December 12, 2011

Canard Looks to 2012

Trey Canard spent just about as much time on the shelf recovering as he did actually racing during an injury plagued 2011 Supercross/Motocross season, but the young Honda ace took full advantage of his limited opportunities and left no doubt he was an immediate threat to the premier class powers that be.

Despite claiming a pair of 250cc national championships during his time on the undercard, Canard's full potential was partially masked until set loose on the more powerful 450 premier class racers.

His five consecutive podium Supercross race results while in reserve duty in '10 hinted of what was to come, and he more than lived up to the lofty expectations hoisted upon him in his first full assault on the SX crown.

Initially viewed as just one of three graduates likely to pick up the scraps in pursuit of Rookie of the Year honors, the spotlight quickly shifted to Canard alone when the challenges of rivals Christophe Pourcel (ride issues) and Jake Weimer (injury) fell by the wayside.

Rather than merely accumulate experience while being lost in the shadow of the epic clash being waged by the sport's four mega-talents -- Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, and Chad Reed -- as they pushed each other to ever-escalating heights in arguably the most competitive and compelling Supercross season of all-time, Canard raised his game right alongside and made himself part of a what unexpectedly became a five-man show.

Supremely consistent despite his relative inexperience and more than competitive despite the merciless competition, Canard thrust himself into championship contention on the strength of five podium finishes, including three outright victories. Canard's SX season ended prematurely, however, as a non-displaced fracture to his femur suffered during a test crash ruled him out of the final three races and eliminated any hope of a Cinderella rookie championship season.

It also cost him the start of the AMA Motocross season, but when he finally returned to action he once again reminded everyone of his sublime big bike talents, ringing up two podiums in his first three motos.

However, a vicious crash at Washougal saw him rebreak his leg, costing him the remainder of the MX season as well.

A few days ago it was announced that another practice crash resulted in a broken collarbone, which means Canard's sophomore SX season is destined to start a bit late.

While physically painful and mentally trying, 2011 must go down as a success for Trey Canard, who established himself as one of the sport's unquestioned elite during the toughest possible time in which to do so.