Site Lap: 88 Live to Ride

After a successful Rookie ATV MX Pro racing season in 2002, a young strong willed, determined and amazingly talented Matt Bartosek looked forward to an even more successful sophomore season.  If the earliest days of 2003 were an indication, he was right.  Matt lost his life in an ATV racing accident at Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville Florida in the shortlived ATV Winter Olympics.  Matt was competing in the Supercross portion of the championship when in a heated battle for the win he was tragically taken away.  The #88 will live in the hearts and minds of all that knew him forever.

Matt's memory rides on today as the #88 AMA Pro ATV Joel Hetrick wears that number his honor.  Matt's mother Debi Bartosek strives to make every ATV MX national to provide a support trailer for anyone needing minor medical attention.  You may have heard about the" Mobile Medical Unit".  It is where you can get everything from a simple bandage to crutches and it is all free of charge.  It is all funded by 88 Live to Ride which was founded to educate and advocate rider safety as well as provide the minor medical services at the track.

88 Live to Ride is a Non-Profit group that has expanded past that even helping ATV riders and ATV rider's families out in times of crisis.  It is a fitting tribute to a young man that gave everything to a sport he loved.

This week for Site Lap we talked with Matt's mother to find out more about how she continues to help the ATV Racin' Nations wounded in her son's memory.  Most people would have walked away and tried to forget.  Debi embraces her son's passion and is as dedicated to the sport that kept their family so close.

ATVMotocross.com: Hey Debi how are things today?  I assume you are busy with the "Matt Bartosek Celebration Race".

Debi Bartosek:

I'm not sure how it happens but I always think I'm good to go then rush around the week of with things I DON'T have done (laughing). Of course, having lightning strike a tree in our backyard this past Sunday morning and fry Jody's and my computers hasn't helped!  But, it'll all come together, it always does.  If you're free this weekend, August 27-28, we hope to see you at Maple Shade MX in Sugar Grove, PA.  Open practice on Saturday and racing on Sunday.  For more information visit:  www.mapleshademx.com - how was that for a plug?! (Laughs)

That was a perfect plug! (Laughing) Can you tell us about your son Matt and how you guys became a part of the ATV National fabric?

It all started with taking John and Matt to watch Jody and his friends race three and four wheelers at a local motocross track.  It didn't take long for both boys to get the bug.  We spent a couple years just racing locally and doing a lot of woods riding.  Jesse Robbins, Nathan Dallas and Cole Robbins dad, convinced us that we needed to start traveling the country and racing against the best.  At that time John was on a Blaster and Matt was competing on an LT80 (otherwise known as "the money pit").  From the LT80 Matt moved to the 90 Mod class winning the overall championship in 1998 and 1999 along with ATV Sports "Most Feared Youth Rider" award.  He went from the mod class straight to 250A and ProAm 250.  Now, I know I'm not the first and I won't be the last mother to have two sons running the same class, but why the heck did they always have to be in the same qualifier (and this was back when they used to have 3-4 qualifiers for the 250A class)!  Matt always struggled with his starts but he had his passing game down to a science.  I know he didn't appreciate it but I loved watching him move through the pack.  He finished 2^nd overall in 250A and 6^th in ProAm 250 his first year and was honored to be presented with the Randy Howard Memorial Award for Sportsmanship.  He raced another year in 250A then on to the Pro Class in 2002.  What an awesome experience he had - racing against Tim Farr, Doug Gust, Shane Hitt, Jeremiah Jones, Joe Byrd, John Natalie, Mike Walsh - well, you get my point.  I've always said that John had the natural talent but Matt had the drive and determination it takes to win. There are so many great times, friendships and memories.

 

What is the importance and significances of the "Celebration" race?

It's a celebration of Matt's life and his love of racing - it's a way for us to share why we are still involved.

 

Who do you expect to be there?

A wide assortment - old and new friends - people that Matt raced with and people that only know of Matt through what we've done since he died.  As far as Pro riders, I know that Joel Hetrick, Josh Upperman, Derek Swartfager and Marc Winchester will be there for certain. Natalie hopes to come if he has a bike ready to ride.

