Coming off a solid showing in Minnesota, the AMA ATV top Pro Class Rookie, Cody Janssen, and the rest of the world’s fastest headed east to Unadilla Valley Sports Complex in New Berlin, New York for Round 7 of the Mountain Dew AMA ATV National Motocross Championship Series. With a commanding lead in the AMA ATV Pro Rookie of the Year standings, the #40 rider just needs to stay consistent and this prestigious award will have his name written on it for the 2014 season.
“I’ve been waiting for this race for a while now, this is my favorite track that we race at…I’ve been working tirelessly and I think that’s going to show this weekend. I’m ready, Unadilla 2014 here we come!”
-Cody Janssen
When Cody woke up on Saturday morning, he hoped for, but didn’t know at the time it would be a special day. This day would end up being special in more ways than one. Janssen started the morning off well, hovering around the top 10 in timed qualifying; but he was about to make his first big splash of his professional career. When the gate dropped, he came around the first corner in the top 5 and stayed there through the first lap or so. Janssen would ride a strong race all the way through the end of the moto and notch his first ever Pro Class top 10 moto finish with a 9th in Moto 1. Moto 2 would be much of the same, a start inside the top 10, good consistent laps, and another 9th place finish. Cody Janssen, Kaukauna, Wisconsin’s own, finished in the 9th overall position at Unadilla, his first ever top 10 finish in the Pro Class. The #40 rider maintains a 55 point lead in Rookie of the Year standings, what a proud day.
There was another special moment on Saturday though. In 2013, a young man had an accident at the Unadilla National that would change his life, Andy Cummings. After the accident, Cody reached out to Andy through his girlfriend, Kellie, and has been in touch with them over the last 12 months; even running “Andy Strong” decals on his four wheeler. Well, Andy made his return to Unadilla one year after the crash and Cody was able to meet his hero. Andy, Cody, and all involved enjoyed their special moment together. As Andy gets better day by day, the sky is the limit. Look for Andy Cummings to be back on an ATV for the Unadilla National next year, God is great!
After such a phenomenal day Saturday, Janssen had high hopes and podium aspirations for Sunday’s Pro Am racing. But a bad start in Moto 1, and a big wreck at the start of Moto 2 would derail that freight train. Don’t think that put a damper on Cody’s 9th place Pro finish though, nothing could wipe that smile off his face. “Today was tough.” Cody said Sunday. “But I’m so unbelievably pumped about yesterday! My first top 10, my favorite track, it doesn’t get much better! And we were able to again build on our lead in Rookie of the Year points, so I would say it was a good weekend! What a fresh breath of air, can’t wait for Red Bud!”
Last but not least, Cody must thank all his sponsors and supporters because without them the dream he is living out would never be possible. First and foremost his team, FSI/Janssen Motorsports, Roy, Faye, and Troy Hill, Jimmy Sims, his amazing family, friends, and fan base. Thank you to Elka Suspension for everything they do for #40, phenomenal products and even better people. Also, Maxxis Tires, SSI Decals, Walsh Racecraft, Makson Construction, FMF, Renthal, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Dynamite ATV, Quadtech, Tweeked Powderworks, Honda East Toledo, Rath, Hinson Clutches, Stephen Propson at P501, CP Pistons, KIK ATV, Maxima, Sunstar, D.I.D, Don Straus, 136 Photography, Pro-Tec, ASM13, Jeremiah Jones, Jeremy Edwards, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, Terry Moore at Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Londerville Steel Enterprises, The Keane Family, his phenomenal mechanics Todd Blom and Dan Binder, and everyone else that supports him. As well as a special thanks to Chris Ginger, Chris Volkamer, Ken Hill, Daniel Owens at Number One ATV, and Josh Sullivan at Papparazzi Imaging and Films. Cody would again like to wish his injured teammate, Troy Hill, well as he recovers from his surgery in Virginia. Round 8 comes at you from REEED BUUUD in 2 weeks, God bless.