Pro Rookie Janssen Shines at Loretta Lynn’s Finale
Cody Janssen Race Report and 2013 Season Wrap Up
After 9 grueling rounds across the country, the Mountain Dew AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Tour headed to its final round at Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. If you remember, the ranch saw Cody Janssen make a last corner pass to put him atop the Pro Am podium in 2012, so it’s safe to say he had good vibes coming back this season. After mechanical issues spoiled his Pro racing debut last week at Red Bud, Cody was determined coming into this weekend to prove that the Pro Class was where he belongs. “After qualifying so well last week, it was a real bummer to not be able to be out there racing with those guys. I’m looking forward to qualifying even a little better this weekend and trying to finish inside the top 10!” Janssen said at the beginning of the weekend.
It’s nothing new, but rain was once again the topic of conversation this weekend. It rained the whole week before the race weekend, rain cancelled Friday practice, and it looked like Saturday and Sunday would have their fair share of rain as well. Surprisingly, the track was in considerably good condition on Saturday morning for Pro timed qualifying. Cody proved once again that he can hold his own against the world’s best as he qualified 10th fastest, achieving his first goal in the process. Riding the momentum from qualifying, Cody was feeling confident; but moto 1 would prove disastrous for the rookie. Before even completing the parade lap, Cody’s FSI/Janssen #40 machine started running terribly. With no time to try and fix anything, Cody was forced to ride a machine that could barely maintain half speed. Miraculously, Cody put in a valiant effort making his way all the way up to 12th before the machine gave up the ghost. The FSI/Janssen Team put a new motor in for moto 2 just in the nick of time, Janssen missed the gate drop and still fought his way up to 13th by moto’s end. “I think I’m satisfied.” Cody said after Saturday’s races. “I qualified really well, had some bad luck but still put on a good showing. I finished my first pro race and was still making passes at the end so yeah, I’m happy about it.”
Sunday’s Pro Am action saw Cody Janssen really flex his muscles. After qualifying 3rd in morning practice, he also notched a 3rd place finish in moto 1. As the riders headed to the starting line for the 2nd moto, the rains came; an optimistic Cody Janssen said, “Let’s go racing!” He came roaring out of the gate and grabbed the $250 Holeshot Award. On lap 2, he turned the fastest lap of the whole moto, this race was owned by Cody Janssen. At the midway point he had a 10 second lead with absolutely no pressure from 2nd place, but it was all for naught. With 3 laps to go, water on the muddy track got into a tiny hole in his air box and killed the motor, a heartbroken Janssen was nearly brought to tears. He put on a tough face as he went to the podium after the race to claim his holeshot award, but he knew that race was his and it tore him up inside. He later posted via social media the following: “Basically the most heartbreaking day of my career. Ripped the holeshot in Pro Am Moto 2, and lead until there were only 3 laps left. With a 3-1, I had the overall win in my back pocket. Then my bike sucked in some water somehow.. This is the toughest one to swallow yet, but everything happens for a reason.” Pro Am at Loretta Lynn’s in 2013 will always be the one that got away from Cody Janssen, it would’ve been the first Pro Am overall win of his young career.
2013 was a great season for Kaukauna, Wisconsin’s own Rookie Pro ATV racer, Cody Janssen. The 21 year old won his 2nd career National Championship as he dominated the 4 Stroke A Class. He also was a front runner round after round in the Pro Am class, but DNFs due to fluke mechanical problems spoiled any chance he had at a 3rd National Championship. Finally, at the end of the season when he made the step up to the AMA Pro ATV Class, Cody proved that he belongs there. “In 2014 I will come back better, stronger, more fit, and with a better overall program.” Cody said. “I plan to work very closely with Jeremiah Jones, and will do anything in my power to win a Pro Am National Championship next season. I also want to be the Pro Class’ Rookie of the Year and I think that’s a very realistic goal for me. At the end of the day, I just want to continue to improve and take steps to get closer to being a top pro. I wouldn’t even of been at the races this season without the Hills family and FSI, so I must than them for their great generosity and help. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be here without all the great people in my life and all the great supporters and sponsors that I am blessed to have. This year was great; next year will be even greater! God bless.”
Cody again must thank all of his sponsors. First and foremost his great team, Team Janssen Motorsports FSI, Roy, Faye, and Troy Hill, Jimmy Sims, his amazing family, friends, and fan base. Also a huge shout out to Elka Suspension for everything they do for Cody! “I always know I have the best suspension out there, the Elka Stage 5 is unmatched. Great product and even greater people!” Also, Maxxis Tires, SSI Decals, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Dynamite ATV, Tweeked Powderworks, JB Racing, Rath, Renthal, Motoworks, Hinson Clutches, Stephen Propson at P501, CP Pistons, KIK ATV, Herbalife, Don Straus, Andrew Vogt/EVR, 136 Photography, Terry Moore at Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, his phenomenal mechanics Todd, Scott, and Dan, and everyone else that helps him out. Once again, Cody must thank all his great supporters and fans. Thanks to all the people who followed him throughout the 2013 season, he hopes to bring even more joy next year!