Interviews:
Interview with Mac Edmonston of the G2G Camp and the Louisiana High School Motocross Program.
Roy: "Mac, with all these new programs you got going on, what’s next?"
Mac: "I don’t know, maybe some cross-country stuff."
Roy: "You got into a little cross-country competition at Diamond
Don’s Vintage National. How’d you like that?"
Mac: "It’s fun, I’ll tell you, I like the challenge of something new… I love it."
Roy: "So you put on a cross-country race to raise money for last year’s High School Motocross Program so ya’ll could travel to Ponca. Do you think you’re gonna do one of those this year?"
Mac: "Definitely, we got some more property up toward LSU behind the levee’ and so we have one in the making."
Roy: "So you’re scouting it out and you know your spot right now."
Mac: "Yeah, we’ve got Mr. Mike Burgess aboard on that and he’s just an incredible man and has a lot to offer to the sport. So we’re getting it all together. It’s comin’ about."
Roy: "Yeah, he was with the Penton boys back in the day, one of their dealers in New Orleans, and was my first mentor when I started racing a Penton with the Competition Cycles Motocross Team. I’m glad he’s still helpin’ out the sport. It’s like he’s been reborn in the sport, he’s been comin’ to our events and was even at the vintage night with some old Huskies, huh?"
Mac: "Yeah, man, he was fired up. He was lookin’ over the roster from Diamond Don’s and said, ‘nobody was even in my class!’" (both laughing).
Roy: "You’ve got about six guys out here today with the LA HSMX program?"
Mac: "Yeah, we’ve got six or seven, it’s startin’ to grow. We’re getting excited. I’m just trying to put the program together and get some sponsors together; we’ve got the 501C3 which will help us a lot to go after some sponsors. We just want the opportunity to do everything we can for these kids."
Roy: "I know that’s where your heart is at, having known you for several years and worked closely with you, especially with the G2G Camp. Now your set-up where people can donate to these programs and have a tax deduction."
Mac: "Yes, it’s 100% tax deductable, man. It’s a win-win situation."
Roy: "So folks, if you want to help out teenagers, get them into a good Motocross program, with training and accountability both from school and at home you can help out. He takes them to big races in his tractor/trailer race rig as a reward. Are you guys planning on any particular races this year?"
Mac: "Yeah, we got a few. We’ll definitely go to Ponca City this again. We’ve got Freestone, Branson, and once again it just depends on the sponsors, especially with fuel at four dollars a gallon. We prayin’ them in, man."
Roy: "So there ya go, you got the program rolling, God’s behind it, and we’re waiting on sponsorship. Tell us what you do with the kids, exactly."
Mac: "Well, we do just like if you were going out for baseball where you hit them grounds and rollers, but we work corners and do drills. Like last Saturday and every other Saturday we practice at my track and try to get form built into them. Whenever their speed does come they’ll be fast and they’ll be smooth."
Roy: "Like you. Mac used to be wild man when he first started and has evolved into smooth guy, standing up all the time while making a name for himself in the Vintage National Circuit, where two weeks ago at Diamond Don’s Riverport National you won three out of four races, and one race the tranny went out on that ’75 Honda."
Mac: "I tell ya, it’s incredible to ride around these old National pros, it’s startin’ to be a lot of fun. If you get tired of getting’ on the ground or get tired of crashing, you just need to slow down a little bit. I asked Kevin Windham that before we went to Freestone last year and he was out at our track practicing one day. ‘Kevin, what do you do when you get in a slump?’ He said, ‘you got to go back to the basics.’"
Roy: "So is that what you teach mainly at the track? You have another G2G camp coming up in May."
Mac: "That’s right. What we teach is form. But now when we get some sponsorship money, we want to bring in some pros to work with the kids to get faster. We can only get them to a certain level, then after that we’re gonna try to spend some money on them to get them where they need to be."
Roy: "Right. We’ve already got some former pro racers teaching some at the camp. Gator Lebeouf, Bobby Handy, Jeff Sardella and Mike Burgess out there."
Mac: "Oh yeah, we’re starting to get an incredible group of guys together right now, and everything is starting to come together at just the right time. Because we want to go to as many races as we can, again it takes finances and it’s disappointing whenever you get set up to go somewhere and just can’t go because of the finances. It’s terrible."
Roy: "Right. Everybody knows how we feel with the gas prices going up. So the High School Motocross Program is more training and sport oriented, while the G2G camp is a weekend Christian camp-out for the rider and a parent or guardian. It’s like a Vacation Bible school with an obstacle course, swimming, bonfire, team competitions with Motocross training and lots of track time. We kind of build them up and help them see their value in God’s eyes."
Mac: "That’s right. Everything we do we want a team concept. We kind of tired seeing the individual stuff going, which is good, but we want to get a team concept out there. Get some guys behind them and help push ‘em."
Roy: "We see that on the obstacles at the camp where they have to work as a team to get over or through and put selfishness behind them. They get points and compete as a team. We’ve seen a lot of good relationships formed. A lot of the kids keep coming back to it again and again."
Mac: "Yeah, I was just talking to a guy from Vicksburg who was sayin’, ‘look at the guy out front right there, he’s one of ya’lls students from the G2G camp!’ It’s been seven years now and the kids just come and the Lord just gets to work on them and teaches them what they need to know. It’s a good thing."
Roy: "So Mac Edmonston, also known as ‘Roosterlips’ his old trucker’s handle, thanks for doing the good things with the kids. Stop by his trailer and say hello and get some info or go to his website at www.g2gmotox.com or www.highschoolmx.com. We’re gonna let him get back to the boys he’s coaching over there. He’s taking off racing modern MX this year to concentrate on coaching. Next year he’ll resume the hunt for a National Championship."
Interview with Cody Fruge of Performance Cycles on April 20, 2008.
Cody explained that he has three teams:
Motocross Team: Duel Judice, Jr. in the 50 class, Hunter Hilton and Sagan Guillory in the 65 class, Hilton and Guillory team up with Adam Cedillo in the 85 class. Grant Bourgeois and Dylan Fontenot in the 250 novice class. Josh and Renee’ Mouton run in the big bike and senior class.
Off road team: Thomas Fagan in the B class. Dusty Neuville in the A class. Lucas Comeaux runs the AA class and will won a medal in Chile this year for Team USA’s ISDE team. There are several kids who race Enduro’s as well.
Supermoto Team: Dillon Van Way competed in the X games last week and broke his arm and fractured some bones in his back and is expected to return next year for the Supermoto series.
Women of Pioneers Interview as they came off the track at Diamond Don's Vintage National on April 6th, 2008:
by: Roy
Jenkins
Roy: “What happened in the first Moto, Mercedes?”
Mercedes: “Oh, I stalled my bike when I was behind Dee Wood. I couldn’t re-start it because it was on the left side. I broke my leg there a couple years ago and I just can’t bend it that much.”
Roy: “It looked like, to me, that you came out on fire the second moto.”
