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MOTOGIRL
FAST THOUGHTS FROM JESSICA LEEFriday March 7th, 2008
Daytona Supercross Craziness!With the forecast calling for rain you would think that Daytona or AMA officials would decide to cover the track with tarps to prevent as much mud as possible but nope. The track got drenched all day long. By around 6:30 PM they decided to run the race without all of the pre-race ceremonies to get everything going before the conditions got worse. Although, I dont think it helped much because the rain didnt stop. By the time for the main event the track looked more like a miniature lake than a supercross track. Having a track cluttered with stalled or stuck bikes and yellow flags makes for a great show but the actual racing is what made it so amazing.
Rookie Trey Canard who has only raced 3 supercross races in his whole professional career performed outstandingly tonight. Taking first in both qualifying and the main event in the Supercross Lights class showed that Canard has more than what it takes to pull great results in the ultra competitive world of pro racing. Canard had almost a full 15 second lead of Ryan Villopoto throughout the whole race. With conditions as bad as they were, most riders rolled over any large jump or rhythm section but not Trey Canard. He hit everything with confidence like the muddy mess didnt even faze him!
During the Supercross Main so many crazy moments happened that its hard to explain. As the night went on the rain became worse and worse. So when it was time for the big guys to line up at the gate the seemingly normal rain turned into what I would call a torrential down pour! Chad Reed pulled a great start and led most of the race followed by Kevin Windham (K-Dub). Chad Reed cut corners on the track twice during tonights race. Im surprised the AMA hasnt already said something about that. During the race Windhams bike sounded like it was having motor problems; top end problems most likely. His bike finished the race but Reeds bike stalled out in the last lap. Chad Reed was so angry that he left his bike on the track, walked past every fan or team member and straight into the pits; never taking off his helmet, gloves or anything. At the end of what looked to be like a straight shot for Chad Reed, Kevin Windham won followed by Davi Millsaps!
I guess you could say, wait no I KNOW you could say this race was unpredictable at the least. As a rider, my opinion is that I would hate to have ridden through what these guys did tonight. It did look fun but I cant even imagine how strenuous it had to have been. I gained so much more respect for the rookie and the veteran tonight! If you missed the race and want to watch it, look for it to broadcast on Speed Channel or look for pictures in the BIkeland Gallery!
Posted by Jessica @ 10:53PM - Permalink - 0 Comments - 0 Trackbacks
Tags: supercross mud daytona international speedway
Saturday June 2nd, 2007
CK 45's Thoughts on the Vegas Mini Moto SXJessica: First, could you tell us a little info about you? How long have you been racing, what are your favorite bikes, what do you in your spare time?
Chris: My name is Chris Kasavage, and I am 21 years old. Ive been racing motocross for 17 years, beginning at the age of four. When Im not riding, you can normally catch me at the track working with up and coming motocross riders, fine tuning their skills in one of my motocross schools. Im currently in college which consumes a fair bit of my time, but I always manage a way to sneak a quick ride at the track.
As far as bikes go, my choice is a BBR Motorsports race machine. Their products and service are second to none.
Jessica: Wow! Very cool. You have been racing longer that a lot of people have just been riding. So, who or what made you want to race in the Mini Moto Supercross?
Chris: I bought a pitbike about 2 and half years ago, and started riding it at some of our local tracks. A good friend of mine, Eric Peronnard, got me set-up to do the Mini Moto Supercross, and I have been hooked ever since.
Jessica: How many years have you gone to the event?
Chris: 2007 was my second year at the event, and it was by far the best presentation for the mini moto scene.
Jessica: What goes into preparing for an event like the Mini Moto SX? Do you do anything different than other races?
Chris: The Mini Moto SX is a totally different beast compared to any other event. This race brings the best of the best, and with names like Costella, McGrath, and Browning competing, you had better make sure your speed is up to par. Riding close and aggressive with friends before the race seems to be one of the best methods to prepare for the battle at Vegas!
Jessica: Do you bring more than one bike out there as a back up or are you pretty safe with just one? What type of bikes did you race?
Chris: This year I brought 2 BBR race bikes. Although I was scheduled to race both the 10 and 12 expert classes, a previous knee injury forced me to be sidelined for this event in 2007. As wild as it may sound, with BBR products, I feel safe with only one bike per class.
Jessica: I have heard that the classes fill up quick so would you suggest registering early?
Chris: Youve heard correct! Im pretty sure it fills up at the same rate a Kiss concert
Maybe. Haha.
Jessica: You have been racing for a while and everyone would want to know, do you get more nervous racing the Mini Moto SX or racing big bikes?
Chris: The first year in 2006, I was a nervous wreck. This year, I knew what to expect and I was mentally prepared, but my knee was not ready to rock.
Jessica: Even though it sounds like you dont really get that nervous, do you have any pre race superstitions?
Chris: I dont really have too many superstitions. However, I will always put my left sock on first!
Jessica: I really do believe that there isnt one racer who isnt just a little superstitious! Moving on, what are some of the pros and cons about the event for you personally?
Chris: The pros out-weigh the cons by a landslide. The presentation of the event is incredible. The lights, the sounds, the music, and most of all, the lady shooting out of a cannon right before the first race of the night begins! Not many events can boast that fact. A con may be that the event could go on longer? I could stay there all night!
Jessica: How does the weekend normally run out in Vegas? Could you give us a glimpse of your schedule?
