Unadilla Valley Sports Complex in rural New Berlin, New York is home to some of the most hallowed grounds in American motocross. This storied hillside played host to the world’s best as the Mountain Dew AMA ATV National Championship Series rolled into town this past weekend. Reigning AMA ATV Pro Rookie of the Year Cody Janssen has been riding with confidence and putting down great lap times in the last couple weeks, but a few fluke misfortunes have kept him off the podium for a few races now. The #40 rider looked to change the tide in upstate New York.
The rider that makes the most passes in the dirt bike’s outdoor pro nationals gets a hard charger award, last weekend it was said that Janssen would’ve gotten the award if ATV pro racing had such award. Unfortunately, this weekend would be a similar story in the Pro Class. Cody came from outside the top 17 or 18 in both motos and passed up to inside the top 10. It is not necessarily what the 23-year-old wanted, but his speed and fitness is very apparent heading into the last two rounds of the series. The #40 is determined to make it right.
In the Pro-Am class Cody is always one of the favorites. Heading into his favorite track at Unadilla there’s nothing he wanted more than a podium appearance, but the storyline to be similar to Saturday. Poor starts resulted in Janssen having the pass over half the field. Each race ended with the top three or five right in his sights but he just ran out of time. In the Pro-Am class, much like Saturday’s pro division, Janssen’s speed and determination was evident, he just needs a start.
“The starts weren’t there for me this weekend.” Janssen said post-race. “With a couple starts I think I would’ve had a phenomenal weekend, I felt phenomenal on the bike. And it’s frustrating to know that that’s really the only thing holding me back right now, so I’m going to go home and do starts every single day even if they’re in my front yard with my start gate. We’re going to do something special at Redbud. I’m so confident in my riding right now, I’m not going to let one thing like starts let this season end with a bad taste in my mouth. I’m not going to be happy unless I finish the season with two podiums in Pro-Am and my best two Pro finishes to date (top 7 or better). I know what I need to do to achieve these goals, and I’m not going to let anything stop me.”
Nothing would be possible without great care and support from the people that support Cody and his racing. He must thank his parents/family and the rest of the Janssen Motorsports crew; Thank you to Elka Suspension for everything they do for #40, phenomenal products and even better people. Also, Londerville Steel and the Londerville Family, Corrosion Specialties and the Parrish Family, Jay at Impact Solutions, Maxxis Tires, SSI Decals, Walsh Racecraft, Valvoline, Koster Racing, FMF, Hinson Clutch Components, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Napa of Peru, Indiana; FourWerx Carbon, Sconnie Nation, Piping Service INC., Ryno Power, DT-1 Filters, Sunstar Sprockets, D.I.D Chains, Galfer USA, Rath Racing, Pivot Works, CP-Carrillo, Dynamite ATV, Tweeked Powderworks, Honda East Toledo, Works Connection, Don Straus, Pro-Tec, Jeremy Edwards at Edwards Auctioneering, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, Terry Moore, Frank Vallone and family, Dynamic Graphics, Team AndyStrong, his phenomenal mechanics (Joel Janssen, Todd Blom, and Dan Binder), and everyone else that supports him. The Janssen team is like a set of gears, Joel and Lisa Janssen along with Haley Davis (girlfriend) make Cody and his racing successful, it wouldn’t be possible without each one of them. Finally, Ken Hill as well as Digital Dave of RaceDayPix must be thanked for each weekend’s photos. Cody will be on the hunt for another podium just a few hours away from home near South Bend, IN at REEEDBUDDD in Buchanan, Michigan on Saturday July 25th – Sunday July 26th! God bless.