Justin Starling came into the opening East Region round in Arlington with more support than he’s had in years past. He set up his own team this year, which is a trend that seems to be growing in our sport. Justin, as the team manager, rider, and truck driver, and his father, as the mechanic, are doing things their way. We checked in with Starling on a Wednesday afternoon when he was taking a break from being the rider and taking care of some management business.
Racer X: So, you’re a team manager this year; is that right?
Justin Starling: Yeah, pretty much. We decided to do a full team this year and I am the team manager, rider, and the driver of the rig. My dad is the mechanic. We have a really good setup with a lot of title sponsors behind us. It’s a really good setup this year.
How tough is it to be the team manager and rider?
It’s actually not that tough. It’s kind of fun. It’s definitely a bit draining, but that’s part of it. I want to go racing just as bad as everyone on the team wants to. It’s cool because I can call all of my own shots and everything is how I want it. It’s cool. I like it.
Who have you added to your program this year?
The title company is Dream Ride Florida. They are the title sponsor of the team, and they’re the huge support behind the whole thing. Riva Motorsports are awesome, getting me set up with bikes and everything as well as Pickett Weaponry. JGR MX was another huge one that stepped up for us. We have full JGR support, and the bikes are just unbelievable. They are really good and they have been by my side all year with testing and making sure my bikes are ready to go. It’s good. We have a solid program with solid sponsors behind us. BIGMX Radio is another one that is helping me out with entry fees. It’s nice to go racing without forking out a bunch of money to do it. I’m going racing just like a normal team would. I get to actually make money this year instead of spending thousands.
Let’s talk about the first two rounds where you have a fourteenth and an eighteenth so far. You want to be up further in the results don’t you?
The racing hasn’t been that great, honestly. I struggled with arm pump really bad in Dallas and it just seemed like I couldn’t shake it all day. Then I worked on some things during the week. I made a lot of progress with the bike. Then we went to Atlanta, no arm pump or anything, but I just didn’t ride well. I struggled a lot with myself and it just didn’t feel like I was riding like I should, so it wasn’t that good. I made a lot of mistakes and finished eighteenth. When I came off the track we were all pretty bummed on the whole deal. I feel a lot better this week going into Atlanta 2. I am a top-ten guy. I feel like that is where I am, and I feel like I have put in enough work and that’s where I should be. We are looking for a top-ten this weekend.
Have you changed anything on the bike or in your program this week? Are you still having an issue with arm pump?
We changed a few things with suspension this week. Really the arm pump issue was something in my head. I think the nerves got to me. It’s kind of frustrating with that, but we resolved the arm pump, and now it’s just an issue with getting a better start. I worked on starts all week too. I think we are going to be a lot better this weekend.
It’s all about the start in supercross.
Yeah, the start is definitely 100 percent of the race, in my opinion. A lot of people say, “Oh, it’s 70 percent,” but if you can get the start and just hit your marks for fifteen laps, you can stay up front. Unfortunately I went through the start in Atlanta dead last. It’s hard to pass those guys because the whole field is really good this year. So, I think the start is 100 percent of it this year, hitting your marks for fifteenth laps, and just making it happen.
Talk a bit about the bike change this year. You were on Hondas last year and you made the switch to Yamahas. It was your call, right?
I love the Hondas. They are always really good. I still think it’s a great bike. I happened to ride the Yamaha and I felt like it was a bike that was going to be better for me for the year. We made the switch over and got linked up to JGR, and it worked out better than anything we’ve had before. I have more resources with the bike. If you were to ride a stock Yamaha and compare it to my Yamaha it’s a completely different bike from the sub-frame, the chassis, and to the suspension. It’s something you can’t buy, which is good for us.
You said you are a top-ten guy; what are the goals you want to reach this series, and where do you want to be in points by the end of it?
Every weekend I want to be in every single main. Last year I couldn’t make that happen and this year that’s where I want to be. I’ve made two now in a row. In points I want to be in the top fifteen by the end of the year. Once I get that top-ten I want to stay there and just work on getting better every weekend. Hopefully we can do better than top-fifteen in points by the end of the year.
You’re driver, team manager, and rider. Your dad is your mechanic. What fuels you guys to keep going at this sport of ours?
It’s something I love. That’s the reason I do it. I always tell people the minute I'm not happy riding my dirt bike will be the minute you don’t see me at the races anymore. It’s obviously my job, but I do it because I have fun. That’s the whole goal going into the weekend, to have fun riding my dirt bike. I always want to come off of the track with a smile on my face and learning something new. I love it, my dad loves it, and it’s fun for the family. We just enjoy it and that’s why we keep going.
Where do you ride at during the week? Do you have a track at your house?
I have my track, but it’s more of a Daytona-style track. We’ll ride it after this weekend. I have been bouncing around to Stewart’s house, Zack Freeberg’s track, and I have been going to MTF and GPF a couple times as well.
Who do you want to thank for stepping up and helping you out this year?
Dream Ride Florida, Riva Motorsports, BIGMX Radio, Pickett Weaponry, The Meyer Family, J&J, Spray Textures, JGR MX, KSR Wheels, Rekluse Clutches, Twin Air, Works Connection, Streamline, Sunstar, Ti-Lube, Cycra, Enjoy MFG, ODI, Dr. Dubach, Ride Engineering, Engine Ice, Nihilo Concepts, Risk Racing, Ryno Power, Bell Helmets, 100%, Moto Hose, Sidi Boots, One Industries, Verasty Clothing, TM Designs, EveRev, MotoTape, MotoSeat, and Buddy Brooks.