Words and Photos by Scott Lukaitis

KROC Results

Saturday October 6, 2007

65cc 7-9

1. Damian Thompson (KTM)

2. Alexander Frye (KTM)

3. Chase Bell (KAW)

4. Miguel Correla (KTM)

5. Kade Walker (OTH)

65cc 10-11

1. Jon Borrello (KTM)

2. Austin Littler (KTM)

3. Kevin Tompkins (KTM)

4. Aaron Ziefelder (KAW)

5. Trevor Shaffer (KTM)

85cc 7-11

1. Robert Piazza (KAW)

2. Damon Fiore (KAW)

3. Miles Schellenberger (SUZ)
4. James Coen (SUZ)
5. Alexander Frye (KTM)

85cc 12-13

1. Zachary Bell (KAW)

2. Richard Grey (KTM)

3. Kameron Page (YAM)

4. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

5. Ryan Zaveral (HON)

85cc 14-15

1. James Decotis (YAM)

2. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

3. Austin Phelps (KAW)

4. Max Stevey (SUZ)

5. Adam Scicchitano (SUZ)

125 Novice

1. Andrew Homick (SUZ)

2. Dominick Guastella (SUZ)

3. Mike Correa (KAW)

4. Christopher Duymich (HON)
5. JT Milne (HON)

125 Amateur

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Cody Robbins (KAW)

3. Frank Lettieri (SUZ)

4. Addison Kramer (KAW)

5. Kody Renzland (KAW)

250 Novice

1. Michael Sowa (SUZ)
2. Billy Hauser (KAW)

3. Mike Correa (HON)

4. Michael Cox (HON)

5. Alex Stavola (SUZ)

250 Amateur

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Cody Robbins (KAW)

3. Frank Letieri (SUZ)

4. Tyler Sanderson (KAW)
5. Joshua Gottshall (YAM)

25+ Amateur

1. Jonathan Bronne (HON)

2. Norman Innis (HON)

3. John Ward (HON)

4. Joey Rogers (YAM)

5. Ethan Waybright (HON)

25+ Expert

1. Damien Plotts (KAW)

2. Barry Carsten (SUZ)

3. Ty Wallace (SUZ)

4. Mark Waldele (KAW)

5. Daniel Grimm (KTM)

30+ Novice

1. Jose Romero (KAW)

2. Edward Lokerson (SUZ)

3. Neal Kitson (YAM)

4. Chuck Schellhardt (KTM)

5. Gerald Ricciardelli (YAM)

30+ Amateur

1. Norman Innis (HON)

2. Victor Palmieri (HON)
3. Carl Herrforth (HON)
4. Ethan Waybright (HON)
5. James Sanders (KAW)

30+ Expert

1. Barry Carsten (SUZ)

2. Damien Plotts (KAW)

3. Kurt McMillen (KAW)

4. Carlo Coen (KAW)

5. Ty Wallace (SUZ)

40+ Amateur

1. Doug Kitchell (HON)

2. Chris Sudyam (HON)

3. George Gilmour (Hon)

4. Dean Mauro (KAW)

5. Joseph Dublas (YAM)

40+ Expert

1.Barry Carsten (SUZ)

2. Kurt McMillen (KAW)

3. Gaylon Dickson (KAW)

4. James McIlvaine (HON)
5. Carlo Coen (KAW)

Junior Mini

1. Alexander Frye (KTM)
2. Jake Scott (YAM)

3. Robert Piazza (KAW)

4. Alec Ethier (KAW)

5. Miles Schellenberger (SUZ)

Super Mini

1. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

2. James Decotis (YAM)
3. Zachary Bell (KAW)

4. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

5. Ryan Zaveral (HON)

Schoolboy

1. Frank Lettieri  (SUZ)

2. Charles Sherby (HON)

3. Sal Calamita (HON)

4. Seth Rarick (KTM)

5. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

Collegeboy

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Colton Bailey (HON)

3. Darryn Durham (SUZ)
4. William Duffy (SUZ)

5. William Shatrau (KAW)

Open 4-Stroke

1. PJ Larsen (KAW)

2. Ryan Blizzard (KAW)

3. Charles Sherby (HON)
4. Shane Durham (KAW)

5. Colton Bailey (HON)

Women

Marissa Markelon (HON)

Brianna Mahon (KAW)

Samantha Fritz (HON)

Nikki Stewart (KAW)

Krisa Sweeney (KAW)

KROC results Sunday October 7, 2007

Kessler Cup 65cc

1. Jon Borello (KTM)

2. Alexander Frye (KTM)

3. Kevin Tompkins (KTM)

4. Aaron Ziefelder (KAW)

5. Trevor Shaffer (SUZ)

Town and Country Cycle Center KX85 Drawing Winner

Justin Tompkins

Fox Mt Holly Top Gun Mini Cycle Shootout

1. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

2. Zachary Bell (KAW)

3. James Decotis (YAM)

4. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

5. Austin Phelps (KAW)

Mt Holly Top Gun Mini Cycle Shootout KX85 Drawing Winner

James Decotis

Monmouth Cycles Ironman Classic

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)
2. William Shatrau (KAW)

3. Cody Robbins (KAW)

4. Frank Lettieri (SUZ)

5. Kody Renzland (KAW)

125 Pro Expert Class

1. Robby Marshall (KAW)

2. Darryn Durham (SUZ)

3. Taylor Futrell (HON)

4. Barry Carsten (SUZ)

5. Adam Blessing (HON)

6. Michael Sattile (KAW)

7. Jay Weller (SUZ)

8. Kyle Willis (HON)
9. Ben Ritter (SUZ)

10. Damien Plotts (KAW)

250 Pro Expert class

1. PJ Larsen (KAW)

2. Taylor Futrell (HON)

3. Roby Marshall (KAW)

4. Jay Weller (SUZ)

5. Barry Carsten (SUZ)
6. William Duffy (SUZ)

7. Shane Durham (KAW)

8. Ben Ritter (SUZ)

9. Thomas Addy (HON)

10. Kenny Day (HON)

Here is an article that was written for Mini Rider Magazine covering the event:

Mini Rider

By Scott Lukaitis

Photos by Scott Lukaitis

October for New Jersey motocross fans as meant one thing. The KROC! For the past 31 years Kawasaki Team Green and their participating local Kawasaki dealers have presented the Kawasaki Race of Champions.

Over the years the entry list has read like a who’s who of famous motocross racers. Most recent competitors have included many of today’s famous factory riders including Jason Lawrence, Ryan Villopoto, Zach Osborne, and Kyle Chisholm. Nearly 650 riders signed up on Saturday with the hope of adding their name to the list.

