DMXS Tonight
I think we were all touched by the images of David Bailey back on a
bike riding beside his son. It took more than 19 years, but David will
tell you it was worth it. There is no escaping how dangerous our sport
is, and we were sadly reminded of that after watching the disturbing
crash of James Marshall last week at San Diego. These two riders are at
different points in their life, but I would be remiss not to point out
how courageous both of them are. In fact, I have been greatly
influenced by several riders in the last few weeks that needs
mentioning. Danny "Magoo" Chandler was on our show to help promote his
new DVD, but what I heard was a true survivor. He was candid about the
tough road that fate led him down, but his unselfishness and desire to
help others speak volumes about a strength not found in his legs. My
friend Shane Lusk lay paralyzed at the Shepard Spinal Center in 2004,
but he never once spoke of settling until he could walk again. I would
often visit him to raise his spirts, but it was I that felt his
influence. You can now find him walking around the campus of Florida
State University, and on the honor roll, as he pursues his degree with
the hopes of being a doctor. When you meet Ricky James, you can’t help
but feel his spirit. Ricky has never looked back since his injury, and
has been an inspiration to us all. He knew he would ride again, and
after constructing a custom bike, he did. Not only did he reach a
personal goal, but he helped break through a barrier for others to
follow. I’ve been blessed to know these guys, and just wanted share
that.
Kevin Windham has been helping out with the Live Nation Supercross web
casts along the side of Jim Holley and Jason Weigandt for the last few
weeks, but he is almost ready to join the action himself. Kevin will
check in with us tonight for the latest on his training and the racing
thus far. David Bailey called me last night after he returned from his
first ride in 19 years, and he was stoked. The support from the fans
has been overwhelming, and David wanted to share it tonight with them
all. (You can check out the video at www.transworldmx.com or
www.davidbaileymx.com ) DB wanted to make sure that Ricky James was not
left out of the spotlight here. After all, it was after his success
that prompted David to accept an invitation to ride his custom-built
CR450. Ricky James is an awesome kid with a great outlook on life so we
are pleased to welcome them both on tonight. Ben Townley is one of the
many riders to suffer a preseason injury, and his was a doozy. Ben had
reconstructive knee surgery and has been busting his ass in rehab to
keep pace with his conditioning. The well liked Pro Circuit rider will
update his progress as he has to sit out the East coast opener this
week in St. Louis. Chuck Baldwin is one of the stellar folks at Road 2
Recovery that has led the effort on James Marshall’s behalf. The
organization is always the first to come to the rescue, and Chuck will
update the fund raisers already in progress and tell us how we can
help. Check out www.road2recovery.com for details.
WWR welcomes SoCals’s Jiri Dostal as the WWR/DeCal Works Most Improved
Privateer this week in the Supercross class, and Team TB1's Ryan Abrigo
in the Lite class. They will both receive $1,000.00. Butler Brothers
MX’s Cole Siebler won MIP last week, but missed the show, so we will
give him full props tonight as well. Our good friend Daniel Blair is
finally hanging up his riding gear for black leather pants instead. The
warrior has decided to retire from racing to concentrate on his new
band, The Main Event. We wish him luck, and will get him to sing us
something on the show tonight! We will miss you at the races, Daniel.
Check out their first video www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4owI-Z9nk.