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!

Other riders include Brodey Gould, who handily won the 85 Sr. class, James Moore and Jarett Pesci in the Schoolboy class, and Clay Woeste in the 50 and 65 classes.

I’d like to personally thank Pat at Baja Mx for putting on such great races, as well as all the other activities Baja has to offer. The facility and faculty will make you feel right at home at Baja – you won’t want to leave! Finally, I’d also like to send a big thank you to Harold and Becky, as well as Sean at Cobra Motorcycles.

My brother Corey and I spent Labor Day weekend August 29th – September 1st at the Baja Brawl taking photos and video. Here are some of the pictures… video to come soon!

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The Prospects MX

presented by Motoplayground Magazine

• Produced by GK Films
• Edited and filmed by Wes Williams, Benjamin Bixby, and Matt Crutchfield.
• Title motion graphics designed in collaboration with Matt Crutchfield, animated by Benjamin Bixby.
• Rider introduction motion graphics designed and animated by Benjamin Bixby.

Click on any image below to play a riders comp

Menu Motion Graphics

Location: Gatorback Cycle Park – Gainesville, Florida

Event: 2006 Winter National Olympics (Mini Olympics)

Role: Created and animated the introduction for the daily video updates from the Mini Os.

view Quicktime

The motocross track peaks in the center of this comp, surrounded by palm trees and overlooked by the title “Mini Olympics” – complete with the year in the background. I tried to sum up the event and the feeling of being in Florida via a quick, flashy introduction, all the while keeping in mind I had less than a day to finish the design and have it ready for Tuesday’s racing.

Wes Williams and I took to the track for the next four days gathering footage in an effort to put out some of the best daily updates since Lorretta Lynn’s 2005 Mx Sports Center. We made two videos from the Supercross and Motocross finals for internet viewers to watch, viewable on The Prospects Mx website.