Once the early morning fog lifted on Saturday morning unseasonably warm temperatures in the high eighties and a brand new track layout courtesy of track designer Micky Kessler greeted the packed classes.

In 65cc racing Damian Thompson and Jon Borello took the wins on their respective classes while in 85cc racing Robert Piazza, Zachary Bell, and James Decotis took their class wins. Alexander Frye was the Junior Mini winner and AJ Catanzaro took the Supermini class win.

In addition to the premier expert classes on Sunday two special exhibition races were held for Saturday’s top finishers. Each class also had a great grand prize, a brand new KX85 given away by local dealers. Each rider would be given a raffle ticket and a lucky winner in each class would take home a great surprise. The Kessler Cup for 65cc racers was won by Jon Borello followed by Alexander Frye and Kevin Tompkins and Tompkins brother Justin was the happy winner of the new KX85 courtesy of local dealer Town and Country Cycle Center. The Mt Holly Kawasaki/Fox Mini Cycle Shootout was won by AJ Catanzaro with Zach Bell in second and James Decotis in third. Decotis’ podium finish was especially sweet as he went home with the new KX85 as the lucky winner of the new bike drawing. Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory riders Tim Ferry and James Stewart even flew in from Florida to show the Northeast fans their skills in an afternoon demonstration.

The 31^st annual Kawasaki Race of Champions was a great weekend of racing for everyone. Ask your parents to start planning now for a trip to New Jersey next October for the 32^nd annual Race of Champions.

JANUARY

With the supercross season in full swing New Jersey rider Jason Lawrence has shown that 2007 could be his year. The Yamaha of Troy sponsored rider has shown the speed that won him multiple amateur championships. For the month of January, Jason has shown consistent finishes and sites in second in the Lites West Coast Points standings.

January 6
Angel Stadium – Anaheim- 3rd place
January 13
Chase Field – Phoenix- 8th place
January 20
Angel Stadium – Anaheim- 2nd place
January 27
AT&T Park – San Francisco- 5th place

February

02/17/07: NJ native Jason Lawrence again proved that this is his year by once again finishing 2nd. This time was the San Diego sx.

02/15/07: Getting ready for Indy. The largest industry trade show in America and perhaps the world is this weekend. Stay tuned for photos of new products and famous faces next week.

02/12/07: NJ native Yamaha of Troy rider Jason Lawrence has shown that this is his season by finishing on the podium in this months first 2 races.  He finished 3rd at Anaheim 3 on the third of February and 2nd in Houston on the 10th. He now sits in second place in the series points behind  Ryan Villopoto.  Jason was also feature in this mornings Monday Morning conversation on RacerX illustrated’s website. Click HERE for the link.

Results from the BooKoo US Open of Arenacross. NJ Riders.
125/250 Novice
9th #139 EDDIE MCKERNAN – SUZ
WOOLWICH TWP, NJ
125/250 Schoolboy 12-15
2nd #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ
6th #139 EDDIE MCKERNAN – SUZ
WOOLWICH TWP, NJ
250/450 Intermediate
6th #4 CHRIS TIERNEY – HON
MANAHAWKIN, NJ
250/450 Novice
2nd #320 JEFF MESLER – HON
MANAHAWKIN, NJ
50cc 4-6 Stock
3rd #99 JOSEPH MANCICI – COB
COLTS NECK, NJ
50cc 7-8 Stock
8th #118 CORY CARSTEN – KTM
BAYVILLE, NJ
50cc Open 4-8
10th #118 CORY CARSTEN – KTM
BAYVILLE, NJ
85cc 12-15
1st #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ
8th #35 JOEY PETERS – KAW
ASBURY, NJ
85cc Super Mini 7-15
2nd #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ
9th #35 JOEY PETERS – KAW
ASBURY, NJ
Amateur Pitbike
4th #518 SCOTT KALNAS – KAW
GIBBSTOWN, NJ
Open Over 25
1st #92 BARRY CARSTEN – SUZ
BAYVILLE, NJ
Open Over 30
1st #92 BARRY CARSTEN – SUZ
BAYVILLE, NJ
Youth Pitbike
2nd #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ

March 30: Check out this feature on Rocket Exhaust from Transworld MX. The company’s owner Don Leib is a former NJ resident.

MARCH 27: Photos and wallpapers from Raceway Park on 3/25/07 can be found HERE

Cycle News Online story from Raceway Park Opening Day HERE

March 21: MSR Signs Nick Desiderio
MSR is pleased to announce the signing of American Suzuki’s Nick Desiderio. Desiderio, who has also recently signed with MXSponsor’s rider management division, following fellow amateur standout Phil Nicoletti and a list of many top privateers. “I am very excited to be wearing the new MSR gear”. “ I have been training very hard this winter at Millsaps Training Facility and the winter series in Florida, I cant wait to show the new gear off at the upcoming amateur nationals..” Sais Nick.

Desiderio, who had a very strong year at the amateur nationals last year, including four top 5 moto finishes at Loretta Lynns, should be a front runner in many classes.
MSR’s amateur support manager Randy Valade adds, “ We are very happy and excited to have Nick on board with MSR”. “ We have had our eye on him for quite some time, he has a great work ethic and an awesome personality to represent MSR 100%”

For more info on MSR please visit www.msrmx.com or join the team at MXSponsor.com

March 17: The NJ motocross community lost one of it’s own this morning as Rich Zupko Sr of Dunellen passed away after having a heart attack. Mr. Zupko was the former owner of Powerline Motocross park in New Egypt NJ. Services for Mr. Zupko are as follows:

Viewing will be Tuesday, March 20th
2pm – 4pm
7 pm – 9pm.
Sheenan Funeral Home
233 Dunellen Ave.
Dunellen, NJ 08812
(732) 968 – 4227

Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations can be made to The American Heart Association

March 17: AMA supermoto national event to be held at Raceway Park.

AMA Racing announced today that four supermoto venues have been added to the upcoming race season schedule, bringing to a total of ten rounds that will make up the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Series.

Beginning with the new season opener on May 19 at St. Louis’ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, an event in which AMA Racing’s Supercross Series partner Live Nation will promote, the AMA Supermoto Championship will also feature new events at Raceway Park (Englishtown, N.J.) and MotoTown USA (New England), along with the series’ return to Denver, Colo.

“From top to bottom this is for sure the most solid AMA Supermoto Championship schedule we’ve put together in the five-year history of the series,” said Joel Grover, director of supermoto for AMA Racing. “St. Louis is a very motorsports-friendly region, the east coast will get its first AMA Supermoto round in New Jersey, the strong New England motocross and road race contingent will be excited about the Connecticut round, and we’re very pleased to be returning to Denver for another double header– located in the heart of action sports central Colorado.”

