Cody Janssen Unadilla Press Release
Round 8 of the Mountain Dew AMA ATV National Motocross Series rolled into Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, NY on the weekend of July 13-14. Of the hundreds of riders at this event, many eyes were on Wisconsin’s young phenom as he wore the #1 in his A class. Janssen chose to wear it after wrapping up the National Championship the week prior in Pennsylvania. “I am so pumped to wear the #1 on my back!” Janssen said. “I know a lot of pressure comes along with it too, everyone’s going to be coming for you. But I can promise I’m up for any challenge.”
Cody didn’t need to race A class anymore this season, the championship was already sealed, but he announced the week prior that this would be his last A class race of his career. Wearing the #1, Cody knew the rest of the riders would bring their ‘A game’, and that’s just what they did. After a mid-pack start in moto 1, Cody made it up to 2nd by the end of the race and just about stole the win at the finish. Nonetheless, Cody put himself in position for the overall victory on Saturday. Moto 2 on Sunday would be quite uneventful as Cody came out of the gates 2nd, made a calculated pass, and flexed his muscles as he won by almost 15 seconds by moto’s end. This marked the champ’s 7th overall victory in 8 races in the 4 Stroke A Class.
Disappointment to many, Pro Am was nearly an exact replay of the week before for CJ25. The day started well as Cody posted the 2nd fastest time in qualifying practice. But a good start in moto 1 was ruined by a late race broken rear shock bolt, costing Cody a top 3 finish. Moto 2 would be even a little more fluky as he cased a jump while passing into the top 5 early, knocking the wind out of himself. It took him a minute or so to get his breath back. He came into the mechanics area to get on the ground and catch his breath before putting on a ironman-like hard charge. He could only climb up to around 10th but his heart and determination was on full display as he posted leader lap times just moments after being on the ground on his knees. Cody Janssen had another tough day but surely has the heart of a champion.
Sunday after his A class podium celebration, Cody and the FSI Janssen Team announced that he would be making his Pro Class debut at Red Bud, and racing in the final 2 pro races of the 2013 season. Cody will still run the Pro Am class on Sunday along with Saturday’s Pro class. “I am so excited to finally be able to announce my plans to go pro!” An excited Janssen said Sunday afternoon. “This has been in the works for a little while now and finally we can make it public. My plan is to compete in my full rookie Pro season in 2014 and I’m going to use these last 2 races of 2013 to get my feet wet and just get used to the ways of the Pro Class. I’m also very excited to wear my dad’s old number, #40. Really, I’m going out there with no pressure just to see what I can do and I couldn’t be more blessed than I am to have this opportunity. See you guys at Red Bud!”
Lastly, Cody 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 and Dan, and everyone else that helps him out. Once again, Cody must thank all his great supporters and he also wants to say congratulations to his teammate Troy Hill on his first career Super Mini Victory in New York. Round 9 is another ‘home race’ for Cody at Red Bud in Buchanan, Michigan on the last weekend of the month. See you there!