Grants Column

Schedules - Results - Masterlinks - Store - Contact - Advertise - Webmasters

Maui Motocross Association
6-12-02 Grant Rogers

The Maui Motocross Association was created in September of 1999, and
currently boasts over 700 members. Interested in Maui's Motocross
community in general, my journeys led me to an area on the island
near Kehi. The island of Maui has a total of only 11 acres of legal
riding area. These 11 acres are home to the Puunene Motocross
Facility. Puunene is located on the windiest and hottest part of the
island, and most of the dirt that the workers lay down gets blown
away within a couple of days. Despite these harsh weather conditions,
a core group of about 12 workers, including MMA president Kurt
Foromoto, have put together a very respectable track. Puunene's dirt
is amazingly made up of a substance called "Bagas." Bagas is waist
left over from burnt and processed sugar cane. Sugar Cane is Maui's
largest agricultural crop, and the Bagas is more than available. Kurt
and the boys boast that the Bagas makes the best dirt a rider can get
his or her hands on. Although the Bagas does not look much like the
dirt you and I are used to, the smell of the Bagas is very distinct
and can only be explain one way- a sultry and musty dead animal. The
MMA holds races at the Puunene Motocross Facility every-other month,
careful not to over-do the sport, and keep interest with the
motocross community.
The MMA is in constant struggle with the county of Maui over land
rights. The county believes that 11 acres is enough. While the MMA is
struggling to keep the land they have, they would like to get a trail
system setup for riders to be able to practice on the off weekends.
If a rider is caught on a non-designated area riding his or her bike,
Maui officials will take their bike immediately and the riders will
be prosecuted heavily. The only other legal place to ride amongst the
islands is on the island of Oahu. Oahu is home to 600 acres of open
riding, and is oddly enough a state park.
The MMA is a non-profit organization and would like to thank the
following sponsors- HCNS/Good Fellow Brothers/ Bacon Universal/County
of Maui/ Maui Trucking/ Fong Construction.
Special thanks to President and Vice President of MMA Kurt Furomoto
and Austin Rodriguez for taking time out of their busy days to sit
down and talk with me. If you would like more information on the
Puunene Motocross Facility contact Aloha Cycles at- (808) 244-0307
Stay tuned for a full report on the Maui Motocross Community, the
Maui Motocross Association, and the Puunene Motocross Facility,
including pictures and interviews.
_________________
Grant Rogers
Moto-Journalist
http://www.ezracer.com/grant.htm

The Outdoor Shake Down
5-17-02 Grant Rogers

The 2002 Chevy Trucks Nationals are finally upon us. This year’s outdoor season has been one of the most anticipated series all year. The 125 class is jam-packed with several riders that have full potential of taking home the number one plate. Riders such as James Stewart, Chad Reed, Mike Brown, Grant Langston, and Ernesto Fonseca all have the speed and potential to win. Here’s how is see the riders and their seasons unfolding:

Front Runners-

James Stewart-First off, you need to remember that James Stewart was raised on the outdoor tracks, and it was at these tracks where he first made a name for himself. With that said- Stewart’s speed is going to be very hard to match, however, his ability to make mistakes is most likely going to play a major role in the outcome of several races. Stewart needs to sit back and be patient. He has the speed and the confidence to win, but just as in supercross, his rookie mistakes may once again cost him a title. If Stewart can ride a smart race and stay consistent, he will be unstoppable.

Mike Brown- Brown is defending his 2001 title, and will not go out without a fight. Mike Brown is an aggressive rider and is not going to give anybody the least bit of slack. Many people may not agree with Brown’s aggressive riding style, but there is a good argument to be made about how his aggression aided him during the title run last year. Although Duke Finch may not enjoy his aggression, Brown will continue to be aggressive if he feels the need. Mike Brown is a veteran rider, and I have no doubts about his intelligence on the track. Brown is already a champion and knows what it takes. I expect to see Brown near the front of the pack every moto.