Here’s a quick breakdown on the new events for the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship schedule:

• The St. Louis opener at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (May 19) will include a first-ever Friday night concert to kick off the weekend race event, which includes pro racing on Saturday and amateur racing on Sunday.

• Raceway Park (Englishtown, N.J.), home of the popular “Kawasaki Race of Champions” motocross event and only 30 minutes from Manhattan, will bring AMA championship supermoto to its established facility for the first time. The combination motorcycle/auto complex, already boasting an established amateur supermoto race scene, is sure to be one of the highest-attended events of the season.

• New England’s MotoTown USA (Hartford, Conn.) is another state-of-the-art facility that includes an interesting hitch: For the first time ever AMA Supermoto will race a portion of the event indoors, cutting through the 120,000 square foot building’s motocross track floor.

• Denver, Colo., returns to the AMA Supermoto Championship Series with a double header scheduled for July 14 and 15. The downtown race will be part of the Suzuki CycleFest this year and will offer impressive motorcycle displays and even exciting street demo rides for the bold race fan.

Note: Previously announced events in Columbus, Ohio, Syracuse, N.Y., and Monterey, Calif., have been removed from the schedule, and the Seattle event has been moved up a week.

With the four new rounds the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship schedule is as follows:

5/19 – St. Louis, Mo. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

6/3 – Englishtown, N.J. Raceway Park

6/23 – Salt Lake City, Utah Miller Motorsports Park

7/8 – Detroit, Mich. Waterford Hills Road Race Course

7/14-15 – Denver, Colo. Downtown (Doubleheader)

8/18 – Hartford, Conn. MotoTown USA

9/1 – Nashville, Tenn. Music City Motorplex

9/15 – Seattle, Wash. Pacific Grand Prix

11/11 – Long Beach, Calif. Queen Mary

March 15: Check out the newest issue of Transworld MX for an interview with Jason Lawrence including a test on his bike as well. He is also on the cover.

March 13: Raceway Park Opening day photos are up at www’lukaitisphoto.com

March 11: 13th annual Parts Unlimited Spring Classic, Lake Whitney TX. Nick Desiderio, 85cc 12-13 Mod 6-3 for 5th overall and 12-13 stock 9-DNF for 34th overall. Frank Lettieri 125 12-15 stock 15-13 for 19th overall, 85-150f supermini 12-15 10-15 for 16th overall and schoolboy 14-16 12-25 for 27th overall.

March 7: Want to see more NJ action? Check out Matt Wozney’s new video Moto Xposure

March 5: Barry Carsten was featured in the Monday morning kickstart at www.transworldmx.com see the photo HERE and HERE

March 5: Check out Matt Wozney’s latest video. This one is of Henry Rojas and was taken this past weekend at Raceway Park’s practice track. Click HERE for the video

April 25: Cycle News online stories from the Loretta Lynn’s Qualifier at Raceway Park as well as Atco from 4/7 are posted at www.CycleNews.com .  Atco Story by Mike Pierson Raceway Park Story by Scott Lukaitis Also check out www.lukaitisphoto.com for the latest photos from Raceway Park’s Northeast Classic event.

April 17: You want photos….we have photos. Check out photos from this past weekend’s race at Raceway Park HERE and photos from Atco on Saturday night HERE The Raceway Park photos are by Lukaitis Photo and the Atco photos are by MP Pics. Also check out this great video from the weekends event at AerialMX.com

April 11: The Cycle News story from Raceway Park’s March 25th race is posted HERE. Check out the latest issue of Raceway News HERE

Matt Wozney of HG Films is running daily update videos from The World Mini Grand Prix in Las Vegas Check them out HERE

April 4: Special thanks to Andy @ Mx Sports for his help in compiling some Loretta Lynn’s data. Look back at the various years and you’ll see every rider from New Jersey who ever competed at the Amateur Nationals at Loretta Lynn’s. Take a trip down memory lane and see how many names you recognize.

May 28: Jason Lawrence interview on amamotocross.com HERE

Results from Mt Morris national.

MX Lites: Jason Lawrence 3-6 for 5th overall

MX Class: Barry Carsten 22-17 for 19th overall

Adam Blessing 33-33 for 34th overall

Photos from this weekend race at Raceway Park are posted at Lukaitis Photo.

Click here for pit bike racing

Click here for Sunday’s regular race day.

May 24: NJ’s own Jason Lawrence was featured on the Transworld MX Thursday Theater. Check out the video here :  http://www.transworldmotocross.com/mx/slideshow/videos/0,27654,1371259_1625321,00.html

May 23: After Saturday’s incidents here is a film put together by RacerX Films going over the whole thing.

http://www.racerxfilms.com/jlawapology/

National Trials champion Geoff Aaron is coming to Raceway Park to put on demos during the AMA National Supermoto race being held June 2nd and 3rd. 3 shows on Saturday and 3 shows on Sunday. The demo is being held at the AMA Supermoto National at Raceway Park
Check out this video for a peak.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=82VuV-I4fOs
Other Hangtown News: Pt Pleasant NJ’s Todd Stavac made the long trip out west for the opening national of the year. Unfortunately Todd didn’t make the final cut for Sunday’s pro National motos.

May 21: The AMA National series kicked off this past weekend with some drama surrounding NJ’s own Jason Lawrence and his rival Ryan Villopoto. Here is the press release regarding the actions that took place on Saturday afternoon in California.

May 20, 2007 AMA Racing news AMA Racing announced today that Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto have been penalized at the Honda Hangtown Motocross Classic from Sacramento, Calif., the opening round of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF. According to AMA Racing SX/MX Director Steve Whitelock, for actions detrimental to the sport, Lawrence has been fined $7,500 and placed on probation for one year beginning May 18, 2007.  Additionally, as part of the penalty, Lawrence loses his earned gate pick for both motos of Sunday’s Motocross Lites event and will now pick 40th out of the 40-rider field. Villopoto has been fined $2,500. The penalties stem from a series of instances that occurred during Saturday’s two practice sessions which culminated in a scuffle between the two riders late in session two. According to Whitelock the severity of the penalties is relative to each riders’ actions.  “Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto both share in the blame for what happened today,” said Whitelock.  “However, the penalty is harsher for Lawrence because he was the instigator and has demonstrated a pattern of questionable behavior.”  Whitelock confirmed that Lawrence had received a verbal warning regarding his actions after the first practice session. The final decision on the penalties was reached Saturday evening after meeting with both riders and their teams, reviewing photos and considering the reports of AMA race officials.

