ATV Riders Message Board Articles Reviews Videos Photo Gallery wallpaper Links ATV SxS News Interviews Racing News Models Donations Quad of the Month Contact Us


Racing Series

ATVA MX Nationals - Round One - Richard Pelchat Race Report
Pell City, Alabama - Mill Creek Motocross
By Richard Pelchat

#46 Richard Pelchat
Pell City, AL (3/16/2007) – Finally the first round of racing in 2007, after months of testing, training, planning and polishing out the program we would now see where we stand. Pell City, Alabama has been on my mind for a while. I have been training in Florida with friends helping out. It was really fun to have someone record every single lap time and kick you butt with push up, sit up and cardio after a 25 minutes moto. A week prior to the Alabama events, my mechanic, Mathew, and my dad drove down to Florida and my friends drove back to the snow…Canada. My mechanic had brought my new race engine for the event and we took the time to adjust it to my liking changing cams, timing and fine tune jetting. I have to say that he and my engine builder Sylvain really worked together on this motor configuration. My Yamaha was in perfect shape and ready for the race. On my part, I was in great shape, I felt good on the bike and my speed was really good.

The new format of the AMA PRO ATV championship is new and a lot different than previous year. I think it is a step in the right direction. The dB test was real tough. My Hindle are quiet, we were at 98-99db last year…but the RPM is higher this year. We finally were able to get to the mandatory 102db.
I felt good in the first practice. I rode smooth, look for lines but I wasn’t able to push very much. I was the 9th fastest rider. Second practice was better; I saw better lines and started pushing a bit. My 2:00 minute lap time was good and I was the 8th fastest rider.

Sunday is the real day. As we went out for practice the track was real slick with no traction and a bit of mud on the side. To my eye, I rode on OFF! I could not find a fast line and I my arm were cramping. Anyhow I was able to put a lap together by the end of the session…It is important because this year gate pick are determined by lap time in the final practice. I was the 5th fastest on the track which gave me a good starting gate.
As we line up for the first gate, I was confident. I went out for the pre-lap and felt really good, my YFZ was running strong. At the gate drop, I didn’t get a good jump but I still was able to round up the first turn in about 10th. But during the VERY first lap my axle broke…done. Frustrating but what can you do!

I really wanted to do well in the second moto. I round up the first turn in about 10th place and quickly made my way around Matt White and a lost creek rider (Joe or Dunk). I set my sight on number 68 Russel Shumaker and for four laps I pressured him. I had set my passing spot but it was a rough line and I was using a lot of energy there. I made a mistake after the halfway point and the two Lost creek rider were able to get by. I crossed the finish line in 11th place, exhausted!

I am happy to have competed this past weekend, but it is not the result I wanted but it is what I got and I will work from there. I am back in Canada for a few weeks, RP Evolution (my business) and training will use all my time. As much as I would like to go race in California and Texas, I will probably have to skip those. I am racing the WPSA this year and I have to make choice according to my budget in order to be competitive in this series.

Thanks a lot to the currents team sponsors:
Yamaha Motor Canada, Groupe Vertdure, RP Evolution, Elka suspension, Toyota Canada, AAB, ITP, JE Pistons, K&N, SS performance, Hindle, Streamlines Brakes, Fuel Customs, Web Cams, Sixsixone, Sunline, Scott USA, Falicon, AC racing, Mini-moteur RG.

ATVA Online
Fighting for your Rights
Join ATVA
All Terrain Vehicle Association
P.O. Box 800
Pickerington, OH 43147-0800


Copyright 2002-2022, ATV Riders All Rights Reserved - ATV Riders Forum - Message Board - Archive