"Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes"
“Cha Cha Cha Changes” go the words to David Bowies 1971 song “Changes”. The “change” word is also being batted around as a slogan in this years political arena…just as it always in politics. But those are just words. “Change” or rather “real” change came to Kahuku MX Park this past weekend. The series was over, the champions were crowned, new numbers were assigned and riders moved up in class. That’s real change and change for the better.
The fresh blood of the best riders in each class earning the next level up or those being unwillingly nudged up is what makes for better riders, better racing, and a level playing field. A quick stroll through the pits saw a bunch of new numbers and in some cases a rider with two different rider numbers and even folks with new larger bikes to go with the new class. It will be another race or two to catch on as to who is who now.
One of the riders who caught our attention for the last year in the 50’s class is Donovan Canionero, the 3rd grader from Waianae who you know as KTM #199 and the Newly Crowned Champion of the 50’s Advanced Class. Change is big for Donovan this new season as I spotted him zooming around the track during practice on a big shiny Kawasaki 65 sporting his #199 plate.. Yep, Donovan is one of the riders moving up to the next level and he’ll be a favorite to put pressure on the current 65 class leaders.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Donovan for a few moments to ask him some questions as we start the first installment of our Featured Rider story.
The fresh blood of the best riders in each class earning the next level up or those being unwillingly nudged up is what makes for better riders, better racing, and a level playing field. A quick stroll through the pits saw a bunch of new numbers and in some cases a rider with two different rider numbers and even folks with new larger bikes to go with the new class. It will be another race or two to catch on as to who is who now.
One of the riders who caught our attention for the last year in the 50’s class is Donovan Canionero, the 3rd grader from Waianae who you know as KTM #199 and the Newly Crowned Champion of the 50’s Advanced Class. Change is big for Donovan this new season as I spotted him zooming around the track during practice on a big shiny Kawasaki 65 sporting his #199 plate.. Yep, Donovan is one of the riders moving up to the next level and he’ll be a favorite to put pressure on the current 65 class leaders.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Donovan for a few moments to ask him some questions as we start the first installment of our Featured Rider story.
Name: Donovan Canionero Rider # 199 Accomplishments: Series Champion
Class: 50’s Advanced & 65's Age: 8 Hometown: Waianae Years Riding: 5 years
Years Racing: 1 year School: Waianae Elementary
Grade: 3rd Teacher: “Mr. Oh” Favorite subject at school… “recess”
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Class: 50’s Advanced & 65's Age: 8 Hometown: Waianae Years Riding: 5 years
Years Racing: 1 year School: Waianae Elementary
Grade: 3rd Teacher: “Mr. Oh” Favorite subject at school… “recess”
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: "A motorcycle racer."
Q: Who is your favorite rider on the pro circuit?
A: “Mike Alessi” he rides Suzuki."
Q: Do you know who Jeremy McGrath is?
A: “yes”.
Q: Who is the fastest rider at Kahuku?
A: “Bronson”
Q: Who wrenches on your bike?
A: “dad” (as he pointed at his father Justin)
A: “dad” (as he pointed at his father Justin)
Q: Who cleans your bike after a long day at the races?
A: “dad” (A little grin came with that answer...)
A little further into the interview Donovan expressed his interest more in racing and riding the track than trail riding and that he was looking forward to riding a bike with that extra lever (the clutch). He really likes riding his KTM and said it had good power along with it being well built. I might add that during the interview he was sitting there in the chair with his HUGE 1st Place trophy that towered over him in his lap and he might have been a little nervous about someone asking a lot of questions. For an 8 year old he took it all in stride though as if maybe it's practice for the interviews of the future.
A little further into the interview Donovan expressed his interest more in racing and riding the track than trail riding and that he was looking forward to riding a bike with that extra lever (the clutch). He really likes riding his KTM and said it had good power along with it being well built. I might add that during the interview he was sitting there in the chair with his HUGE 1st Place trophy that towered over him in his lap and he might have been a little nervous about someone asking a lot of questions. For an 8 year old he took it all in stride though as if maybe it's practice for the interviews of the future.