Yamaha of Troy rider Jason Lawrence was forced to have the 40th pick on the gate for each moto due to Saturday’s events but proved the heart on speed he has by coming through the pack to take 5th in each moto, good enough for 6th overall. He was the only NJ rider in attendance.

5/19/07 Atco: Mike Pierson’s atco story from Cycle News online can be found here

Be sure to check for the August issue of RacerX illustrated with Jason Lawrence on the cover. Inside is an interview with the New Jersey native

The photographer for the cover was yet another New Jersey native. Chris Tedesco shot the photo of Lawrence.

June 14: Check out Matt Wozney’s latest video. HERE This one is of Frank Lettieri

Results from Southwick:

Southwick Mass June 9-10, 2007
Lites
Jason Lawrence 5-4 4th overall
Also trying to qualify for the Fast 40 in the Motocross class at Southwick were Onorino Fascelli and Chris Prenderville. Both missed making the cut.
Southwick photo gallery by Scott Lukaitis can be found HERE

Results from Budd’s Creek
June 16-17, 2007
Budd’s Creek
Motocross class
Adam Blessing 35-30 for 34th overall
Onorino Fascell and Todd Stavac missedthe fast 40

Lites
Jason Lawrence 3-3 for 3rd overall

Looking for photos from Budd’s Creek?

Check out Chris Tedesco’s gallery HERE

Ponca City 2007 results

NMA

PONCA CITY, OK. GRAND NATIONALS

/2007

250 4-Stroke Non-Pro

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

14 461 Suz  Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 8 10

85 Stk 12-13

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

9 57 Suz  Nick Desiderio Washington, NJ 4 11

17 35 Kaw  Joey Peters Asbury, NJ 5 18

250 Stk Nov

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

1 461 Suz  Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 1 1

125/250 Sclboy Thru 16 NonPro

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

15 461 Suz  Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 6 15

85 Open Mod 9-16

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2 s

9 57 Suz  Nick Desiderio Washington, NJ 8 7

11 35 Kaw  Joey Peters Asbury, NJ 4 14

250 Mod Nov

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

1 461 Suz  Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 1 1

85 Mod 12-13

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

14 57 Suz  Nick Desiderio Washington, NJ 7 14

18 35 Kaw  Joey Peters Asbury, NJ 7 18

Below is a list of riders who have made the final cut to race for a National Championship this August in Tennessee. Good Luck to all

01. MX Lites A

Number Name Brand City,State

21 Brian Mulcahy KAW Hewitt, NJ

04. MX Lites B Modified

Number Name Brand City,State

84 Charles Fox YAM Wantage, NJ

05. Motocross A

Number Name Brand City,State

21 Brian Mulcahy KAW Hewitt, NJ

06. Motocross A-Pro Sport

Number Name Brand City,State

44 Adam Blessing HON Toms River, NJ

09. Four Stroke

Number Name Brand City,State

44 Adam Blessing HON Toms River, NJ

10. Junior 25 Plus

Number Name Brand City,State

67 Mark Waldele KAW Pompton Plains, NJ

12. Vet 35 Plus

Number Name Brand City,State

33 James Mc Ilvaine HON Englishtown, NJ

13. Senior 40 Plus

Number Name Brand City,State

33 James Mc Ilvaine HON Englishtown, NJ

60 Joseph Fritz HON West Milford, NJ

14. Senior 45 Plus

Number Name Brand City,State

60 Joseph Fritz HON West Milford, NJ

15. MX Lites C Stock

Number Name Brand City,State

75 Michael Sowa SUZ Allentown, NJ

16. MX Lites C Modified

Number Name Brand City,State

18 Jesse M. Kuzbyt SUZ Sussex, NJ

17. Motocross C

Number Name Brand City,State

75 Michael Sowa SUZ Allentown, NJ

18. 51 (4-6) Stock Shaft Drive

Number Name Brand City,State

15 Zazhary Butkiewicz YAM Sussux, NJ

86 Devin Kusmider YAM East Brunswick, NJ

19. 51 (4-6) AMA 1 Stock

Number Name Brand City,State

89 Ricci J. Randanella COB Marlton, NJ

20. 51 (7-8) AMA 2 Stock

Number Name Brand City,State

14 Trevor Pritchard COB Wantage, NJ

24. 85 (7-11) Stock

Number Name Brand City,State

91 Darian Robinson SUZ Little Falls, NJ

26. 85 (7-11) Modified

Number Name Brand City,State

91 Darian Robinson SUZ Little Falls, NJ

29. Super Mini (12-15)

Number Name Brand City,State

35 Joey Peters KAW Asbury, NJ

30. Schoolboy (12-15)

Number Name Brand City,State

24 Charles E. Sherby Jr HON Woodbine, NJ

46 Frank Lettieri SUZ Brick, NJ

31. MX Lites Schoolboy (14-16)

Number Name Brand City,State

24 Charles E. Sherby Jr HON Woodbine, NJ

46 Frank Lettieri SUZ Brick, NJ

33. Women (12 Plus)

Number Name Brand City,State

92 Samantha Fritz HON West Milford, NJ

July 15: Unadilla MX National

Barry Carsten, Chris Prenderville, Todd Stavac and Onorino Fascelli all competed in the MX class but unfortunately did not make the “fast 40″.

Yamaha of Troy rider Jason Lawrence went 4-4  for third overall in the “lites” class.

Look for Cycle News coverage of both Raceway Park and Atco online HERE.

August 7:

Results from the CMRC Canadian National Motocross Series  Round 7 – Riverglade – 8/5/2007
Moncton, NB.

MX2: Dave Ginolfi 15-dnf 20th overall
Bobby Jimenez 19-20 23rd overall

MX1: Bobby Jimenez 29-28 33rd overall

AUGUST 6:

