Canard Lands a Podium Spot for Fifth Week in a Row, Narrows Margin Behind Points Leader

Southwick, Mass. (August 28, 2010) – GEICO Powersports Honda Team  rider Trey Canard rode to a third place overall finish at the Rockstar Energy Southwick National, the tenth round of the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series, in Southwick, Massachusetts.

Prior to Southwick, Canard had taken the top overall spot at the previous four races.  He was looking to extend his streak of wins and continue to gain points on the current leader.  Despite having never been to Southwick as a pro before, and not feeling entirely comfortable – Canard started off the day off with a strong performance.  He quickly worked his way to the front of the pack in the first moto, and continued on until the end for the win.  In the second moto, however, Canard had a bit of a tough start, and fought his way through to hold on for ninth place.  Canard’s 1-9 finish was enough to give him third place overall on the day.

“Today wasn’t too bad” said Canard, “The first moto was awesome – obviously, and in the second moto I really wasn’t feeling very good.  So, to have a bit of a bad weekend and have it end the way it did – with third overall – that was pretty great!”

Trey Canard will head to Delmont, Pennsylvania on September 4th for the Steel City National, the eleventh round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series.  He stands in second place in overall points with 386, only thirteen points behind the leader.

Canard to Represent USA with Teammates Dungey and Short

Carlsbad, Calif. (August 16, 2010) – GEICO Powersports Honda Team  rider Trey Canard was named to AMA Team USA for the 2010 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations.  Ryan Dungey and Andrew Short will join him in representing the USA at the September 25-26 race at Thunder Valley MX in Lakewood, Colorado.

Motocross of Nations is one of the highest profile motorsports events in the world and has run consecutively for over 60 years.  MXoN features teams competing by nationality to earn combined scores, which determine the overall winning team.  Team USA has the strongest track record of any country at Motocross of Nations, with 20 wins to their credit.

The team was announced Saturday prior to the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross race at Unadilla on Saturday.  “It’s such a huge honor to be selected for Motocross of Nations” said Canard, “I’m so thankful to be able to represent the USA with Ryan and Andrew – they’ve had great years this year and I’m looking forward to working with them and giving it my all!”

Canard will race the MX2 class for Team USA aboard his Honda CRF250R, while Dungey will race the MX1 class, and Short the MX3 open class.

Canard Wins Takes Home Fourth Overall Win in a Row in New York

New Berlin, NY (August 14, 2010) – GEICO Powersports Honda Team  rider Trey Canard rode to a first place overall finish at the Rockstar Energy Unadilla National, the ninth round of the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series, in New Berlin, New York.

Canard came into Unadilla having taken the overall win at the past three motocross races and after a three week break in the tour – he returned in dominating fashion.  Canard started the day off by riding a smart and skillful first moto – battling it out with several different riders and being one of the only front runners in the race who did not crash, earning a solid victory.  In moto two, Canard grabbed the holeshot and got out to an impressive lead early in the race, he continued to battle and ended the moto in a strong second place, enough to take the overall win for the day.

“Today was such a great day – to start it off being selected for Motocross of Nations and then to get the win…I couldn’t ask for better than that!” said Canard, “There was some solid racing today and I’m thankful to come out on top.  I’m going to continue to do the best I can at the last three rounds.”

Trey Canard will head to Southwick, Massachusetts on August 28^th for the Rockstar Energy Southwick National, the tenth round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series.  He stands in second place in overall points with 349, only 16 points behind the leader.

Andrew Short, Trey Canard, Ryan Dungey, and Roger De Coster

“These riders are fresh, fast and each is riding at the top of his game right now,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “They have been racing all summer in the world’s most competitive national championship series, the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships, and all three are ready to face the best of the rest. We are honored that they are representing the United States and the AMA at this prestigious event on American soil.”

Perennial AMA Team USA Manager and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Roger De Coster added that he’s confident this year’s selection will emerge victorious in this World Championship event.

“These riders train really hard, they’ve had good seasons and I think they will work good together as a team” De Coster said. “I’m happy with our team, and I hope our other American riders will come out and support the team, considering it is in their own country. It’s centrally located. Denver is an easy airport to get in and out of, and it’s a good track with great views for spectators. The fans should come out, and we should have a successful event. Hopefully, we can win it.”

Team Captain Dungey, who rides for Rockstar Makita Suzuki, will race the MX1 class, which features 450cc four-stroke machinery. GEICO Powersports Honda rider Canard will compete in the MX2 class, which features 250cc four-stroke motorcycles. Honda Red Bull Racing’s Short will race the MX3 class, the open class.

Dungey returns to AMA Team USA after a successful rookie debut in 2009 in Franciacorta, Italy, when the Belle Plaine, MN rider led the team to the title with a win in the event’s final moto.

The reigning champion of the 2010 AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, has been dominating the premier 450 class in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships this summer, and had a seven-race win streak through round eight of the 12-round series.