Chad Reed- Although we have yet to see much of Chad Reed’s outdoor abilities, if his skills outdoor are anywhere near what they were indoor, lookout. Reed’s riding style reminds me of McGrath. If Reed was to wear the number two jersey, and slap a Bud Light sticker on his bike, he would be MC’s clone. He seems to have experience beyond his years, and I expect to see Mr. Reed among the top runners. I have not watched Reed run outdoors yet, hence, cannot logically place him. Judging from his supercross run this year, Chad Reed should play a contributing factor to the series. Only time will tell.

Grant Langston- Grant has had a very rough last couple seasons. Tainted with mechanical failures and injuries, he was unable to contest the 2002 indoor title. As we all know, Langston is very capable of contesting the outdoor title, and may very well take it home to KTM this year. If Langston can stay healthy all season, expect to see him on the podium, and maybe even with the number one plate.

Ernseto Fonseca- Ernie has dropped down from the 250 class to try and contest the 125 outdoor title. Fonzy is riding the bullet fast CR 125, and should make a major splash amongst the class. Don’t get me wrong, Fonseca has definitely got his work cut out for him, but it should only take Fonzy a couple of races to get the feel for his bike and really get moving. Once Fonseca can pick up his speed, his momentum just may carry him all the way to the top. Fonseca is no stranger to the outdoor title and knows what it will take.

Underdogs

Christopher Gossellaar- Gossellaar has shown serious bursts of speed throughout the supercross series, and I will be looking for those sporadic bursts during the Nationals. If Chris can find a way to channel his speed, and stay consistent, he would be my number one pick for an “underdog win.” Gossellaar has the team and the mechanic to bring home a title, it’s simply a matter of time and work.

Travis Preston- We all know that Preston is consistent indoors, and now owns the number one plate, but can he put in the same ride outdoors? Preston is a patient rider and doesn’t mind sitting back and waiting for titles to come to him. I look for Preston to put in some decent rides. It may be those consistent 5^th place finishes that will start to add up. Preston may not be as fast as some of the top runners, but he is by far more consistent. Patience may be the key.

Whatever happens this season, it’s going to be an exciting one. The 125 class has several riders amongst it that could seriously take home the title. We can only sit back and watch, hoping our favorite riders come out victorious. Motocross is brutal and unpredictable, and that’s why we all love it. One simple mistake made by any of these riders could mean the difference between a champion and just another rider. There is one thing for sure- whoever comes home with the number one plate will have earned it, and only time will tell.

Interview with Jessica Patterson
3-20-02 by Grant Rogers
Jessica Patterson is not your average girl. Jessica has a list of accomplishments that would make any guy jealous. She is featured in an EA Sports Supercross game, and was the 99' and 2000' Loretta Lynn Champion. Patterson now takes part in the Women's Motocross League, and was the 2000 champion. She was unable to compete in the 2001 season due to a broken leg, but hopes to re-gain her title back this year. In preparation for the 2002 season, Jessica has already added more titles to her name: 2002 GNC Champion, and 2002 Lake Whitney Spring National Champion. I thought it was time to catch up with Jessica and ask a few questions. Because she was in Florida, and I was in California, the trusty old internet- instant messaging was put to use, here's what she had to say:

Ezracer.com- How long have you been riding?
Jessica Patterson-I have been riding for 11 years now.

EZR-Is there anyone you credit toward your success as a racer?
JP- Oh yeah. My mom and dad for sure. They have been behind me and pushing me from day one.

EZR- Did you attend school or were you home schooled?
JP- I went to regular school until half of 10th grade. My Parents told me I either had to quit traveling or get home schooled. So I was done with regular school and finished with home school in a year.

EZR- Can you remember the first race you won?
JP- No not really. I can remember my first race, I got 4 out of 5 but I had a lot of fun.

EZR-How much of your time is spent traveling?
JP-Well, when all the big races start I am usually lucky if I am home for 2 weeks at a time.

EZR- How do you train?
JP-I am on a diet now which helps a bunch, I also ride bicycles a lot, do a lot of cardio and some upper body.