Mercedes: “Oh, you know, I’m a racer and Dee’s a racer and neither one of us like to lose. We’re givin’ it our all.”
Roy: “I hear that. Who’d you like to thank?”
Mercedes: “I’d like to thank Bobby McClain, for lending me the bike and Diamond Don for putting on the Women’s Pioneer Race and Tami Rice for putting it all together.”
Roy: “Dee, I made a prediction that you’d move up into second, by you were riding and the confidence you carried from the first moto. Then when you got there I predicted you would bang bars with her. What happened?”
Dee: “I thought I had it, I was catchin’ her, but my clutch went out on the first lap I guess, right off the start and I almost messed Mercedes up on the start, my clutch wasn’t working, it wouldn’t disengage. Anyway I had a little slip-down in the back and I was lucky to get up as quick as I did, I couldn’t do much, I had oil everywhere and smoke and I stalled it again over here, I thought I’d get a little close to her and just kind of blew it there. But I had a good time, it was well worth it.”
Roy: “Mercedes, how often do ya’ll race? Are you in shape or is this just a one-time thing?”
Mercedes: “No, I’m a full time Mom. I’ve got a four-year old and a seven year old. I get to ride very occasionally, but you know, it’s in our blood, when we get on our bikes it’s like second nature.”
Roy: “How about you, Dee?”
Dee: “Yeah, I don’t ride much anymore, either, but you never forget how to ride.”
Roy: “We’d like to thank you guys for coming and spending time with us; and here’s the lady who put it together, Tami Rice. What’d you think of that Tami?”
Tami: “It was awesome! I’m having a hard time, though, because I’m going back and forth and I’m watchin’ them, and I’m like – I wanna be watching them, and I forget I’m racin’ them, you know? I don’t want to be racin’ them; I want to be watchin’ them.”
Roy: “So you were doing two things, racing them and watching them?”
Tami: “Yeah, because I admire these girls. Mercedes was my idol back in the 80’s and I went to Italy back in 1992 with these girls and we were part of the first U.S. Motocross Team and I just admire them all.”
Roy: “How hard was it to get them together?”
Tami: “Well, I started a little early with it, didn’t get a lot of response. So about two months ago I told Alex Moroz, I’m having a little bit of trouble. He said, “Send me an e-mail.” So I did and he sent it out and I got like, 15 guys wantin’ to give these girls bikes, so…”
Roy: “So good job Tami. How did you feel as you came off the track?”
Tami: “I was a little tired; I raced in the men’s class earlier and think there’s going to be clearance to have these in the future. I’m not sure, but if anything, I can get them out to just do some regular ole’ vintage racing. So that’d be cool.”
Roy: “Tell us about your job with AHRMA.”
Tami: “I am the southwest regional coordinator, so I handle those regions for regional races and I help out at Nationals where they need me. We just recently got back from Hawaii, we were with John Desoto and he wants to start a chapter of AHRMA down on the island, so it would be the Pacific Southwest region, which would be under my umbrella. We’re organizing a race in January with the locals.”
Roy: “Tami, we so appreciate all the work you do and the race, so I’ll let you go get cooled off and get a drink.”
Tami: “All right, I appreciate that.”
Todd Huffman interviewed by Roy Jenkins at Diamond Don's Vintage Race on April 6, 2008
Roy: “Motocross Files you know, and his most recent venture was the hugely popular movie, One Chance to Win, chronicling the last race of the 1975 Pro MX race in New Orleans which would determine the 500cc Champion. Todd, how’s it going over, have you heard?”
Todd: “Really good, we’re selling some DVD’s. That’s what it’s all about. We’re happy; it was a good first effort.”
Roy: “What do you have in the works for us? Do you have anything coming up?”
Todd: “Well, we’re just two weeks away from releasing the Bob Hannah DVD of the Motocross File which is over four hours in length; with content of Bob and his buddies talking about him and rider interviews and all kinds of outtakes and all kinds of crazy stuff. We recently got the rights from ABC to release all the ABC Wide World of Sports Carlsbad U.S. GP’s on home DVD’s, so we’re working on that project as well.”
Roy: “Yeah, you’ve got a lot of customers out here that will be glad to hear that.”
Todd: “Yeah, it’s gonna be fun. We’re gonna release two a year, so we’re gonna start with 1977 and 1980; Marty Moates race which will be very poignant this coming year, and then we’re also in the process of doing nine new episodes of The Motocross Files which will come out in the fall.”
Roy: “I was going to ask you about the The Motocross Files. Where do you have it rotating, what channels, who is putting them out?"
Todd: “Right now, the first twelve, none of them are out there, we’re not even on the air yet, and we’ve got nine brand new ones coming on SPEED this fall. Look for stories on Joel Robert, Torsten Hallman, John Desoto, Mark Burnett, Gary Jones, Johnny O’Mara, Ronnie Leichein, David Bailey and Jeff Stanton will be out newest guy.”
Roy: “When you come out to an event like this, what’s the most fun thing for you?”
Todd: “The People, and the good times. These old bikes are fun to look at and all, but I really like hangin’ out with everybody out here.”
Roy: “Well said. Do you have anything else to say to everyone out here?”
Todd: “No, have a good time, everybody be safe out there, I wish I was out there with you, but I just got here from the Dallas Supercross. I drove three hours east just to hang out with everybody. Ya’ll have a good time today.”
Interview with Jeff Sardella, former Pro Supercrosser and trainer with the High School Motocross Association:
Roy: “Tell us, what is the High School Motocross”
program?
Jeff: “It’s a group of about 24 kids that get together. Some race, some just ride. With Motocross being an individual sport, we’re trying to put the teamwork into motocross. We get these kids together in the same area of the same state. They all attend high school, and we train them. That’s all we do. If we can make one kid better and keep them out of jail and keep them off the streets on a Friday or Saturday night, we’ve accomplished something. This year Mac [Edmonston] and I have stepped it up a little bit and we’re gonna take a group of about nine or ten to Ponca. We’ll get em’ all qualified today. We’ve had some rough weekends, we’ve been with them every weekend through this qualifying process; it’s been really tough. We’ve got broken bikes; we’ve got two hurt kids. Now we’re just powerin’ through it.”
Roy: “So they’re learning how to deal with life’s disappointments at the motocross track that will help them later in life, huh?”
Jeff: “Most definitely. Motocross is not just about gettin’ out and winning a moto. We’re trying to teach them how to be ethical at the track, we’re trying to teach them how to deal with a points series, how to be good sports, how to maintain their bikes, little things like that.”
Roy: “And taking care of their bodies.”
Jeff: “Right and their bodies – eat right, stay healthy, train. Ponca City is not just about how fast you go, but being able to handle that 105 degree heat and twenty minute motos.”
Roy: “Aren’t yall’ training again on Saturday?”
Jeff: “No. We’re gonna take this next weekend off to get everybody healed up, give them a break. We’ve been going real strong for about eight weeks now, so we’ll take a break. It’ll be two weeks we’ll be back on again. If you pay attention to motosouth.com we periodically have announcements on there. We’d love to have ya’ll come see what we’re doin’, as long as you are in Junior High or High School and have a love for motocross, or even just riding.”