Chris: My dad and I will get to Vegas a week early. We normally just hang around the hotel, check out some of the Vegas shows, and Im not afraid to spend countless hours at the roulette table. Vegas isnt a cheap trip, you have to pay the bills somehow! By Wednesday, things are way more relaxed. I will hang out and stay rested for the event on Friday.
Jessica: Do you have anyone that you rely on out there such as mechanics or cheerleaders?
Chris: As for support, Jayson Dagner from Dagner Performance keeps my motors strong and he is always there to help me on and off the track. Philip Hewitt is always there to work on my bikes as well. Im pretty sure he is the fastest tire changer in the state of Florida, possibly the world!
My parents, girlfriend, and friends are always there to cheer me on, which is always cool to have people you know with you when youre on the other side of the country racing!
Chris would like to give a shout out to his fantastic sponsors:
BBR Motorsports
Monster Energy
Dagner Performance
Fox Racing
Seminole Powersports
Orlando Mini-Moto X
ACE Motocross Park
Unfortunately for Chris, a devastating knee inury that happened late last year flared up again a few days before the race and caused him to only do one lap but I am sure that Chris could have stomped the competition!
Now you can relax! You should be a little more prepared for next years Mini Moto SX and know what to expect. Chris Kasavage is a very fast rider and a great guy. So if youre at a mini moto race somewhere around the country look out for him!
Posted by Jessica @ 9:04AM - Permalink - 0 Comments - 0 Trackbacks
Tags: Chris Kasavage Mini Moto Supercross
Tuesday April 17th, 2007
Bikes, Bikes, and more Bikes! My life the past few months.
[In Florida we have a no helmet law which means you dont have to wear a helmet if you dont want to. I think it is pretty silly because I cant imagine hitting the pavement at 50 mph without a helmet but then again the state isnt responsible for you. I know of a local guy who rode around a parking lot at 10 mph, did a wheelie, and hit a curb with his head. He died that day in the hospital after being airlifted from the scene. If he didnt die I dont even want to imagine his headache the next day. With my little jumping accident I was wearing a Troy Lee Designs Helmet which I later learned was not the best out there. Although it was more than 300 dollars, I paid for the paint job not the safety. With my concussion, I lost my memory for 2 days, got knocked out, and didnt even know who I was! All I remember is getting out of bed a day or two after it happened feeling like someone had put an axe in my brain. I could not keep anything down for about 3 days, I couldnt ride in a car for 2 months without taking prescription strength motion sickness pills, and I am still not myself. My reaction times are still slower than normal, and I cant remember some things. People do not realize just how bad life is with a brain injury. After 3 months, I still have trouble trying to concentrate on one thing for a while without getting a headache, I still want to fall asleep at 3:00 in the afternoon and I cannot eat as much as I used to. The really weird thing is since the concussion I have been burping more than normal! Ok, so everyone burps like a little kid sometimes but I seemed to have a problem controlling it now! How embarrassing right! My dad was saying how a friend of his had the same exact problem after a bad concussion and it went away after a while. Your brain really does control everything and it is really odd what happens when it gets messed up. As a high school student, I have a lot of hectic work to do and ever since the concussion it has been so much harder for me to get it done. I even have trouble on tests because it is hard for me to focus and remember the information. From firsthand experience my advice to you would be always wear a good helmet and try to avoid concussions!
On a happier note, during these past few months I have done more than riding and crashing. I went with my parents and a few guys from their company up to the Dealer Show in Indianapolis, Indiana where I worked the Techmounts booth. I got to see so many new riding goodies! In March I also went with some friends to the Daytona Supercross and 200. This year my friend Josh Day was racing the 200 and got 9th place which is very good for a young privateer! So, congratulations again to Josh!
[While I was in Indy, I made friends with the people from Ariete an Italian company that makes grips and goggles. They actually gave me two pairs of goggles and new lenses as a gift! Grazie! So, far I would definitely recommend their goggles. They are especially great for women because they are smaller, lighter, and come in cool colors (even a glamorous sparkly design). Best of all, they are tough! The super cool people that make the Shock Spot R also gave me one of their very smart indicators that tells you if your helmet has a had a impact strong enough to consider buying a new helmet. I have not put it on my new helmet just yet but I will very soon. Speaking of helmets, my new helmet is a Shark brand. I first heard about these helmets when I was at Road Atlanta the year that Miguel Duhamel had just switched from Shoei to Shark. Shark Helmets have a European safety rating which is higher than in the USA and they have a special inside that allows the helmet to take more of a shock than your brain in an accident. So far, I love the helmet. I have not worn it very much since buying it last month but it is very comfortable and light.
Well, hope you like the little update on what I have been up to! Pretty soon I will let you all know more about the Shock Spot and Shark Helmets! Now I am off to finish some homework and get my gear together to go to motocross practice. So, now get off your toosh and ride!
Posted by Jessica @ 8:43AM - Permalink - 0 Comments - 0 Trackbacks
Tags: motocross racing no helmet law daytona supercross daytona 200
THE AUTHOR
Jessica "Motogirl" Lee is a 35 year old motocross racer and journalist. Born into a family of motorcycle enthusiasts and industry insiders, she has been riding and nurturing a passion for motorcycles from the age of four.
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ArchiveAll photographs by Jessica Lee unless otherwise noted