Interviews:

FFDT: Well Chad, you're back on the West Coast after spending quite a bit of time on the East Coast. How was that?
CC: It was really good, I did a lot of lounging and recovering. I had surgery in October and took the off-season to recover. It was nice, but now that I'm back home it's time to start getting everything together for 2012. I'm excited about that, a lot of things are changing this year. I think that we are really going to be ready for Daytona in 2012.

FFDT: 2011 just was not your season. You showed some flashed of brilliance, but luck really never was heading your way. What kind of changes did you make in your program?
CC: I've always been somebody who believes that luck is only what you make of it. There is no good luck or bad luck, you just make your own luck. The first 3 years of my Expert career has been a lot about my work ethic. I think the biggest thing going into 2012 is to focus on working a lot harder, just doing whatever I need to do to prepare before the races so when I get to the track I know for sure that I have everything I need to put me up front. The biggest thing that is changing is that I'm doing everything on my own this year. I'm pulling all of my resources together to get my own program going. Right now it is just me and my dad and my personal sponsors that I've accumulated over the years. With what we have going, I think I can be top 5, even podium hopefully this year.

FFDT: FFDT: What are you riding this year? Let's start with the singles series.
CC:I've got my 450 Honda that I rode last year. We're putting another one together also. As far as that goes, I feel like I am a good singles rider, it's just getting the finishes that I want. Like you said, I've shown flashes at times of what I can do. I just have to focus now on putting everything together. I think I've only shown a tiny bit of what I can do, so I'm really excited for this season to show what I can do. I'll have two good singles bikes, we are changing a few things on those that I think will really help us progress.

FFDT: The big news with your program is in the twins series. For the last couple of years you have rode KTM's and Suzuki's for the Water's Autobody Racing Team, what is your approach to the twin's series now?
CC: That was the tough part of my off season. In past years I always knew what was going to happen. I've never had to do too much from a manager or team owner's stand point, but I weighed all of my options and thought it was a better option to go out on my own than to pay to ride for somebody or to be on a team this year. I really can't thank Dave and Rhonda Waters enough for all of the help the last two seasons. The entire Waters'Autobody Racing team was amazing and really great to work with. I wouldn't have been out there if it wasn't for them. We still have a great relationship even though we've parted ways. For 2012 I'll be on my own Kawasaki 650's for the twin's races. I have all of my personal sponsors backing it, and I've put together most of the budget myself. It's good to know that the bike that I'm going to be on has been proven as a good bike. I bought Jimmy Wood's bike from last year and he was impressive on it. I'm excited because it's all on me now. He has shown people what that bike can do, and it's good. All I can do at this point is match his results and hopefully better those results a little bit. I just can't wait for this season.

FFDT: Like you said, you're riding a proven bike. What about your motor program?
CC: We are still working on a few things in the motor department. I'm getting one of Jimmy's motors from last year, and that one will probably be our half-mile motor. From there we are focusing on getting somebody to build our other motor into a rocket for the miles, but I can't really say right now who will be doing the work. I just don't have everything set in stone yet. No matter what, we should have our mile motor by Springfield.

FFDT: We have a great schedule for 2012. Are there any events in particular that you are looking forward to?
CC: On the singles side of things, I feel like I'm one of the most under acheived riders out there. I've fast qualified and things like that, so I know I have the speed, I just have to put it all together. I'm really excited for all of the singles races. The Springfield Short Track and TT, I've done well there a couple of times so I'm looking forward to that. For the twins I'm not sure yet. We are still up the air with our mile motor, so I'm not thinking about the mile's a whole lot right now. I'm looking forward to riding this new kawi on the clay half miles though, I've seen this bike work very well on those types of tracks.

FFDT: Well Chad, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. If people want to follow your progress, how can they do that?
CC: It's no problem to keep track of me. I'm working on getting my website updated, right now it's about a year old. it's www.chadcose.com , you can find me on Facebook and I'm new to the Twitter thing, but you can Follow me on Twitter

FFDT: I guess we'll see you in Daytona!
CC: Sure thing, look for the number 49 bike!

The 3rd installment of The Draft focuses on a new team that made a splash in the 2011 season, A&J Racing. We pitted the cousins Jimmy and Alex Wood against each Sunday? Which should be a favorite of any dirttracker, it would have to be Forest Gump

What is a talent you wish you had?

AW: I wish I was fluent in a few languages

JW: I've always wanted to play the drums

What is one thing you always take with you when you travel?

AW: My phone charger, I hate it when I forget that!

JW: My head, if it weren't hooked to my shoulders I'd forget it too

When was the first time you were on a motorcycle?

AW: I was 3 years old in the lot next to my house, pw 50 with pops holding the rear fender.

JW: I rode an old pink PW 50 around a couple of times when I was 6 out behind my parents' house. I ended up crashing into the fence. Oh and I busted the fence, by the way.

What is one sport you would never try?

AW: There's nothing I wouldn't try once.

JW: Boxing or anything where somebody's trying to him me in the face. Our clothing sponsor Hostility http://hostilityclothing.com/ is big in MMA. I hope they don't get any ideas!

What sports, besides racing, are you good at?

AW: Love surfing, golf, cycling, fitness, fishing, racquetball. You can say I'm kind of a jack of all trades and master at none.

JW: I grew up playing soccer and was pretty good at it.