“I had an unbelievable experience last year in Italy,” Dungey said. “Being a part of AMA Team USA is really an honor, you can count me in any time they call my name. This year is going to be another special one since we will be defending our home turf. Thunder Valley is a good layout for this type of event. The track is good and has elevation changes, big jumps and all that. It is just outside of Denver and close to a big airport, which I’m sure the international riders will appreciate. I think we’re in for a really big turnout.”

Dungey added that he has high expectations for his AMA Team USA teammates.

“They selected a good team, and I am honored to be captain with Trey and Andrew,” Dungey said. “Trey’s been winning and Andrew has been getting starts and leading early, which is huge at a race with this format. I like our chances in keeping the Cup here in the United States.”

This will be Canard’s first time on AMA Team USA. Canard, of Shawnee, OK had a three-race win streak in the 250 class in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships through eight rounds. Canard has been one of the series’ hottest riders this summer, taking four of the last six motos and climbing from fourth to second in the championship points race behind France’s Christophe Pourcel.

“Growing up and reading about the Motocross of Nations in the magazines, I’ve always thought this would be an awesome experience,” Canard said. “I was at the event in 2007 when Timmy Ferry, Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto were on the team, and seeing those guys win then was really cool. I’m looking forward to being part of the team, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity.

“We have some good guys on the team,” Canard added. “Andrew and Ryan have had great years, and I’m looking forward to working with them. I’ve never done anything like this, racing for a team championship, and I’m looking forward to it. You’re racing first of all for your country and second for your teammates.”

This also will be the first time representing AMA Team USA for Short, who was second in 450 class point standings behind Dungey through eight rounds of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships. Short, who now calls Smithville, Texas, home, is a native of Colorado and will experience a rarity for Motocross of Nations riders: an opportunity to race for a World Championship in front of his hometown crowd.

“It is an incredible honor to be chosen to represent AMA Team USA at the Motocross of Nations this year” Short said. “To be given this opportunity is something I have dreamt about since I was a little kid, and for it to become a reality is amazing. For the Motocross of Nations to be held in my home state of Colorado is just icing on the cake!”

De Coster said that he has some clear advice for the rookies on the team.

“All of these riders have good personalities that will let them get along just fine, not try to impress anybody too much and do something stupid,” De Coster said. “When you race in this event, the fact that you represent your country, a lot of people are going to come up to them and remind them about the history of the team and all the wins and how important it is to keep the thing going. It puts the pressure on, so the main thing for them is to ride within their abilities.”

De Coster added that the team will benefit from the experience Dungey gained in 2009.

“Last year, with Ryan, I felt that he was riding to become one of the main guys in Italy, and I think his performance gave him the confidence to come back this year and start strong,” De Coster said. “I know that this event is important to him, and he will be doing everything he can to put the team in a winning position.”

Fans can purchase tickets to the 2010 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations at RedBullMXON.com/tickets.html.

The Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features teams competing by nationality for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning team. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time. The United States is the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall victories with 20. Great Britain is second with 16.

The United States is the reigning champion of the Motocross of Nations, winning over Italy and Belgium in 2009

About the American Motorcyclist Association: Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

Press Release by Fly Racing

Fly Racing is proud to announce the signing of Trey Canard to a two-year helmet and racewear endorsement agreement. Canard, the 2008 Eastern Region Lites Supercross Champion, will compete in the 2011 and 2012 AMA Supercross and Outdoor series in the 450 Class wearing Fly Racing’s Evolution and Kinetic Racewear lines, as well as its Formula MX and F2 Carbon helmets.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the Fly motocross family,” said Canard. “It is a great company and I believe our mindsets are in the same place. Their gear is great and I’m really looking forward to being in the 2011 gear!”

Fly Racing’s Owner, Craig Shoemaker, had this to say about the new partnership: “Fly Racing is proud and excited to have Trey Canard as the newest member of the Fly Racing Family. He is a class act on the track and off, and shows great speed and character for his young age. We welcome Trey and his family to Fly Racing and look forward to many great things ahead.”

Fly Racing products can be found at your local dealer. For more information, and to view its exciting 2011 line-up of racewear, helmets, casual wear and hard parts, visit FlyRacing.com.

You can also find Fly Racing on Facebook. Follow Fly Racing on Twitter. Watch Fly Racing on You Tube.

About Fly Racing

Established in 1996, Fly Racing began as a manufacturer of motorcycle handlebars and helmets. The brand has quickly developed into one of the fastest growing off road motorcycle riding apparel and hard part brands in the powersports industry. Fly Racing develops high quality products for the competitive and demanding North American market and is distributed in 40+ countries.

Trey’s 2nd place finish at Atlanta Supercross!