Roy: “You’re about to hold a fund-raiser to help these guys get to Ponca?”
Jeff: “We’re gonna do it on July 14th and 15th. We’re gonna hold a motocross race on Saturday and a hare scramble on Sunday, with all proceeds from that going to paying for these kids to go to Ponca, which is a very expensive trip, especially with 3$ a gallon gas. What a neat thing, though. All the kids will be working. You’ve got a motocross race put on by motocrossers.”
Roy: “That’s a good idea, give them a sense of responsibility, and see where money comes from.”
Jeff: “Most definitely. They can learn the business end of motocross races as well. It’s not just show up, pay your 20 bucks and race. A lot goes on to putting on a motocross race. We can teach the kids the business part of it as well.”
Roy: “There was a bunch of them that spent the night in the trailer last night, huh?”
Jeff: “We had nine of them in there. There were sleeping on the floor, bunks, everywhere.”
Roy: “There must have been a lot of kids, cause’ you got a lot of bunks in that trailer over there.”
Jeff: “We can comfortably seat 12.”
Roy: “So the big HSMX trailer is open right now for folks to come over and look?”
Jeff: “Mac’s over there sitting in front of the fan right now. He raced with the kids in the Open class. We had to make a statement to the kids that even us old guys can keep up with them. So come out and say hi to Mac. We’ve had a lot of inquiries this weekend. We’re tryin’ to keep these kids off the street.”
Roy: “Thank you Jeff. You guys are doin’ a great work. Have a good race in Ponca.”
Jeff: “Thank you. We’ll see ya before then.”
Interview with pro MX racer “RG” Ryan Grantom who is spending the summer at Holeshot Motocross track, racing and holding riding lessons.
Roy: “What have you been doing these days?”
Ryan: “I did all the east coast rounds last year, and all the outdoors last year, and I did the west coast lites and I got 22nd in points, so it’s been good so far.”
Roy: “Where are you from?”
Ryan: “I’m from Willis, Texas.”
Roy: “Who’s your sponsors these days?”
Ryan: “I’m sponsored by Mock Racing, which is Tracey and Tanya, the owners of this track, Superfly Racing, EBR performance, and uhhh, well, those are my mine sponsors.”
Roy: “What are you looking to do this year, like what are your goals?”
Ryan: “I’m gonna race the outdoors this year and I don’t know which ones. My goal is to get a national number, so I gotta get quite a few top twenties.”
Roy: “Are you gonna ride tonight?”
Ryan: “Yeah, I’ll be riding, I’m in moto 16.”
Roy: “Good, so we get a look at you on the track. I hope my son gets here in time with the camera. We wanna get some of those ‘bar draggin’ pictures. You like to do those?”
Ryan: “Yeah, I messed up, that was all luck.” (laughter)
Roy: “At what point in your career did you know you were going to make something of it?”
Ryan: “ummmmm… I really don’t know, I’d never really thought about it. I always kind of ‘figured’ I would, but then again, I never ‘thought’ I would. It kind of gradually came on.”
Roy: “What kind of advice would you give the kids who are out here listening right now?”
Ryan: “Just have fun, don’t take it too serieously, try not to burn yourself out - pretty much just have fun with it.”
Roy: “Who’s your favorite pro rider?”
Ryan: “Ricky Carmichael.”
Roy: “Are you coming out here [Holeshot] to do any more schools or anything?”
Ryan: “Yeah, I’m going back home for a week tomorrow, then just hang out and do whatever, do the school.”
Roy: “How can riders sign up for the school?”
Ryan: “You can call Tanya, she’s like my agent right now. I’m not good at organizing and stuff.”
Roy: “You ride… and you ride fast. Thanks for coming out and helping us here.”
Ryan: “Your welcome.”
The number to call for Holeshot MX or info on the classes is 832-984-8313.
Kyle Gills at the Loretta Qualifier at Golden Pine MX in April.
Kyle Gills talked about his race, "I feel pretty good out there. The first moto [Lites] I had a flat tire but I’m trying to get used to this bike, it’s not mine." When asked what it feels like to finally be a pro he said, "It feels good. I think it’s everybody’s dream to race Supercross, and I finally achieved it. I couldn’t do it without all my family and friends. I’d like to thank my Grandma and Grandpa, it’s good to see them here; my Aunt and Uncle down from Ohio, my Mom and Dad, and other friends of the family, Hattiesburg Cycles, Racing Innovations, TSRMXracing.com, Sun Coast Auto Sales, the McCarra family and the whole Craft family for letting me borrow his bike." When asked how he’s done so far he said, "I missed the first two night shows, and then the next four I’ve made; then every one I’ve made, in the first lap, I’ve either went down or someone went down right in front of me, or someone hit me." When asked what’d he say to the young guys who want to race pro he said, "Young guys that want to make it big, just never give up. If you fall down, get back up and ride your hardest. You gotta just stick with it."
Kyle Gills Dad, David explained their situation, "We’ve been racing about 10 years. Kyle was 7 and Dustin was 10 when we started. It’s exciting having a son in the pros, there’s nothing better. Just stay at it, there’ll be hard times, but it gets good. Just keep working at it, let em’ keep training, anytime they can get any schooling let em’ get it, it all boils down and makes for good racing and come out here with these people, it’s great."
Clyde Paulk
Roy: “Do you have Casey out here today?”
Clyde: “He’s out watching. He’s in baseball right now.”
Roy: “You’ve been involved in MS motocross for how long?”
Clyde: “Since I was 15 or 16, 30 years probably.”
Roy: “How does this track and this race today rate in MS racing?”
Clyde: “It’s gotta be as big as it’s ever been. It’s gotta be.”
Roy: “How far would you go back to find the next biggest race in your memory?”
Clyde: “I think when Casey was about 4 I remember a MS state Championship, when Windham was in Pearl. It was pretty big that day, but, this is gotta be bigger.”
Roy: “All right, so you see big things for Golden Pine MX.”
Clyde: “Oh yeah, Randy’s done a good job. This is a good track.”
Roy: “Where are you from?”
Clyde: “McComb, MS.”
Roy: “All right, thank you Clyde, for coming out today.”
Clyde: “Ok, Roy.”
Nathan Davenport
Roy: “Standing next to me is the fastest rider out here, the “Fire-Dog,” Nathan Davenport. How you doin’ Nathan?”
Nathan: “Pretty good. How about yourself?”
Roy: “I love it out here. You guys got a PRETTY track up here in Prentiss, MS. How do you like it?”
Nathan: “I like it a lot. This is actually the first time I’ve come here. I’ve never even practiced here. This is the first race isn’t it?”
Roy: “Yep.”
