Melita Race Report
Manitoba Motocross Association: Race Report from Sandy Oaks Raceway in Melita, Manitoba
photos and report by Evan Taylor
Love it or hate it, Round Three of the MMA Spring Series was held in the sandy hills of Melita’s Sandy Oaks Raceway. Closing into the weekend more and more rain struck across Manitoba causing flood water levels in some areas of the province’s southern communities. However some 300 motocross hardcores braved the storms and made the trek to the infamous Melita sand track. It paid off as Sunday morning the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun came out which made for a great day of racing.
The buzz in the pits this weekend was of the appearance of Saskatchewan’s Denaye Giroux. The CMRC Women’s National #3 made her mark on the Ladies class taking both motos. Giroux also took on the boys in MX-2 Intermediate where she finished 12th overall.
Local Travis Mosset (827) grabbed a holeshot in the first Youth B moto and didn’t look back. Mosset finished second overall in Youth B and also picked up a sixth in MX-2 Junior.
Mike Larter (947) sure showed his sand skills this weekend. Larter took his Yamaha to a third overall payout in MX-1 Intermediate.
Hayden McKinny was all ones in Melita. The KTM rider won every moto in the 85cc 12 - 16 and Supermini categories.
Tracks like Melita really allow the still existant big-bike two-strokes to stand out. For those of you who know me I am a tad biased towards the mighty little 125 two-strokes. I decided for this report to showcase the following three riders who really stood out on their tiddlers.
Jacy Friesen was on the gas in Melita as he earned a pair of second place finishes in MX-2 Beginner giving him second overall aboard his black CR125R.
After taking a ninth overall finish in Vet Master Dwayne Paterson, at the reins of his YZ125, finished an impressive third overall in MX-2 Intermediate.
Although most of their peers have continued onto four-strokes after graduating from 85’s Nathan Regier (40), younger brother Tom Regier and younger sister Rachel Regier still rock their Kawasaki 125’s in their respective classes. Nathan finished a solid fourth overall in MX-2 Intermediate.
Riding a vintage Suzuki RM250 and even sporting all of the vintage apparel, Lance Gastafson left Melita with a seventh in Plus 40.
Justin Klassen stood atop the second position of the MX-1 Junior podium.
Almost in a class of his own, Ethan Scott was crowned winner of the 50cc 7 - 8 class.
Joel Reimer took his ATV to the top position in both ATV Pro motos.
Warren Wiebe had it in the bag since the start as the only entry in ATV Beginner.
Transcanada Motorsport’s Brady Breemersch took his Kawasaki to the overall in MX-2 Pro at his home track.
Matthew Stokes was styling his KTM to a third overall finish in the 50cc 4 - 6 class.
Coming out on top of a Youth A first place tie breaker between himself and Jeremy Breemersh was Westside Honda’s Chris Plett.
Another 4 for 4 winner in Melita was Brian Klassen. Klassen took all four motos of 85cc 7 - 11 and 65cc Pee Wee classes.
Marvin Penner took both motos and the overall in Vet Junior action.
Jeff Morgan rounded out the MX-1 Beginner podium behind Jordan Toews and Dustin Coupland respectively.
Making his first appearance on the track this season was the always competitive Mike Harms. Harms quickly put in a top five in MX-1 Pro with a fifth overall and backed that up with a solid sixth in Vet Master.
Chris Elliot rode his Kawasaki to a third overall payout in Plus 25.
Ryley Paterson was top dog in 65cc Pee Wee B.
The many laps and hours Lane Louttit has spent on his family’s track were put to good use come race day. Despite some crashes in a few of his motos Louttit managed second overall finishes in both MX-3 and MX-2 Junior.
A major moto two MX-1 Pro first lap crash left red flags waving and Tim Lavoie’s RM-Z450 mangled and torn up. Luckily, Tim escaped unharmed and went on to start the restart of his last moto.
See you in Brandon.