What is your favorite racing memory?

AW: Maybe my first win as a Pro Sport coming off a bad injury, Springfeild ST. I almost quit racing and that was my first race back, meant a lot to me.

JW: Mikey Rush and I rode double on a 450 during intermission at Perris (CA) shorttrack one night and were only a couple tenths off of what we did by ourselves and I was on the back. It was awesome and we still have people asking us about it and people trying to get to do it again.

What is the hardest thing about Dirttrack as a sport?

AW: Hardest thing about Dirt Track is bike setup. I suck at it, Jimmy Wood works on my bikes.

JW: How deep the competition is.

What is your favorite store to shop in?

AW: Motorcycle shops who help support our Riders in Dirt Track.

JW: Harbor Freight!

What was your favorite subject in school?

AW: Well, grade school wise, writing and history. Right now I am taking a Marketing promotion and sports advertising class that is hands down the best class I've taken.

JW: I was really good in math.

What is your favorite meal?

AW: Moms fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, nothing better

JW: I love me some Mexican food.

Who was your childhood hero?

AW: Ricky Graham or Bubba Shobert

JW: Jeff Johnson. He was #37 before me and won everything in Cali when I was coming up. Awesome guy too.

Who is in your regular crew/entourage?

AW: Jimmy Wood, Aaron Colton, Mike Rush, Chris Canepa, Rodney Spencer, Mikey Avila, Chris Tice, Steve Hill. I am super close to those guys, they are my extended family.

JW: Haha I don't have much of an entourage but Steve Hill AKA Driver has been with me at damn near every race since I was 16. He's a great friend and awesome guy. Some people even thought he was my dad this year.

What is your funniest story from the races?

AW: I have had so many I can't even recollect. Most I can't say, haha

JW: Well,the really funny ones I can't tell you but we do tend to get a bit carried away with playing jokes on each other.

What is the best thing about being a racer?

AW: The love and respect from your fellow racers.

JW: All the great people you get to meet!

Would you rather have an on-track rival you get along with or would you rather just hate them?

AW: In my opinion, just leave it all on the track no matter what.

JW: I'd rather have a rival I like because they are bound to beat you sometime and nobody likes to lose to someone they hate.

What is something people would be suprised to know about you?

AW: I hitch hiked Central America for 40 days top to bottom.

JW: Nothing. What you see is what you get.

Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter?

AW: http://www.twitter.com/lancearmstrong or http://www.twitter.com/kellyslater

JW: http://www.twitter.com/danieltosh

Any words to live by:

AW: "Work Hard, Play Hard, No Regrets."

JW: "No regrets"

What is your guilty pleasure?

AW: IPA Beer is just too tasty sometimes

JW: Ice Cream

Your're in charge of the AMA. What do you do?

AW: Concentrate on Marketing, on getting the riders some material to sell themselves with. The biggest problem with our sport is that we are a hard sell to companies, because of the lack of coverage. That is the biggest issue, I guess one day wouldn't be enough, but I would start with perfecting a TV program and better social media marketing/advertising program. We need to have a platform to show ourselves on.

JW: Just one word. TV! TV!! TV!!!

While we have a countdown going for Daytona, until then, get your racer fix on twitter by following Jimmy Wood on twitter, http://www.twitter.com/JimmyWood37 Alex Wood http://www.twitter.com/AWood67 the newest member of A& J, Mikey Rush http://www.twitter.com/Rush54 mainly because the competition between the riders is pretty hilarious, Alex has a headstart on Jimmy but Jimmy is catching on pretty quick.

If you're on facebook, make sure you like A&J Racing as well.

Briar Bauman is what many are saying is the next Dirt Track Prodigy. He burst on the scene by taking the Horizon Award in 2010, then after finally turning 16 mid season, he joined the Pro Singles ranks and reeled off a few wins in the class. He's moving up to the Expert class and has just signed on to ride for a very strong team for 2012. Here's what he had to say.

FFDT: Big news today huh?

BB: Yep!

FFDT: Well, what is that big news?

BB: Well, I was talking to Ronnie Brown about what I wanted to do for the upcoming year and him being a pretty good mentor he was leading me toward the USC Kawasaki Racing Team. I didn't think I would get the chance to even talk to the guys let alone ride for them but I had seen the bike that JD Beach was racing at the top level and the bike looked awesome, so I decided to give Gerry Booher at USC Kawasaki a call and he was more than willing to work with me and figure out a way for me to be able to ride the Kawasaki 650 and then before I knew it, he was putting things together for me to ride a Kawasaki 450 too, the 2012 and a 2011 that they have. Woody Kyle and Ronnie Brown will be doing the motors on the 450's and James Hart will be doing the twins, so it will be really good.

FFDT: How did you decide between staying in the Pro Singles class for a full season or making the move to Expert?

BB: I went in over half way through the series because of my late birthday, but even then, I still managed to win a couple of races. I knew to progress I was going to have to be racing with the faster guys. I need to be where I will be chasing guys and that's in the Expert class. For sure there are some fast guys coming into the Pro Singles class like Ryan Wells, but, I just didn't feel like I would be getting that extra push to try harder like I would in the Expert class. I talked to Ronnie and he didn't care. He just works on the bike and he left it up to me, so I said, "Let's do it." From there he said that we'd just go find a twin to ride and figure the program out.

