After months of preparation and excited anticipation, the ATV Motocross National Championship season opener finally took place this past Tuesday inside the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway. Following the announcement of his move to the 25+ division, all eyes were on fan favorite Cody Janssen as the season kicked off. With the addition of Janssen to an already stacked 25+ Class, it appeared that a battle was imminent.
Cody Janssen aboard his #25 Swartfager Farms/Knox Country Farm Supply backed Honda didn’t get the holeshot he was looking for in Moto 1 but made a few quick passes and found himself in 2nd behind former pro, Nick Moser. Janssen made a run at the #1 spot but came up just short by moto’s end. Moto 2 would feel eerily similar to the first moto, as Cody made a couple quick passes and found himself in 2nd. Whoop sections have always been a strength for Janssen and that was evident at this Daytona ATV Supercross. Near the midway point of the race, Janssen made a big run in the whoops that nearly grabbed him the lead but nearly cost him the race at the same time. He would manage to regain control and ride it out but later admitted he got tight after that. A big last lap charge made things interesting, but Cody Janssen would finish second, .3 of a second off the lead.
“Daytona was good to us, we’re leaving Rd. 1 healthy and in one piece.” Janssen said after racing had concluded. “It isn’t how I wanted it to go, we came here to win and came up just short. I got a little tight and that hindered me today, but that’s [probably] to be expected after only riding 3 times in the past 6 months. I going to get a bunch of seat time these next few weeks and I’ll be right where I need to be. It’s all up from here!” Janssen finished confidently.
The next time you see Cody Janssen hit the track he will be more prepared having much more seat-time under his belt, and we look forward to it! As we look ahead at the coming schedule, ATVMX heads to South Carolina followed by Underground, Texas on April 14-15.
