Plante takes Rock Maple opener

Jasmin Plante started the Can-Am Rock Maple Racing (RMR) season in style, winning the Pro finals at Hemond’s MX Park in Minot, Maine on May 11.

Jon Glynn grabbed the holeshot in the Pro Unlimited final before Plante powered by on the track’s big downhill section. The Quebec rider built a big lead by the halfway point and cruised home to top honors. Dany Laflamme finished a distant second, while Glynn filled out the podium in third. Plante has a contract with Yamaha for 2008 and is a three-time Canadian National ATV Champion (1999, 2001 and 2002).

In the Pro Am final, Plante went wire-to-wire for a clean sweep with Laflamme and Glynn again finishing second and third respectively. Tommy Mofford rode his Kawasaki to a solid fourth place finish in both Pro finals. Justin Hoffer completed the top five in Pro Unlimited, while Vincent Mofford claimed fifth in the Pro Am final.

Jese Onest out-dueled Blaine Lund for top honors in a hotly-contested A Unlimited final. Can-Am series veteran Steffen Daeger filled out the podium on his Honda. Chris Myrick won the B Unlimited final aboard his Suzuki. Brad Burbine claimed second, while Jared Knight finished third.

Andrew Ruel has been part of RMR’s ATV series since it’s inception in the fall of 2006. He held off Josh Bennett and Glynn Desilva to win the C Unlimited final Sunday. Colin Lancaster notched a victory in the Plus 35 final, leading Mark Nott and George Layton across the line.

In the first Production Lites final of 2008, Can-Am series veteran Justin Chamberland prevailed in a talent-filled final. Chamberland out-gunned Dale Robinson and Curtis Gillilan for top honors.

Other Quad-X winners on Sunday at Hemond’s include Mike Taylor (18-24); Caleb Carroll (C 91-450cc Limited); Zac Tucker (B 91-450cc Limited & Open Amateur); Chris Myrick Jr. (0-50cc Junior); Liz Storti (Women Unlimited); Alex Parker (0-90cc Modified); Jordan Storrs (0-90cc Limited); Montana Jess (0-90cc Unlimited); Caleb Connors (0-70cc Modified); and Richard Murtaugh (0-50cc Junior & Senior).

In the Quad-Terrain classes for 4×4 machines, Alex Layn won the Open class final over Matt Smith and Liz Storti. Almost 90 quads were on hand to compete at Hemond’s, a strong showing for the season opener. Teams started rolling in on Saturday morning, with several taking advantage of the Saturday practice session to get familiarized with the 1.5-mile track.

Round 2 on the 11-race 2008 Can-Am RMR Series schedule is set for Sunday, May 18, at the Twister Valley Sports Complex in Fort Plain, NY.