Page 50 - MPG4

theGRIT
Matthew LeBlanc put on a racing clinic in the 65 (10-11) classes at the JS7 Freestone national. The Orange Brigade MTF rider hailing from Louisiana absolutely dominated all
four motos between the two classes. He went wire to wire in three of the four motos to perfect the clean sweep on his way to the two championships. They were truly impressive rides but he did get some fits from fellow MTF rider and friend Ryder DiFrancesco. LeBlanc started just behind Ryder in the second moto of the (10-11) class and the two prodigies duked. it. out. They went at it hard for the opening half of the moto knowing a championship was on the line. After some very close racing, DiFrancesco gave LeBlanc all he could handle but it was LeBlanc that would get around and ultimately ride away with the moto win and the championship. The budding rivals would go at it yet again in the second moto of the (10-11) limited class after LeBlanc got the early lead with DiFrancesco in tow. Ryder would push himself to the limits to try and catch LeBlanc but in a Dungey-esque performance, LeBlanc slowly inched away to rap up his second title of the week. LeBlanc also raced the 85 (9-11) limited and 85 (9-12) classes. He did not find the same success he had in the 65 classes put he was able to snag a heat win and third and second place overalls respectively. Two championships on a 65 and two top three finishes in the 85 classes are great results for LeBlanc as the amateur season begins to hit its stride.
50
MPG • APRIL 2016
words/SETHHARNISHFEGER