Results from Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur Nationals

overall	class	first	last	town
11	MX LITES A	BRIAN	MULCAHY	HEWITT
22	MX LITES B MODIFIED	CHARLES	FOX	WANTAGE
15	MOTOCROSS A	BRIAN	MULCAHY	HEWITT
24	MX A PRO SPORT	ADAM	BLESSING	TOMS RIVER
4	FOUR STROKE	ADAM	BLESSING	TOMS RIVER
11	JUNIOR 25 PLUS	MARK	WALDELE	POMPTON PLAINS
23	VET 35 PLUS	JAMES	MCILVAINE	ENGLISHTOWN
8	SENIOR 40+	JAMES	MCILVAINE	ENGLISHTOWN
23	SENIOR 40+	JOSEPH	FRITZ	WEST MILFORD
19	SENIOR 45+	JOSEPH	FRITZ	WEST MILFORD
26	MX LITES C STOCK	MICHAEL	SOWA	ALLENTOWN
12	MX LITES C MODIFIED	JESSE	KUZBYT	SUSSEX
7	MOTOCROSS C	MICHAEL	SOWA	ALLENTOWN
24	51 4-6 STOCK SHAFT	ZACHARY	BUTKIEWICZ	SUSSEX
31	51 4-6 STOCK SHAFT	DEVIN	KUSMIDER	EAST BRUNSWICK
11	51 4-6 1 STOCK	RICCI	RANDANELLA	MARLTON
39	51 4-6 2 STOCK	TREVOR	PRITCHARD	WANTAGE
9	85 7-11 STOCK	DARIAN	ROBINSON	LITTLE FALLS
4	85 7-11 MODIFIED	DARIAN	ROBINSON	LITTLE FALLS
24	SUPER MINI 12-15	JOEY	PETERS	ASBURY
33	SCHOOLBOY 12-15	CHARLES	SHERBY	WOODBINE
9	SCHOOLBOY 12-15	FRANK	LETTIERI	BRICK
28	MX LITES SCHOOLBOY	CHARLES	SHERBY	WOODBINE
7	MX LITES SCHOOLBOY	FRANK	LETTIERI	BRICK
33	WOMENS 12+	SAMANTHA	FRITZ	WEST MILFORD

Tommy Ulikowski

summer 2007

You are a well recognized figure around Raceway Park. Tell us a little about yourself. I’m 33 years old and own Robertsville Landscaping.  I race 25+, 30+ expert and pit bikes, and I live in Bayville NJ with my wife and two dogs.

How long have you been racing? I started in 1988 so 19 years

What got you started in racing? My neighbor had a track and raced and my brother and I thought it was the coolest thing ever.  That year my mom worked two jobs to get us each a CR 80 for Christmas and we’ve been riding ever since.

What is your involvement with Raceway Park? I started out as an instructor at the Jay Irwin motocross school, and I became more involved as the years went on, helping Jay, Richie Zupko, and Mickey Kessler from picking up garbage to helping with the track design.

Do you have a favorite Raceway Park memory? My all time favorite memory was the 1997 Kawasaki Race of Champions, when my buddy Joel Dengler got the holeshot and led most of the race to finish 3rd behind Jeff Emig and Ryan Hughes.

Your brother Shawn has been a factory mechanic for several years now and even has a Supercross Championship to his credit. Do you make him work on your bike when he comes home for the holidays? Shawn is very busy with his rider, Travis Preston, who can’t even lube his chain, so I give him a break and let him just chill when he’s home.  However, he does show me the way things are done on the factory bikes when he can, and that’s pretty cool.

What does the sport of motocross mean to you? I love the energy and adrenaline that I get from racing, there is nothing like going into the first turn with 39 other guys, but I also love this sport because I not only met my best friends racing, it’s where I met my wife Joy.  She was a score girl at Powerline Park and thanks to the Zupko’s I have a great wife.

You have a tight knit group of racing friends, how important to you is the social aspect of the motocross community? As much as I love racing, I probably wouldn’t ride as much if it wasn’t for the fact that all my friends are there.  Raceway is like a second home to me and the people are as important as the racing.

You are a top competitor in both the regular race series and the pit bike series. Do you enjoy the pit bike or bike bike racing more? The big bike is serious racing and the pit bikes series is all about having fun.  I wish I could get the results on the big bike that I get on the pit bike, but I enjoy both.

Who would you like to thank for helping you out in your racing career? My brother Shawn, if it wasn’t for him my bikes would be junk, my mom for getting me started, Mickey Kessler at KPS, Kenny Watson, Ken Landerman, the Zupkos , the Irwins, the Denglers, Buford at Utopia and my parts guy Scott Lukaitis

Tommy Ulikowski photo gallery

Jerry Seip

spring 2007

You are a long time competitor at Raceway Park.Tell us a little bit about yourself…..

I live in East Windsor, NJ with my beautiful wife and 4 year old daughter, Ruth and Jamie.

What do you do for a living?

I just recently started working at Cooper’s Honda in Hamilton, NJ.

How long have you been racing?

I started racing in 1981 at New Egypt.  This is my 27^th year.

What got you started in racing motocross?

Some of my friends raced (Terry Tucker) and told me to give it a try.

Back in the day you used to travel all over the area racing every weekend. Do you still do that or is it mostly local races now?

I still try to race every weekend, mainly just the bigger events.  I love the workout and the competition.

Since it is such a large part of your life. What does your family thing of racing?

Ruth and Jamie really enjoy it.  The rest of my family never really got involved.

We have known each other for a long time. One of the things that I always remember about you is how organized and factory your set up has always been. Has your organization been a key to your success?

It helps.  I race three classes and I usually come to the races by myself.

As a veteran racer do you have to train harder than the young up and coming kids?

Yeh, which is one of the things that motivates me most.

Many guys you raced against have since retired. Who was you biggest rival? How about now?

Micky Kessler and I had some great races when he rode the vet classes.  There are so many different riders from different tracks and different classes.

What is your best racing memory?

Winning a National 500 Qualifier and finishing 17^th at Binghamton, NY

Winning the 1^st Bruce Zimmeran Memorial Race at Englishtown.

How about your worst?

1996 was a bad year…

January – Orlando SX – I crashed in practice, in my heat and in my LCQ.

March – Englishtown – I crashed during a moto and broke some bones.

September – I crashed during practice breaking more bones.

Who are your sponsors this season?

Cooper’s Honda

Kessler Pro Suspension

MSR

Scott

Boyesen

One

Regina

Belray

Twin Air

Motographx

Jerry Seip Photo Gallery

Jimmy McIlvaine

spring 2007

You are a well known competitor at Raceway Park and around the tracks in the area. Tell us a little bit about yourself…..[jim and kristin mcilvaine] Well, I just turned 40 this past February. I am a husband,father to two awesome little girls and a union carpenter.

How long have you been racing?[jim and kristin mcilvaine]  This is my 27th year racing motocross. Yes, I said 27 years!!!!!!!!!.

What got you started in racing motocross? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] When I was about 10 or 11 years old there was a legal place to ride right down the street from my house. All the older kids had dirt bikes . I would beg my parents all the time. One day my dad came home with a new XR 75. There was also a family of three brothers that I went to school with who raced and they helped me get into it

Looking through the districts results you seem to be racing every weekend. How many races a year do you attend?[jim and kristin mcilvaine]  I just started to slow down a little bit. I race almost every weekend from March to October.

How does your family feel about that? [jim and kristin mcilvaine]  Well, you know, they are starting to get a little tired of it. Last year was very tough for me and my family. I fractured my shoulder in April and then broke my leg and ankle in September. That put a lot of stress on the family life!