Nathan: “I actually like it a lot. It was muddy in practice, but it’s come along good. It’s got some good ruts in it. I tell ya’ the racin’ up in MS has come a long way the last couple of years. There aren’t that many Pros here, but there’s a lot of Amateur guys you see on the gate, there’s a lot of kids out there racin’.”
Roy: “How long have you been racin’ in MS?”
Nathan: “Since I was 7, and I tell ya’ it really has come a long, long way.”
Roy: “How old are you now?”
Nathan: “I just turned 22. I’m getting’ old.” (smiling)
Roy: “How does this race compare to other big races
in MS in your mind?”
Nathan: “As far as MS goes, this is about the biggest Motocross race
I’ve come to as far as turn out and as a whole. This is probably the
biggest one.”
Roy: “That’s what I was wondering, from a MS standpoint, you being an expert for sure there. You were also an expert on the track. You were flyin’ pretty good. Are you goin’ to ride the 250 class, too?”
Nathan: “Yes sir, I’ll be out there in both classes. Hopefully we’ll do the same thing we did in the first one.”
Roy: “Didn’t you get hurt recently, and just start back racin’ again?”
Nathan: “Yes sir, I’ve been havin’ a little trouble with my knee. I started back about a year and a half ago, and I had to have knee surgery one time in the summer. Things got goin’ pretty good, and then I had to have surgery again around Christmas time. So that was kind of a setback. Hopefully we’ll get all of the kinks worked out and do good.”
Roy: “Who’s your sponsors?”
Nathan: “Suzuki City out of Biloxi, Danny Marino with Tucker Rocky helps me out a lot with a few things, my mechanic and his shop Pro Works, and a couple of my buddies help me out a lot. I couldn’t do it without them.”
Roy: “All right. Nathan Davenport. Thanks for your skill and entertainment through the years.”
Nathan: “Thanks a lot, buddy.”
Interview with Honda dealer Mike Roberts at Breaux Bridge during the intermission of Round 3 of the 2007 Honda of Lafayette Winter Series.
Roy: “How long have you been in business as Honda
of Lafayette?”
Mike: “Since ’72.”
Roy: “How can folks find your store in Lafayette?”
Mike: “It’s real simple; we’re off I-10 at exit 101.”
Roy: “How long have you been at that location?”
Mike: “We’ve been there since ’94. We just re-did the building two years ago and have a completely new look. We’re a Honda Powerhouse, which gives us a lot of advantages… and we’re working with Honda to promote this sport locally. Next year you’re gonna see some real good changes with Honda.”
Roy: “We’ve already seen some good changes this year with what you’ve done. I was interviewing riders at the gate last week [REMX], and they were so tickled, they were counting up their money from their contingencies. ‘I’ve got a $100!’ ‘I’ve got $150!’ They had fire in their eyes. That’s another reason we should thank you, for paying out contingencies. What else is Honda of Lafayette doing?”
Mike: “We’re out here to support our riders, to support all the riders, really. Once the series is over, there is a banquet planned. It’s to recognize all the riders, not just the Honda riders – everybody.”
Roy: “Who would you like to thank?”
Mike: “I want to thank John Blanchard, Cody [Fruge’], everybody. All the riders that ride for Honda of Lafayette, the track owner, and everybody that put this thing together.”
Roy: “Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing your race trailer at New Iberia.”
Mike: “You sure will.”
Interview with “Sir Lancelot”, Lance Vincent during the intermission of round 3 of the 2007 Honda of Lafayette Winter Series. Lance went undefeated on the day.
Roy: “How old are you?”
Lance: “14.”
Roy: “What classes do you ride?”
Lance: “85 (12-15), Schoolboy, Supermini and 12-15 Mod.”
Roy: “What’s it like being in the front of the pack and everybody chasing you. Are you looking ahead to see how fast you can go, or are you running from them?”
Lance: “I just try to get a bigger lead and watch where you are goin’.”
Roy: “Is Breaux Bridge your favorite track?”
Lance: “This and 3 Palms.”
Roy: “If you had to invite other riders in your class to come take you on, which track would it be?”
Lance: “Probably 3 Palms, I like all that sand.”
Roy: “I know you’re real good at riding those barrel races because you have a little barrel course at your house.”
Lance: “Oh yeah (smiling). We’ve got a little Arenacross thing, a little circle.”
Roy: “What’s your hobby when you’re not racing?”
Lance: “Hunting. That’s about it.”
Roy: “Hunting girls?”
Lance: [laughing] “Yeah.”
Roy: “Who helps you out with your racing?”
Lance: “My Uncle Ricky, Honda of Lafayette, EBR, Mom and Dad and God.”
Roy: “Would you like to shout out to anybody out there over this PA system?”
Lance: “T-Hebert and Honda of Lafayette.”
Roy: “Who’s your favorite rider?”
Lance: “Windham.”
Roy: “Me too. We’re Windham guys all the way. Good job, buddy.”
Lance: “Thank you.”
Shawn Gunderson interview after taking 2nd in the 250 Money class at round 3 of the 2007 Honda of Lafayette Winter Series at Breaux Bridge:
(Steam was coming off their bodies after their race)
Roy: “Shawn Gunderson, how you feelin’ buddy?”
Shawn: “Good man.”
Roy: “You’re in a little better shape than Dustin. You got stronger in the race as he got weaker.”
Shawn: “Uhhh, yeah. I’ve been workin’ out a lot, tryin’ to train a lot. Dusty’s ridin’ great. I was followin’ for about 5 laps and finally I pulled close enough to make a good move on him.”
Roy: “How many turns did you use to set that pass up?”
Shawn: “Not too many, just when I got close enough to make the move.”
Roy: “What are you doin’ for your workout program?”
Shawn: “A lot of cardio stuff and I go to the gym a good bit, work out with some light weights.”
Roy: “Who would you like to thank?”
Shawn: “The Lord Jesus Christ, my Mom and Dad for helping me get here and Champion Cycle Center, Thor, Scott, Acerbis and everybody else I forgot.”
Roy: “Who’s tuning your suspension?”
Shawn: “JM Racing, John Mitchell out of Conroe, Texas does great work.”
Roy: “All right Shawn, we’ll be watching for you throughout the series.”
Shawn: “Thank you.”
Roy: “That’s Shawn Gunderson who just took 2nd place in the 250 Expert class.”
Interview with Zach Lawler after his win in the 250 Expert class at Round 3 of the Winter Series in Breaux Bridge.
Roy: “Zach, you just won some money and stayed away from those hungry young Intermediate riders. How’d you do that?”
Zach: “I guess I got a good start, but they rode good. That boy on the Honda, I’m not sure his name, #294 [Bryce Landry], he passed me, then he went down. He was ridin’ good, but I just…. Managed to stay up. I’m happy.”
Roy: “I’ll bet you’d like to thank Pro-Flo Kawasaki
and who else?”
Zach: “Pro-Flo Kawasaki for sure, the Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the talent. Without Him I wouldn’t be out here, and uhhh…. Mr. Mike and them for puttin’ on a good race. It was rough as heck, I know that.”
