Canard Keeping Cool Under Motocross Title Pressure
GEICO Powersports star Canard keeping cool under Motocross title pressure
SOUTHWICK, Mass. – For GEICO Powersports Honda rider Trey Canard the secret to success is keeping a level head.
At the start of the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship series, Canard was slow coming out of the gate. Although it caused him a lot of frustration at the time, the young Oklahoman refused to let it drag him down.
Leading the powerful GEICO Powersports Honda team into this weekend's Moto-X 338 National in Southwick, Mass., Canard is seeking a class-leading, fifth straight Lites victory. But just as before when the chips were down, he's not letting his recent string of success alter his focus.
"I don't give past wins much thought after they happen," Canard said. "I approach each race like it's my first. I try not to let my experiences change the way I go into the next race or even my preparation for the next race. I just try to be prepared and focus on the things that I can control."
Canard is solidly in the hunt for the 250cc title as he trails leader Christophe Pourcel by just 16 points with three races to go.
"To win the championship would be a dream come true," Canard said. "It's something I've wanted and worked towards for a long time. Man, I want it really bad. All I can do to achieve it is come in ready and ride the way I know I can ride.
"If things go my way, it would be an honor and privilege to be a part of it."
The GEICO Powersports Honda team has been racing stronger than ever over the last few races, which was punctuated by Canard, Blake Wharton, Justin Barcia, and Eli Tomac sweeping the top four spots during the first moto in New York last time out.
"The vibe at the truck after the first moto was just unreal," Canard said. "Everyone was excited. Each of us want to win, but everyone was genuinely ecstatic to go 1-2-3-4. Hopefully we can keep it up for the rest of the season."
Barcia is the defending 250cc champion of this weekend's event, while past injures have prevented Canard from racing at the Moto-X 338.
"I've never raced a professional event there," Canard said. "It'll be different there for me. I ran a little local race there once, so I've got a little experience with the track. I know it's going to be rough and sandy.
"We know we're going to go in as prepared as we can be and just do our best."
On the 450cc side, Brett Metcalfe is batting for second in the points with Team Honda's Andrew Short. Metcalfe trails the second-place Short by 14 points. Also in the mix is legend Kevin Windham, who continues to fill-in for the injured Davi Millsaps. Windham was runner-up in this year's Supercross championship and has ridden hard since returning to the outdoors.
Moto-X 338 will be broadcast on a tape-delay basis with the 450s shown on August 28 at 9 p.m. EDT on SPEED. The 250s will follow with their show at 10 p.m. EDT.
