Cody Janssen Red Bud Press Release
In ATV Motocross competition, there are multiple different divisions of competition. It starts with the C class, which is for beginners, then B, A, Pro Am, and finally the AMA ATV Pro class, which is obviously the pinnacle of the sport. Earlier in the 2013 Mountain Dew AMA ATV National Championship series Cody Janssen wrapped up the 4 Stroke A National Title, he then went on to wear the #1 in the class and flexed his muscles as he won again and kept the streak alive. At this point the young Wisconsinite felt that he had nothing left to prove in the top amateur class and decided to take his talents to the Pro class and make his debut. This was the start of a new chapter in Cody Janssen’s career.
“This is what I’ve worked my entire life for. I can honestly say I’m living a dream.” Cody said after arriving at Red Bud Track and Trail in Buchanan, Michigan, the site of his AMA ATV Pro Racing debut. “I think it finally started to sink in when I pulled the #40 jersey over my head [that he would be wearing because another pro rider has his #25, and he chose the #40 in honor of his father who always wore the number] that I was now a pro.” Cody’s pro racing career started off very well, he qualified 12th out of the world’s 25 best professional competitors, but that’s where it all would come to a quick halt. Midway through the first lap, Cody’s FSI/Janssen Honda started to act up from an electrical problem. Only one corner after it started, the machine completely shut itself off all together. His team worked furiously between the motos to fix the machine for moto 2 but a resolution to the problem could not be found. In fact, as of Monday night when this press release was released, they still had no idea as to why the machine was still running so poorly. The DNF-DNS score doesn’t show the great speed the pro rookie had on this day, but anyone who watched timed qualifying knows Janssen will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
Cody’s Sunday in Pro Am was better, but not much. The first moto was plagued by a bad start that kept him from getting any closer to the front than 4th. And then between another bad start and a little miss on setup, 9th was the best Cody could do in moto 2. “I am completely disappointed in my weekend.” Cody said after the races were over on Sunday. “It was supposed to be my big debut. Then after our issues on Saturday, I really wanted to make Sunday count but that didn’t happen either. My speed was obviously there, so that I am happy about. Not to mention, I am safe; but I had more in me this weekend….Rodney (the series announcer) called the finale next weekend my ‘re-debut’, so that’s what we’ll call it. I have one race left in the 2013 season and I want a top 10 in the Pro class and a top 3 in Pro Am to end it. I know I can do it and I’ll do anything to make it happen.”
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 we’ll see you all at the series’ final race at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee! God bless.
