Birthdays from February 11 to February 17
February 11: In the early 1970s, Geoff Fox started a small business distributing European motocross bikes and parts. Then they started making motocross shocks, a race team followed, and they wore handmade gear that was made of bright colors. Fans loved it and Fox seized the opportunity and started making motocross gear for the consumer. Over the years, Fox Racing has sponsored top riders such as Mark Barnett, Rick Johnson, Damon Bradshaw, Donny Schmit, Steve Lamsom, Jeremy McGrath, Doug Henry, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and many, many more. Today, the Fox head logo has to be the most recognized icon in youth culture.
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February 12: Mike LaRocco started racing professionally in 1988 and is a two-time AMA National MX Champion. He won the last 500cc AMA Motocross Championship in 1993 and the 250 championship in ‘94. LaRocco raced professionally for 19 years before retiring in 2006 after more than 200 AMA Supercross starts.
February 12: Many years ago, a young lady named Lisa Akin from Niles, Michigan, used to race against the top amateurs in the country—in the men’s class! When the Loretta Lynn's AMA Amateur Nationals started in 1982, she won the very first women's class title, and kept winning for three more years. A great rivalry erupted between her and California’s Mercedes Gonzalez, and in 1988, they would take their battle to the last corner at Loretta Lynn’s before Akin-Wagner (she was married by now) emerged as champion again. It was her last Loretta Lynn’s as a racer, but she’s been back many times to support her husband and son as they competed.
February 13: Former 250cc World Champion rider Mickael Pichon, who also took a pair of 125cc AMA Supercross titles in the years he spent in America.
February 13: GNCC competitor, Jeffrey Pickens.
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February 13: Last year, Gavin Gracyk practically came out of nowhere and was a top 10 contender in the nationals. Each weekend, he was banging bars with the factory riders, and that helped earn him a ride with the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull Honda for the 2008 season.
February 13: 1994 Loretta Lynn's 250 B Modified Champion Chris Wheeler.
February 14: Former pro racer (bikes and quads!) Tom Carson of Asterisk.
February 14: Victory Sport's, Sam Gammon.
February 14: Loretta Lynn alumni, Jeffrey Shuck.
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February 15: Honda Red Bull Racing’s Davi Millsaps could be the next guy to stand on top of the box in the AMA Supercross class. He already has a Lites title to his credit, and he did finish on the box again this past weekend.
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February 16: Josh Hansen is the son of 1982 AMA Supercross /AMA Motocross Champion Donnie Hansen. Since turning pro, Hansen has struggled with injuries and has yet to finish a full season. This year, he was picked up by the newly formed Toyota/Gibbs Racing Yamaha team to race in the big boys’ class. After putting in some consistent rides early in the season, Hansen crashed at the practice track and injured himself again.
February 16: Parts Magazine publisher, Don Emde, who also happens to be the 1972 Daytona 200 winner.
February 16: Fox employee and former Nor Cal speedster, Matt Furman.
February 16: GNCC competitor, Jerod Stoner.
February 17: 2004 World SX Champion, MDK/Wonder Warhog Racing’s Heath Voss, #13
February 17: 2001 Loretta Lynn's Women's Champion Stefy Bau.
February 17: Brad Smith is the Design Engineer for Tucker Rocky and is the primary designer for Pro Taper and MSR’s hard parts.
Have a birthday (or know someone with a birthday) that you would like mentioned on Racer X Online? Send them to mikef@racerxill.com.