HANGTOWN MOTOCROSS AND YAMAHA’S WESTON PEICK

This last weekend was the first race of the motocross season at Hangtown and my family and I went to watch.  Since I ride at Hangtown all the time, it was fun to watch the pros race.

 

Between the races I went into the pitts and saw a lot of people that I ride with and even sponsors that support me.  It was really cool to see my buddy Dano from Von Zipper and DVS Shoes.  Dano is so awesome….he is always so much fun and such a great guy.

Dano took me into the Yamaha pitts and introduced me to Weston Peick and his family.  Dano hooked me up with some one on one time with Weston and I was able to ask him a few questions. (see below)

He was so nice!  After that we had Wienerschnitzel.  Weston made a huge hot dog but don’t worry, he didn’t eat it, he made it for someone else.

 

We got to hang out and chat

Then we watched the team work on the bikes to get ready for racing.

Then it was time to get back to our seats and watch the racing.

While I was talking to Weston Peick I told him that I bet $5.00 that he was going to be in the top 5 and he didn’t let me down.  Peick finished with a very strong 8-3 with an overall 4th place finish.  Thank you Weston, I have the $5.00 hanging on my wall in my room.

WESTON PEICK INTERVIEW

#71 WHAT DO YOU LIKE BETTER, SUPERCROSS OR MOTOCROSS?

#23  I would say Supercross is a little bit funner so I enjoy Supercross because we get a little more jump time

#71 DO YOU HAVE ANY TATTOO’S?

#23 I have a lot of tattoos….on my arms chest and back.

#71 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TATTOO?

#23 Probably my new arm piece that I got.  Its a little crazy piece but I like tattoos and different art, something different.

#71 WHATS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

#23 I have a lot but probably the funniest ones is Fear And Logan In Las Vegas, it’s crazy one.

#71 HOW DID YOU GET STARTED RACING AS A PRO?

#23 I started racing when I was about 3 years old, my Dad was racing so I got into it with that.  I never raced professionally when I was coming up through my younger age.  I ended up racing pro in 2006.  I got out of highschool about 9th grade and started doing homeschooling and started racing.  I started doing good and saw some potential and then started racing pro.

#71 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE TRACK TODAY?

#23 The tracks not bad.  Its a little muddy in the first practice from all the rain we got Thursday but I think it’s going to shape up and should be good.

Thank you Weston for taking the time to hang out with me.  Looking forward to cheering you on all season!

…..ANOTHER SURPRISE INTERVIEW TO COME

CHECK BACK IN AND SEE WHO IT IS

A video of my interview with Yamaha Pro Racer Weston Peick #23 at Hangtown MX

 

THE ROOTS MX DIGITAL MAGAZINE

The people at Lucas Oil have put together a really amazing digital magazine.  After the race at Mammoth Mountain I spoke with them and we discussed an article they were writing for the Mammoth issue.  The magazine is really awesome and the things you can do with the magazine is so cool!  Because it is online and digital you get way more from it than any traditional magazines.

The magazine has over 100 pages of pictures, articles, videos and information about everything dirt bike racing.  The pictures are awesome, the articles are really cool, they have videos you can watch right in the magazine, and links that can take you directly to other sites.  As you look through the magazine just run your mouse across the magazine and the links are highlighted that will take you to hundreds of different websites.  With the way they put in videos and links, the magazine is totally interactive.

In the last ISSUE #3 MAMMOTH MOTOCROSS they have a featured article about me.

Issue #3 on Page 84 and 85 is an article that I wrote for the magazine.  Although I won one of my other races at Mammoth, the article is specifically about the race I finished in second place and the pass/battle for the second place spot.

You have to check out TheRootsDigital.com to view all the past issues of the digital magazine.

To see my article go to HunterCrossArticle for issue #3 to read about my race at Mammoth on pages 84-85

On page 113 of issue #3 make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss the next issue of The Roots Digital Magazine!

Thank you My Lucas Oil for putting so much time into giving us the amazing digital magazine.  Can’t wait to see what is coming next.

MY INTERVIEW WITH RYAN DUNGEY INTERVIEW

A few weeks ago I had the chance to interview some pro motocross racers.  One of the interviews I did was with #5 Ryan Dungey.

Ryan Dungey was born December 4, 1989 in Minnesota.  Ryan, his Dad and two brothers were all amateur racers in District 36 races.  In 2005 Ryan won the Loretta Lynn National Championship and in 2006 he started riding for Team Suzuki.  2007 Ryan was awarded Rookie of the Year and has continued to win races ever since with both Supercross and Motocross Championships.

