AMA AX Interview: Heath Voss
February 17, 2010 3:55pm
AURORA, Ill. – The second half of the 2010 AMA Arenacross Series kicks-off this weekend from the legendary Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. After a wild last round from Youngstown, Ohio, the AMA Arenacross class championship battle is heating up between the Babbitt’s Monster Energy/Ti Lube Kawasaki trio of points leader Tyler Bowers, current second place holder Josh Demuth, and third place rider Chad Johnson.
As part of the AMA Arenacross Series debut from one of the most renowned cities in the country, longtime supercross competitor and former FIM World Supercross Champion Heath Voss will make a guest appearance at this weekend’s race.
The Texas resident from nearby Mico has been traveling the globe so far in 2010, competing in several supercross events in Europe as well as the Phoenix round of Monster Energy Supercross. He is eager to make his long-awaited return, last competing in the AMA Arenacross Series over a decade ago, and couldn’t be more excited about the chance to race in front of his family and friends.
Heath, I’m just going to ask the question that everyone is wondering. What brings you to the AMA Arenacross Series this weekend?
Well, it’s in San Antonio. I’m pretty excited because I got a lot of friends and family that would like to come to the race. I’ve raced the supercross series for I think like 13 years in a row and I finished top ten (in points) for eight years. I’ve been there and done that. Last year, I wanted to race a bunch a races in Europe and didn’t do it. So this year I’ve been racing in Germany and England. I’m kind of looking forward to this race because it’s a local event and all my friends can come. A lot of the guys that race arenacross are all my old friends so I’m (also) excited to get to see them.
You’ve gotten the taste of racing arenacross by racing at the US Open a few times. Do you think that experience as well as racing in Europe will help you in adjusting on Saturday night?
Well, I raced the (AMA) Arenacross Series back in the late 90’s. I used to use it as a warm up for racing supercross. In fact, one year I raced the first four rounds and had the points lead. I always really enjoyed it. When I lived in Minneapolis, the first round was always in Des Moines and a lot of the rounds were close by so I could drive to them. Living here in Texas now since 2000, its takes a big effort to get to the races so I’m excited it’s here in San Antonio.
Comparing supercross to arenacross, what makes the sport so unique and so well-loved among its competitors?
Well, the tracks are tighter and the starts are really important since it can be difficult to pass. Its kind of a bull ring because people contact one another. And its not that the tracks are easy, but everyone seems like everyone goes about the same speed. There is a lot of competition and its not easy (to win). Plus, there are a lot of guys that are old champions that won a lot of races and you got a lot of kids that are coming up like Tyler Bowers. He’s very talented.
You mentioned that a lot of your old friends are competing in the series. Have you had the chance to talk with any of them or maybe even train with them?
No. Everybody is so busy. I’m really good friends with Robbie Reynard and Brock Sellards. A lot of the other guys back when I was racing in arenacross were just getting started. Like Jeff Gibson. I think he was 16 when he got his first win. But a lot of these guys I’ve been racing with for a long time, like Kevin Johnson, who is also a real good friend of mine.
A lot of riders tend to find a home in the AMA Arenacross Series. Could you see that being something in your future?
Yeah, possibly. Brock Sellards lived with me for a couple months back in 2007 and the one thing he said he liked about arenacross was there was a lot more camaraderie between the riders. You just enjoy the people and the riders. Supercross tends to be so competitive that sometimes you just gotta do whatever it takes to win.
What would be a goal for you this weekend?
I’d like to win. I won my last two races in Liverpool and London and I was riding real well. I raced the Phoenix Supercross and I didn’t qualify for the main, but in the last chance race I got the holeshot but got passed by Tommy Hahn and James Stewart and got third. So that was a bit disappointing, but I’m actually riding pretty decent and I expect to win.
What’s your plan for the rest of the year once this weekend passes?
I was planning on continuing on with the supercross series but I have a son that is 22-months old and my wife has a business that is doing really well, so I’ve kind of become a Mr. Mom taking care of my son. I’m 31, kind of towards the end of my career, but I really enjoy riding. I’m in shape and I can still ride well and I still really enjoy racing.
Advance tickets are available for this weekend’s San Antonio Arenacross at the Alamodome Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone and ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race.
Fans in attendance also can take part in the Track Party on Saturday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for the chance to meet the riders and get autographs. Simply recycle any MONSTER ENERGY can at the gate entrance for FREE admission. Must have valid Saturday event ticket to enter.