Roy: “and you did your part, you worked out and developed that talent that God gave you. So good job buddy, and we look forward to seein’ you at round 4 in New Iberia in two weeks.”
Zach: “I’ll try to make it.”
Interview with Jeremy Domingue, Dustin Manuel and Brett Bourg after their epic battle at River's Edge on January 28th.
They had this to say after the race:
Roy: "Why’d you wave Dustin by earlier in the race?"
Jeremy: "I knew he was comin’ fast and I was just tired."
Roy: "Did you learn some lines from him?"
Jeremy: "Yeah, he’s got some really smooth lines."
Roy: "It looked like you were really getting’ comfortable runnin’ inches apart with him."
Jeremy: "Yeah, we were running really good. I didn’t want to push it too hard."
Roy: "Did you show him some good lines?"
Dustin: "Uhhh… I don’t know. He almost passed me a few times. I’m just so tired. My arms pumped up and I can’t even hold on any more."
Roy: "Good thing it wasn’t a few more laps."
Dustin: "Yeah, I would have waved him by, too, if they had another lap." (smiling)
Roy: "Did you feel like you had a little power on him?"
Dustin: "In some spots, a little bit."
Roy: "When he waved you by, what were you thinkin’?"
Dustin: "I thought something was wrong with him, but apparently not."
Roy: "Were you still feelin’ good at the end of the race Jeremy?"
Jeremy: "Yeah, I was trying to just stay as strong as I could, because I knew Brett was coming behind me."
Roy: "Brett, man, you’re hangin’ with the money rider. What’s up with that?"
Brett: "I don’t know, I’m just riding as hard as I could."
Roy: "You worked for that one didn’t you?"
Brett: "Yeah, I was on my horse."
Roy: "How’d you feel toward the end of the race?"
Brett: "I started getting tired like, second to last lap; but I was pumped because I seen em’ in front of me so I was chargin’ as hard as I could."
Roy: "Did that surprise you that you were able to hang with these guys as long as you did?"
Brett: "A lot."
Roy: "Looks like you made a statement for yourself there."
Brett: "Yeah, confidence soaring now."
Roy: "I’ll bet it is. You’re ready to get out there and run with anybody now, huh?"
Brett: "O yeah."
Roy: "Sponsors?"
Brett: "Performance Suzuki in Houma, and JM Racing."
Roy: "Who’d you like to thank Jeremy?"
Jeremy: "Honda of Lafayette, EBR and Domingue’s Sand & Gravel."
Dustin: "Champion Cycles, Raceworks & my mechanic Mr. Johnny [Fuller]. And my Dad & Mom."
Roy: "You want to say anything to your brother [Jay] who wishes he were racing?"
Dustin: "I don’t know, I feel for him tomorrow. He gets that pin pulled out of his hand." (laughing)
Nate Martin #491 - Independence, LA
Nate Martin interview at Holeshot MX on October 28, 2006
Roy: How long ago did you move back from Billings, Montana?
Nate: June 18.
Roy: What’s it like to ride the tracks up there?
Nate: It’s all right; it’s kind of snowy sometimes. The track conditions are ok.
Roy: What have you been doin’ the last few weeks?
Nate: Practicing and the Gulf Coast Series.
Roy: Who have you been racing against?
Nate: Justin Summers, Dakota Stark, Harrelson, Colby Thornton, Kuper McAlpin
Roy: How have you been doin?
Nate: I’ve been doin’ good. I got first in both my classes. This coming weekend is the last race of the series.
Roy: Where?
Nate: Atmore, AL
Roy: So you’re in the points chase in that series, who’s your sponsors?
Nate: I have my Dad, Mr. Peanut from Champion Cycles, Mr. Donnie Oliphant
Roy: How do you like this track?
Nate: It’s good.
Roy: Didn’t you use to ride here a long time ago, before the move up north?
Nate: No. I came out and watched once but I didn’t have a bike to ride at that time. We moved up to Colorado, then Montana, then down to here.
Roy: Where do you plan to be racing in the next few weeks?
Nate: I’m gonna start the Texas Winter Series that’s coming up, then I’m gonna try to make it to Loretta’s.
Roy: All right. We’ll be behind you rootin’ for you. What’d he leave out Dad?
Dad: Well, he just got a full flag year, from winning, stepping it up battling with Justin Summers in the 85 Open and then the B class on the small bikes. He’s doin good. He’s coming off some tough injuries. I just hope he keeps having fun and keeps it safe. I want to thank God for Mr. Donnie Oliphant, because he’s the one who’s givin’ him confidence with good runnin’ bikes here lately.
Roy: Yeah, that’s not all Donnie can give you. He’s been racing around here for years and years. He knows the lay of the land racing here all his life, so he can give you all kinds of little hints and stuff.
Dad: He’s the best with suspension, he’s real good with the kids, and I know nobody can beat his price, because what he puts into it… he loves these kids and he loves seeing them get out front, so anybody out there needing some help, go see Mr. Donnie Oliphant.
Roy: Thank you Mr. Martin and Nate.
Nate: Yes sir.
Hunter Hilton #35 - Breaux Bridge, LA
Hunter Hilton interview at Wildwood
MX on October 1, 2006.
Roy: “I’m here with Hunter Hilton. Tell us about France. What did you do there?
Hunter: “I got first the first three motos and second the last moto.”
Roy: “What’s it like riding in Europe?”
Hunter: “Different…. Lot of rocks. I got hit one time.”
Roy: “What are the French kids like?”
Hunter: “They’re pretty fast.”
Roy: “Who else was on your team?”
Hunter: “Coleman Martin and Ashton Hayes.”
Roy: “What were ya‘ll riding?”
Hunter: “Cobras.”
Roy: “How did you get picked to go over there?”
Hunter shrugs his shoulders so his Dad answers: “Sean, the owner of Cobra called up and asked him if he would like to go.”
Roy: “And of course you said, ‘I don’t think so.’” (laughing)
Hunter: “Yes sir.” (laughing)
Roy: “What’d you really say?”
Hunter: “I want to go.”
Roy: “So Mom probably said, ‘we don’t have to money, you gotta miss school, etc., etc.’ How’d you handle that?”
Hunter: “Well, we had a couple of fundraisers.”
Roy: “Uhh-ohh. You’ll had that day at the track where the food sales went to you and I asked Gladys to buy one for me and I never paid her for it.” (looking sheepishly at Gladys Levasseur)
Gladys: “You don’t owe me any, cause you know what? She gave me a free hot dog.”
Roy: “So… thank you, no, I gotta thank you.” (looking at Hunter’s Mom who is laughing) So Hunter what was your number?”
Hunter: “103”
Roy: “But now it’s back to 35?
Hunter: “Yes sir.”
Roy: “Who’s your sponsors?”
Hunter: “Cobra, Hattiesburg Cycles, Thor, Miss
Rhonda Summers, Liquid Performance, Jesus Christ, My Mom and Dad,
brothers.”
Roy: “What was the hardest part of that track, besides the rocks?”