FFDT: Since you are going Expert for next year, where you able to reserve your beloved number 10?

BB: I was. I sent the application in, and I just wasn't sure about numbers. You know how it is, you send it in and for me, it just doesn't seem complete yet because I still have to run that letter. I did get the 10Z though, so that is what we're rolling. Baby steps you know.

FFDT: My good friend Johnny Lewis has the Grand National number 10 locked down right now. With your ability and potential, it's no doubt that you'll probably make a main this year and secure a national number for next year. Going into 2013 have you even started thinking about numbers?

BB: A lot of people have asked me about that since Johnny has it, but I run the number 10 because of Doug Chandler. Johnny told me I could buy it from him, but it would be a steep price! I'll just see what numbers are available, see what Johnny wants me to pay him for it when things actually happen and I make a main event.

FFDT: Oh yeah, Johnny took that 10 on purpose so you'd have to pay up. He's been watching you!

BB: Yeah, he told me he didn't want to run the 21 because of that short guy who wears the number 9 right now (laughs). He just didn't want that back. He saw me riding at amateur nationals and thought it'd be a good idea to keep it from a kid. (laughs)

FFDT: I know it's a new track on our schedule, but did you ever have the chance to ride Daytona as an amateur at all? How are you preparing for it?

BB: I've never been there but I've watched a lot of videos, done a little research, just trying to check it out. Basically all I've ever heard from anybody is that it's like riding on the moon because there is nothing on earth like that place. It will be a different experience for me, and it's going to take a lot of work to figure it out.

FFDT: Are you nervous about a track like Daytona being your first race, or do you just handle it like it's any other race?

BB: I think I can handle it just like any other race. It's going to be a huge step up from the Pro Singles class. Those guys all want the same thing as I do, and now, they want it twice as bad. It's going to be a lot tougher to ride like I did last year during this season.

FFDT: Well, the good thing about Daytona is it seems to bring the wild card riders out. Lots of people have made their first ever national there. What would it be like if you came into Daytona and were just right up front from the start?

BB: Well, not just for me, but for anybody, being up front in a Grand National would have to be the best feeling in the world. If it happens, that would be amazing, but hey, if I do have an extra special day in Daytona, maybe I can have one really soon after that way no one can say it was a fluke or something like that.

FFDT: The schedule has been released, it's not final yet, but as it sits now, what races are you looking the most forward to?

BB: Peoria for sure for the singles. Last year just kind of robbed me. We had so many ups and downs through the day, then ended with a huge down note, and I just want to prove to myself that I'm able to run there pretty decent and maybe even leave there with a top 5 or top 10, just have a good day there to erase the bad memories that I have there.

FFDT: What about the twins races?

BB: I'm going to have to go with Lima on that one.

FFDT: I knew it!

BB: Yeah, it's a deep cushion and I'm just ready for it. People talk about Springfield (mile) but for me, Lima is where it's at. There's so much hype there and I just love a deep cushion where you can hold it wide open!

FFDT: How much experience do you have on a twin?

BB: I have nothing on a twin. I'm supposed to go to Illinois when it warms up and test a little bit. We want to test a little bit, see what Woody Kyle and James Hart have come up with. I just want to see what I can do on one, hopefully I can put it into a main event!

FFDT: Are you doing any racing outside of the national series?

BB: Oh yeah. There's a lot of local racing around my house. I just want to be comfortable on the bike. There's a lot of short tracks for me to ride.

FFDT: How happy are you that you are going to continue working with Ronnie Brown? He's been behind you for so long now.

BB: That was one of my biggest concerns about this year. I just didn't know what he would be doing or could do. There are a lot of things that Ronnie brings to the table that I've never seen anybody else be able to do and it gives me so much confidence when I go up to the line. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to have that, and Ronnie was a key part in making this deal happen. Whether the bike is working good or not, he knows what to do and knows that we can win. When I found out that Gerry was going to let Ronnie build the bikes and stuff, that was one of the best feelings I've had. I get to start a new program, turn a new page and still make sure that Ronnie is right there with me.

FFDT: Obviously you're a West Coast guy, are you going to go back and forth all year or try to find a spot to settle down in the Midwest so it's easier for you to get to the races?

BB: I'm going to be going back and forth this year mainly because of school. I'm really focused on school this year and I need to get everything lined out there. When summer rolls around I might try to find a base but because of the way the schedule is laid out right now, there are big gaps between nationals until the summer. Maybe I can make my base at your house with Luke-dog and Frankie Lee. I know I'll have to sleep on the couch, but that's ok.

FFDT: I think that might work out. Maybe Luke won't run away from you like he does on Frankie Lee.

BB: Yeah, I'll carry a lot of treats with me and I'm pretty playful, although, I'm not sure just how playful he is. I think he'll like me enough that he won't run away though.

FFDT: With you going Expert, do you think we'll see any changes to your dad's incredible mustache?

BB: No. He'll still have that squirrel perched on his lip. You can spot that thing at every national! He did say he was thinking about tuning it up, maybe putting a little curl in it, kind of switch it up for Daytona. He might show up with a whole new deal just so everybody isn't ready for it. We'll find out in a couple of months.

FFDT: What about your other sponsors? I know you recently signed a gear deal. Who else is helping you out?

