Moncton, New Brunswick (August 5, 2012) –The only Atlantic stop in the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals, hosted by Riverglade MX Park, was a huge success. For the fifth time this season Matt Goerke and his Monster Energy Leading Edge Thor Kawasaki swept the MX1 podiums. In doing this, he extended his points lead from closest competitor Bobby Kiniry on his Rockstar Energy OTSFF Motovan.com Yamaha who sits in a solid second place.
The MX2 class saw KTM Duroy Racing Motovan's Kaven Benoit earn his second victory in 2012. Of the six motos he's raced since returning to the series, Benoit has won five. Not bad for coming off the injured list.
Privateer Kawasaki racer Morgan Burger, of Nampa, Idaho, grabbed the holeshot in the opening moto of the MX1 class. Burger was quickly passed by Redemption Racing Kawasaki's Gavin Gracyk, of Blissfield, Ohio. Gracyk lead the field for the first five laps until Goerke would assume the position.
At the races half way point KTM Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox Racing’s Dusty Klatt moved around Gracyk to take away the second place position. Gracyk continued to ride tough as he battled to stay in third place. In end Kiniry’s pressure was just too much to take, as he knocked Gracyk off the podium to take third place.
In moto 2 of the MX1 class, Goerke made short work of the field, securing the holeshot and quickly asserting himself as the rider to beat. Kiniry was able to move into second place on the opening lap, while Klatt charged through the pack after a poor start to take the final spot on the podium in third place.
Goerke's lead in the MX1 class standings is now at 47 points over Kiniry. The point spread will make it possible for him wrap up the 2012 Monster Energy Motocross National Championship next weekend at Sand De Lee before the final series round at Walton Raceway August 19th.
In the MX2 class, Monster Energy Leading Edge Thor Kawasaki’s Kyle Beaton of Surrey, British Columbia grabbed the holeshot to start moto 1. Beaton maintained the lead for the opening two laps, before Benoit would win the battle for the lead. KTM Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox Racing’s Jeremy Medaglia of Kemptville, Ontario and Scott Sports KTM’s Topher Ingalls, of Templeton, California quickly followed Benoit to move around Beaton taking the second and third positions.
One lap later Monster Energy Leading Edge Thor Kawasaki’s Teddy Maier, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, would also move passed Beaton, leaving Beaton to fight for fifth place with Checkpoint Yamaha’s Spencer Knowles of New Westminster, British Columbia. During the fifth place battle, Beaton and Knowles would challenge each other, trading the position back and forth. Unfortunately while battling both riders would come together to knock them both out of the race, leaving Beaton with a season ending broken ankle.
As the checkered flag fell Benoit took the win, followed by Medaglia and Maier.
In moto 2, Benoit took advantage of a strong start, securing the holeshot while opening up a five second lead over point’s leader Maier. The two riders paced one another for nearly the entire moto finishing over thirty seconds ahead of Medaglia who overcame a mid-pack start to work his way into third place.
Riverglade Notes
In the MX1 class reigning 2011 series champion, KTM Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox Racing’s Colton Facciotti and Gopher Dunes Racing Honda’s Tyler Medaglia were both sidelined due to injuries. Facciotti and Medaglia currently sit fifth and sixth in the series points championship. At this time, both riders return to racing is questionable for next weekend.
The competition of 2012 Monster Energy Motocross Nationals will continue Sunday, August 12th from Sand Del Lee”s Motocross Facility, located just outside our nation’s capital in Ottawa, Ontario.