Hunter: “Competition”
Roy: “Would you do it again if you had the chance?”
Hunter: “Yes sir.”
Roy: “Did you learn something over there you could use over here?”
Hunter: “A couple of things.”
Roy: “I guess you can’t tell me ‘cause it’s a secret.”
Hunter: “Yes sir.”
Roy: “Thanks Hunter.”
Hunter: “You’re welcome.”
Johnny Moore #28 - Madison, MS
Interview with Johnny Moore at
Wildwood MX on October 1, 2006
Roy: “Tell us about your trip to Steel City this summer.”
Johnny: “Well, I went up there with Mac and Connie Edmonston, Mr. Kenny Berthelot and his son. It was the best track I’ve ever ridden. The G2G/High School Motocross Team helped me out a bunch.”
Roy: “So they brought the bikes up in the trailer and you got to fly. I’ll be that was fun.”
Johnny: “It felt factory. It was a fun trip.”
Roy: “So that’s a good motivator for those kids to work hard, so those High School Team riders will keep their grades up, work hard and earn a trip. I know you keep your grades up. Tell us about your grades.”
Johnny: “Grades are good. They’re A, B, and C right now and I just went to a new school so I have to work a little bit harder.”
Roy: “So how do you find time to train and do your homework?”
Johnny: “Well, the training actually comes first in my mind, (smiling) so after I train I do my homework.”
Roy: “I guess if you’re keeping your grades up it’s not an issue with your parents.”
Johnny: “Yeah, it’s not very hard. I normally just do my schoolwork in school, and then I don’t even have any homework.”
Roy: “What grade are you in?”
Johnny: “11th grade.”
Roy: “What new school do you go to?”
Johnny: “Madison Central.”
Roy: “Where’s that?”
Johnny: “Madison, MS. We just moved.”
Roy: “Who were your closest competitors up in Steel City?”
Johnny: “I really don’t know those guys, they’re new to me, and they were definitely holing out there.”
Roy: “What classes did you ride?”
Johnny: “250B and 250 Open, College Boy.”
Roy: “How did you do?”
Johnny: “First in 250 B, second in College Boy and fifth in Open. I crashed in Open 4 Stroke; I probably should have won it. In College Boy I was up against Josh Hill, Josh Hansen, and Josh Lilchle”
Roy: “You were racing those guys?”
Johnny: “Yes sir, I actually pulled the holeshot, so that was pretty exciting.”
Roy: “So how did you crash?”
Johnny: “I just stalled it in one of the corners, it was rough and those 4-strokes aren’t easy to crank.”
Roy: “So now you got over that little nervousness racing those guys, next time, it’ll be a different story, right?”
Johnny: “Oh, next time it’s on!”
Roy: “That’s what we want to hear! Steel City in Pennsylvania such a storied track, I got to go up there and watch the last race of the nationals a couple years ago when Ricky dropped down into the 125 class to set the record for most career wins and their were so many people, the track was marvelous, I mean it just made you want to ride and you got to do that. Mac rode too, didn’t he?”
Johnny: “Yes sir, Mac actually won. He did really good!” (Senior class)
Roy: “All right, Johnny Moore, we look forward to watching you more as your career advances, we’re behind you.”
Trey Canard #241 – Elk City, OK
Roy: “Where are you from Trey?”
Trey: “I’m from Elk City Oklahoma.”
Roy: “How old are you?”
Trey: “I’ll be 16 Sunday.” [September 17, 2006]
Roy: “Who are you here at the race with?”
Trey: “I flew in alone and am here with the Fiolek's.”
Roy: “Tell us about your career and how it got started.”
Trey: “Started out with my Dad and my brother, just going out to local night tracks like this and it kinda started off as fun, then I got on the national scene, and it just kinda took off.”
Roy: “What is your best race victory so far?
Trey: “Loretta Lynn’s 2006. I won 125 B Mod and 250 B Mod… with the help of Jim Fiolek. (looking over at Jim and chuckling.) Jim laughs and says “he’s lying about that.”
Roy: “How long have you known the Fiolek’s?”
Trey: “I met em’ in January.”
Roy: “What kind of bike are you ridin’ now?”
Trey: “Right now I’m ridin’ Kawasaki’s 250f and 450.”
Roy: “Tell us about your plans for the near future.”
Trey: “I’m doin’ amateur A’s for the next year, and if everything’s going good and I feel up to speed, my team’s gonna want to put me in the outdoors.”
Roy: “So you’re goin’ pro now? How long has that been a dream of yours?”
Trey: “Oh, ahhh, absolutely, ever since I grew up watchin’ Guy Cooper and uhhh Robbie Reynard, the whole crew from Oklahoma. I just kinda dreamed about and now it’s startin’ to come true.”
Roy: “Well all these kids that are going to be watchin’ ya and are reading this interview, what kind of advice would you give em’?”
Trey: “Oh, just don’t get down, do your best and work hard. Hard work pays off and never give up.”
Roy: “What’s wrong with your arm?” [It was in a sling]
Trey: “Oh I broke my collar bone a couple weeks ago.”
Roy: “Practicing?”
Trey: “Testing.”
Roy: “Have you noticed that a lot more kids are getting spinal and back injuries?”
Trey: “Yeah, it’s kinda sad. There’s so many kids wantin’ to go fast, and they’re not near as experienced and see myself and others going super fast and they want to go fast to, and I don’t think they really realize what it takes to get to that level and they want to just jump right into it. It takes a lot of time at practice. It’s a bummer that people are getting hurt like that.
Roy: “Where does your inspiration to ride come from?”
Trey: “I’ve never really thought about that… I just like to win. It’s fun. Instead of being in school and partying and stuff, I could be out here training and riding and stuff. It keeps me good.
Roy: “Are you home schooled?”
Trey: “Yeah. I’m in the 10th grade.”
Roy: “Ok, turns or jumps, which are you?”
Trey: “Uhhhh… [looks over at Jim Fiolek] I don’t know. What would you say, Jim? Turns.
Roy: “Whoops or rhythm?”
Trey: “Both.”
Roy: “Sand or hard-pack?”
Trey: “Hard pack.”
Roy: “Hot dry day or wet, cold day?”
Trey: “Probably hot and dry.”
Roy: “Gatorade or water?”
Trey: “Water.”
Roy: “What would you eat on race day?”
Trey: “Uhhh, race day, I’m on a strict program so… oatmeal, bananas, sandwiches and rice cakes.”
Roy: “Rice cakes? Like rice crispy treats?”
Trey: “No, cakes. They’re gros.”
Trey just signed a contract with the Amsoil/Factory Connection Honda team.
Ashley Fiolek #67 – St. Augustine, FL
Roy: “I’m with Ashley Fiolek and her Dad, Jim. [He’ll use sign language to interpret since she is deaf.] How are you doin’ Ashley?”
Ashley: “I’m doin’ good. I’m excited to be here, it’s a lot of fun. I’d like to thank everyone for inviting me back here.”
