Native of Yorkton and motocross racer Denaye Giroux took second overall in the Western Women's Canadian National this past weekend in Calgary riding aboard her Schrader's Yamaha 250F.
She charged through the pack after a poor start in the first moto. With the title on the line, she jumped out in first with the holeshot for the second moto.
"I knew what I needed to do to win," she told reporters after the race. "A small bobble in some deep ruts had me laying the bike down and stalling and that cost me the title."
Owner/manager Jackie Maffenbeier said Giroux is understandably disappointed with how things went but looks ahead to the East/West shootout at Walton in August where the Yorkton-born racer will vye for the overall Women's Canadian title.
"We know Denaye is very disappointed with this weekend and taking the second overall for the Women's Western Championship.
We understand mishaps happen in racing and we're very proud of her effort and composure as she tried to regain her position.
Action continues for Denaye this coming weekend (June 25-26) in Colorado as she competes in the WMA. "With such a short season for the women's Nationals in Canada, I feel I need to improve my skills and hone my programs with PerformX. Motocross Training by racing with some of the best women riders in North America," said Giroux.
"I'm very lucky to continue racing this summer. I'd like to thank Kim and Gareth Buchanan and family for sponsoring me for the Western rounds and giving a new meaning to being 'Pro.'
Other sponsorships that have helped her out include: Gaerne, Orb, Yorkton Dodge, Troy Lee Design, Oakley, LimeNine, Husky, Superior Suspension Settings, Pirelli, Super Trac's and the Yorkton Kinsmen.
"Thank you to all my sponsorships," continues Giroux who added "they have all kept me on the road, on a bike, clothed and fed."
Last but hardly least, "a big thank-you goes to Rick Bradshaw of Schrader's Yamaha for his endless work and support and I really want to thank my dad, Roland Giroux, for being my mechanic and hauling me across North America and being my biggest supporter."
Anyone interested in seeing Giroux and other motocross stars in action, Bradshaw said that the final round of the Saskatchewan Championship Series will be coming to Yorkton.
It will be held Sept. 18 at the Millstone Raceway just north of Yorkton. Race times have not yet been announced.
