Ivan Tedesco came off the bench after an injury and helped the United States win the MX des Nations this year, but the time frame to make Anaheim 1 is much different. Hotsauce is seeing his doctor today and will have an update for us tonight. I know we all want to see him out there!
Nick Wey had some impressive holeshots in Canada, but he has been working this week on his corner speed while wrestling a 1983 Works CR500 around the track. He knew those were the bikes of "real men" and just wants to make sure everyone knows he is in fact, a "real man." Tricky wanted to try his hand at our job, so he will be coming to us live from Angel Stadium tonight. I did not think much would be going on four days before the race, but we will find out tonight with his on-site pit reporting.
Bevo Forte has made the popular New Year’s resolution to lose weight, but the difference is the entire industry will be watching. Bevo’s weight loss is not just so we can see him in a speedo, but will be a fundraiser to bring awareness and support for the RiderDown Foundation. Bevo will update us on his progress after the tempting holidays, and also break down the upcoming season.
David Vuillemin is a fan favorite for many reasons and his fans were pleased to see him land a ride with the proven MDK team for 2007. His silky smooth South Jersey accent is well known in the pits and we always enjoy having, "KitKat" on. Check out www.dv12.com.
Andrew Short had a heartbreaking season last year after losing the Lites championship by eight points at the final round. That frustration carried over into the outdoor season where Shorty injured his knee toward the end of the season. He is leaving that all behind him as he moves up to the Factory Honda 450 for 2007. He is driving to California from Texas tonight and will check in from somewhere in between.
Ashley Fiolek made the move up to the Honda 125 for Mino O’s and came away with a supercross title and some impressive overall finishes as well. Her accomplishments on the bike match her wonderful personality off the bike. You can’t help but smile when being around this 15-year-old phenom, and her hearing disability has done little to hold her back. Her father and biggest fan, Jim Fiolek, will help us out with the interview tonight.
Toyota continues to be the standard in outside sponsorship for our sport. They are not just about handing out bikes, but rather focused on the rider as an individual. The TMX Development Clinic addresses the transition from the amateurs to the pros, and will be held at Anaheim 1 at the Toyota Zone in the pits by the Thor tent. Brian Leib will be on to give us some more details on the program and what is in the pipeline for TMX. Check out www.RideTMX.com.