I have had several chances over the years to meet Ryan Dungey and he has always been so awesome!  Back when I was racing in Washougal and I had my accident my face looked like a mess.  When Ryan saw me he came over to ask me what had happened.  I explained I crashed the night before my race but that I raced the next morning and finished in second place and he immediately took his riding gloves off, signed them and gave them to me.

I have seen him interact with many people over the years and he always goes out of his way for his fans.  Every time I see him he always takes time to stop, listen to what I say to him, and look at whatever I bring to show him.

It was so awesome that he took the time to stop what he was doing to answer some questions I had for him.

71:  How did you first get started riding a dirt bike?

5: I first got started riding dirt bikes with my Dad, he did it growing up all his life.  When I was about 5 years old he went and got us our first one…Me and my other brother Jade who was 7 at the time, we shared a bike in the beginning.

71: What advice would you give kids like me that want to be where you are one day?

5:  I would just say to have fun.  I saw it on TV at a young age and I guess I always hoped my dream would come true.  Until that point I worked really hard, I had fun, and I enjoyed riding and that lead me to learn no things on a dirt bike.  I tried to improve my skills and I just loved riding in general and I think that will take you there if you want to do it bad enough.

71:What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

5:  I guess away from the dirt bike I like to kinda hang out with friends, wake board, and have fun and golf..

-They let you wake board?

5:  Yeah, I mean I don’t tell them I’m going… ha, ha    I think everyone sees me at the track and I am really serious and away from it they would be shocked to see me having fun, I like to have fun too.

71:  What is your least favorite track?

5:  I don’t really have a least favorite track but if I had to pick one I would say Elsinore California.  It’s not bad but it gets really really hard.  It gets hard packed and I like more loamier…if I had to pick, but I don’t necessary have a bad track.

71:  Do you like outdoor or indoor better?

5:  I’m about 50/50.  I like Supercross because it is newer and I didn’t get to do it growing up as a kid, so for me it is a little different of a challenge and it was a different learning curve when I started.  Motocross I have done more so it is good to get done with Supercross and get back to the roots of where we really started.

71:  Do you have any tattoos?

5:  I have no tattoos and I don’t plan on getting any.

71:  Have you ever had a regular job?

5:  Growing up as a kid I worked with my Dad in the summer.  We poured concrete and construction work so a lot of labor and a lot of hard work and I think my Dad taught me a good work ethic.

71:  If you didn’t race dirt bikes what would you be doing?

5:  Maybe be pouring concrete.  I don’t know I always dreamed that if I didn’t race maybe a business, I really don’t know but I am really glad motocross worked out.

71:  That’s it Thank you.

5:  Thank you Bud, nice to meet you!

Video of the interview:

Thank you Ryan Dungey for your time!

 

PART OF MY INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN BARCIA – THROW BACK THURSDAY

In honor of Supercross in Oakland this weekend I put together a video of my interview with Justin Barcia at a past supercross event.  During race day he took time to sit down with me and answer some questions.  He was super nice and very funny….I thought you all might like to see some of the video we took.  It is not the best quality and there was a lot of people around, but it is still cool to see him just sitting down and answering some questions.

You can read the post I did back when I did the original interview here Justin Barcia Interview

See you in Oakland at Supercross!

MY FACE IS IN PRINT

I  have had pictures of me racing in magazines and brochures, but I have not had pictures of my face…….till now.

I don’t know what took so long, look at my face.  lol

So last year at Loretta’s, you all know that I got a hole shot and I won $100 gift card from the Motorcycle Superstore.

A few weeks ago I used my gift card to buy some stuff for my Dad for Father’s Day, which he loved!  Later that day my Dad was looking through the Motorcycle Superstore catalog and there was a picture of my face in it.

It was cool that out of all the kids that got hole shot awards last year the three of us were chosen to be put in the magazine.  Thanks again Motorcycle Superstore and a special thanks to all my sponsors that helped me get to Loretta’s last year.  I am so excited I get to go again this year and represent you there.

A few better shots from last year.

My interview with JOSH HILL number 75

I had a chance to interview JOSH HILL a few months ago.  He was in a hurry so I was only able to ask a couple of questions, but he was really nice!

Josh was born July 30, 1989 and grew up in Oregon.  Josh turned pro in 2006 and since has moved to Murrieta, California.  He is one of the few racers to be pulled straight out of the amateur ranks and into a factory motocross ride at the age of 19.  In 2006 Factory Yamaha signed Josh to a factory contract.  In 2008 Josh achieved his childhood dreams by winning the Minneapolis Supercross.  Josh has continue to progress over the years winning several championships, but has also been set back by many injuries.   Currently Josh rides for RCH/Suzuki team.  When I spoke with Josh he was out with a hand injury and was anxious to get back on the bike.

