We are only a couple of days away from celebrating the most important Holiday of all and the tradition of gift giving is already into full swing. Christmas may have come early to a few folks this year with some deals actually coming to fruition. And as expected, Chad Weinen was named a part of the blue regime this year as he makes the huge switch to Yamaha.
Last week I had alluded to the fact that Chad Wienen would be running a program he was familiar with and before you start saying, "Chad is not familiar with Yamaha" realize that he is familiar with running his own team and program. Remember before Chad started racing out of the factory rigs he was a successful and lightening quick rider that was mainly signed in the beginning because of what he could do without support as a privateer. Now he is back in total control. I do believe however ultimately everyone knew what the deal was going to be as things have been leaking for a while now and I hoped to make a few people wonder.
Congratulations also to Thomas Brown who will continue his long lived relationship with Yamaha under the Ballance Racing Yamaha tent. It will not be a surprise to see a lot of blue on the podium this season in ATV MX. Remember Brown was posting podium rides solidly toward the end of the season. Brown never lost faith last season and the attitude he is bringing from the Lonestar State of Texas next season is as huge as the state itself. In my opinion this upcoming season has the potential to be the best yet.
Thomas and Chad are not the only two AMA Pro ATV racers making big announcements. I mentioned last week Justin Bush having a deal he was working out with a potential big sponsor and it seems things have been completed. We are awaiting announcements on this soon as well. It may very well be one of the bigger none industry sponsorship programs we have seen in ATV MX for a while. Regardless how huge, having them involved in our sport is a step in the right direction. Justin told me; "I will be working with CAT for 2012. I have met and discussed details and it is a go. I will keep you posted on the fine details as soon as it is done!! I'm so excited, 2012 here I come!!!" Congratulations to Justin and we can't wait to hear more.
I took some time to do some surfing around this week to see what kind of buzz was going around about our sport and though there isn't a whole lot being said right now there is plenty going. And if you are looking for some neat stuff to watch and read about in ATV racing there is plenty out there. Check out ATVRiders.com for a great article on choosing the proper youth ATV. Also ATVRE.com has plenty of fodder for thought and discussion.
The 2012 ATVMX Supplemental Rules have been posted and definitely worth a read. As Media Manager Jen Kenyon puts it "the class structure has undergone minor changes in both the youth and amateur categories. Highlights include splitting both the Girls (8-15) and the 90 Modified (8-15) classes into two separate age groups, accordingly." Also if you have not seen the 2012 ATVMX Schedule, it too is available with dates and venues. These are some things to give you to talk about and share.
If you want to share some great video with family and friends, don't forget that ATV MX on RacerTVOnline hosts an opportunity to view all of Racer TV programs from last season. Check them out and show the family over the Holiday. Here you will be able to watch all of Racer TVs programs including the ATV MX Docudrama ATV 24/7. Basically the Racer TV programs that you can watch on Versus is available after broadcast right there online.
Another big announcement made a while back that many may have forgotten or may have not even heard is that Versus Network which is and has been the home for Racer TV since 2005 will soon become NBC Sports. This is rather huge my friends and could be an even bigger platform than imagined for our sport.
Since it is a Holiday weekend I will let you go with that. 2012 is just around the corner and there are more announcements soon coming.
Till next time Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the Season. Be extra cautious out on the highways and God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs. Happy Birthday Jesus!
