Welcome to the first ever post-race edition of Friday Sight Lap. And one would think it would be easier to come up with things to write about this week. (Just to let you know I plan an interview or two in the coming weeks along with a little pre and post-race chatter.) And that is so true. Actually there is more to write about than I have time to type and you have time to read. So that actually makes it tougher but I will do my best to let you know what I saw at the opening round of 2011.
First though I thought now might be a good time to tell you a little about me in case you do not know who I am, my name is Rodney Tomblin and I announce for the ATV MX Nationals and have been a part of it on and off since 1996. This year I plan on making every race. My personal racing resume is weak at best. I have only raced one off-road race in my life on an ATV a few years ago at the Ironman GNCC. You may wonder what stake or interest I have in things other than it is my job. The answer is simple. I am a fan. I love motocross and off-road. I love motorcycles and ATVs. And I love my job. If you would like to share any ideas or stories with me be sure and drop me an email at Rodney@atvmotocross.com.
A lot of questions that lead up to last weekend's opening round of the ATV MX National Championship presented by DWT were answered leaving many more unanswered in the process. Some of the questions included; will anyone show up? Will there be many in the pro class? How will the new format be?
Yes the racers showed up and yes there was a stronger turnout of pros and at least to me this first time yes this new format really seemed to work. Was it a perfect weekend? No it was not "perfect" but it was an exceptional weekend nonetheless. The weather could not have been ordered anymore perfectly. Temperatures were in the middle 70s under sunny skies. Track conditions, layout and maintenance would also rate a positive. Every comment I heard was a positive one from everyone that would offer any opinion. As an individual who has followed ATV MX for a while now I am really excited at what the future holds.
Friday's practice got off to a smooth start and track conditions had worked into perfect by the time practice rolled around. A predawn shower aided the track crew in preparation for the kickoff to new season. The Anonia Pass Motocross Park was greeted with some warm southern hospitality after that and that is what the racers and families enjoyed the rest of the weekend.
Amateur attendance was down a little from the opening round last year at Mill Creek in Alabama but it was still a strong attendance. An earlier start time could account for a big part of that. In speaking with Casey Martin winner of the Pro-Am Production on Sunday at the Can-Am Georgia ATV Nationals, he said that some things just came together too late for him and he really didn't feel 100% ready to go. I also understand that he may be making the step up to the AMA Pro ATV Class in a race or so adding to the abundance of the young talent stepping up under the new rules. Rules implemented to try and give these riders moving up a little easier stepping stone into the pro class. The unfortunate blows the economy has taken has impacted the pro class and it needed a shot in the arm. The riders that stepped were ready it appeared and these guys have worked up through the ranks and are the next generation stars. Chase Snapp, Joel Hetrick, Travis Moore, Devin Heimes, Adam Clark, Derek Swartfager, Marc Winchester, Jonathon Ven JohnAs and Ronnie Higgerson all rode strong during timed qualifying and Adam Clark had some really impressive early times and stay consistent all day.
Jeremiah Jones said it best in a conversation I had with him when he said that there would be some surprises this year out of the these younger guys and that "Old Byrd and Old Natalie better be on their game". After watching the qualifying and racing and feeling the attitude after the race he could be right. There is some raw talent out there just waiting to unleash and they all feel it is time to shine.
It was good to see the Media All-Stars Team strong and fast as usual. As always a very competitive team that is going to be looking for championships in several classes and I am sure winning a few. Jorge Courtez said that the team was really focused and dedicated to the amateur program now more than ever.
I noticed several strong looking teams in the pits this past race as well including MotoXperts who came out in full force this season with the big rig in the pro pits and support of Casey Martin. MotoXperts had a strong show of support with several amateur riders working out that pit and being serviced there as well. It is so good to see companies like this pushing in these times to keep the industry strong. It is companies like that who saved ATV racing from the big hit in the 80s.
Coming up in a few weeks we head to Round 2 the Mill Creek National in Alabama where I am expecting the track to be in its best condition ever. The folks there in Pell City are hosting the Spring Classic MX Amateur race there the week before and the track should be primed for Sam Gammon the crew at Victory Sports to mold into another great ATV track. By the way I want to give a big shout out to "Moto Joe" who was a more than competent co-announcer at Aonia Pass. "Moto Joe" also runs the dozer and water truck at Victory Sports and has proven to be multi-talented.
A few notes before we let you go this week:
1. If you facebook and are not a fan of ATVMotocross.com you should check it out. With the season now underway be looking for the site to start sending lots of updates out about what's going on.
2. If you are going to be racing the series this year make sure to sign up for your contingency programs available through different companies sponsoring the series. Make sure to check the link on www.atvmotocross.com. Especially check out tire contingency from ITP Tires and Maxxis Tires.
3. Riders when you sign up your first race make sure you have your correct sponsors listed on the announcer sheets. Let the folks at registration know you need to change your sponsors if so.
That'll do it for it. Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.
