View from atop the Cobra Semi-Trailer

Last week was the 35th Annual 2008 Winter Mini Olympics at Gatorback Cycle Park in Alachua, Florida.  My brother Corey and I packed late like always, just making it to the airport and just under the 50 lbs. per bag limit.  We flew out on a non-stop flight to Orlando, Florida with Cobra Motorcycle’s Sean Hilbert and met up with one of Cobra’s engineers, Wendell Penrod, before heading to the track.

After being absent from the amateur national scene for over a year, I was excited to catch up with some of my old buddies.  It’s amazing what I’ve missed in one year, from 80 riders becoming developed B riders, to Justin Barcia’s dominant speed in the A classes and riders emerging as champions after being sidelined with injuries.  I was happy to spend some time with my bud Jeff Mort, who, unfortunately ran into some bad luck in his first pro moto and hurt his back… Here’s to hoping a fast recovery!  Thanks for letting us crash in the INFERNOOOO!

I spent quite a bit of time taking some video of Cobra riders, which was kind of a new thing for me.  I never really paid much attention to the little guys, but one week quickly changed my mind – riders like Austin Forkner and his parents, Lance Kobusch and his dad, Chase Sexton, the list goes on… these guys really know how to enjoy motocross!

Austin and his parents have got to be one of the most amazing motocross families I have met in a long time – it’s been awhile since I’ve met a family dedicated to having fun all the while racing at a serious level and not letting the little things get to them.  Their attitude towards racing is inspirational, and Austin has the ambition and dedication to become a champion one day very soon.  

On the other hand, Lance Kobusch is a riot!  His dad is super cool too.  I only spent a little time around them and I can’t wait to watch him ride some more… Lance has the hang-it-out style like that of RC along with that hunger to be number one.  He swept his classes at Ponca and Loretta Lynn’s this past year… Amazing for what he’s done at his age!

One thing I was not too excited about was the rise in crashes and injuries at this year’s event.  It really sucked to see so many kids get hurt, and I think that is in part due to the four-stroke bikes.  Over almost every jump I would hear the panic rev “BRAAAAAAA” and see a kid endo.  I really wish they’d bring back the two-strokes…

Overall the week was a ball and I can’t wait to go back to another amateur nat.  Hopefully I’ll see my buds soon again!  Look out for a video earlier next week… I’ve got finals this and next week so it will be a busy time for me!