Canard on the podium. Photo Cox

Racer X: I was kind of anticipating interviewing you after your first 450cc supercross, but it didn’t really go that well, as it turned out…
Trey Canard: I think what happened there was just a case of me not having enough time on the bike. I mean, I felt great on the test track, and my times were good, and I was riding good and strong, but I just wasn’t familiar enough with the bike and I didn’t try enough things. It was just a completely new experience, so I didn’t know what to tell those guys [at Honda]. Indy was actually a really good experience for me, because I learned a whole lot about the bike, and I felt like I became a lot better acquainted with the thing. With the thoughts that I had from there, it kind of led into a good test session, and that led into a good weekend. Indy wasn’t all bad… I mean, I didn’t finish, but I think at Jeremy McGrath’s first 450cc race [250cc at the time], he finished 20th, too. Not to say I’m Jeremy McGrath, I’m just saying it’s not the end of the world, and I knew that.

Yeah, he was still riding for Pro Circuit at the time… The thing about it is that you seemed like you had a good attitude after that race. That’s good, because you could’ve been bummed on yourself. This weekend, you were in good spirits, and you didn’t seem worried at all.
I think I’ve just matured a lot as a person. I don’t let things lay as heavily on me as I used to because I realized that I can’t let things lay heavily on me, or I’m not going to be successful. That’s a big part of it. And it also helps a lot not having anything on the line. Basically, I’m just out there to have fun and gain some experience. When I had a bad weekend in Indy, it was easy to brush off, because really, what did I lose? That’s why it was easy to bounce back from, and having a really good week on the bike between Indy and Atlanta also helped. I just felt really comfortable coming in, and I think it led into good things. I was excited. It was a good day all around. I got on the board in practice, and I was stoked on that, because I barely get on the board in Lites practices. I was pumped. That was one of the highlights of the day, for sure.

How much different is it to race a 450, compared to racing a 250F? Riding them tends to be one thing, while racing them is something completely different…
The thing that has been the hardest for me is that, with the Lites bike, you always see and hear when someone’s racing, because the revs come up, and they are over-revving it, and maybe even over-riding the bike a little bit, but when you do that on a 450, it turns into a disaster. That’s been the hardest thing, just to stop trying to ride too hard, which means keeping a level head the whole time out there. That’s been my biggest thing that I’ve been trying to keep pounding into my head, which is to stay focused on what I need to do and not get so “in the moment” with the race, and instead make sure I’m concentrating on what I’m doing on the bike.

Canard Ripping the 450, Photo Cox

Is that what happened in Indy?
Indy, I don’t even know how it happened. I somehow lost my left hand off the handlebar, and I don’t even know how. It just kind of happened. After that happened, I was off-balance, and the hand that was on the bar was unfortunately wide-open… That’s what happened with that. But for sure, the mistake that led into that was me just trying to race too hard, over-riding the bike, and not being patient.

On a 250F, it’s not good to lose a hand on the handlebar, but I’d bet the odds of gathering it back up are quite a bit better…
Oh, yeah, for sure. I probably wouldn’t have looped out on the 250F! I might have still been able to double the triple and pull it off, but that 450 just has too much horsepower! (Laughs)

What did you do to the bike after Indy and before Atlanta?
I didn’t do a whole lot, really. We made some suspension changes, which was huge for me, and then I just dropped a couple teeth on the rear sprocket, which helped, too. The track this weekend, I honestly stayed in second gear around the entire track.

Even over the big quad, and in the whoops?
Everywhere – the whoops, everything… Second gear.

And you started in second…
Yeah! There’s just such a wide range of power on that thing, so I just felt like if I was going to be in second gear the whole time, then why not just make it a little more useable, and that helped with the power. But the suspension was the huge part.

GEICO Powersports Honda riders Trey Canard and Brett Metcalfe turned bad luck in Indianapolis into podium finishes Saturday night in Atlanta in front of a jam-packed house at the Georgia Dome. Sometimes a week can make all the difference in the Monster Energy AMA
Supercross Series.

Canard, racing in the series’ top division for just the second time, took advantage of a strong start and other competitors’ mistakes to finish second. Metcalfe, who crashed in practice in Indy before rallying for a fifth place finish, remained patient during a wild Supercross Lites East race and finished in third.

Trey Canard Speaks… Supercross Atlanta

“It was a good week,” said Canard, who was involved in three accidents last weekend in Indy. “I feel like I made some good improvements and it paid off. Right now I’m just kind of speechless with the whole thing.”

Canard finished fifth in his heat race, which led to a choice starting spot in the main event. He bolted to the front of the pack once the gates dropped setting into third place in the running order.

“I started in the back last week and you saw where that ended,” Canard said of his DNF. “I started in the front of the pack this week and you saw where that ended. The start is the most important thing.”

Halfway through the race, eventual race winner Ryan Dungey was up on Ryan Villopoto with Canard trailing behind. Villopoto then shorted a jump and went over the handlebars, allowing Canard to ease into second position.

“I was shocked,” Canard said. “I was so nervous and just in a daze the whole time. It was a good race for me. It was very smooth. I’m just so stoked right now it’s unreal.”