BB: After I won a few of those races last year, it was so cool because so many sponsors really stepped up to help out. Tom Seymour at Saddlemen Seats really wants to be a part of the twins program, Rod Lake Racing of course is all for it and will be with us and Fly Racing stepped up, gave me quite a few sets of gear and they are helping to really build a strong base in my racing program. We're set to go and hopefully we don't have to dig into our pockets too deep.

FFDT: Well, best of luck in 2012 and we know you'll be exciting to watch!

BB: Thanks so much Tyler for taking the time to do this, I'm really looking forward to the season!

By Nicalee Sowders

Deubler and Boone Photo courtesy of TheFastAndDirty.com

Scottie Deubler and Barry Boone have been the duo bringing you your AMA Flattrack racing live at the Grand National Events. The first year DMG took over they had Deubler doing opening ceremonies and Boone doing your color commentary. Eventually DMG chose to change it up putting Deubler on opening ceremonies, and color commentating and Boone now does your rider interviews and introduces the riders before the mains. While their backgrounds reflect passion for flattrack motorcycle racing, how they got there is another story. Deubler grew up racing, earning his national number before retiring, announcing at Monster Jam and eventually coming back to AMA Flattrack. Boone worked his way through the amateur races and overall being a fan of the greatest show on Earth. To start a new feature here at Fight For Dirttrack we chose to talk to each announcer and give the fans a new perspective on the guys that bring you the racing on the track.

F4DT: What’s the last movie you saw?
SD: The Social Network
BB: Thomas? It starred Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. I went because he rode a scooter, I like scooters…and Julia Roberts  (Editor’s note: Larry Crowne is the movie)
F4DT: What’s your favorite movie?
SD: All 3 of the Bourne movies
BB: Lonesome Dove the TV miniseries
F4DT: What’s a talent you wish you had?
SD: I wish I could dance
BB: I would like to be a classical guitarist when I grow up
F4DT: What is one thing you always take with you when you travel?
SD: Food
BB: A wine bottle opener
F4DT: What’s your favorite sport to watch on TV?
SD: College Football (editor’s note: Big time OU fan)
BB: If it’s not racing something…I’m not in
F4DT: What kind of music do you listen to?
SD: LOTS…mainly rap or rock (editor’s note: it has to be fast paced)
BB: I love black R&B singers.
F4DT: Where would you rather be if you're not at the race track?
SD: Home
BB: Riding my motorcycle
F4DT:Where's the best place on Earth?
SD: The Black Hills
BB: Home
F4DT: What's the best part about the races?
SD: The excitement
BB: The effort and dedication of the riders is the most amazing
F4DT: Who would play you in a movie?
SD: Travis Pastrana
BB: A handsome and funny detective
F4DT: What's the best race movie?
SD: Days of Thunder
BB: LeMans with Steve McQueen
F4DT: What was the last book you read?
SD: Lone Wolf
F4DT: What is your favorite meal?
SD: Pizza
BB: Alaskan King Crab Legs cooked by me
F4DT: Who was your childhood hero?
SD: Doug Wolfgang
BB: My Dad
F4DT: Words to live by?
SD: Live life to the fullest
BB: Always be yourself
F4DT: What’s the best advice you ever gotten?
SD: Don’t ever give up
BB: Always be yourself…as said to me by my dad when I was 12
F4DT: What’s the funniest story from the races?
SD: Danny Eslick lost control of this Suzuki in Springfield and the bike made it to the  concession stand. A It took a ride through the concession stand. After we found out everyone was okay it was one of the funniest things I have ever seen at the track
BB: The sponsor interview at I-96
F4DT: What is something fans would be surprised to know about you?
SD: I was shy, quiet and short going through highschool
BB: That I am a world class classical guitarist who is also a fine chef and a handsome and funny detective
F4DT: What is your favorite racing memory?
SD: 2011 racing Knoxville, Iowa.  It was me, my Grandpa (Dan Deubler) and my Dad (Fast Eddie Deubler), we all raced in the Spanish Cup. Three generations all in the same heat race and same main event. My Grandpa got the holeshot but missed a gear. I went on to win the race, and I gave my Gram a victory lap. The entire evening was AWESOME!
BB: Can I choose 2? Interviewing Willie McCoy after he won the Springfield Mile. 26 years to win a GNC and he won the only one he ever cared about. Introducing Chris Carr for his final race of his illustrious career in preparation for the Pomona Finale. I was there to see his first race and to introduce him for his final one will always be a treasured memory for me.

FFDT: You've done it back to back. Grand National champ again. How does it feel?

JJ: It feels pretty good. More relieved than anything really. I guess I'm not normally excited or anything like that but it feels good. Heck, the whole season was pretty stressful, lots of ups and downs. We were behind really the whole season until Calistoga and going into there we were 18 points out. Winning the title seemed far fetched at times. We didn't give up, but there were times when I thought I was going to have to prepare myself to buy some new number plates for next year. It all worked out. The last 5 or 6 races, ever since Springfield really, we were on fire. I mean, Jared had a good run there with winning a bunch of races but we were the most consistent. We were never even off the podium after Springfield. I think next year I'm just going to have to pretend that every race is the last one. It seems like earlier in the year I was maybe too relaxed or something. Things just weren't going 100% our way. When we got down to the end though, when it mattered, we were able to pull through.

FFDT: What was tougher? Winning your first Grand National title last year or defending the title this year?