What do you do for a living? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] Union Carpenter      (UNION YES )

Between working full time and having a family how do you find the time to race so often? [jim and kristin mcilvaine]  It is EXTREMELY hard. Most people really don’t understand. I go full bore from 5 in the morning until 9 pm.I usually bring my bike to work (load it up at 5:30 am) so I can go straight to practice after. If it was not for my wife doing most of the stuff around the house during the race season I would not be able to do it.

As a veteran racer do you have to train harder than the young up and coming kids? [jim and kristin mcilvaine]  Yes, for sure. Especially this off season with all of the injuries and that big birthday that I had!

Many guys you raced against have since retired. Who was you biggest rival? How about now? [jim and kristin mcilvaine]  That is a tough one. There are so many that have retired that at the moment I can’t think of one. Now I consider anyone over 25 my rival.

What’s your secret for racing for so long? [jim and kristin mcilvaine]  I guess it is that I truely love this sport. I do it for that reason only! I have met so many great people and have seen so many great places . I have lined up with some of the greatest riders in the world. There is nothing like taking that parade lap at Unadilla or lining up for the supercross(lites now)main event at Giants stadium. Its been a pretty awesome time.

You have always had a great list of people helping you out, who is helping you out this season? [jim and kristin mcilvaine]  First, has to be my entire family. They are not very happy that I didn’t hang up my boots after last year,but without them it would be impossible. then, Monmouth Cycle, Silkolene,Vortex,Twin-Air,EVS,KPS,Sidi,Scott USA,MSR,Boyesen,Acerbis,Pro Circuit,Moto Masters,Moto-X Support,Skorbordz . Thank you to them and all the people that have helped me out in the past. Without them it would not be possable for me to do what I love.                                       Thank you   JMac    133

Jimmy McIlvaine photo gallery

Bobby Jimenez

summer 2007

Bobby Jimenez

Tell us a little about yourself……Well to start my name is Bobby Jimenez, I’m 18 years young. I’m a pretty simple guy from New Jersey. Motocross is a huge part of my life. I also love to go fishing. I ride as much as possible and train as hard as I can. Right now I’m living in Florida so I can ride and train all winter.

You and your Dad have been a fixture at the races in the Northeast for a number of years. Tell us about your racing career so far. So far my racing career has been pretty good. It’s had its good days along with its bad. My goal all through my childhood was to be a professional motocross rider. At the age of 17 I accomplished my goal.

Last fall you suffered some serious injuries after being landed on. Tell us about that. Yeah that was a tough one! I’ve had some injuries before but this one was by far the worst. I was doing a little demo ride with a couple other local guys and one of the people out there jumped a double that I rolled and he landed on me. I got flown out of the track. I spent about a week in trauma. And a couple of those days I was in a coma. I had severe swelling on my brain and I broke my jaw. I had my mouth wired shut for about 6 weeks. It was horrible .I don’t remember the crash or about a month after the crash, but I do know that there was a TON of support coming from everyone. But its all in the past now.

You spent part of this summer in Canada racing the Canadian National series. Tell us about that experience. Yeah it was a pretty cool experience. I had a ton of fun. The tracks were a lot of fun, the people were super cool for the most part, the competition was tough. The hardest thing was at round one in Quebec EVERYTHING was French. Even the announcer was announcing the races in French. haha. Round two went the best. It started ALL wrong I brought one of my friends along for the ride. Andrew Flood, he probably has the worst luck I have ever seen. Well he brought it with him. The weekend started out with us locking the trailer keys in the trailer at the border. When we got to the track we realized what happened, then we had to break in our own trailer. After we got the key situation situated Flood and I went driving looking for these cliffs to jump off into a lake that the kids up there were telling us about. Well the street signs were in French…And we got lost. We eventually made it back. Then practice went ok Saturday I felt a little bit off pace but I was able to fix that for Sunday. I qualified in both mx1 and mx2 I was pretty stoked I finished 19-20-for 23rd overall in mx2 and 25-26 for I think 27th overall in mx1.I crashed on the start in moto 2 of the mx1 class. The last round was a disaster! The track was really cool, kinda sandy with some hard packed sections. In practice Sunday morning I went down on one of the fastest sections of the track, it was a long sweeping right hander. My front wheel washed out. I hurt my shoulder really bad. I rode my qualifier in a lot of pain but my lap times weren’t good enough so I had to go to the LCQ. After that there was a HUGE misunderstanding or something because I was under the impression that I didn’t qualify so I headed home. But the week after the race a friend of mine brought it to my attention that I had two DNF’s on the results page. So I guess I did qualify. But I ended up something like 82nd in points in the nation and 43rd on the east coast in mx2.So I was stoked on that.

What was it like spending all of that time in a pickup truck driving to Canada with your Dad. It wasn’t too bad for me .The first time Dad was an animal, drove straight through, only time he stopped was for gas. I on the other hand slept straight through that one. Sorry Dad. The second round is when Andrew came with me, they split the driving that time and again I slept a good portion of it. The last round was different. Pops was tired so i put a couple hours in behind the wheel and let him sleep.

In your first season as a pro you even scored a couple of points. How did that make you feel. That was an unbelievable feeling. I ended up 43rd in the east coast points and 82nd in the national points. It was definitely a huge confidence builder.

As we conduct this interview you are actually living in Florida getting ready for next season. Tell us about your program for this winter. Everyday I either go for a pretty long mountain bike ride usually somewhere around 20 miles or I go running. I do a lot of sprints and also some core exercises, and I try to throw some soccer in with my workouts sometimes. I work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I ride Tuesdays and Thursdays, and also on weekends. I’m planning on doing a couple races down here as well.

Who is helping you out while living down there? I’m living with some pretty good friends. The Garcia Family. They are helping me out a ton with a place to live and they even feed me! I cant thank them enough. My Dad is also helping me out tremendously.

What are your plans for next season? I plan to go back up to Canada and Qualify for every east coast round and Place a lot higher in the points. My Dad and I were also talking about getting my Pro card for the states as well. So if I do that I will try to run a couple of nationals that are closer to home.