EZR- Favorite track?
JP-Mammoth Mountain

EZR- What are your goals for 2002?
JP-To win all of my titles back. To win everything I couldn't do last year.

EZR- Who do you feel will be the top competitors in the WML?
JP-There is a new girl from Germany who is good. I will also have Stefy Bau, Tania Satchwell and some other girls that are up and coming.

EZR- Any big name guys that you have beat?
JP-Carmichael, Stewart, Lusk.... haha no I don't know. I race with guys 90% of the time. But I dont think I have ever beaten those guys before.

EZR- What do the dads say when they find out their son got beat by a girl?
JP-They have a fit. I hear it from the kid's half the time and they can't stand it. They tell me how bad it is to hear it from their dad.

EZR- Favorite place/area?
JP-Home, Florida.

EZR- How is your relationship with Kawasaki?
JP-It's great. I couldn't ask for better people. We all get along great and if it weren't for them I wouldn't be doing half the races I do.

EZR- Free trip anywhere- where do you go?
JP-I would go to Hawaii, go chill with some friends and just have fun.

EZR- Worst injury?
JP-Three years ago I broke both feet at the same time and was in a wheel chair for 3 months. Then last year I broke my leg twice and had three surgeries on it.

EZR- Hottest guy racer?
JP- Jeff Emig

EZR- Favorite food/drink?
JP-Chicken, baked potato and water

EZR-Ever been in a fight?
JP-yeah in the seventh grade. It was about who's momma smelt the worst. She hit me then it was on.

EZR-Anything you would like to add?
JP-I would like to thank Kawasaki, Pro Circuit, Fox, Scott, EA Sports, Maxima, Dunlop, Renthal, DC Shoes and everyone else who has helped me. Don't give up and follow your dreams. If you want it bad enough, you will work for it.

EZR- Thanks Jessica, good luck this year.
JP- Thanks.