JJ: I'm pretty sure defending it was harder. I'm not saying that last year was easy, it's just that last year I really didn't have anything to lose. It was more stressful last year though in a way. Going into the last round I had 10 points going into it which could easily be swallowed up. Going into it last year though, I knew that I couldn't screw up. This year was different. I went into the last round with only a 4 point lead and that could have been gone after the Dash For Cash. This year was a little easier for me in a way. Just because I have dealt with it before and I have been in that position. All I had to do was go out there and just try to win really. That was my goal after Brainerd. I was 18 points down. At that point, all I could do was go into the last 2 races and win them and see what happened. I don't know, last year it was more just like getting the monkey off my back. I've said it before, I would have been ok with it this year if I didn't win the title. Last year, I had to win it or else. I would have been crushed if it didn't happen. To be that close and not see it happen would have been bad. This year we were consistent all year long, we fought and battled until the end. I knew I had one title under my belt and no one could take that away from me, but I still wanted this year's title just as bad.

FFDT: Looking over the season, what was your high point and what was your low point?

JJ: Lowest point is tough because we didn't have that many. Our worst finish was an 8th in Lima and an 8th at Hartford. It wasn't my worst track, but I would say my lowest point may have been Castle Rock. We struggled there all day long. We couldn't do anything right. I was able to somehow get a 6th place out of that, but I would say that was my lowest point of the year. At that point I was inching my way back into things and Sammy had a perfect night and Jared had a good night. Those two were one and two in the Dash and the main, and I didn't make the dash and was 6th in the main. That held me back there, and calling that a low isn't too bad. We had problems during the year, but finishing top 8 every race is pretty good. I would say the high point was Pomona for sure. Going into Pomona with a 4 point lead was good but I knew I just had to win. I was trying to figure out points, but the way the Dash For Cash is, you can't make yourself feel better by just saying, "ok, well, I just need to finish here";. You can't do any of that until right before the main event when the Dash For Cash is over. To be able to go to Pomona and to do as well as I did, to win the race, win the title just felt good. It felt good to not just go out there and struggle and just settle for something just to win the championship was pretty cool. Even last year, to just go out and win the final race and the championship, you know that was really the high point.

FFDT: I noticed from pictures of the banquet that your bike was there under the spot lights and was spotless. Who had to do the rush surgical cleaning job to get that taken care of?

JJ: My mechanic Ted and Mike Hacker, that was them. Actually, we had 3 bikes, and we used 2 of them in Pomona. We had one that didn't have dirt on it, so that made it easy. However, I think they had some dirt and champaign to clean off of the other ones before they headed back home. Because we have 3 bikes and only got 2 dirty, they didn't have to scrub too hard to get them clean.

FFDT: You set them on fire in Pomona. When you were fast so early in the day, was that a relief for you?

JJ: Yeah, a little bit. I was nervous heading in. That place normally isn't my cup of tea. It wasn't the normal Pomona though, it was smoother with less of a cushion. Cushion tracks aren't my specialty really, they never have been. For the championship to come down to a cushion track, I knew Sammy was going to be tough. The last time we went there he finished 3rd with a broken leg, I was nervous to see what he could do if he didn't break his leg! I knew Jared would be tough at a cushion track, he's done well at Lima a few times and last time we went to Pomona he struggled a bit, but the way the season has gone, you can never count anybody out. There were days where Sammy was struggling, Jared was struggling or even myself and then we would manage to pull something out, you know, just make the best of a bad day. It would look like one of us was going to have a bad day, finish outside the top 10, and we'd put it inside the top 5 or end up on the podium.

I felt good from the first practice. I was just comfortable. I had a bike break in the 2nd practice session which threw me off. I jumped on the other bike for the 3rd round and it was the bike I won Calistoga on, so it was a good bike. I went out the last round and did good. We went out for the heat race and Sammy was in my heat, so I knew it was going to start early for me. I was hoping the 3 of us would be in separate heats and it would come down to the main event, but the tone was set right away. I had to make it happen. I got out front in the heat and then Sammy got by me, and it actually seemed like he was pulling away. I found a line or something, I didn't seem much different but I was able to calm down, smooth out, and get by him for the win. For the Dash, Henry had fast heat and I knew he was going to be tough. He won here last time. I didn't know what to expect, but I just the start and never looked back. It seemed like I put a little bit of distance on them too. I knew I had a shot at it then. I knew if I could get a start and ride my own race, hit my lines, that I could pull something off. In the main I got the holeshot and I think that was the big thing. Almost all day I got good starts and didn't really have to race with anybody. I didn't have to chance my lines to get around anybody and mess up my rhythm. That was my thing all day, I just hit my lines and got into a rhythm. 7 or 8 laps in we got a red flag and I was bummed out about it. I had a decent lead and then we were stacked back up again. I figured it was going to happen. On tracks like that, you usually have one red flag like that. It was fine though, that early in the race, we had plenty of time to make something happen if I got a bad start. I got another holeshot and started pulling away. About 8 laps to go I saw I had a good lead and went to chill out a little bit. At that point I was starting to hear noises and think the bike is blowing up, so I thought I would cool it the last few laps. I went into 3 one lap a little easier than I had the rest of the day and hit some holes and it almost threw me through the air fence. I stepped it up after that. I couldn't slack off, I knew if I slacked off it was going to bite me. With 5 to go, I saw I had a big lead so it was a count down. 4 laps, alright, 3 laps, then I go into turn one and see yellow flags. I thought it would be ok because it wasn't a red, I thought somebody broke, or somebody crashed but they are out of the way. I came off of turn 2 and saw a bike laying in the middle of the track and thought, "oh no!" Right then I knew it would be a restart and have 5 laps to go. I saw Brad was behind me and I knew his Ducati was fast and he was riding really good, so I knew I had to have a great first corner and not let those guys get me going into 3 and mess up my rhythm that I had. I got a good start, got through the first corner and just rode hard the last 5 laps and pull it off.

