07/27/2010
Dave Arnold inches closer to a Canadian Supermoto Title
Supermoto - Richmond Hill, ON
A trio of ambitious promoters along with H-Gregoire Yamaha of Carignan, QC successfully blended Supermoto, Endurocross and Freestyle to create a unique multi-discipline moto-event, which they call "The H-Games". To do so, the suburban Montreal car and bike dealership relocated its entire automobile inventory to make way for the large multi-purpose track. Metal ramps, dirt jumps along with log and tire obstacles were all set up in the dealership parking lot in order to centralize the intense action for the Quebec fans.
In the previous two Supermoto Nationals Team TLD Machine Racing Honda rider Dave Arnold had twice finished runner up to Maxime Sylvestre of Berthierville, QC leaving him 6 points down in the National Title chase. Arnold needed a win but Sylvestre was carrying the momentum and the home turf advantage.
In the Pro Open qualifier Arnold holeshot but overcooked the first turn slightly allowing Sylvestre and Carignans' own Yves Lagace by. Arnold quickly regrouped in third and stalked Lagace for several laps looking for a place to pass on the tight and technical circuit. Maxime, with a clear track was hammer down and checking out. Just after the halfway point Lagace slightly overshot a corner allowing Arnold just enough room to slide underneath and make the pass. Once clear of Yves, Arnold put on a charge that narrowed the six-second gap between he and Sylvestre to just under a second at the checkers.
With Arnold, Lagace and Sylvestre all on front row for the Pro Open main it looked like a great battle was at hand. A determined Arnold yanked another holeshot out of the Bondi Engine and proceeded to sprint immediately. The battle for second and third was fought between Sylvestre, Lagace and another Ontario rider, Jesse Morgan. Lagace had Sylvestre in tow for the first third of the race until Maxime edged his way past for second. A few laps later Sylvestre stalled the motor jumping the camelback and after restarting made a pit stop to fix a back brake issue.
The checkers flew with Arnold some 12 seconds ahead of Lagace and Jesse Morgan who rounded out the podium in third. Sylvestre recovered to finish fifth which allowed Arnold to move ahead in the National Standings by 3 points. With only two rounds left the title fight between Arnold and Sylvestre, Ontario and Quebec will certainly go down to the final round.
"We needed this win to get back in the game and we got it," commented Arnold after the race, "I'm expecting an epic battle at the next round because it's Max's home track but for the season finale we come back to Ontario so it's man to man, either me or him for the title, I'm really looking forward to it."
Round 4 of the Canadian Nationals takes place during Supermoto X-Fest near the scenic ski resort town of Mt. Tremblant, QC, August 7-8, 2010.
Team Troy Lee Designs Machine Racing Honda Supermoto would like to thank: Troy Lee Designs / Machine Racing / LGS Suspension / Bondi Engines / Honda / Alpinestars / Scott USA / Hammerhead Designs / Brembo / Marchesini / QTM / Dunlop / Motion Pro / Supermoto Specialties / Hinson / Wynn Fitness
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