….AND MY INTERVIEW WITH JOSH HILL #75

71:  How did you first get started riding your dirt bike?

75:  I was like 3 years old and my Dad, or my Grandpa bought me my first dirt bike when I was 3.  I just rode it in the back yard and then started racing.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get where you are?

75:  Just have fun man and do it.  As long as you can just keep having fun and every day it will get a little better.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

75:  My first pro ride was with factory Yamaha.  I won Loretta Lynn’s a few times and got seen and the picked me up when I was 16 years old.  My first pro race was Millville in 2006.

71:  Do you have any Tattoos?

75:  No I don’t, I don’t have any tattoos

71:  Do you have any pets?

75:  I have a black lab up in Oregon and her name is Mocha.  She is a big old funny black lab.

71:  Where you home schooled?

75:  Yes I was home schooled

71:  Thank you

75:  Right on Bud, no problem!

MEET THE 51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINK SUPERCROSS TEAM

While I was at Oakland Supercross I had a chance to interview some of the members of the 51 Fifty Energy Drink Supercross team.  I have so much fun with everyone on the team they are all super nice guys!  Preston Mull and Preston Tilford both got injured right before the season began but Scott Champion and Chris Plouffe have been doing great this season and getting better finishes each week.

SCOTT CHAMPION  # 78

71:  How did you first get started on a dirt bike?

78:  My Dad bought me a PW50 when I was 4.  That’s how I got started.  He used to race.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

78:  It was in 2008 and I heard of a team that had a hurt rider so I called them.  They told me to come out and they would watch me ride so I did that and they signed a contract with me the next day.

71:  What is something people might be surprised to know about you?

78:  They might be surprised to know that I didn’t really race that much growing up.  I just kinda rode in the desert and had fun riding.  That is something that the kids I’m racing against didn’t do, they were racing every weekend.

71:  Do you have any tattoos?

78:  Yes I have 2 tattoos on my arm.  I got this one, it’s a guardian angel holding a cross.  I also have one up here (pointing to the top of his arm) that me and my Dad and my Grandpa all got and it says “Born a Champion”.

71:  Do you have any pets?

78:  No I don’t have any pets, I’m allergic to dogs and cats.  I wish I could.

CHRIS PLOUFFE # 98

71:  How did you first get started on a dirt bike?

98:  My Dad rode back in his day and got me my first bike when I turned 2 and ever since then I’ve been hooked.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get where you are?

98:  Keep practicing…..practice, practice, practice.  That is the only way you are going to get better.  Do some racing and keep going from there.

71:  Do you have any pets?

98:  I have 3 dogs.  I have a little chihuahua named Tobie, I have a golden retriever named Zoie and another golden retriever named Rosie.

71:  Do you have any tattoos?

98:  No tattoos for me, I’m clean.

PRESTON MULL  # 565

71:  How did you first get started on a dirt bike?

565:  I first got started on my 2nd birthday when my Uncle gave me a PW50.

.         71:  Nice Uncle

.         565:  I know right!

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get where you are?

565:  If you want to get where I’m at you just gotta go for it.  You gotta be willing to put in the work because at the end of the day it’s the hard work you put in and how hard you try when you are out there that gets you out front.  Anyone can have the nicest stuff but if you don’t have the drive and the desire to do the best you possible can everytime you go out there….there is no point in being out there unless you want to better yourself.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

565:  I would say my first pro ride is this one, getting to ride for 51 Fifty.  I lucked into it being from the hometown and having a good solid outdoor season and having good finishes all year.

71:  Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?

565:  I don’t think so, I think everyone knows I’m a pretty weird person.

71:  Do you have any pets?

565:  I have Summer…can I see the dog real quick.  This is Summer

71:  What is your favorite sport other than Motocross?

565:  There are other sports?  Ha, Ha, Ha

71:  Where you home schooled?

565:  No I went to school all the way through High School.

71:  What is your worst and most favorite track.

565:  Worst track Highpoint.  I don’t know why not a fan of Highpoint.  Favorite track? Dude there are so many fun tracks, I like Hollister or just the local sand track by the river by my house…anything is fun.  Any day at the track is a good day.

SOME OF THE 51 FIFTY GIRLS

– – – – – BEHIND THE SCENES – – – – –

Many people are involved to put together the 51 Fifty Energy Drink Supercross team….  I know my self and the rest of the guys on the team are very greatful for the support and efforts that everyone on the team puts in for us.