Who would you like to thank for helping you out?
Well first off I would like to thank my Dad. He has been behind me 100% since day one and I can’t thank him enough. If it wasn’t for him racing motocross wouldn’t even be an option for me. I would also like to thank Freehold Honda, Dragon, Troy Lee Designs, Decal Works and Bel-Ray, And a special thanks to Scott Lukaitis for hooking me up with all the right people that he hooks me up with. And everyone else who has helped me through the years

Bobby Jimenez Photo Gallery

Jay Irwin

Fall 2007

Jay Irwin interview
you are a long time competitor at Raceway Park. Tell us a little bit about yourself…..
I’m 34, from Howell, NJ and I sell cars for a living for a family business (Irwin Lincoln Mercury Mazda) in Freehold, NJ. I race in +30A and +25A and once in a while 250A

How long have you been racing?
Well, I raced bmx from when I was 5 or 6 until I was 12 and have been racing mx ever since – So I’ve been racing mx for 22 years

Your dad Kerry and uncle Jay started Raceway Park. Could you tell us about the history behind Raceway Park?
Both my father and uncle were into motorcycles as kids riding minibikes in the sandpit and trails by their house. My uncle Jay ended up taking it a little more serious and racing mx as my father did more enduros. As Jay kept racing mx, my father Kerry started drag racing at Englishtown. He got to know the Napp’s (the owners of Raceway Park) and suggested putting an mx track in the empty field by the track entrance. He laid out the track and ran the first race ever there and from what I’ve been told, about 700 riders showed up. My father realized that it was going to be more than a weekend thing to run the races and already had a commitment at our family business – that’s when Uncle Jay came in and started track management duties along with Ken Landerman.

What was it like growing up at Raceway Park?
It was great! Imagine being a little kid around dirt bikes, trucks, bulldozers and everything else… I spent a lot of time at the track with Uncle Jay while he would be prepping the track – helping as much as a little kid could. Raking wood chips on the track, aiming sprinklers and picking up trash was about all I could do though! Raceway Park is even where I learned to drive. Uncle Jay and Ken Landerman were a huge part of my life as a kid!

So they got you into racing motocross?
Racing was in my family – between my father racing mx, enduros, drag racing and go karts and Big Jay an expert mxer you knew I was going to race something with an engine. In the early 80’s it seemed like people didn’t start as young as they do now so they kept me racing BMX until I was 12. I was really into BMX at the time and didn’t start getting the itch for mx until I was about that age anyway so it worked out for them!

Back when Jay and Kenny Landerman ran the track motocross was really just starting to gain ground in NJ. Riders like Bob Hannah used to go there often. What was it like to spend some time with the Hurricane?
It was really cool. I have a picture of us together and I was so excited and nervous to be taking a picture with him! It was really cool for me because I got a lot of time with riders like that but in a relaxed environment – not like the autograph signing sessions. I got to talk to and hang out with people like Tony D, Jo Jo Keller and Jeff Ward and plenty of others too.

How about the time you got to meet Malcolm Forbes and Liz Taylor…
I didn’t even know who Malcolm Forbes was at the time but everyone knew Liz Taylor. Malcolm Forbes had a motorcycle club and took a ride with the whole club one day and the came to watch the races. I guess he and Liz Taylor were dating so she came with him. They made their way to Ken Landerman and my uncle and asked for people to watch and root for. I was one of the people they were told to root for and I got to meet them and have a picture taken.

You spent some time working with Brian Deegan back in the beginning of the Mullisha, what was that like?
It was a lot of fun! I moved in with him because I wanted a change and Ronnie Faisst (who also was his roommate) told me there was an open room and to come on out! It was the very beginning of fmx and riders were just being able to make a living from it and we spent a lot of time riding bmx, wakeboarding (Deegan got a boat to use every summer as a sponsorship deal) and going out to clubs just about every night!. But as the sport grew my responsibilities grew too. I ran the business side of the metal mulisha, shot video for 2 movies he put out, worked on his bikes and I also worked at skin industries in sales too. Don’t get me wrong – I had a lot of responsibilities but most of them were all part of the fun. I mean, is carrying a camera everywhere we went or wiping the dust of a bike at the xgames really considered work? Unfortunately for me, I was not really fitting into the whole mulisha thing and Brian as my boss and landlord told me to hit the road! Oh well I missed Jersey anyway.

What is your best Raceway Park memory?
I don’t know if this is best, but most memorable – being involved in lighting the staircase on fire with hay bales after the Kawasaki race one year. Because of that I’m not even allowed to light a grill at Raceway Park! I’d have to say the best memory just meeting my friends Tommy and Shawn Ulikowski, Richie Zupko, Rich Rike (rip), Ken Landerman and the Kesslers. Without Raceway Park there is no way I would have met these people.

Do you have a favorite race or favorite rider over the years?
Favorite race would have to be the 1991 KROC when I won 500 amateur on my father’s bike when I weighed about 130 lbs.! Favorite racer would be Mickey Kessler. I’ve learned so much from him over the years and still learning to this day.

What does the future hold for you?
First I want to heal up after breaking my heel 2 months ago so I can start riding again! Long term is I just want to keep riding and racing and be involved at Raceway Park

Jay Irwin Photo Gallery

Chris Chomko

Winter 2007-2008

Back in New Jersey after a couple of year break living in Michigan Chris Chomko is one of the most friendly outgoing riders you’ll find. Here is a little about #576.

Chris Tell us a little about yourself….

250 pro/ 25plus vet A rider. I am looking forward to be  the fresh 30 plus guy in less than 1 year. I’m a laid back kinda guy who loves to race, but at the same time I can be the out of control guy out on a Saturday night. When I’m not racing or putting in laps at the practice track with Ceasar, I can be found out fishing or just chillin’ with some good

friends.

What is your favorite thing about racing ?

I must say I love the competition. Every year younger riders are coming up as well as some of us older guys just keep getting faster, I may not be the fastest guy out there but there is nothing like a great day at the races with a bunch of fast guys going into the 1st turn.

You lived in Michigan for a couple of years while still traveling back to NJ to race once in a while. How did the Michigan scene compare to the NJ scene?

The Michigan scene,  there were definitely  a lot of fast guys out there, The problem for me was that I had to travel close to 2 hrs to get to a race where you could get more than a handful of racers. There were a lot of good tracks , and plenty of fast riders., but racing has always been something that has keep me close with my Dad, so it really wasn’t to much fun traveling by  myself. And I had to wash my own bike!

How long have you been racing and what got you started ?

I have been racing 17 years now. My uncle raced and bought my brother and I an XR 70 many years ago. My brother was faster, And I was told I would never be a racer . So that kept me motivated. A few years later my Dad bought us a KX 80 we rode all the time, Then just tried out the racing deal. The rest is History

How about those Michigan winters. Were you able to ride with all the snow on the ground?

Michigan winters are definitely  no fun. I had a supercross style track in my back yard that I could look at through the window because it was way to cold to ride. We had a indoor track I would ride at every weekend just to try to stay in shape.

What made you come back to NJ?

Well I moved to Michigan with my job, I had a pretty sweet deal to transfer out there. I had it all but I just wasn’t happy. The simple things in life are what made me want to move back home. Family and Friends

You had a pretty successful 2007 tell us a little about that ?

