From ClubMX
Can you get used to being on the podium or are those just fleeting moments in time? If you ask me, I am much happier when are guys are representing our team from one of the coveted top three positions. On the flip side, if you asked me if I would be happy with two podiums in four rounds, the answer would be a resounding yes, so it is important for all of us to be realistic and grateful. Anaheim 2 brought many possibilities that unfortunately did not show our true potential – or did it?
GARRETT MARCHBANKS #26: By the end of the night in Anaheim, Garrett sits 4th in the overall points standing, not far from third. The break in the schedule comes at a good time for him to hit the reset button. From qualifying all the way through the night show, Garrett could not get a feel for the bike that he liked with the changing track conditions. Sure, everyone rides the same track, but the adjustments need to be “spot on” in those conditions. If you watch the last six minutes of race three, that is the Garrett we were expecting all night. He made some key passes up to the top five position but at that point it was too little too late. He ended the night with P9 overall – but goes on break healthy and ready to fight another day. Even though there is a break in the schedule, training still happens three to four times per week to work on any shortcomings the riders may have. No rest for the weary.
PHIL NICOLETTI #36: One of the highlights from A2 was Phil and his leader lights. Race #2, Phil gets the holeshot and leads the first few laps of the race, much to the surprise of the whole audience. How do I know? While I stand in the managers tower next to all of the factory teams, I can overhear them saying things like: “how does he get a holeshot over our bike” and “we’re going to talk about this after this race is over”. Phil went on to finish 4th in the race and set himself up in P3 overall through two races. A good third race could conceivably have him reach his goal of a podium on the evening, but it was not meant to be. Still, it was another good representation of what our team can do, and it is just a matter of time before all the pieces come together. Phil will be on the podium this season – it is not a matter of if, but when.
This weekend we will be rolling into Detroit with the changing of the guard. We will go from two riders to three – all with different expectations. It is refreshing to start over with a new crop at the fifth round of the season and it promises to be one worth watching.
JEREMY MARTIN #6: The veteran was banged up with an arm/wrist injury but has come around nicely to the fast Jeremy we all remember. The time off the bike was a good opportunity to reflect on his career thus far and make some serious decisions on his future. Back to racing was the ultimate direction and if you know anything about Jeremy, once he commits, he is all in. Speaking of commitment – Jeremy just got engaged last week to his long-time girlfriend Ashley. Congratulations are in order, and we all wish them the very best. He is in a good place in his life both on and off the track and we all feel that will reflect in his racing – in a good way.
COTY SCHOCK #69: Coty’s circumstances in the off season led him to be a part of our team. His “all in” attitude on the bike actually motivates the rest of the team. He is a solid rider and has picked up the pace from his prior seasons. He quickly adapted to the Yamaha platform and smiles every time he rides. I think he knows what he is capable of but is holding back to let his riding do the talking. He expresses gratitude daily with the entire shop. He will quickly become a fan favorite with his outgoing personality and riding style. Coty also was recently engaged to his long-time girlfriend Emily. We also wish them the very best in their future. You can review his racing history and see some highlights and then replace them with what he will be doing this season.
JETT REYNOLDS #99: At every round so far this season, people in the fan fest ask about Jett Reynolds. His popularity is coast-to-coast and everyone is anxious to see if hitting the reset button worked. Jett took a gamble by turning his life upside down and moving into the ClubMX program. From our point of view, it was the right choice. He is willing to learn everything we throw at him, never complains and holds himself accountable every step of the way. Nicoletti has tagged him with the nickname “Baby” since he is the youngest racer on the team and the moniker stuck. Sure, he isstill just a kid, but he has the heart and desire to prove himself and we all believe he can. He has matured significantly since he joined the program and let face it, there isn’t much else to do in Chesterfield, SC except love moto and grow into a professional racer.
People often ask us why the schedule travels the way it does and this weekend in Detroit makes you wonder. It is simple, the sport has a chance to be on the big broadcast (NBC) which could triple the amount of viewership and the Feld crew decided to make it happen. We applaud the decision and are willing to drive across the country and back for that reason. Yes, we love racing, yes we would like to be efficient in our travel and yes, we want to be a part of the sports growth. We only have one truck going to Detroit, Feld has twenty. If they think it is worth it, we are on board too. Grab some popcorn and a comfy chair, Detroit is going to be a blast! Don’t forget, it is a day race too.
