Going for the W: Trey Canard
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 | 12:55 PM
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Don’t look now, but Trey Canard is back in this thing! With 1-3-1 scores in the last three rounds, the Oklahoma rookie has climbed from 52 points down in the series after Indianapolis just four weeks ago to within striking distance of the lead—down 16.
Sound familiar? Last summer Canard rolled into the Red Bud AMA Pro Motocross National down by 57 points to Christophe Pourcel, but he caught fire and clicked off every one of those points en route to the 250 motocross title (with a nice gift in the form of a Pourcel crash in Pala, but hey, hasn’t this supercross tour been defined by gifts?)
Canard is making a late season run at the championship.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Now he’s making a similar march, making up 36 points in a series that only hands out half as many points per weekend. Marking a further similarity, both of these Canard comebacks were not engineered merely with speed. Even after 24 motos last summer, it’s hard to say who was faster between Canard and Pourcel. Bad luck, some bike problems, assorted crashes and other issues cost Pourcel, while Canard rode the wave. Similarly, it’s hard to say if Canard is actually going faster than the rest of the riders he’s battling in the championship right now—but once again, they’re dealing with bad luck, some bike problems, assorted crashes and other issues, while Canard just rolls on.
Perhaps that’s the advantage of coming from behind. Canard hasn’t dealt with championship pressure for one moment this year. He’s not supposed to win the crown, and up until this weekend, he really wasn’t close enough to think about it much. After the race in Dallas, he was busy shaking hands and getting hugs from his local fans. Championship? That’s for the next four weeks. For now Trey is just enjoying the moment.
His Dallas win marked a Texas two-step, as Canard captured the victory in Houston a month ago. But this one was even sweeter, since the North Texas race is just four hours from his Oklahoma base. The American Honda Racing rig was mobbed after the race, and Trey’s mom even made up more than 70 special t-shirts for the gang to wear throughout he day.
In fact, he wasn’t even thinking about winning races this year, let alone contending for the title. “Coming into the year, I tried not to think about it—that’s when I go wrong when I start thinking about the wins or this and that,” he explained after the race. “I just tried to focus on the preparation. But three wins like this, that’s just amazing. I just couldn’t even image it.”
Can Canard make it two in a row in St. Louis?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Canard also blocked out some bad memories of the whoop section. At the last two rounds, in Jacksonville and Toronto, the whoops cost him a lot of time. In Arlington, it was even worse when he went down hard in practice and bounced off the concrete.
“I landed right on the cement—I knocked the wind out of myself and got a little flustered. I was struggling with them, but luckily I found a good line on the left side. I didn’t even make a change throughout the day, I just think I got more comfortable as the day when on. Each time I went on the track I felt better. In the main, I got a good start, and I was in a good place mentally.”
After struggling with starts for most of the season, Canard has dialed them in at the last three rounds, which is as big a reason as any for his surge. But he’s also minimizing the rookie mistakes that plagued him early in the season. In Dallas, while the competition bobbled, Canard rode smoothly out front. “I felt steady all race, I made a few mistakes, but not too many. There were some gifts for sure, with James and Chad and Dungey all going down, but I felt like I stayed consistent and I rode well. The only problem I had was at the end. I thought I had a little more than I thought, and those guys were on me.”
Win number three for Canard.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Villopoto and Dungey got within a few seconds by the finish, by there wasn’t much doubt that Canard had this one under control. Next comes St. Louis, the city where he and Villopoto met in a legendary showdown for the Lites East title in 2008. That year, Canard led the points for most of the year, and he began to tighten up as Villopoto started reeling off wins and closing the gap. Canard started riding defensively, and that simply didn’t work. In St. Louis, Villopoto made the pass on Canard and appeared to have the championship in hand. Canard had finally become the hunter instead of the hunted, and with nothing to lose, he launched one last attack on Villopoto which resulted in a collision, Villopoto crashing into the finish line scaffolding, and Canard taking the championship. Clearly, Trey rides better when he’s chasing—and right now he’s right in that old familiar position.
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HE is going to win the TITLE>>>GO CANARD HOLESHOT!
TC can do it. He has a good a chance as any if he continues to holeshot the last 4 rounds. GO TC!!!
Riding very well right now.
The Ice-Trey!!!!!!!!!!
What a great young man. I hope there are many Championships in his future.
I was a little skeptical about trey coming into the season. Truth be told I couldn't get why he was even featured in videos like 'Moto' and 'Moto2.' Man, come San Diego. He was showing his true colors. That kid has got speed. I don't think he's been given "gifts" the past two wins. The speed is there hands down. I'm a total Stewart fan but I find myself cheering for Canard and Reed. Man I love this sport. I don't even watch ball games on t.v. anymore. They don't hold anything to our sport.
Other than the incident with RV I have always liked #41 he's a great racer and a good role model! I really wanna see #2 win this title but I have to say whoever gets it has earned it!!