Roy: “Where you from?”
Ashley: “St. Augustine, Florida.”
Roy: “How long have you been riding?”
Ashley: “I’ve been riding for 8 years.”
Roy: “What are you riding now?”
Ashley: “I’m riding a Honda CR85 and a 105, but I’m moving up to a 125 after this weekend.”
Roy: How’d you do at Loretta’s?”
Ashley: “I did good. My first moto in the women’s I got a DNF, but after that I got a 7 and a 4 for a 14th overall; and in the boy’s 14-15 Mod I got 11th overall.
Roy: “I read where you were catching up with the bigger riders on your little bike.”
Ashley: “Yeah, I felt like I could run their speed, and I caught em’. I thought I could do that.”
Roy: “So you like the turns or the jumps?”
Ashley: “I love turns and I love jumping, too, but – turns.”
Roy: “Whoops or rhythm section best?”
Ashley: “Whoops.”
Roy: “Hard pack or sandy loam?”
Ashley: “Soft loamy dirt.”
Roy: “Favorite rider?”
Ashley: [looks over at Trey] “Trey Canard.” [they laugh then she answers again] James Stewart.”
Roy: [to Trey] “Who’s your favorite Pro rider?”
Trey: “Ricky” [Carmichael].
[Jim and Ashley give Trey a look, then Jim says] “You’re gonna have to change the name, cause it’s gonna come to an end.” [teasin]
Trey: [laughing] “Ok, Stewart.” [Everyone laughing]
Roy: “When are you goin’ pro?”
Ashley: “Next year, I think.”
Roy: “How old are you?”
Ashley: “I’m 15, soon I’ll be 16.”
Roy: “Are you home schooled?”
Ashley: “Yeah, I’m home-schooled. I use Keystone out of Pennsylvania.”
Roy: “What is your inspiration for riding and training?”
Ashley: “Really just winning. I want to win all the time and it motivates me to train and ride and work hard.”
Roy: “What’s a good race day meal for you?”
Ashley: “Oatmeal, rice cakes with jelly. Sandwiches, chicken, turkey.”
Roy: “So ya’ll weren’t joshing me with that rice cakes thing?”
Trey: “I wouldn’t kid you about that.” [all laughing]
Roy: “No soft drinks?”
Ashley: “I want pop, but I can’t have it.”
Roy: “What would you say to the young girls out there who are riding MX? I had a girl at school ask me this week, “You mean girls do that, too?” I told her, “Oh yeah. So what would Ashley say to the girls that want to race and compete?”
Ashley: “I would say if you want to race, do it. It’s a lot of fun. But if you’re gonna do it, put all your heart into it. Try your best, train hard and do the best you can.”
Roy: “Dad, how long has she been deaf?”
Jim: “Since birth.”
Roy: “How do you know when to shift?”
Ashley: “Vibration.”
Roy: “What is your favorite MX magazine to read?”
Ashley: “Transworld [Motocross]. My friend Don Maeda is the editor there.”
Roy: “What about you, Trey?”
Trey: “I don’t know…”
Jim: “Obviously it’s Holeshot. You’re on the cover.” [all laugh again].
Roy: “It is right now! Thanks guys.”
Kevin Windham #14 – Centreville, MS
(partial transcript of his video interview)
Roy: “Roy Jenkins here with Kevin Windham,
long-time south LA favorite pro rider. How long have you been racing
pro, Kevin?”
Kevin: “I turned pro in 1994, I was 16 years old… been racing professionally a long time. I started racing when I was three. I always got guys comin’ to me and ask, “Man, ya still havin’ fun?” and I just had a guy ask me that, and I’m still havin’ a great time and enjoy being out here and supporting the race this weekend and having a good time.”
Roy: “I can’t believe it. The last time I interviewed you, you were answering the next question I had in my mind. You’re such a great communicator. We were talking about you last night, you say the right things, you have an understanding of the game, and uhhh… do you see yourself goin’ into the broadcast booth later?”
Kevin: “Well, I have enjoyed doin’ that a little bit, right now the new things in my life are obviously my family, and past that I’ve been doin’ a little bit of NASCAR driving and uhhh, I don’t know if anything will come of that, with a career, but this is easy to talk about for me. This is my life. Motocross is me and who I am, and it’s easy to speak from the heart, because I have such a passion for the sport on all the levels, from what I do week in and week out, and the pros are off this weekend and to come to a race like this is equally as fun for me. I look forward to watching some good racing today, so it’s easy to talk about. This is my life.
Roy: “How is the family?”
Kevin: “They’re great, uhhh, enjoying Dad being home a little bit. My oldest daughter Madeline is starting pre-school, so she’s not able to go to quite as many races as she used to. It’s starting to be a little tough, pulling me away from the girls, but we’re taking advantage of all the off time. The kids are doin’ great; growing up too fast. I never knew how quick time flew until now.
Roy: “Do you have plans for more on the way, maybe?”
Kevin: “We don’t think we’re done yet. My wife comes from a big family, and she would love to have a lot of kids, so, probably more on the way.”
Roy: “What kind of family do you come from?”
Kevin: “I’m actually an only child. My wife says I’m spoiled.” [laughing] “She might be right. [smiling again] But I had a great family. It took everything they had to get me out to these races, and man, we had a great time. What a good family atmosphere and a good family sport and I appreciate all the time I got to spend with my family.”
Roy: “Well we appreciate all that you give back to
the sport. I’ve seen you come out to races before and say, “Excuse me
for a minute,” and you’re down there 2 hours signing autographs, taking
pictures, so patient with everybody and you encourage us when you come
out. When people start saying, “Oh, Kevin Windham’s coming out!” It just
encourages us, and you’re smart enough to know that that encourages us,
and you come out and do it; and you must get tired standing around, you
had lines waitin’ you know, to sign stuff. What keeps you motivated to
do that?”
Kevin: “Well I’ve been through phases of my life, where I thought I needed to take a break from it, and this thing has a way of sucking you back in. I’m seeing guys like Bobby Handy, all my friends… I’ve been around the sport forever and I just love it. To give back, what little back I can do, or do do is just rewarding. It comes back ten fold. It’s great to be here and see these kids doing what I have been doin’ my whole life is very rewarding; and as you get older you start to appreciate different things and I really appreciate being here and spend the being able to spend the time with a lot of the kids and a lot of the guys that I haven’t seen for 10 years, it brings back some old faces, and like I say, it’s a lot of the same old gang, just their kids racin’ instead of them. So it’s great to be here.
Roy: “It’s like that for teachers, when we start teaching the kids of students and we start feeling old, but that means that we’re still producing. There are still stories going around about how you would get into the money class on an 80 and beat those guys. Do you have much recollection of that?”
Kevin: “I do. It’s kind of the foundation and uhhh, there’s so many ways that kids can push themselves and these tracks are around, and the guys are gonna have to go at it, and that’s kinda what inspired me, just to keep pushing. I mean, there’s competition here, there’s a lot going on here and some good things are going to come from the area and the future for racing. Ultimately it’s all about having fun, but the stories we tell and still reminisce on, it’s an awesome feeling and we do talk about it quite often.