FFDT: During your championship run, how much does your success have to do with your fiance Jodi?

JJ: Everything! She's great. She puts up with a lot of my crap all season long. There were a lot of ups and downs and there were probably weeks where I wasn't the most fun person to be around. She didn't kill me or kick me out of the house. She understands. She's been around racing a long time and knows what it's all about. Some women wouldn't be able to deal with it, that's for sure. For her to be able to go out and handle the same amount of stress and stuff every week, I'm really lucky.

FFDT: What are you doing for the off season?

JJ: Not too much. Probably take a couple of weeks off and just relax. Just forget about racing a little bit. Take a break from the pressure of traveling and racing every week. I'm sure I'll do some ice riding, maybe some mini supermoto races on my 150, nothing to bad. I'm getting married in December, so I have some stuff left to plan out for that. I guess I don't totally get to take off but now that the season is over, we can focus on that. Plan a honeymoon, stuff, well, I guess I have a busy winter really!

FFDT: What would you do different next year from this year?

JJ: I don't know. We won the championship so you think that we couldn't have done any better, but I think we can. There were little mistakes along the way. There were some races where I should have won. I didn't make the right calls with set up, or we didn't keep up with the track or I just brain farted. There were a few races like I-96 where we won our heat race and the dash and was going fast. I wouldn't say I struggled in the main event, but I ended up 3rd. I won't get into detail about the Knoxville, that was a close one and a lot of fun. I should have won that race though, I got protective and Jared caught me by surprise. It didn't come out the way I wanted it to, but that was probably the most exciting of my career. I don't like to be in exciting races, I like them more like Pomona and just get out front and go. Races like that though teach you things. Mistakes you made or what you could have done different. After last year, winning the title in my first year with Zanotti, we just thought that we did it in our first year and didn't really know each other, so this year should have been easy! That wasn't the case. There are so many tough guys out there and so many things that you can't control. You just have to keep your mistakes to a minimum.

FFDT: Winning two titles in a row, is Dave Zanotti getting the big head?

JJ: No way! He's like me, pretty mellow. He doesn't get too excited. He was happy to win the title last year and he's been around flattrack his whole life, since his dad owned a team when he was younger with Ecklund. He's been doing his own thing since 02 or 03 and he puts a lot of money in and pours his heart and soul into the program. It feels good to win for him. If I wasn't riding for him, I don't know what I'd be doing right now. It's a dream ride really. I don't have to do anything but ride really. He handles everything, gets the bikes to the track, I just have to worry about getting to the track and riding. I'm lucky to have such a good deal with him. Anything I want, he's willing to change for me. I'm getting picky in my old age I guess and if I tell him I want to change the seat covers, tell him, "oh, I got a blister on my butt last week." He'd get home and first thing Monday morning he'd be on the phone getting something different or making a new seat himself. He makes it easy on me. I have whatever I need to make it happen.

FFDT: Congratulations on the title and best of luck next year!

JJ: Thanks!

Joe Kopp: Castle Rock 2011

Joe Kopp told fans last year that for 2011, he would be running a limited schedule. None of us realized just how limited that was. Joe did the opening rounds in Daytona and since then he has been hiding in his home state of Washington playing family man. Joe decided to dust off the gear and come to his home town national in Castle Rock and caused quite a stir when he ended up as the fast qualifier. Here is his side of the story.

FFDT: Joe, you came out of retirement, we haven't seen you at a national in quite a while and then you are fast right off the bat!

JK: Yeah, I went there and raced once on July 4th, but they had didn't have the new jump and all of that stuff in yet. They had the rest of the track laid out though so as far as gearing and stuff it was good. I didn't really have the Kawasaki dialed in like I wanted to, not as well as I had my Honda's the previous years. I knew I was getting close though. I've been getting my butt in shape over the last couple of months or so, doing a lot of dirt biking. I didn't want to get there on the Kawasaki and be a has-been. I didn't want to come out and get thrown in the back weeds, I wanted to come out and have a decent finish. I went good in the first practice and we came in and was like 3rd fastest and we were like "Oh Yeah!" The top three were local guys, Brad, Sammy and me so that was ok. I didn't really like that I was 3rd behind those two boys, especially Sammy. The next session I went out there and was 4th and on the last session we went out, put down a couple of fast laps and ended up fastest overall. I was all about having fun until then you know. It was all fun and stuff leading up to the race. I kept telling myself to just go out there and have a good time. I didn't have to worry about making any money or making any points, I could just throw it down and still walk away with a smile on my face. At the end of the night, I didn't have to worry about points or anything. Then I got fast time and I gave myself a little talking to and decided that the race face needed to come on all of a sudden. It got serious all of a sudden after that.