   01-20-02 by Grant Rogers
January 4th, 2002, my girlfriend and I are on flight 501 from Sacramento to Orange County, headed for the first round of Supercross. We arrived at John Wayne airport just shortly before 9:10 p.m. After a long day of flying and increased airport security, we were ready for the Super 8 luxury swimming pool and spa. With our luggage in hand, we quickly ran out the street to flag a taxi. (Pool and spa closes at 10:00 p.m.). As we entered the car, I informed the driver that we were in a hurry. Obviously forgetting what I had told him, our short ten-minute drive turned into a forty-five minute scenic trip through Anaheim. We arrived at our hotel just in time to see the nice janitor man locking up the gate to the pool. As we passed the pool headed to our room, our feet were dragging and our heads were hung in despair - for our night of relaxation had been lost somewhere between the $30 taxi fee and the miscommunication between the nice Arabic man and me.
    The next morning Laura and I arose to a beautiful southern California day. Promptly getting dressed, we set out for a long day of racing. We arrived at the stadium around 11:30 a.m. The pits were full of new teams, new people, and a lot of excitement. Our first stop was the new LCR Yamaha team area, headed by privateer Ryan Clark. Ryan greeted us with a big smile as always. This year Ryan has started his own team, and hired Kevin and Keith Johnson to help out with a pursuit towards a title. Ryan seemed very busy with his new obligations, so we left him alone and headed for some pit-sight-seeing. As we roamed through the pits, I realized that nature was calling, so I proceeded to the nearest outhouse. As I grabbed for the door, I noticed the small sign "occupied." As I stepped back to give this unknown person some "privacy", the small signed changed to "vacant," Yes! As the door opened, I gave Mitch Payton the customary head nod that men commonly use in restrooms (rather than talking, the head nod is used because for men, restrooms are an uncomfortable place). For instance, during the 250 main event, I again headed to the restroom. There were 48,000 thousand screaming fans outside, but the sold-out restroom was as quiet as a library. There was a lot of head nodding going on in that room. Anyway, after using the portable toilet, we scurried around the pits for several more hours taking pictures and notes.
    This year's opening round of supercross was nothing less than spectacular. As we were sitting in the stands watching the 125cc practice, I picked out Christopher Gosselaar as the favorite to win the race. Gosselaar was consistent, very smooth, and he was just plain flying. If you watched the race on television, you might've thought that if it weren't for Gosselaar slamming Thain in the main, Thain would probably have won right? Well the coverage of the race failed to let you in on a little secret - the fact was, Gosselaar was turning faster lap times than Thain, and was leading the race for the majority of the time. The whoops section was the craziest section you have ever seen. I think only five 125 riders got through it in practice without crashing. During the main, Gosselaar had a little bobble in the whoops, which allowed Thain go by. On the next set of whoops, Gosselaar took them both out. You have got to give Chris Gosselaar some credit, the kid was flat out flying, and wrecking is part of racing. People make mistakes and he clearly made some. For "Hot Rod" Thain, maybe we should be calling him "Hot Head" Thain after his little act of aggression after the checkered flag - Thain had been a little upset with Gosselaar's take out move, and decided to try and run him over in the mechanics' area.
    I think Rodrig Thain is one of the best supercross racers in America. Late last year in July, at the Washougal National, I noticed that Rodrig looked very fast, and I've been keeping my eye on him ever since. Last year Thain was aboard a Suzuki 125, this year however, he leaves Suzuki for the Yamaha of Troy team, to ride the controversial YZF. "Hot Rod" was ranked 2nd in the 125cc East Region supercross series last year, making two podiums. Although Rodrig did not make the podium this time, keep your eye on him.
    The 250 main event was clearly a little disappointing. Everyone was hoping for an epic battle between McGrath and Carmichael. It never happened. After Carmichael had his horrendous crash, floods of people began leaving the stadium. Vuillemin was the overall winner, Larocco looked to be the fastest, but Carmichael's unfortunate crash had repercussions on Larocco. But if the 250's were disappointing, the 125 class more than paid for your ticket.
    As the night wore down, we headed back to the hotel. By the time we arrived at the hotel, we were exhausted, and went right to sleep. The next morning we found ourselves in a never-ending airport security line. During the 3-hour duration of standing in line, we kept hearing a yipping noise. It took me all the way to the metal detector to spot the small noisy bag. Please people, do not try and smuggle your two-pound dog onto a plane in your carry-on bag! Our trip was everything we had expected. Every year I am reminded that I get to take part in the greatest sport in the world. I feel sorry for the unfortunate souls that have never had the chance to experience our sport. Be thankful that you have had the privilege of catching the Motocross bug. See you at round 5!

Green Light, Red Light
11-12-01 by Grant Rogers

Recently,
all the talk has been on Ricky Carmichael's switch from Kawasaki to Honda. For those of you who don't know, Ricky Carmichael has taken over Ezra Lusk's place with team Honda, and oddly enough, Lusk has taken over Carmichael's place at Kawasaki. The two factory riders seemed to have traded places, and many people are wondering what this means for the future? Lusk and Carmichael have been riding partners for several years, but the change has had a profound effect on their personal relationship.
In a recent interview with Racer X Magazine, Lusk stated: " I'll tell you how it
is, the change has had affected our personal relationship. We used to be
practice partners for years. There were days that I wouldn't even put my leg
over the bike unless it was just he and I riding. Now he's # 1 and he doesn't
care to ride with me anymore. It's a touchy subject." There are many
theories as to why Carmichael would have chosen to make such a big change
after his "perfect year," but if the US Open is any indication into what the
fans' opinions are, the change was not a positive one.
At the US Open on his new Honda he dominated - in typical Carmichael
fashion. As RC entered the MGM Grand, it wasn't the usual pro-Carmichael
cheers. After fourteen years of seeing the green light and after all they had
done for him, how could he actually have gone toward the red light?
Carmichael had been Kawasaki's most successful rider, and him drifting away
from the team was anything but the norm. Mid-way through his 2001
championship and record-setting supercross run somebody caught wind that he
had been talking with Honda. When asked about the topic of change, he simply
would not comment. I feel that many fans felt that Carmichael was being
disrespectful and disloyal to the team that had helped build him into a
champion. This sentiment may have been the reason the already half-drunk
crowd began booing the new red rider. Also, people felt that Honda was simply
trying to buy a championship, and they didn't approve of him being a part of
that. Although Carmichael reassures fans that money did not play a part in
his decision, it is going to be hard to persuade them otherwise. Prior to the
last round of the outdoor nationals, Kawasaki issued a press release stating,
" Ricky is a unique young man who will missed both professionally and
personally by the many he worked with at Kawasaki through the years, and his
name will be proudly recognized by Kawasaki racing fans along side those of
our other motocross champions." Whatever the reasons were for Carmichael's
decision, he made it and it's over. Whether you like it or not, Carmichael will be piloting a CR 250 for 2002, and no matter what happens, the season will promise to be a great one.