Joe Cordeiro (Team Manager)

Joe is always very helpful and supportive to the team and I.  He has built a Supercross team from the ground up, in a very short amount of time, and has done a great job navigating the wants and needs of the entire team.  We all appreciate your continued hard work for us!

Carlos Vieira (Team Owner)

Carlos main passion is giving back!  He is a long time car racer that has always helped raise money for Childrens Hospital.  In 2009 Carlos started a fundraising campaign called Race for Autism to help families living with Autism….throughout the season he donated all his race winnings and held several events to increase awareness and help raise money.  Carlos founded 51 Fifty Energy Drinks and continues to give back in many ways…..51Fifty has sponsored many local people in motocross, boxing, music, cheer, BMX, fishing, boarding, and more.  Thank you Carlos for all your help and support!

THANK YOU

CARLOS, JOE and the entire 51 FIFTY ENERGY DRINK team!

Buy 51 Fifty Energy Drinks….. and help support local athletes like me and a percentage of all sales goes to the Carlos Vieira Foundation which directly helps families living with Autism.

My interview with JUSTIN BARCIA during Oakland Supercross

During Oakland Supercross Justin Barcia took some time out of his day to let me interview him for you guys.

He was super cool and really funny.

Before the interview a little information about Justin Barcia, who was born in Paterson, NJ and now lives in Greenville, FL.  He began riding dirt bikes at the age of 5 and started racing at 7.  During his amateur racing career, Justin won over 25 National titles including 4 Loretta Lynn’s Championships.  Justin turned pro in 2009 and in his first full season of riding he finished second in Supercross and fifth in the Outdoors.  Justin then became the two-time Supercross Champion in 2011 and 2012 and also won the 2012 Monster Energy Cup.  This year, in 2013, Justin has moved into the 450 class and did very well in the first two rounds including winning his first 450 Main Event in the second round.  The third and fourth rounds have not ended well for Justin with a crash in the third round injuring his nose and hand and getting taken out in turn two of the fourth round in Oakland.  Justin’s aggressive riding style on the race track has earned him the name Bam Bam Barcia.

……AND NOW MY INTERVIEW WITH #51 JUSTIN BARCIA

71:  How did you first get started in racing?

51:  Well it’s a long story but I will try to make it short.  I didn’t really want to do any other sports and my Mom tried to take me to soccer practice one day and I started crying and telling her I didn’t want to do it.  She asked me if I wanted to ride dirt bikes and I was like Yeah   So I started riding, went to my first race and I caught the bug and never stopped from there.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me that want to get to where you are?

51:  Well it’s a lot of hard work for sure but I think the biggest thing for me was having my Mom and Dad around.  Just having fun, if you’re not having fun that’s not good.  If you’re having fun and your parents are around it all good.

71:  What was your first pro ride and how did you get it?

51:  My first pro ride was on the Geico Honda and I was actually racing at Mini O’s one year and I was on a 65’s.  The guy that owned Factory Connection owned the Geico team also and he noticed me and I started riding for him as an amateur and then I went professional.

71:  Something people would be surprised to know about you?

51:  People would be surprised to know that I’m actually a pretty nice guy…ha! ha! ha!   There is a difference between being mean on the track and being mean off the track, so I try to be nice off the track.

71:  Do you have any pets and what are there names?

51:  We have a lot of dogs at home.  I have Buddy, we have Shift, we have Scrat, we have a cat, and a whole bunch of animals at home.  I have been staying in California a lot right now so I haven’t seen them in a while so I miss them, but I defiantly have quit a few.

71:  What’s your favorite movie?

51:  I like Ted right now….have you seen it?

—— 71:  No my Mom won’t let me watch it.

—— 51:  Ya you’re not allowed to watch Ted yet, but when you get a little older you will defiantly like it a lot. ha! ha!

71:  What’s your favorite song?

51:  I don’t think I can pick a favorite song, I like Rap, I like Country, I like a variety so it’s a little bit of everything.

71:  Did you go to school or were you home schooled?

51:  I was home schooled

71:  Thank you for your time!

51:  That was awesome, that was the best interview I’ve had in a while.

After the interview I told Justin that my sister Hailey was in love with him and he gave her a hug and took a picture with her.  She was SO excited.

You are welcome Hailey!

Huge THANKS to Justin Barcia for taking the time to help me with this interview!!!!

Make sure you watch Justin in the upcoming races and cheer him on…..GOOD LUCK JUSTIN!

My interview with TREY CANARD after Anaheim 1

I had the unbelievable opportunity to ask Trey Canard a few questions after the first round of Supercross.

