The 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship pre-season is in full swing and reports are rolling in this season of new teams, sponsors and even the return of some familiar faces. I know with the whole social media thing it has really connected our community of riders and fans. So if you really want to know what is up, then Facebook and Twitter are almost a must.
The social media networking is a great tool to connect folks in all aspects. It can be used to bring a family together that rarely gets together and is a means of keeping close contact with loved ones as well as friends and acquaintances. It is a good way to meet new people and find people that may have common interests. It is also a great marketing tool for businesses and let's face it, racing is a business or will be for a number of you reading this. Networking in life for whatever reason is what makes the world go round and it is going around faster now than ever. It allows you to even network with people who you may not have a chance to otherwise.
If you are on Twitter then you can find about anyone or anything that may interest you to follow. I follow a number of racers and it has really been an enlightening experience for me. I post some "tweets" but just watch more than anything. Chad Wienen, Thomas Brown, Travis Moore, Tyler Hamrick, Dalton Millican and the list goes on of racers that are Twitter bugs and they "Tweet" it out there and it is a blast to read some of the news and craziness they post.
AMA Pro ATV MX Champ John Natalie has over 4,000 fans on his Facebook and will soon be setting up a Twitter account to keep in even closer contact with the fans so Ironman fans have something more to look forward to.
I actually began my Twitter adventure at the beginning of the 2011 season as I was instructed by Media Manager Jen Kenyon. She said it would be a good way for me to keep up with everyone. I told her I have no idea how to do it and she said let me see your phone. 10 minutes later I assumed the identity of "HotRodney22". Why this name? I have no idea except it kind of reminded me of racing, you know "Hot Rod" and I am Rodney so that name was pick from the options list but better luck with the name choices it leaves you with. Feel free to follow. Just a warning though, do not let in consume you and also think twice before sending any comments after midnight mid-night or after a few adult beverages...it could come back to haunt you.
In ATV news I am expecting an announcement any day from Justin Bush who spent some time putting together a program to race the 2012 season. It appears that he is going to get some support from CAT equipment. Justin also tells me that he has some other sponsors he is securing and we will know something soon.
John Natalie is hooked up with a crew including Luke Shepard, Cody Suggs, "Duck" Lloyd and Kyle Fix training in Florida. I expect to talk to that crew this week and will try to pass along some news from that camp in the coming weeks.
Chad Wienen is down at the Walsh Racing Compound in Florida training and building his new program. I caught some video posted from a race where he and Cody Gibson battled along with a few other ATV Pros in an early season match up.
The word has been that Gibson may be making a return to the national scene for 2012. I know when I talked to him at the Awards Banquet he was really showing interests but would not commit to saying yes I will be back. What he said was "If I come back the only person I will ride for is Mike Walsh." I guess we will all know for sure when we roll into Alabama for first round.
I spoke with 2010 Champ Josh Creamer the other day and he told me that he has been working construction for the last year full time and racing part time. He and the '08 '09 champ Dustin Wimmer had a pretty amazing battle for the NEATV championship last season and he is looking forward to battling for that championship again. Wimmer won the last round after Josh broke his chain and Josh said he wasn't able to finish the battle but that it was a fun battle all year. He also said he would be hitting a few of the AMA ATV Motocross Nationals as well. It will be nice to see him visit and we will let you know what events to be looking for him to make an appearance.
And of course #88 Joel Hetrick has made his way to his Texas training compound and I hope to have some more news from his camp in the coming weeks.
I realize we have been focusing quite a bit on pro stuff, but next week we will look into some amateur and youth information. If you have anything you would like to share shoot me a message to Rodney@atvmotocross.com or hit me up Facebook or Twitter. I would love to share any good news you would like to pass along.
Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.
