MINOT, Maine (May 12, 2008) - Canadian ATV racing sensation Jasmin Plante rolled into central Maine last weekend with one thing on his mind - winning the Pro finals in Rock Maple Racing's (RMR) season opener for the Can-Am series. With a factory-backed machine and national experience under his belt, Plante did just that, as he swept the Pro finals Sunday at Hemond's MX Park.
Jon Glynn grabbed the holeshot in the Pro Unlimited final before Plante powered by on the track's big downhill section. The Quebec rider built a big lead by halfway and cruised home to top honors. Fellow Canadian Dany Laflamme finished a distant second, while Glynn filled out the podium in third. Plante has a contract with Yamaha for 2008 and is a three-time Canadian National ATV Champion (1999, 2001 and 2002).
In the Pro Am final, Plante went wire-to-wire for a clean sweep with Laflamme and Glynn again finishing second and third respectively. Tommy Mofford, of Randolph, Mass., rode his Kawasaki to a solid fourth place finish in both Pro finals. Justin Hoffer completed the top five in Pro Unlimited, while Vincent Mofford claimed fifth in the Pro Am final.
Home state rider Jese Onest, of Standish, out-dueled fellow Mainer Blaine Lund for top honors in a hotly-contested A Unlimited final. Can-Am series veteran Steffen Daeger filled out the podium on his Honda. Chris Myrick did his part to keep that home-state flavor alive atop the podium, winning the B Unlimited final aboard his Suzuki. Brad Burbine, of South Royalton, VT, claimed second, while Jared Knight finished third.
Andrew Ruel has been part of RMR's ATV series since it's inception in the fall of 2006. The Enfield, NH, rider held off Josh Bennett and Glynn Desilva to win the C Unlimited final Sunday. Among New England natives, Ruel is certainly one of the best on an ATV. Colin Lancaster notched a victory in the Plus 35 final, leading Vermont's Mark Nott and New York veteran George Layton across the line.
In the first Production Lites final of 2008, Can-Am series veteran Justin Chamberland prevailed in a talent-filled final. The Pittston, Maine rider out-gunned Dale Robinson and Curtis Gillilan for top honors.
Other Quad-X winners on Sunday at Hemond’s include Mike Taylor (18-24); Caleb Carroll (C 91-450cc Limited); Zac Tucker (B 91-450cc Limited & Open Amateur); Chris Myrick Jr. (0-50cc Junior); Liz Storti (Women Unlimited); Alex Parker (0-90cc Modified); Jordan Storrs (0-90cc Limited); Montana Jess (0-90cc Unlimited); Caleb Connors (0-70cc Modified); and Richard Murtaugh (0-50cc Junior & Senior).
In the Quad-Terrain classes for 4x4 machines, Alex Layn, of Bristol, VT, won the Open class final over Matt Smith and Liz Storti. Just under 90 quads were on hand to compete at Hemond’s, a strong showing for the season opener. Teams started rolling in on Saturday morning, with several taking advantage of the Saturday practice session to get familiarized with the vast 1.5-mile track at Hemond’s.
Another popular draw for fans Sunday was some exciting competition from RMR’s new Pit Bike series. These compact little machines are just like full-blown motocross bikes, yet much smaller (10 and 12 inch wheel diameter).
David Souza, of Swanzey, Mass., held off Jeremiah Murphy and Kenny Haskell to claim the Pro 12-inch final. Murphy bounced back to win the Pro 10-inch final, while Souza prevailed in Pro Open. Other winners in Pit Bike action Sunday include Matt McHuck (Youth 10-inch); Mike Lowery (Youth 12-inch); Nick Lima (Stock 10-inch); Ken Lowery (Mod 10-inch); Mike Murphy (Mod 12-inch); and Taylor Raisanen (Open amateur).
Rock Maple Racing would like to thank Mike Hemond and family for hosting the Can-Am series again this year. There isn’t a racer anywhere that doesn’t love that track, and we’re proud to have Hemond’s MX Park on our schedule. It is truly a top notch facility.
Round 2 on the 11-race 2008 Can-Am RMR Series schedule is set for this coming Sunday, May 18, at the beautiful Twister Valley Sports Complex in Fort Plain, New York. For complete results from Minot or to learn more, log on to www.rockmaple.com.