I am so excited that he took time from his busy schedule for me.

I hope you all learn something about #41 and enjoy!

Before we get to the interview, a little information about Trey Canard.  Trey was born September 17, 1990 and he races the #41 Muscle Milk Honda CRF 450.  He grew up in Oklahoma and in 2006 and 2007 he had a very successful amateur career, winning Loretta Lynn’s National Championships.  In 2008 Trey was signed to his first professional team with Factory Connection Honda.  In 2008 Trey won the East Coast Lites Championship during his rookie year, and won again in 2010.  After his success in the lites class, 20 year old Trey landed a deal with Red Bull Honda to ride in the 450 class for 2011.  Trey started out strong with three wins and multiple top five finishes until a broken femur during practice ended his season.  In 2011 and 2012 Trey spent most of his time recovering from several different very serious accidents and has began the 2013 Supercorss season with a very strong 2nd place finish.  Make sure you watch Trey’s movie REvival 41 that I have put at the bottom for a better look into #41.

…..AND NOW, MY INTERVIEW WITH TREY CANARD #41

71:  As a kid when did you know you would make it?

41:  I don’t think I really knew until I was about 16, but I had a dream and a lot of people behind that dream so I had hope and did the best I could.

71:  What was your training schedule like as a kid?

41:  It was very relaxed for several years, which I think is great.  You can’t take it too serious to early.  When I was 16 I started with a trainer and it took off from there.  Riding, cycling, weight lifting, plyometrics, a full time job.

71:  How did you keep your mind right in practice and races?

41:  I think for me, it was having a clear mind.  Having a clear mind came through having faith in Christ.  It’s also important to focus on just riding turn by turn obstacle by obstacle.

71:  What advice would you give kids like me?

41:  I think the biggest thing is to enjoy riding a motorcycle, don’t take it too crazy serious but enjoy it and let all that other stuff come when it needs to.

71:  Where you home schooled or did you go to regular school?

41:  I was homeschooled in the 6^th grade only due to a school system that didn’t support my racing.  I had missed too many days.

71:  If you didn’t make it with dirt bikes, what would you be doing?

41:  I’m not sure, my passion I feel is working with young people.  Some sort of youth ministry.

71:  Your movie Revival 41 was AWESOME….you have an amazing attitude, how do you stay so positive?

41:  Thanks!!  It was a real joy getting to make that film.  I think the only reason I’m able to do any of this is because of my hope and my strength and courage my positivity is in my God.  I like to just watch a movie, ride my bicycle, work on the tracks, spend time with my family or my girlfriend.  Pretty basic I think.

71:  When you are out with an injury, how do you catch back up with other riders that have been practicing while you have been recovering?

41:  I think for me it was just continuing to stay dedicated to my sleep, eating habits, physical conditions, and  physical therapy.  Just not letting up and trying to improve in other areas of your life.  I’ve gotta give all credit to God through if it wasn’t for hime I wouldn’t be here.

71:  What part of riding, practicing, and fitness do you not like?

41:  I think for me it’s just getting tired and grumpy.  When you train a lot you get pretty run down and tired.

71:  Do you like Supercross or Motocross better?

41:  I like both, I think it’s awesome we can basically have two new sports in the middle of the year.  When you’re tired of one you get to ride the other.

71:  Do you have any tattoo’s?

41:  No tattoo’s for me.  I’ve thought about it at times though.

71:  What are the names of your pets?

41:  Foster,   Miley Cyrus,   and   Domino

71:  What is your favorite food?

41:  Mexican food.

71:  What is your favorite movie (besides yours)?

41:  Facing the Giants

71:  What is your favorite song?

41:  Identity by Lecrae

71:  Congrats for A1…amazing start after such a long road to recovery…How did you celebrate?

41:  Thanks a ton!  Didn’t do much celebrating.  Just enjoyed the moment with my family and everyone around me, it was an awesome night!

Trey’s Mom, Kari, also answered a couple of questions

71:  When Trey was a kid and he would get hurt, how hard was it to let him get back on the bike?

Mom:  Trey was always ready to get back on the bike.  He couldn’t wait

71:  When did you know Trey was going to make this his career?

Mom:  I always thought that Trey had something special because he had really great balance and riding a bike came very easy for him.

71:  Any advice you can give parents of young dirt bike riders?

Mom:   Try to relax and have fun, and let your kids have fun.

Huge THANKS to Trey Canard and Mom Kari Canard for taking the time to help me with this interview!!!!

Make sure you watch Trey’s movie REvival 41, and make sure you cheer him on at this weeks Supercross race…..GOOD LUCK TREY!