These 3 interviews were done on September 16 at the St. Jude Children's Benefit Race at River's Edge Motocross track. The Kevin Windham interview is a part of the TSRMX Racing Video that will be released as a 3 DVD set and televised locally. For more information go to www.tsrmxracing.com.
Lance Vincent #825 - New Iberia, LA Honda of Lafayette
Roy: “Lance Vincent, tell us about your experience at Loretta Lynn’s National Championship last month.”
Lance: “Well, for the first time it was really rough, very tiring.”
Roy: “How’d you do?”
Lance: “Stock I got like, 14th and in the Mod I flipped every moto and I don’t even know what place I got.”
Roy: “What was your best finish in a moto?”
Lance: “9th.”
Roy: “Who was really rollin’ in that class that you would like to learn something from?”
Lance: “Blake Garcia?”
Roy: “Do you know what you’ve got to do to get ready for next year?”
Lance: “Yeah, train really hard.”
Roy: “How have you been training lately?”
Lance: “Workin’ out every night, joggin’ and ridin’ my bike.”
Roy: “What is the one thing you could change that would help you do better at Loretta’s?”
Lance: “Get in better shape!”
Roy: “Thanks and congratulations on doing so well at Loretta’s.”
Vincent is sponsored by Honda of Lafayette.
Jeremy Domingue - #651 - Lafayette, LA
Roy: “Jeremy Domingue, did you go to Ponca City this year?”
Jeremy: “Yes sir.”
Roy: “How’d you do there? Tell us about it.”
Jeremy: “Best I did was 6th in Super Mini, but other than that, not too good.”
Roy: “What happened in 'the wasn’t too good' part?”
Jeremy: “Just bad starts and couldn’t hang on to the bike.”
Roy: “Rough, huh?”
Jeremy: “Very.”
Roy: “What tracks around here give you the best preparation for that kind of track?”
Jeremy: “I don’t know, probably this track.” [New Iberia]
Roy: “And what do you have to do to get ready for next year?
Jeremy: “Just ride as long as you can and train.”
Roy: “Do you like the big bikes better than the little bikes?”
Jeremy: “Oh yes sir, there just so much easier to ride.”
Roy: “Better suspension and power?”
Jeremy: “Yea, you don’t have to wring it out as much.”
Roy: “Congratulations on doin’ so well on the national scene. Who’s your sponsors?”
Jeremy: “Honda of Lafayette, EBR, Mom & Dad, Domingue Sand & Gravel.”
Chase Romero - New Iberia, LA - #48
Roy: “Chase Romero, good to see you out here after that injury you suffered at Kentwood a few months ago. How are you feelin’?”
Chase: “Pretty good, I’m just trying to steadily recover, recuperate.”
Roy: “What actually happened? What bones did you break?”
Chase: “Both my femurs, fractured lumbar in my back and fractured pelvis.”
Roy: “What was the last thing you remember about your fall in Kentwood?”
Chase: “I don’t remember the crash or the accident at all.”
Roy: “Wow. It’s sure good to see you back looking healthy again. Do you think you’ll race again, or is it too early to tell?”
Chase: “It’s way too early to tell. Who knows if I’ll ever ride again, but it won’t be anytime soon.”
Roy: “You came out here to support your brother [who was standing behind him]. What do you have to say to him [Corey]?”
Chase: (looking at Corey) “Get ready for the next moto.”
Roy: (laughing) “Always an even-headed answer. Chase, good to see you back again.”
Chase: “Thank You.”
Roy: “Wait, one more question, you were at River’s Edge a few months ago and you were on the track with a pro rider, what was his name?”
Chase: “Tucker Hibbert.”
Roy: “It’s a Wednesday night you guys are practicing, and what happens?”
Chase: “I don’t know, we just found each other on the track and hooked up a little bit, and had a pretty good practice – couple 20, 30 minute motos.”
Roy: “And how’d you do against him?”
Chase: “Better than I thought.”
Roy: “Stayed with him?”
Chase: “Yeah, he’s a fast rider, gets top twenties in the nationals. He’s definitely fast. I was actually catchin’ him a little bit, I slid out, then started catchin’ him again. I was on a 450… who knows?”
Roy: “I’m sure it thrilled the crowd to watch you two race. Alright Chase, thanks for being in the spotlight for these younger kids.”
Nathan Davenport - #7 - Wiggins, MS
Interview with Nathan Davenport from the Top Dog Shootout
June 10, 2006
A shirtless Nathan Davenport was sitting with his friends at a picnic table at the concessions area moments before the rider’s meeting at the Top Dog Shootout. This blond, 21 year old country boy with close-cropped blond hair is built like a boxer and has the mean streak when he needs it. But when you talk to him he comes across as the "coon huntin,' neighborly, good ole’ boy" that could have stepped out of a Waylon Jennings/Willy Nelson/Dukes of Hazard song. I have gone on record as saying he has been the fastest, most talented rider from Ms. The last 5 years (except Kevin Windham). He just hasn’t been training much, a lot like his mirror image from La., Chase Romero, the most talented rider from La. During this same time period.
Roy: "Nathan Davenport! Good to see you around. Do you remember the Jackson Arenacross a few years ago when you were whippin’ around the track and beatin’ everybody… and I can still picture in my mind you throwing your goggles to the crowd, remember that?"
Nathan: "Yes sir, sure do."
Roy: "In fact I gave you a little nickname I’ve used in my writings – ‘Firedog.’ Have you ever heard that nickname used for you?"
Nathan: "Oh I always here when I come down this way. Whenever I’m around these La. Folks."
Roy: "Some folks may not know where that name came from, but somebody was bully’in with you a little bit on the track, and they bumped you a little bit; and you got back up and took em’ to school, and won the race. When I went to interview you after the race you had fire in your eyes."
Nathan: "I don’t know what to say to that." (Laughter)
Roy: "There was so much of a competitive spirit coming out of ya’ and spillin’ out I just started callin’ ya Firedog…
Good to see ya out here again. How many races do you have under your belt in the last 2 months?"
Nathan: "5 or 6. Well, 10 really since January. I took a whole year off. Slowly but surely we’ll get back into it."
Roy: "Who’s your sponsors?"
Nathan: "Suzuki City in Biloxi, Ms. and my Mom friends, pretty much.
Roy: "Where are you from?:
Nathan: "The big city of Wiggins." (Laughing)
Roy: "They got some fast guys that come from Wiggins, huh."
Nathan: "Uhhh, I think."
Roy: "Who’s that?"
Nathan: "Me." (Laughter all around)
Roy to the crowd: "See, I told ya about his competitive spirit. It’s right here ready to go and we can’t wait to get this race started. Thanks Nathan, for comin’ down here to join us. I’m lookin’ at Chase Romero right over there, one of the few riders that can really compete with Nathan."