Tickets for all rounds of the 2010 season can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and www.arenacross.com.
For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.
About Feld Motor Sports?
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.
As part of the AMA Arenacross Series debut from one of the most renowned cities in the country, longtime supercross competitor and former FIM World Supercross Champion Heath Voss will make a guest appearance at this weekend’s race.
The Texas resident from nearby Mico has been traveling the globe so far in 2010, competing in several supercross events in Europe as well as the Phoenix round of Monster Energy Supercross. He is eager to make his long-awaited return, last competing in the AMA Arenacross Series over a decade ago, and couldn’t be more excited about the chance to race in front of his family and friends.
Heath, I’m just going to ask the question that everyone is wondering. What brings you to the AMA Arenacross Series this weekend?
Well, it’s in San Antonio. I’m pretty excited because I got a lot of friends and family that would like to come to the race. I’ve raced the supercross series for I think like 13 years in a row and I finished top ten (in points) for eight years. I’ve been there and done that. Last year, I wanted to race a bunch a races in Europe and didn’t do it. So this year I’ve been racing in Germany and England. I’m kind of looking forward to this race because it’s a local event and all my friends can come. A lot of the guys that race arenacross are all my old friends so I’m (also) excited to get to see them.
You’ve gotten the taste of racing arenacross by racing at the US Open a few times. Do you think that experience as well as racing in Europe will help you in adjusting on Saturday night?
Well, I raced the (AMA) Arenacross Series back in the late 90’s. I used to use it as a warm up for racing supercross. In fact, one year I raced the first four rounds and had the points lead. I always really enjoyed it. When I lived in Minneapolis, the first round was always in Des Moines and a lot of the rounds were close by so I could drive to them. Living here in Texas now since 2000, its takes a big effort to get to the races so I’m excited it’s here in San Antonio.
Comparing supercross to arenacross, what makes the sport so unique and so well-loved among its competitors?
Well, the tracks are tighter and the starts are really important since it can be difficult to pass. Its kind of a bull ring because people contact one another. And its not that the tracks are easy, but everyone seems like everyone goes about the same speed. There is a lot of competition and its not easy (to win). Plus, there are a lot of guys that are old champions that won a lot of races and you got a lot of kids that are coming up like Tyler Bowers. He’s very talented.
You mentioned that a lot of your old friends are competing in the series. Have you had the chance to talk with any of them or maybe even train with them?
No. Everybody is so busy. I’m really good friends with Robbie Reynard and Brock Sellards. A lot of the other guys back when I was racing in arenacross were just getting started. Like Jeff Gibson. I think he was 16 when he got his first win. But a lot of these guys I’ve been racing with for a long time, like Kevin Johnson, who is also a real good friend of mine.
A lot of riders tend to find a home in the AMA Arenacross Series. Could you see that being something in your future?
Yeah, possibly. Brock Sellards lived with me for a couple months back in 2007 and the one thing he said he liked about arenacross was there was a lot more camaraderie between the riders. You just enjoy the people and the riders. Supercross tends to be so competitive that sometimes you just gotta do whatever it takes to win.
What would be a goal for you this weekend?
I’d like to win. I won my last two races in Liverpool and London and I was riding real well. I raced the Phoenix Supercross and I didn’t qualify for the main, but in the last chance race I got the holeshot but got passed by Tommy Hahn and James Stewart and got third. So that was a bit disappointing, but I’m actually riding pretty decent and I expect to win.
What’s your plan for the rest of the year once this weekend passes?
I was planning on continuing on with the supercross series but I have a son that is 22-months old and my wife has a business that is doing really well, so I’ve kind of become a Mr. Mom taking care of my son. I’m 31, kind of towards the end of my career, but I really enjoy riding. I’m in shape and I can still ride well and I still really enjoy racing.
Advance tickets are available for this weekend’s San Antonio Arenacross at the Alamodome Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone and ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race.
Fans in attendance also can take part in the Track Party on Saturday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for the chance to meet the riders and get autographs. Simply recycle any MONSTER ENERGY can at the gate entrance for FREE admission. Must have valid Saturday event ticket to enter.
Tickets for all rounds of the 2010 season can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and www.arenacross.com.
For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.
About Feld Motor Sports?
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.