year. James Lissimore Photo.

#810 Kirsten MacDonald
RMZ 250F
Kirsten finished the 2010 East series with a 4^th place standing and was 3^rd at Walton. Kirsten will contest the nationals as well as Maguires Motocross Racing Series. She spent the off-season playing rep hockey, snowboarding and at the gym. Kirsten will most likely be riding in the top five and will perhaps put some pressure on the leaders.

Sponsors: D.O.T Racing, MMRS, Mom & Dad, Jimmy Sommers

#227 Whitney Löken
KTM 125
This will be Whitney’s first year racing all three eastern nationals. Last year she placed 6^th at Sand del Lee. This privateer is sponsored by Inglis Cycle and Xtreme Toys, W1P, offroadmotorcycles.ca and Scorpion Racing, and Injuries Centre. She spent the off-season in school, working and ice racing. Whitney: “My boyfriend made me some ice tires and it was a blast! We made tracks on a couple ponds and they were great corner practice! It got a little cold so I went to Canadian Tire and bought some hunting toe warmers so it wasn't too bad after that.”

Whitney Locken spent her winter training on ice. Photo courtesy of Locken

Chloe Poncia Myre
YZ250F
Chloe will contest the series with her teammate and sister, Isabella. Chloe finished 11^th in the East last year and was 15^th at Walton. Chloe kept in shape this winter on her bike at XTown religiously every week. Her sponsors include Weelsport, Brown Motorsports, Yamaha, OCS Suspension, mom and dad. Expect Chloe to do well at Sand del Lee, her home track.

Sara Laliberté

A few years back, Sara surprised the moto world at Walton when she climbed on to the podium as a “no name.” She’s been keeping her momentum going in the following years, being one of Quebec’s fastest girls. Last year she raced only Ste-Julie, placing 7^th, a lower-than-usual placing for the Acton-Vale native. However, she had been focusing on completing her post-secondary education and now she is a paramedic, which has taken up a lot of her time. This is her first year out of school and into the work field, so she on-call and is unable to commit to motocross. She hopes to take in at least one provincial race, but you will not see Sara line up for the nationals.

#13 Cindy Trudel
Cindy will not be racing this year due to a knee injury. She won’t be bored this year as she hopes to have another baby. She already has her race plans for 2012 and her sponsors are lined up: Kawasaki Canada, Jac Motosport St-Jérome, Bell Helmet, Kimpex, Shot Race Gear, Torco and OCS Suspension. She will also keep busy teaching motocross classes and remain a coach for one particular female rider. She also has plans to head to Florida this coming winter. Cindy is a fast Quebec rider and placed 6^th in the 2010 Eastern standings.

Shantel DePaepe will also not be racing this year. She is attending school which eats up her time and money. Once school is done, she hopes to be back on the track.

Atlantic rider, Alex Josey, missed last season due to a serious injury. Last year was her planned debut on the Husky, but it’s been pushed to this season. So far, she seems to be the only on contesting the series out east on a Husqvarna.

Alex, how pumped are you to race the Eastern Nationals this year after spending last summer off the bike?

I'm very pumped to race the Eastern Nationals this year. Can't wait to see how fast everyone is and ride new tracks.

How have been able to keep in shape despite your 2010 injury?

Exercise was a huge play in recovery after surgery in 2010, so it wasn't too long before I could get back in the gym and the bicycle.

Being on a Husky sets you visually apart from the rest of the pack which is normally filled with Yamahas, Hondas, Suzukis and Kawis. How different is the Husky?

The Husqvarna definitely looks different from the rest of the pack, but I couldn't ask for a better bike. I'd like to thank Husqvarna Canada and RPM Cycle for helping me out this year.
 

In Canada, what track is your absolute favourite and why?

I love sand tracks and would have to say Sand Del Lee is one of my favourites, but I can't wait to race Gopher Dunes.
 

What rider do you look up to?

I love watching Tatum Sik because her style is awesome and, of course, Heidi Cooke since she's taught me a lot of what I know.

What are your expectations for this summer?

I really don't know where I am after not racing last year, but my goal would to be top 5 for sure.
 

Were the results of the Western Nationals what you expected?

I definitely expected Denaye to be on top. She's been working hard for a while and it paid off.

Most of the female riders go through a hiatus after high school when their focus turns from motocross to their post secondary education and future careers (and for some -raising a family). Unfortunately, in Canada, for a female rider, it’s almost impossible to make a career out of racing. Sara Laliberté, Cindy Trudel and Shantal DePaepe are only a handful of the many riders that will not be racing this summer due to prior commitments. However, Karly Pozdnekoff was able to pursue her studies and motocross. The Alberta native will be racing the east this year, which is a bit of a change.

Karly will be taking on the east coast this year! James Lissimore Photo.

Hey Karly, how's school going? Are you excited to almost be done and working as a nurse?

School went really well, all finished!  I recently completed my final practicum at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener on Maternity. I loved it and I can’t wait to start working, which will hopefully be soon and in the meantime studying for the big exam in September.

Congrats! Is being a nurse always been a dream of yours?

I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, probably from about grade six. It’s always been my dream career, mostly because it is challenging and definitely a lot of hard school work; you are continuously pushed out of your comfort zone and discover your own values. You deal with people at their best and their worst. My commitment to nursing is as strong as it was when I got my first "Nursing Kit" as a little girl. I appreciate the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' day-to-day lives and I find the profession endlessly rewarding.

 
How excited are you to race Gopher Dunes, Ste-Julie, and SDL? Would you have preferred Riverglade?

Pretty excited, I love all three tracks. To be honest I’m not too upset about not going to Riverglade, although it is very beautiful out there, just a long trip!

Being from the West, what track will you miss this year?

I’d have to say Kamloops and Calgary; I will miss Raymond too which was my home track.

Any expectations for this summer?

My expectations for myself are to be consistent and stay relaxed since it is a short series and a mistake can cost a lot. I would love to attain a top five number again for next year, I feel like I keep improving every season.

The eastern nationals commences this coming weekend at Gopher Dunes in Southern Ontario. I will not be able to make it to that race, however, like always, I will see you at Sand del Lee!