Press Release
(Vaughan, ON – June 10th, 2019)
Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha Takes Two Podium Spots in Prince George
Rockstar Energy OTSFF riders, Shawn Maffenbeier and Phil Nicoletti both had an impressive day taking over the 2nd and 3rd spots on the overall podium during Round 2 of the Rockstar Energy Triple Crown MX Series. Rockstar OTSFF support rider, Sam Gaynor, also pushed his SSR prepped YZ450F through-out the day for a great Round 2 for the pro rookie.
The team started the day off strong with some impressive qualifying times placing all three Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha riders within the top 10 heading into Moto 1. Qualifying saw Shawn Maffenbeier in 4th and Nicoletti was right behind in 5th. Sam Gaynor qualified in an impressive 10th place, meeting some of his goals early on and ready to push harder throughout the series.
As the gate dropped for Moto 1, Maffenbeier started around 10th place and charged towards the front. 1Shawn was able to sneak his way past a few riders and put his Pirelli tires to use giving him an advantage on the rough Blackwater MX track to finish strong in 4th place. Phil started Moto 1 in 8th place but made some quick moves and ended up in 4th. Nicoletti had his head set on a Moto win and that’s exactly what he pushed for. Nicoletti and Colton Facciotti, ahead of the pack, battled back and forth for a few laps until Nicoletti was able to make a pass and hold off Facciotti until the checkers.
Moto 2 saw Nicoletti once again charging for a podium spot. Starting in 6th, Phil made some very quick passes to place him into 2nd. Behind Facciotti, Phil pushed all Moto long looking for a spot to make a pass on Colton. Nicoletti was right on the rear tire of Facciotti for many laps leading to the finish until, unfortunately, lappers inconveniently got into his way increasing the gap for 1st place. Heading into Mo-to 2, Shawn knew that his consistency would land himself on the podium for the overall. With this in mind, Shawn started in 7th and made some important passes early on, putting himself in 4th place. Knowing that an overall was within reach Shawn, with help from his SSS suspension, pulled away from the pack. He rode his own race at a consistent pace which ended up landing him on the podium for 3rd overall at Round 2 in Prince George for his first 450 pro podium. Congratulations Shawn, let this be the first podium of many to come!
“Bummed with the overall result going 1-2. But it was a good day of battles. Championship points are close, and we will keep plugging away”
– Phil Nicoletti
Rookie 450 pro, Sam Gaynor, started Moto 1 in 11th place and worked hard to secure the 9th spot for his first top 10 pro Moto finish. Sam’s 2nd Moto saw him round the corner in around 13th place but kept pushing himself into 11th and set his eyes on another top 10 finish. However, Gaynor hit a kicker that made him crash hard into a hay bale. Determined to finish, Sam collected himself and ended up finishing in 30th with a very bent up bike. We wish Sam an easy and quick recovery before Round 3.
“I’m very proud of the team today. We have all been working very hard and today it paid off with two guys on the podium and almost 3 within the top 10. We are glad to hear Sam will be back for Round 3”
– Steve Simms (Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha Team Manager)
Phil Nicoletti: 1-2 for 2nd overall.
Shawn Maffenbeier: 4-4 for 3rd overall.
Sam Gaynor: 9-30 for 15th overall.
Round 2 Prince George Results 450 Pro Triple Crown 450 Pro MX Championship Points Standings
1. Colton Facciotti 1. Colton Facciotti - 112
2. Phil Nicoletti *** 2. Phil Nicoletti - 111 ***
3. Shawn Maffenbeier *** 3. Cole Thompson - 95
4. Mike Alessi 4. Mike Alessi - 91
5. Dakota Alex 5. Shawn Maffenbeier - 87 ***
6. Cole Thompson 6. Dakota Alix - 79
7. Keylon Meston 7. Matt Georke - 76
8. Matt Georke 8. Keylan Meston - 74
9. Ryan Dowd 9. Cade Classon - 68
10. Cade Classon 10. Ryan Dowd - 63