Ward aims for the podium
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Woodstock’s Tanner Ward has one goal in the Rockstar Triple Crown Motocross Pro Nationals and that’s to win.
It’s a goal the Honda Canada GDR Fox rider shares with every motocross pro – and one that has so far eluded him. Ward was near the top of the 250 class Sunday afternoon in the division’s third and final moto of the weekend and was riding second most of the race, but had to settle for third.
“I was second for pretty much the whole last moto and then I fell with a lap to go. The last lap… I don’t even remember. I was so dehydrated, and I’m still feeling rough right now,” said Ward later in the afternoon. “I don’t remember much. It was tough.”
Compiling points for all three motos – Saturday morning, Sunday morning and afternoon, Ward was tied for third, but officially placed fourth overall for Round 1 and 2 because the final moto carries the most weight. Ward was edged by Marco Cannella of Waterdown who finished second in the final moto. Hayden Halstead was sixth overall.
“It was a decent weekend,” said Ward. “I didn’t have the best first moto. The last two motos today were pretty tough – it was hot.”
Ward is in his third year racing in the Rockstar MX Pro Nationals, but his first with Honda Canada GDR Fox, based at Gopher Dunes, south of Courtland.
“I’d like to fight for some wins, just be a podium guy every weekend. That would be ideal. And just see where I end up at the end of the year. But I definitely want to get my first win – I haven’t won yet. I feel like this is the year to do it.
“Last year (with KTM) I got fourth overall in the (250) series. The year before I got sixth overall. I got a couple podiums but second place was my best finish so far, overall. I haven’t got a win yet.”
Kyle McNabb also made his debut with Honda Canada GDR Fox on the weekend in the 250 class. The 14-year-old Minnedosa, Man. rider finished 11th overall.
“His first race, he got kind of banged up at the start,” said Ward. “But I think he went 25-6-9, so for a 14-year-old, that’s impressive. He’s going to be a future star, for sure.”
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