He certainly did communicate to me later on in the final moments of his second moto when he took his hand off the throttle and gave me a wave as he passed me. Luckily I go the shot. His mom told me that on the way home that night she explained to him my question of "how long have you been ridiing" to which he first said "8 years" but was really 5 years. He caught on and responded "why I was born to ride". A memorable quote. Good Luck Donovan.
Since this Race Report is titled “Changes” lets also talk about a monumental change in the line up of big bikes…Yamaha 202 moves to Expert! Yes, Mercedes is now in the Expert 125 class and that is news. A scant 3 years ago she was setting blistering paces on her blue YZ 80 and now she’s a full on 125 Expert piloting a white YZ 250F. Her debut moto was a good one as she went toe to toe with another very good veteran expert rider Curren Fujio, rider # 39 aboard a Honda. The start of the first moto, which you can watch on the YouTube link, shows her getting the hole shot and then him diving under her as they turn left past the tire and head down hill.
They return to view in the whoops section and Mercedes is out front with Curren in very close pursuit. Into the double table section before the finish line Mercedes takes the tight line while Curren takes the turn a little wider to get that hop that the fast riders use to get over both tables and the little bump just before the entrance to left hand bowl turn. Curren lands hard and drives into the bowl turn locking up the bike and taking the short inside line while Mercedes rips through the bowl turn on the high side and exits still out in front.
Within another lap or so it is obvious that Curren has fallen off the pace either by crashing or developing a bike problem. Mercedes continues on for the win of Moto 1 and her first win as an Expert. Congratulations!
The Experts are experts because of their skill and speeds and it will be exciting to see the Rookie Experts mix it up with the Veteran Experts as this new season unfolds. We can only hope for better track conditions as the speeds these riders reach can be dangerous with so much dust.
Lastly another rider to keep your eye on is Honda # 715, Alfred Lee. Alfie is now riding both in the 125 and 250 class and if you had a chance to watch his line choice he’s not a follower and doesn’t always take the inside line around turns. He’s another rider who makes his own lines, adapts and keeps the throttle WFO. Keep your eye on him.
Since this Race Report is titled “Changes” lets also talk about a monumental change in the line up of big bikes…Yamaha 202 moves to Expert! Yes, Mercedes is now in the Expert 125 class and that is news. A scant 3 years ago she was setting blistering paces on her blue YZ 80 and now she’s a full on 125 Expert piloting a white YZ 250F. Her debut moto was a good one as she went toe to toe with another very good veteran expert rider Curren Fujio, rider # 39 aboard a Honda. The start of the first moto, which you can watch on the YouTube link, shows her getting the hole shot and then him diving under her as they turn left past the tire and head down hill.
They return to view in the whoops section and Mercedes is out front with Curren in very close pursuit. Into the double table section before the finish line Mercedes takes the tight line while Curren takes the turn a little wider to get that hop that the fast riders use to get over both tables and the little bump just before the entrance to left hand bowl turn. Curren lands hard and drives into the bowl turn locking up the bike and taking the short inside line while Mercedes rips through the bowl turn on the high side and exits still out in front.
Within another lap or so it is obvious that Curren has fallen off the pace either by crashing or developing a bike problem. Mercedes continues on for the win of Moto 1 and her first win as an Expert. Congratulations!
The Experts are experts because of their skill and speeds and it will be exciting to see the Rookie Experts mix it up with the Veteran Experts as this new season unfolds. We can only hope for better track conditions as the speeds these riders reach can be dangerous with so much dust.
Lastly another rider to keep your eye on is Honda # 715, Alfred Lee. Alfie is now riding both in the 125 and 250 class and if you had a chance to watch his line choice he’s not a follower and doesn’t always take the inside line around turns. He’s another rider who makes his own lines, adapts and keeps the throttle WFO. Keep your eye on him.
See you in September.
-Scott
posted by Scott at
9:20 PM
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