The 2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs made its competitive debut at the WORCS ATV and side-by-side racing series this past weekend at a waterlogged Canyon MX in Peoria, Ariz.
The opening round not only marked the first official race for the Maverick side-by-side, but also the return of the Can-Am DS 450. The dismal track conditions, which included deep mud, standing water and wet sand in additional to the normal desert obstacles, made for a challenging start to the 2013 season.
Two Can-Am racers, James Hill and David Martinez, posted top 10 finishes in the SxS Pro Production class in their Maverick 1000R X rs vehicles.
“Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the overall event became a real race for survival in the mud and deep, standing water. In its competition debut, the Can-Am Maverick 1000R side-by-side vehicleÂ’s top finish was sixth, though we competed in the lead pack early on,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “We are very optimistic for the upcoming events, as all the drivers are thrilled with the performance and handling of the Maverick on the race course. We all realize that it is a long season and we are carrying a positive attitude about the eight rounds of WORCS racing that remain.”
Hill (IMG Racing) finished in sixth place out of 23 competitors in the side-by-side Pro ranks. He battled through the muck, coming from 19th after the first lap to find a spot in the top 10 by lap five. He picked up two more spot on the final lap. Martinez, of Del Amo Motorsports / Murray Motorsports, finished the day in 10th.
After a good start, Motoworks / Can-Am Pro Josh Frederick was in third place in the class in his Maverick 1000R X rs. Soon after that he, and roughly a dozen other racers, missed a turn and dropped a few positions. Utilizing the speed and performance of the Maverick, Frederick eventually got back on the race course and recovered to climb into the top five during the first two laps. However, his day ended with an aftermarket drive belt failure during lap three.
The muddy conditions weren’t much kinder to Frederick on his Motoworks-tuned Can-Am DS 450 in the ATV Pro class. Frederick got off the line late and was in ninth after the first lap. One lap later, he had moved into sixth place and had his sights set on the top five racers.
However, a short time later Frederick noticed his machine was losing power and he chose to pit to correct a loose exhaust. Once fixed, he re-entered the race at full power and attempted to catch with the top five. However, he ran out of time and had to settle for sixth.
“I am so excited and so ready for this year. It is already way better with the Maverick 1000R this year, and the Maverick is nearly stock,” said Frederick. “Monday was the first time I drove this Maverick. We did a little testing with FOX on Tuesday. I was really excited coming into this weekend. The more seat time I get, the better we’ll be.”
Finishing in the seventh- and eighth-place positions, respectively, were Team GPS / Can-Am Pros Webster Collins and Dillon Zimmerman.
For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2013 schedule, the ’13 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