07 went ok I finished 2nd for the indoor Mx series in Michigan in both the 250 pro and 25plus vet.

I also finished 5th overall at Raceway park for the 250 Pro/expert class.

Who helped you achieve those results?

There are so many people to thank. My Dad he is always there no matter what.       Freehold Honda, LDR, Bel-ray, Scott, MSR, Bridgestone, KPS, Decal Works, Twin Air, Cycra, FmF, Tag, EK, The Lukaitis Crew, SDG Seats, Pro Wheel, Evs, Everyone  that comes out to practice with me to keep me putting in laps! Thanx

What are your plans for 2008?

I’m planning on going to Florida over the winter to get back into better shape. Racing local district 6, some 34 stuff. There is a few things up in the air right now, but I will definitely be back and ready to give 100%

Chris Chomko Photo Gallery

Joel Dengler

Joel Dengler

Spring 2007

Tell us a little about yourself…family etc. …. I’m a Union Boilermaker, married with 2 kids (Michelle, Hunter and Haleigh). I grew up in Chatsworth, NJ and now I’m in Barnegat, NJ..  Started racing when I was 13 in 1987, spent 7 years racing the AMA nationals and SX, I had 6 AMA national numbers in a row, till I stopped racing pro MX and started Offroad. Away from bikes I like to go fishing, go surfing, jet skiing, spent the day on the boat, or hang with the family..

You grew up around racing motorcycles and your dad was a top racer back in the day. Is that what got you started racing? Yea I grew up at the track for sure. My dad raced here in the District 6 series in the 70’s and 80’s, he also did some Trans Am’s and the Florida winter series. So you can say I was born into racing bikes.

As a top amateur in the area you moved on to the nationals. Despite good finishes you never got that factory ride. Do you think if it was 10 years later you would be that guy in the semi? I had this same talk at the Kawi ( KROC ) race a few years ago with Jeff Chambers from Team Green, and he said the same thing.. If I was 10 years younger things would have been different for me and many more guys I raced with. I had some top 10 finishes in both the SX’s and Outdoors. I’m not saying that I could have been a RC or Stewart, but I might have been a top 15 or so guy. But you never know how much better it could have been, with more support and better bikes you never know. I rode stock bikes that had little motor work and some suspension upgrades, but nothing compared to what some of these guys have now.. But I’m not going to say I could have been better, I did as good as I could with what I had..

In addition to your skills racing motocross you are also a very successful  off-road racer. Tell us a little about some of your successes. I always rode in the woods. Where I grew up there was endless trails for enduros that were run in the area, most of the trails were on the way to go to my riding spots. And after my dad stopped racing MX in the mid 80’s he started racing enduros, so I was around the woods races a lot too. I raced a lot of hare scrambles and some enduros for fun and it was also I good way to stay in shape. I never really was to serious about it because MX is where the money was and there was no money in offraod at that time. I have raced with Mike Lafferty a lot here in the local ECEA races, Mike is a 7 time national enduro champ, and I have been able to beat him a few times and also have had some great battles with him. I also was able to win the ECEA Hare scramble Championship in 2001.

You were also a top 10 GNCC racer. What kept you from pursuing that career further? I raced a couple GNCC’s in FL when I was staying down there in the winters, and when I finally stopped racing MX and SX in 1998 I tried another GNCC which was only 10 minutes down the road from me.. I finished 5th overall in the Pro class. From that race on I did the rest of the GNCC races that year. The next year I did the whole series started the year off with a top 10 finish, and I didn’t fall out of the top 10 in points all year. I had another 5th overall and many more top 10’s. I finished the year 10th overall in points. I got a Factory Husky ride for the next year. I had some good races that year, but had some bad ones as well, new team new bike we had a learning curve to deal with. I ended up 15th overall in 2000. At the end of the year Husky wasn’t really sure what they wanted to do and were dragging there feet, so I went back to the Suzuki I was used to and that’s when I won the ECEA Championship. I wanted to do the GNCC’s again but the cost of traveling and racing was adding up. There wasn’t much money to be had at the time so I didn’t have purse money to fall back on.. When I look at the series now many of the guys I battled with then are still at it and have some sort of factory ride now.. Maybe I should have hung in there for another year, but it was had to go and not make money, when I could stay home and go to Englishtown and make a few hundred..

You are a well rounded competitor. You have experienced success racing off-road,  mini-bikes and regular motocross at various points in your career. How do you choose an event to race on a given weekend? Now I just go to whatever I feel like doing that weekend.. And if I’, not feeling it I can stay home without feeling like I missed something, or that I owe it to someone to be at a certain race. That’s what still keeps me going, the fact that if I want to Moto I can, if I want to do a enduro or harescramble I can, if I want to race my pitbike I can, and if I want to stay home and go out on my boat or jet ski o r go fishing I can without any guilt. Sometimes I will decide to race at 8pm on Saturday night.

Which aspect of racing do you enjoy the most…motocross, pit bike, off road?
It depends, I have had a blast doing each one.. I enjoy going to see all the people I have meet over the years.. I got my Moto family and my Offroad family, as different as Moto and Offroad is they are both the same, we all love racing bikes.. The only thing I don’t enjoy is getting hurt and seeing people get hurt.. It would be hard to choose which is my favorite, that is why I still do all 3..

How do you stay competitive against the next group of young riders coming up? You when I turned a in 1990 I was that young guy, all I wanted to do was win. I did some crazy stuff then.. When I watch these kids today, I can’t believe what some of them will do or can do on a bike.. I have no interest in riding like that now.. I don’t get to ride that much these days, most of the time my day of riding is at the races.. I just go out and ride to my limit, I don’t push over my limits anymore. I still have some talent but just lack the drive to win and hang it out.. I’m happy to just ride and get out unhurt these days..

What is your favorite racing memory?
I have had many good times over the many years racing, finishing 9th in sx, finishing 9th in a moto at Budds creek, getting a 6th overall at the USGP in Unadilla, finishing 2nd overall at the Delaware National Enduro, My 10th overall in GNCC, living in FL with a bunch of friends a couple of years over the winter months, going to Canada to race some SX races, going to Lorreta Lynn’s and the Mini Olympics a couple times.. But all the great time spent traveling with the family and my close friends going to the races is something I will always remember.

What are your plans for this season? I’m just out there to have fun,  hit a few races.. No plans I’m just going with the flow.

Looking past 2007. What is next for Joel Dengler? Well my 5 year old son hunter just started riding a PW50 this year.. So i guess i’ll see where that leads me..

Joel Dengler Photo Gallery