The final round of the Rockstar Energy Drink Motocross Nationals in Walton, ON this past Sunday saw Bobby Kiniry finish the season with a third overall in MX1 on the strength of 2-3 motos. As expected, Kiniry, who had more than his share of setbacks this season, ended the points chase with a No.7 ranking.
“Finishing up on the podium was a good way to end the season. And taking into account some of the DNFs I encountered along the way, leaving Walton with a single digit plate is some consolation,” Kiniry said. “At this time I would like to thank the entire team and sponsors for their support, encouragement, and belief in my abilities. Together we salvaged what we could to make 2014 a season we can still be proud of. ”
Although there were no podiums for Kiniry’s Rockstar Energy Drink OTSFF Yamaha teammates Kyle Chisholm in MX1 and Shawn Maffenbeier in MX2, both riders wrapped up the season on a positive note. Chisholm moved up another notch in the title hunt to claim a final No.4 ranking while Maffenbeier secured the No.3 ranking he had held down for most of the season on the points scoreboard.
The first MX1 moto saw Kiniry, who posted the second fastest qualifying time, with a top start that had him battle with Mike Alessi for the lead. Although Alessi would take the win, Kiniry successfully defended second place all the way to the checkered flag. Meanwhile, Chisholm, who started around 10th place, gradually worked his way into a fifth place finish.
Kiniry nailed the second moto holeshot, this time banging handlebars with Colton Facciotti. The series points leader edged Kiniry out of first place and would go on to take the win. Kiniry also had to contend with Alessi, who took over second place a few laps into the moto. Tyler Medaglia also stuck a pass on Kiniry, but by lap six he was back in third and would keep that position to the checkered flag, carding third overall on the day.
Chisholm had a less favourable second moto start, diving into turn one around 15th place. He systematically sliced his way into another fifth place finish, however, recording sixth overall on the day and with it enough points to claim a respectable fourth in the championship.
“The season started a bit slow for me but once the western rounds were behind me I had found my groove and I was able to focus on moving up in the points to secure a top-five finish in the series. I’d like to thank the team and our sponsors for making sure I had the necessary equipment to complete the task and make my stay in Canada a memorable one,” Chisholm said.
In MX2 action, Maffenbeier did what he had to do to finish the season with a top-three ranking. Although Jesse Wentland was mathematically in contention to squeeze Maffenbeier out of third, this would not be the case, even though he twice finished ahead of Maffenbeier in the motos. Both riders started the first moto just inside the top-10, with Wentland eventually claiming sixth at the finish line and Maffenbeier seventh.
Things looked less promising for Maffenbeier in moto two, which saw him towards the back of the pack after the start. Undaunted, he soldiered his way into a 10th place finish, taking home seventh overall on the day and recording enough points to claim a noteworthy third in the championship.
“The whole season has been a crazy one, with Friese and Wentland and all the Americans coming up, it has been unbelievable competition this year. For me it was a huge accomplishment to finish third in the series. There were ups and downs all year, but I’m definitely happy with the way we finished,” Maffenbeier said. “I was very happy with the bike this year and I can’t thank everybody enough at Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha, our sponsors and the entire team for being in my corner.”
Although a championship was not in the cards for the team, and quite a few challenges had to be overcome, it was nonetheless a season that, with 20 podium finishes, needs to be considered a success. Shawn Maffenbeier recorded no less than ten moto podium finishes and one overall win; Bobby Kiniry carded six moto podium finishes and one overall win while Kyle Chisholm snared four moto podium finishes and one overall win.
“I’m pleased with our team and its efforts this season. The crew and managers kept the formula clean and this is why we have been in the racing business for more than 12 years. We’re already looking forward to the 2015 season, but first we have some snowcross racing to do,” team owner Andre Laurin said.
Team Rockstar Energy Drink OTSFF Yamaha would like to thank all our sponsors/partners for their invaluable support to help make the 2014 season possible. Congratulations to Bobby, Kyle, and Shawn for a job well done and the team’s technicians and staff for their hard work behind the scenes. Props also to all the Yamaha riders who finished top-15 in the MX1 and MX2 Championships.
Points Standings after 10 of 10 Rounds
MX1
1. Colton Facciotti (Honda) 424
2. Mike Alessi (Suz) 384
3. Tyler Medaglia (KTM) 338
4. Kyle Chisholm (Yam) 313
5. Teddy Maier (Kaw) 310
6. Josh Hill (Kaw) 299
7. Bobby Kiniry (Yam) 276
8. Dylan Kaelin (Yam) 182
9. Morgan Burger (Yam) 168
10. Nathan Bles (KTM) 141
MX2
1. Kaven Benoit (KTM) 400
2. Vince Friese (Hon) 360
3. Shawn Maffenbeier (Yam) 336
4. Jesse Wentland (Yam) 324
5. Seth Rarick (KTM) 219
6. Topher Ingalls (KTM) 219
7. Sylvain Le Gad (Yam) 171
8. Austin Politelli (Kaw) 164
9. Dylan Wright (Yam) 159
10. Jeremy Medaglia (Kaw) 15