2014 Monster Energy Supercross Finale, Success All Around!
Wow, what a night, a very fitting end to an awesome season. Every year Las Vegas caps off the hard work and confirms just why I love what I do. Being involved in motocross is about the passion I have for helping athletes, the relationship I have with them and always trying to make gains. Last night was no different but it was also really different.
Andrew’s SX season showed a steady progression in results resulting from working hard to do all the little things we need to keep making gains. We continued that preparation for Vegas, but with an early fall in the main it was what I saw next that really made me smile. In dead last on lap 1 Shorty could have packed it in, or given an admirable effort riding safe and come off the track at the end of the 20 laps with nobody questioning his heart. That just isn’t in his genetics nor character. Shorty rode brilliantly and clawed his way to a 10th place finish. Shorty’s career has been defined by moving on and making the best of whatever he is handed and this event was no exception. The Lucas Oil Motocross Championship Series is on the horizon and it’s time to head to California to prepare for Glen Helen…here’s to carrying the momentum of the Supercross season into the outdoors!
Of course, I can’t say enough about how happy I am for Jason Anderson. I started with Jason and his family as a young rider assaulting the amateur nationals and his family have been a joy to work with. Father Mike always told both me and Jason that if Jason wasn’t having fun, none of this matters. I was in awe and smiling at an amateur national when I overheard Big Mike telling a young Jason heading to the gate “go out there and have fun and if it’s not fun we will pack up and leave and go have fun doing something else.” Never a heavy hand, just understanding that Jason’s life was his own. I have found that level of understanding a rarity in sports but I saw it with the Anderson family from the beginning.
Just before Vegas, Mark “The Bomber” Barnett was at the Short Family Farm working on the outdoor track. It was our last time to ride the SX track and I honestly felt the need to “thank” the track and sort of got sad knowing we wouldn’t be riding it again. I know, it’s strange, but when I witness character building on a track, in the gym, on the roads, on the trails, wherever, I get nostalgic about that venue. A lot of sweat, blood, tears, and emotions get laid out in these places of athletic endeavor and I am very fortunate to play a part and witness greatness arising. That is exactly what is motivating for me in my career…to see character rise above the challenge and propel the athlete both in their sport but also in their life. So here’s to you, oh great supercross track, here’s to being the gracious host of one of the most memorable seasons for me, ever.
On a lighter note, I was able to go mountain biking with the Bomber and Shorty that week. Both of those guys entirely schooled me…they are just naturals in turns, down hills, everywhere. Impressive bike handler I am not in comparison to those guys. Bomber offered some help and told me “you need to ride that thing like a 125.” Awesome to hear that coming out of his mouth. OK Bomber, I will try that and make braaap sounds while doing so. Glad you are enjoying your post moto life! I have also been in awe watching our daughter Sequoia discover the world and hope to show her the things that make me tick…gotta stay in shape!
Thanks for reading and bring on the outdoors!