I love baseball, it has nothing on MOTO!!!!
TC41 has been awesome. The way he came on late last year and won that MX250 title we just had to know he'd be a threat in this title chase too. He's sure not riding like a rookie out there.
Canard has been a surprise and the one guy that could win and please the most people by his Title. #41 winning would be good for the sport because he has a good work ethic, is clean-cut, and represents a new breed of very aggressive riding (i.e. Barcia, Wilson, Sipes, etc). Loving the 450 standings but the races without crashes are pretty boring. Lots of follow the leader in the 450's.
He has such great form and control, he's looking like a young windham in his smoothness and with the speed that is becoming matchable to stewart. Often times, faster. In a couple years, he will own this sport just like ricky did.
The Red Bud race was awesome, I was there. There were so many people around the podium shouting "Trey" you couldnt hear him talk, it was very cool.
TC41=Fastest man on the planet =fact
If Trey were to win the remaining races and RV got second, would that be enough to win the title?
Great series this year, can't wait till the next race! In the past TC has had problems crahing out when he pushes, we will see if he can keep it on two wheels for the rest of the series.
I have never been a big Reed fan but what he has done this year is amazing to me, I hope he wins it all.
If TC won the remaining races and RV got 2nd in each race, Rv would finish ahead of TC
.....by 4 points!!!
I am a big fan of TC, however his riding is much better than his podium speech..last week he was happy to be there on the podium three times over...Trey how about maybe dedicating it to Ian Trettel or those cool guys at feld or even your favorite flagger..ya better get used to being on the box cause ya got the talent for riding...now go polish up those thank you's.
The “Red Duck” makes very great results into the first class, one think about him, he’s very strong mentally, like Jeff Stanton!, GO Red Riders!!!, Pourcel is probably more talented than Canard but I don’t see him win a 450 main event, and I believe that Jake Weimer will kill in 450 SX too (more than Canard maybe) sorry for my bad English
there is a 12 point advantage to anyone that was to win out. THAT is not going to happen though so the 16 that TC is down, is not out of it yet, but RV, CR & the Dungenator have the best chance being less than 10 out.
1-25, 2-22, 3-20, 4-18, 5-16, 6-15 (points paid for 1-6 positions)
anything is still possible, isnt that whats cool about the next 4 weeks.
I just wanna give it up to the Man up above...
I just wanna give it up to the Man up above...
I just wanna give it up to the Man up above...
I just wanna give it up to the Man up above...
Wetto, I give him props for giving all the glory to GOD. He always has and I hope he always does. I think he will get a little more creative however because the guy is funny! You hear from the media pundits that his comedy has game and with the amount of podiums in his future if he stays healthy, he is bound to share some laughs. MOTO STRONG!
I agree with Wetto, Canard said.... and I quote " I can't say enough about the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe I am an ambassador for him." Ambassador definition:
"A diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one sovereign to another."
If Jesus was here today would he be racing supercross for millions of dollars???????
The Jesuit priests, the latest "ambassadors of Jesus" have just agreed to pay $166.1 million to settle sex abuse claims made by more than 450 people.
What joke! Please, all you racers keep religion out of sports!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMEN.THANK THE LORD,,,bla bla bla..we get it allready..and heck yes jesus would be racin moto.
I would like those of you that disagree with how Canard leads his life (and his podium speeches) to go find ANY other write up about ANY other rider that has NEARLY as many people saying good things about them as this one does about Trey Canard. I have followed this kid since the first year that he joined Factory Connection and he has always been the same...Grateful, Humble, Well Mannered, Funny, and a Devout Christian. If you think all this Moto stuff is hard...try leading a life devoted to Christ while surrounded with the temptations that he is faced with and could easily access on a daily basis. Makes training for 30+2 look like a cake walk....just sayin! Thats why he thanks his maker even before his sponsors...He is a fine young man in my book!
Trey is a awesome rider. He is a great guy to have in our sport. nI wish more of the guys out there acted more like him.....
Scottydog, the reason Canard said he is an ambassador for Christ is because that's what Scripture says all believers are. Thank you for being technical with your definition, but disregard it.
Also, why should he keep his faith out of sports? That means more to Canard than his MX career does since one is eternal and one is temporary. My hat is off to Trey for opening his mouth about it knowing that people like you will hate on him for it. He is a true MXer for Jesus!
Scottydog.. Hey Punk, only time you comment is to bust on Christ, I feel sorry for you punk now just lick your nuts and SHUTUP!
Scottydog... Seriously man? I promise you if Jesus were a modern man and threw a leg over a motocross bike one time he two would be a rider like Trey. I feel sorry for you because of your ignorance.
To Clint Eastwood:
Clint Eastwood Wrote: "Scottydog.. Hey Punk, only time you comment is to bust on Christ, I feel sorry for you punk now just lick your nuts and SHUTUP!"