Exclusive interview with Shawn Bushnell.
10-19-01 by Grant Rogers
    Shawn Bushnell is easily one of the fastest riders in Northern
California. Bushnell is a 1992 Pacific Northwest Minicycle Champion, a 1996
125 B High Point Phillipsville MX Champion, and the list goes on with many
first place wins and notable achievements. Late last year, Bushnell received
his Professional license. His first pro national was Hangtown 2001;
reluctantly, he crashed both qualifiers on Saturday afternoon while in
qualifying contention both times.
    His second national race was Washougal 2001. Sunday morning was
upon him; his moto was stacked with riders such as Ezra Lusk and many more. After the gate dropped, Bushnell found himself second to the first turn, right behind Yogi himself. On the last lap, while running a solid 8th place( AMA takes the top 13 riders), he got tangled with another rider and went down hard, losing all hope of making the main event. Bushnell's sub frame had been bent over, and with his pipe rubbing his tire; it gave him no time to repair his bike before the LCQ.
    Yesterday, while sitting on my couch, trying to figure out what possess
the Crocodile Hunter to jump on top of a perfect killing machine, I thought
it would be a good idea to go check up on my buddy Shawn. When I arrived, I
found him in his garage, surrounded by his small arsenal of potent Kawasaki's.

    EZRacer- Hey Shawn, how's it going?

    Shawn Bushnell- Good, you?

    EZR- Not bad, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

    Bushnell- No, go ahead.

    EZR- How has riding been lately?

    Bushnell- Alright, I only get to ride once a week if I'm lucky, if the
weather holds, or I'm not working a side job so I can afford to ride. I've
been doing some woods riding and hare scrambles for fun. I'm getting excited
about going to my first WORCS event in November.

    EZR-Can you remember your first bike?

    Bushnell- Yeah, I first got a Honda trail 50 when I was three years old,
my Dad told me that If I could learn to ride a bicycle, and start the
motorcycle, he would take me riding. So I kicked on the motorcycle everyday
for about two months until I started it, and then he took me down to some
trails, put me on it, and I took right off.

    EZR- How long did you ride the 50?

    Bushnell- I rode it off and on when my Dad would take me to the trails,
then I went through a couple 4 wheelers. In the 8th grade I got my first Rm
80 dirt bike. The first day I went riding, I ended up spending a night in the
hospital and was scared of it. I didn't ride it for like 6 months after I
crashed.

    EZR- Is there anyone you credit toward your success as a racer?

    Bushnell- One day my Dad took me to a local riding spot in Ferndale, and
that's where we met the Woodward family. The Woodwards are who I really owe
it all to for helping me get started in racing. I was thirteen at the time
and my buddy Zach and I would always be pushing each other week in and week
out. It is hard to get better riding by yourself. And from that point on I
just made my way up through the ranks.

    EZR- Was there ever a class that you just simply dominated?