FFDT: Did it feel pretty good to be lining up with the rest of the crew again?

JK: Yeah it felt real good. I was really a little timid out there, I just wasn't aggressive like they were. I had pole in the heat race and didn't get that great of a start. I was third off the line and Jared got out front pretty quick and Henry was in second. I passed Henry a couple of laps into it and then in the same corner he got right back underneath me. I just wasn't the same ole Joe Kopp out there protecting my line. So he got by me, then I got back by him and then I did the same thing again and Henry got in underneath me. I slipped up when after I got by him that last time and boy I think I left him about 3 inches of room I think and he made a 6 inch hole and got through there again. Lap after lap I couldn't get by him again. I knew I needed a front row start and I wanted to be in the dash but I just couldn't get back by Henry after that. So I ended up third in the heat which put me on the second row for the main. I just knew what was going to happen. I mean, it felt good to be riding with these guys but off the start each time in the main event, I think we had 3 re-starts in the main all together. Each time off the start though I was going into turn one and getting off the line good, but when the bars started banging and everybody was wheel to wheel, I was telling myself to keep it on two wheels and just get through that corner clean. Each time I told myself that, I remember seeing 2 guys just go by me each time. I knew I couldn't be letting that happen. That was the weak spot of my weekend. Just wasn't aggressive enough. One we got to the racing I was good, but when it was tight, a lot of people got by me. Turn one was intimidating for me. I wish I could have it back!

FFDT: Are you going to hit any more rounds this season?

JK: No, I'm not going to. I keep saying that I'm keeping an eye on the points and when it comes down to the end, if the boys need a little help for Pomona, they could slide me a 20 and I might be up for the cause. I might come down there and see if I can't help some of my favorites to win! HAHAHA! I just happen to love Pomona, I go good there and it's a fun track. I might try to see if I can't get a ride together. One thing about this weekend was that Mr. Morehead handed me my provisional card that I earned last year, so really, all I have to do is show up at a race, put in a couple of fast enough laps and I'm good to go for the main. Seriously though, I doubt I do Pomona or any of the other nationals this year. You just never know though.

FFDT: How about next year? Do you plan on doing anything or did we just see Joe Kopp race his last GNC main?

JK: I'm not real sure right now. As far as next year, I don't think I'm doing a full schedule. However, I can't let these boys think that I'm an old retired guy, so we'll see how things pan out, you may see me next year at a few more nationals, but I don't think I'll be doing a whole season.

FFDT: It bums a lot of people out not seeing Joe Kopp at the track.

JK: Yeah, and I do miss it, I miss seeing everybody and it was good to get back into the mix last weekend. I just love my family too much to go do this every weekend. I was having a blast until I got fast time and then the Old Joe had to come out again and get serious. I set fast time and it was like work again. All of a sudden it was time to get grumpy with the kids, tell them, "Hey leave me along, I need to get serious." I don't enjoy that part of it, you know.

FFDT: Other than trail riding and hanging out with the kids what have you been up to?

JK: Well, I've been doing a little short tracking around here. Cody's been doing a lot of local races here and there, short tracks and a little supermoto stuff with me. We went to the Evil Knievel days aver in Butte Montana a couple of weeks ago and had a lot of fun with that. Just lots of little things here and there. I did a dirt track school up in Canada, helped a few guys up there, I just try to keep sharp on everything. I've been doing a lot of endurocross training, I have a big endurocross national over by Seattle next weekend, so I'm trying to go over there and see if I can kick the boys' butts in that! I might ride the pro class, I don't know. I know I'm going to ride the vet class though. I have a good shot at going good in the vet class for sure. I've just really been training for endurocross mainly. I've been training for a month or so, but really it has been more for endurocross because that takes a lot more out of me to ride endurocross than it does to ride flattrack.

FFDT: Thanks for doing the interview and hopefully we'll see you pretty soon!

JK: Yeah, although I might not be racing I do plan on trying to go to a few nationals just to watch. You might find me in the beer garden just cheering on the boys.

Chris Carr Sacramento Mile 2011

FFDT: Chris, you had a great race in Sacramento last week, was it coming back to a familiar track or was it coming back to a familiar place that did it for you?

CC: Well, it was a familiar place because the track was quite different from what I had remembered. We were running a little wider on the race track and it broke up and I've probably been there 20 times if not more and there were times where the track was better and there were times when the track was worse. This track was one of those in-betweeners. I think they did a pretty good job with the race track considering that they haven't had motorcycles on that track in 12 years. Overall it was a good track and we were able to put on a good show for the fans and in the end I think that is the most important thing.

FFDT: Yeah, talk about the fans, that place was packed!

CC: Yeah, I heard they sold out on Friday and were selling standing room only tickets on Saturday, so yeah, it was a good turnout. I think that just goes to show that there is a market out here on the West Coast for races. It was good to be able to fill the stands and that pretty much garauntees a return to the track in the future.

FFDT: Did you get another rocking chair? I know you got a rocking chair as a retirement gift from the folks at I-96.

CC: No, no rocking chair. I did get to see a lot of old friends and family and aquantices from over the years so it was good to have a sort of homecoming so to speak and get to race.

FFDT: Let's talk about the race, you got out front and lead a whole bunch of laps. What did it feel like to be up front leading the pack?