Oh No!!!! It sure sounds like you are another one of the 100's of priests that think of nothing but "licking nuts" and have been caught.
All you fathers..... look out for your sons.... people like "Clint Eastwood" are everywhere!!!
Hey Steveman, looks like you haven't been paying attention to the interviews, thats Dungeys line, The man above, what a disrespectfull way to thank God, its not TC.
As for TC winning the champonship, of course he can do it, he already kicked RV's ass on the 250's a couple years ago.
I don't care if Canard never won a race in his life; he is definitely a champion! Probably got a lot to do with his beliefs.
You guys have to over-analyze everything. Trey is a great guy and a good role model for young racers. And he is hilarious in some of the videos he is on. the guys a riot. His opening ceremony was great. Scottydog, sorry your life sucks so bad you have to rag on a guy who is living his life well. But why rip on a person for thier own beliefs?? Trey is a guyw ho would never hurt a soul, and you want to rip on a guy like that, speaks volumns of what type of guy you are.. PAO, kicked ?RV's ass, dont think so. Dont forget RV went into the lites east that year already injured, and TC only beat him by running him into the finish line scoring tower.
What would you people think if a guy like Lil Hanny started thanking the man down below?
I think all three podium places in Dallas, including Villopoto, thanked their deities. Where was "the man above" when Villopoto had his season ending get-off last year? Why doesn't "the man above" protect all the participants in this great sport from serious injuries? If they thank him for keeping them safe when they have an injury free ride, this notion pre-supposes that HE or IT has overtly done something to protect them. It follows then that when someone is injured, or there is a devastaing earthquake or tsumami, there is a similar overt action on the part of the deity. Or perhaps their God was just looking the other way or not watching supercross the day something doesn't go right...
Go Trey Canard your doing great! I love to hear you give the glory to Jesus Christ.
the only negative thing you guys can come up with is " he thanks good to much"
what a joke...every single person...because about 90% of the riders and athletes do it now!! And they feel blessed!! you know why, because there not sittin on there couch drinking coke making fun of people on there computer!!! your a bunch of cowards who cant get the bike out of 1st gear!!! how about you go grab some popcorn sit back and enjoy the best season of SX in years!!!
its so funny what people say when its not there fav rider!
and to racer x....the comment at the top about trey not winning if pourcel didnt win.
GET OVER IT!!! pourcel did it to himself and put the pressure on him self!! trey caught him and put pressure on him going into palla!! He dominated CP at steel city!!!
All you whiners, go back to picking on bubba and reed and dungey...but if all you have on trey is about how he thanks god, you're a joke!
the only negative thing you guys can come up with is " he thanks good to much"
what a joke...every single person...because about 90% of the riders and athletes do it now!! And they feel blessed!! you know why, because there not sittin on there couch drinking coke making fun of people on there computer!!! your a bunch of cowards who cant get the bike out of 1st gear!!! how about you go grab some popcorn sit back and enjoy the best season of SX in years!!!
its so funny what people say when its not there fav rider!
and to racer x....the comment at the top about trey not winning if pourcel didnt win.
GET OVER IT!!! pourcel did it to himself and put the pressure on him self!! trey caught him and put pressure on him going into palla!! He dominated CP at steel city!!!
All you whiners, go back to picking on bubba and reed and dungey...but if all you have on trey is about how he thanks god, you're a joke!
WETTO, do you know how much time and effort goes into becoming a pro MX/SX rider each day!!! TC can say what he wants when he wants!! thats all you have to say negative about him?? you;re a joke!!! that is the same guy who got on the podium and told all the fans to stop booing pourcel! I hate pourcel, but i dont hate trey for telling me not to boo him, i respect him for it!
The top 5 studs were 1-5 in dallas, and he pulled out to an 8 second lead at one time! he was pumped, all his hard worked paid off!!
shut your mouth son!
bring it on buddy,,and ya I think I do know what it takes,,after all I am in a chair because it was my dream too.
hey steveman-scottydog-wetto..... I always thought if you win the damn race you can get on the box and say anything you f$#%ing want. If it bothers you so bad turn the sound off. yeah thanking God thats not near as cool (to you) as thanking some goggle company.Give the guy a little credit he just might be the next champ.
unless your the man above I aint your son,,ya f*&^%$# chump. THAT SAID you stfu.LOL
Matthew 5;10-11 (nlt)
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you[c] and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Just in case you were reading this Trey...Hold strong brother...dont ever let the unknowing people put out your fire...and to all you who are hating on this young man for standing up for what he believes, good for you for standing up for what you believe in too, although you dont hear Trey telling you guys not to speak what you believe now do you...just some food for thought!
" What would Jesus do? Your damn right he'd do a wheelie! "
btw , the third photo....brilliant.
I have been saying it all along, TREY CANARD 2011 SX CHAMPION!
PROOF READ MUCH? Seriously, just read it once after you write it.