    Bushnell- Yeah, on the 80s. My very first year racing, we traveled and
did a whole series of races in the Northwest of Oregon and Washington. I won
in the 80 beginner series. After I had that series rapped up, I rode the next
class up and I believe I won that also.

    EZR-When did you get your first 125?

    Bushnell- Well, I stayed on the 80 for a while, I was short, I've always
been a small guy, but in 1993 I got my first KX 125.

    EZR- How did you do in school this whole time, did riding have an effect
on your scholastics?

    Bushnell- No, not at all. I always had highest honors, and perfect
attendance, I never missed a day at school, we would get home at three in the
morning from racing and I would make it to school, and my homework was done.
But that was the rules; Dad said as long as the grades are up, I could go
racing.

    EZR- Did you keep your grades up all the way through high school and
college?

    Bushnell- Always, I graduated from Cosumnes River College with highest
honors, with a major in automotive technology. I always liked school though.
I was kind of a schoolboy.

    EZR- So how did you do on the 125?

    Bushnell- I started riding 125 junior and doing really well, then we had
a local track open up, so I raced there quite a bit. That's when I started
racing more than once a month, before, I could usually only race about once a
month. There I ended up going through the 125 ranks, winning the series there
also. Then the track closed down and I'm back to " selective racing".

    EZR- How often were you able to travel to races?

    Bushnell- We traveled as much as we could. Every year we would try to hit
the Washougal National, and Hangtown as well.

    EZR- Did you work at all during this time?

   Bushnell- Yeah, when I was younger I would work as much as I could to try and
offset the cost of racing, my Dad couldn't afford it all, so I worked at a
local grocery store as a courtesy clerk. That was during high school, and
then after high school I went to college. During college I worked odd jobs
anywhere I could. I have bought all of my bikes since 1993, my Dad helps out
in several other ways, but unfortunately, I have to work a lot and that's why
I cant ride as much. I know that if I was able to swap the two, I could be
more competitive.

    EZR- Has work affected your racing?

    Bushnell- Yes. I ride pretty conservative because in reality, I need a
job, I can't rely on my racing because I pay for it 100% out of my own
pocket, I have to go to work on Monday. I would like to get support for some
bikes. If I could get my name out there and someone recognized that I was
serious, and I could get the chance to take a couple years off, I would be
right up there ahead of everyone else.

    EZR- When did you turn pro?

    Bushnell- I got my pro license at the end of 2000.

    EZR- Now, Tell me about your girlfriend. She races too, right?

    Bushnell- My girlfriend Alison Jones and I have been together for about
four years now. The first two years she just tagged along as a pit tootsie,
and she finally got tired of it and wanted to ride. So I took her down to the
woods and let her ride my bike. She just simply got the bug; she saved some
money to buy a bike so I sold her my 125. She has been riding ever since. She
is currently ranked sixth in the nation in the WML amateur class right now
and it's only her second year riding.

    EZR- Did you teach her how to ride?

    Bushnell- Well I taught her the basics, but it takes a good student to
actually apply them.

    EZR-What's your current plans?

    Bushnell-Well I plan on racing select rounds of the EA Sports Supercross
series. And some select rounds of Nationals, and Arenacross. My main
objective is to qualify for the events, get some exposure and hopefully
acquire some support outside my own wallet.

    EZR- Alright Shawn, thanks for you time.