CC: It felt good to be competitive again, that's for sure! It's been a long time since I've been in contention to win a race so that felt really good. I had a good run at the Du Quoin short track earlier this year but since then I haven't been able to hit my ass with my own hand, so it was nice to have a shot to win again.

FFDT: In talking with a lot of people who follow the circuit, it seems like this year you have hit the dirt more than you have probably in your entire career. Has that been playing in your head? You aren't a guy who makes mistakes.

CC: I would say yeah, you are always leary. Getting run over at the Springfield TT took a little bit of wind out of my sails because it hurt, and it hurt for a long time. I am to the point now where it isn't an issue when I am on the race track and that's good. It never entered my mind whatsoever Saturday night, nor did it at Lake Odessa, so now I'm back to full steam.

FFDT: So the race all came down to that last lap. Take us through that.

CC: Last lap, well, Smith lead the whole thing. He was riding real well, probably a little bit better through the corners during the last 5 laps of the race. He pulled out one of his patented evasive maneuvers that he has come to perfect, just bob and weavin', and he was able to get to the line before me.

FFDT: Being this close to winning your first national of the year, does this boost your confidence going into Castle Rock?

CC: For sure it does, we've been pretty good on the singles bikes this year, better than the last couple of years, so yeah I can be competitive there. It's a type of dirt there that I know, the last few times we went there I've been in contention to win, I think one year I was leading the thing and I spit a chain off, so yeah, I expect to be in the hunt there. I expect that out of myself anywhere we go, just some days are better than others.

FFDT: Well Chris, best of luck in Castle Rock and congratulations on your finish!

: Thanks a lot!

Shayna Texter Sacramento Mile 2011

FFDT: It's been a rough year for you, although you have made several mains, I know your results haven't been where you wanted them to be. But, you did it last weekend, how excited are you?

ST: I'm super pumped, it was a huge motivational thing for me to go out there and run up front. I qualified 3rd fastest and was just up front all day long. It was a huge step in my year. I haven't been able to put the whole program together, just been able to get one point in the day together and then struggle in the main event or the heat or what not. The last couple of races I've been able to put it in the main and slowly move back up in points. This weekend, I moved, I think 10 spots up, so that was great.

FFDT: Your family has been through so much in the past year. You and your brother Cory have pretty much just saddled up and done everything on your own this year. Now you guys have traveled all the way across the country, I guess that race really made the trip worth it!

ST: Yeah for sure. Nichole's (Cheza) family really helped us get out here and Chad (Cose) hooked up our trailer and pulled us out here all the way from Pennslyvania to his home. His mom and dad have been taking care of us all week and feeding us. Chad's team, Water's Autobody Racing really stepped up and let us pit with them, they were always there if I needed anything and they got my bike set up before practice and we just rolled with that all day. We never made a change from first practice to the main event.

FFDT: That's a pretty good feeling when all you have to do is sit on it and twist the throttle right?

ST: Yeah, I've never really had to be a rider and a tuner at the same time. This year has been the first year I've had to be the rider and the tuner. There's been a lot of kids who have done it in the past but I never had to experience that. My dad was always there to make sure we had someone there helping us. To go out there and to get a 3rd place was really like a win for me just because of how hard I had to work to get up front again.

FFDT: This has to boost your confidence going into the closing races on the season. What tracks are you really excited about?

ST: I'm definately excited for sure about the two miles coming up. Indy, that's going to be a really hard weekend for me, I'm going to have a lot of emotions going on, it'll be a year that my dad passed away. It would be awesome to get on the box there. The Springfield Mile will be a strong point for me too. The half-miles, I feel like I can be a top 5 as long as I can get a good start and roll.

FFDT: Talk about the race in Sacramento.

ST: The race went great, I had a halfway decent start, I think I went into turn one about 6th or 7th. I squared it off and ended up in 3rd really quick. I was following Mikey and Mikey (Avila and Martin), M and M I guess, that's what people have been telling me to call them, but I was following them all day, and then in the race Mikey Martin blew the groove in one and two so me and Mikey Avila were trying to go on our own without it. Unfortunatly a rider went down and the red flag came out which closed the gap back up. We had 6 laps left to go on the restart and I got another start and I think I was 4th or 5th in the first turn. It was really just me, Mikey and Mikey going at it the whole rest of the race. We swapped it back and forth on the front and back stretch, then on the last lap going into one, Briar Bauman got in there going into turn one and I actually had to race him just to get on the podium. It was just an awesome feeling to be up on the podium, I'm really happy with it.

FFDT: You and your brother and your closest friends have pretty much just been traveling the country all summer long, how much fun have you had

ST: It's just been my brother and a couple of really close friends but really, dirt track is my second family. Everybody has been pushing me not to give up, my sponsors and my family have really been supporting me and my brother. We have to keep going and chasing our dream because our dad would never want us to quit. It's been a long journey, that's for sure and I'm looking forward to finishing out the rest of the year. Hopefully I'll get up in the top 10 in points.

FFDT: Congrats again and best of luck this weekend in Castle Rock!

ST: Thanks, Thanks for interviewing me. This year has just been so amazing, really after this weekend. All of the sponsors, friends, family and fans that have been supporting me, I just wish I had the time to go around and thank each and everyone of them for all that they have done for us this year. That would take me all week probably! But this really has been a great week for us.