 

I had a really good time at the 88 Live to Ride Charity Auction.  I cannot believe the support that comes out even in trouble economic times.  Nearly $25,000.00!  Tell us about the auction and some of the people that made this such a success.

Oh wow, it was awesome.  Without all the help I had it wouldn't have been the success it was.  First of all, I appreciate Racer Production allowing us to have the auction; Moto Tees for use of their credit card machine; all the wonderful volunteers - Doug & Chris Bateman, Nancy Beer, Lisa Devenport, Laura Rastrelli, Heather Byrd, Brianah and Brice Johnson, Jessie Biddell and Dianna that helped get everything set up and organized; your outstanding job of auctioneering; everyone who graciously donated when asked especially Johnny Leach, what an asset he is to our sport, and all the wonderful people who took time to attend  and bid (Kim Swartfager and Rich Gillette your bidding went WAY above and beyond).  And, Jody, for putting up with me asking, "who should I contact at this company", "do you have an email or phone number for them", "can you go with me to pick this up" and mostly for not screaming when I said, several times,  "oh I have one more thing to put in the race trailer"  (laughing) Glad there was still room for the race bikes!

 

This is the 3rd year for the live auction and some things have just become tradition, what are some of the things that people always come out to bid on each year? The quilts that Nancy Beer makes from the series t-shirts; Paula Stockton's race scrapbook; the caramel cake that Grandma Digby bakes and the Coach purse that Susan Brown always donates.  They always want to see what goodies we have that they can use for next year's race season too!

What were your biggest surprises of the night?

Let me tell you I had several!  Chad Wienen is a quiet, but very friendly, type of guy.  So when he walked up and announced to you that he wanted to donate the "shirt off his back" it took me by surprise.  The $450 it raised left Chad a little amazed.  I was really glad no one was videotaping the auction when the ATVA Podium banner came up for bid - when it reached $1,000 my mouth was hanging open and by the time it finished out at $6,000 I was jumping up and down like I'd won the big prize on a game show.  Whew, that was enough to get the heart pumping.  One of the last items auctioned was a Motoworks/Can-Am of John Natalie's.  A lot of discussions were held that weekend, prior to the auction, as to what we should do if we didn't get many bids over the starting price of $4,900.  I mean, let's face it, last race of the season everybody's tapped out.  Oh my gosh, you started it at $4,900 and away it went finally stopping at $10,000!!  Hey Rodney, have you ever thought about switching careers and becoming a full time auctioneer? (laughing)

I thank you but if I were a full time auctioneer then I wouldn't be able to make it to the races. (Laughs) So what do you do with all the money?

Have a big party!? (Laughing) No, no, no!  We stock up on any medical supplies we're low on and/or have found we should have available and buy Eject Helmet Removal Systems and replenish the Eject EMT kits so they're ready to go. We provide grants to injured riders to help with medical/rehabilitation expenses also.  If we have a substantial balance at the end of the season a portion of it is transferred to Matt's memorial fund at the Erie Community Foundation where it earns interest until we need it.

I know some folks may relate most recently with Clay Pearson and I know 88 Live to Ride had a lot to do with the purchase of a new Action Trackchair and helping the family out during this tough time.  I guess those are the kinds of things you guys help out with too?

Yes, we saw this as a way to help a young man be as active as he wants to be.  Loretta's was the first time I got to meet Clay and his family - what a wonderful support system he has in his family and friends.  We used $5,000 from Matt's memorial to get the ball rolling towards purchasing the Action Trackchair and more money came in from the benefit race Keith and Greg Little hosted.  At this point, 88 Live to Ride is actively pursuing becoming a distributor of the Action Trackchair - we'll let you know if and when that happens.

 

The one thing to remember for riders is you are at the races for them and the families and if they need anything to treat minor emergency situations you folks are available!

We sure are - and on that note, I'd like to thank Brianah Johnson and Jackie James for all their help this season.   I'd also like to add that we are always open to suggestions for items we should have available.

 

I will let you go so you can get ready for the weekend.  Good luck with everything and Thanks for all you do for our "ATV Racin' Nation".

Thanks Rodney - appreciate all you do too!