    Bushnell- Thank you

" The infamous LTD"
9-8-01 by Grant Rogers
   The outdoor nationals are officially over and that means its time to
start thinking about the always exciting, EA Sports Supercross Series. I have
already purchased my tickets for the first round in Anaheim. I have been to
the first round many times and every year it's a blast! Each year brings new
teams, new riders, and as always, a great night of racing.
    January 9,1998, I was on my way to the first round of supercross at
Anaheim. The race was being held in the coliseum at the time. I was simply
amazed with my surroundings - the people, the atmosphere, and last but not
least, the wild and crazy L.A. crowd. Being 15 years of age at the time,
(ten years too young to rent a car and three years too young to rent a hotel
room) my cousins, Bill and Tom Dillard, had offered to let me accompany them
and their friends, Ray Elliott, Dennis Luz, and Pete Porter, to Anaheim. I
was thrilled of course, and started to pack, little did I know it would be
one of the most insane trips I have ever taken. Try to picture this- five
grown men, and one high school freshmen, all packed into Ray Elliott's 1978
LTD, holes in the shocks, cruising at a mere110 mph headed to the airport.
There were constant echoes of backfire coming from the LTD's worn engine. The
flames from the exhaust seemed to engulf the car in the early hours of the
morning. As we parked the car, it was still gurgling from the punishment we
had just inflicted on the poor thing. This is one of those unforgettable
moments you know you're going to never forget, and will cherish for a
lifetime.
    January 10, 1998, after the long flight to Anaheim, we were all looking
forward to go watch some racing. We arrived at the coliseum and quickly found
our seats. Excited and tense, we all began making bets about who would take
the win in the 250 class. The oldest guy in the group, Pete, opted to place
his bet on the Frenchman, Sebastian Tortelli. We all looked at him with wide
eyes saying, " Who the heck is Tertelli?", mispronouncing his name, no doubt.
Pete, being a big fan of European motocross, had been watching Tortelli, and
was sure he would win. We all chuckled and were sure that his money was
headed our way.
    The 250 main event was upon us and we were all on our feet. As the race
progressed the excitement began to brew, and the question was going through
all of our heads, who would capitalize and take the win? It was second to
last lap, and out of nowhere comes you know who. Yep you guessed it,
Mr.Tortelli himself, and he took the win. There were a couple of French guys
in front of us and they began shouting French cheers and swirling their
leather jackets in the air. The crowd was astonished, and we, to say the
least, had just lost some money!
So the moral of this story is: Go to supercross, have fun, and never bet with
an old man who knows his stuff.

" My fifteen minutes of fame"
9-02-01 by Grant Rogers
" Can I have your goggles?", I was repeatedly asked for about fifteen
minutes straight. I was in the pro pits sitting behind privateer Ryan Clark's
number 91 Yamaha. Ryan had left to go to the restroom and told me he would be
right back. I quickly snagged the chair that he was sitting in and began my
fifteen minutes of fame. I had little kids flocking around me like a bunch of
vultures asking for goggles, stickers, and everything else in sight. When
Ryan returned I informed him of my frantic effort to retain his only pair of
goggles and the other stuff he had with him. He was happy that I had helped
defend his items. He told me that his bike and everything else was still back
east from Kenworthy the weekend before. Because of this, he basically had
nothing with him and was forced to borrow a bike. Despite all this, he pulled
together a couple of solid moto runs going 19-19, (not bad for riding your
buddy's bike). Ryan Clark is one of the coolest guys out there - besides
being a nice guy, he'll always take time out to talk with you or sign an
autograph. I'm glad that I got the chance to get to know Ryan and be able to
hang out with him when I get the chance.
I met Ryan through my girlfriend Laura Holmgren. Laura and Ryan are
cousins. The first time I met Ryan was at Hangtown 2000. It was my first time
hanging out with a professional rider; this was like a dream come true to me.
I can only remember parts of that whole weekend, like eating at the Outback
Steakhouse and watching Top Gun in Ryan's hotel room; everything else is
pretty much a blur due to all the excitement.
When I returned home it took me about a week to recover from Hangtown.
That same week Laura and I received I box in the mail from Ryan. In it he had
packed some autographed jerseys and some goggles, just to be a nice guy. If
you ever get the chance to get a pit pass, do it! You wont ever regret it and
you'll never forget the experiences you'll have. And if you're ever at the
races stop by and tell Ryan hello, he's an awesome guy and you'll be glad you
met him.

" A new kind of hero"
8-25-01 by Grant Rogers
   On October 8, 1983, in Annapolis Maryland, Travis Pastrana was born. Travis
would become one of the greatest riders our sport has ever seen. He would be
a five time Loretta Lynn national champion, the 1998 world freestyle
champion, and in that same year he would win his first ever 125cc pro race.
Pastrana came up through the ranks like a tornado through a small Texas town,
always pushing the limits and giving us a little bit more every time.
    In 2001 at the Millville National, young Pastrana would make one of the
hardest decisions of his life. During the first moto while running a strong
third, Travis would pull off the track and call it quits. To win a national
championship you must be at the top of your game, peak physical shape, and
have complete superiority overall. Plagued with concussions and some bad luck
during the previous races, Travis realized that he was not on top.
    Though Travis is one of the youngest riders on the circuit, at Millville
Travis showed maturity beyond his years. It takes a big person inside to
realize that life and health is more important than any motocross
championship. Pastrana's display of maturity should be an inspiration to not
only teens, but to adults as well. It is difficult for a young kid to realize
that he is not immortal and can be hurt just like everyone else, and
sometimes the risk just isn't worth it, something Travis obviously realized.
    In my opinion Millville was Pastrana's best race of his career; the race
had no epic battles for first place and no major upsets, but it was the
beginning of something great. Millville should be an inspiration to all fans
of motocross. Millville was where a young champion chose life and health
over "winning". It takes a special person to make a decision like that, and
Travis Pastrana is truly that.

1 down and 2 to go!
8-20-01 by Grant Rogers

With only two more rounds of the A.M.A Chevy Trucks Motocross
Championships left, Mike Brown and Grant Langston have a three-point deficit.
With the 125 National race so close, Travis Pastrana withdrew from the first
moto while running third at Millville. Travis said that it was due to " Lack
of fitness". This leaves Pastrana no hope at clinching the title. Langston,
with 1-1 moto wins, is now in the lead, but only by a mere three points.
Trailing behind Langston is Pro Circuit's Michael Brown. Brown's win streak
was cut short, giving the South African five overall wins total. I personally
got to encounter Brown's speed at Washougal, his pace was consistent
throughout the whole race, and pulled together a couple of great moto wins,
but another rider that stood out, as far as speed is concerned, was Suzuki's
Rodrig Thain. Thain was by far the fastest 125 in practice. The guy simply
blew by Pastrana and for just coming off a bad shoulder injury, he looked
amazing on the track. Although he finished a strong third overall, I felt he
deserved the win. I'm not quite sure what was holding him up in the main,
could it have been pressure, a bad start, or can looks just be deceiving. I'm
sure that we will be seeing a lot more from Rodrig in the next couple of
years and I personally think he has what it takes. It will be interesting to
see how the rest of the series will unfold, but no matter what happens, it
will be an exciting ending. Will Langston rise above and come out victorious,
or will the rocket ship from Tennessee run him down in his tracks? Let me
know what you think. Just click on the link below to e-mail me.

EZracer.com welcomes our new columnist, Grant Rogers!
8-18-01 by Grant Rogers

On July 27, at the Washougal Nationals, I would suffer
from a crash that would bring my motocross racing "career" to an abrupt end.
I suffered from compression fractures to my T-11 and T-12 vertebrae and some slight
internal injuries. My Orthopedic Specialist told me that one more hit of that
magnitude and I would be paraplegic. So there I was, caught between my
passion…and my legs; I would have to face a hard but inevitable conclusion.
Hello, my name is Grant Rogers and I live in Northern California. I have been
racing competitively since I was 12, now 18.. I am forced to stand on the
sidelines and cheer on the other riders. But don't think for one minute that
my accident will keep me away from our great sport of Motocross. Anyone that
has ever had the chance to be around our sport knows what I'm talking about.
On August 14th, I would get a chance to give a little back to the sport that
has given me so much. Mike from EZracer.com gave me the chance to write my
own column, and to express my many thoughts and opinions on Motocross and
Supercross. I will give my opinions on several topics so stick around to see
what's to come! So here I am everyone, lets have some fun! I would love to
hear your opinions, and feel free to write me and tell me what you would like
to see and read.