MDK/Warthog Nation Runs Hog Wild in San Francisco
Newbury Park, CA. The 2009 AMA Monster Energy Supercross season headed up to San Francisco on January 31st with everyone expecting inclement weather. Boy, were we wrong. The weather and AT&T Park provided perfect conditions for racing the world’s most awesome sport -- Supercross And in many ways, the night turned out to be the MDK/Warthog Nation’s most successful yet.
Once again, the captain of the Warthog Nation, Mastercraft’s Heath Voss, put in an outstanding race. After a crash in the Heat, Heath had to qualify through the death defying LCQ. He got it done with a strong second to Davi Millsaps. In the main, after a mediocre start, Heath put his head down and charged up into 11th position, making him, for the second week in a row, the first non-factory rider across the line. Due to his great performance, he blitzed past Paul Carpenter in the race for Privateer of the Year honors, even after missing one race in the series to date.
Eight MDK/Warthog Racing Academy riders easily qualified for the night show. Seventeen year-old wunderkind Tyler Bowers qualified well within the top 20 in the Supercross class. Following a bit back of Bowers were Manu Rivas, Antonio Balbi, Eric Sorby, and Tiger Lacy, on his MDK Speedster. In Lites qualifying, Rhett Urseth led the way, followed by Ross Johnson, and Mike Horban.
The Heat races were not kind to the members of the Warthog Racing Academy – Sorby missed his transfer spot by one while the rest of the guys had problems of their own.
The shining star of the week was Tyler Bowers, who rode an excellent Heat race to qualify easily for the main -- his first time ever on a big bike!!
In Supercross class LCQ, MDK/Warthog Racing Academy riders placed four riders in the top seven spots. Unfortunately, they weren’t the money spots and they’ll have to regroup and get ready for next week.
In the Lites Heat action, Ross Johnson missed it by one spot with the rest of the guys further back.
The Warthog Nation came on strong in the main events. Heath nailed an excellent result while MotoConcepts Racing (MCRMX), a primary member of the 2009 Warthog Nation, had an excellent night. Ben Coisy, Cole Siebler, Daniel McCoy, and Jeff Alessi all made the main events, posting 12th, 13th, 15th, and 20th respectively on their MDK Speed Equipment Honda race bikes.
Also joining the Warthog Nation for 2009 is the always popular Fire and Police MX team featuring Carlos Gonzalez and Justin Keeney. Carlos and Justin run KTMs built by MDK Speed Equipment and Justin had a breakthrough weekend, placing 12th in the main.
Needless to say, the Warthog Nation movement is growing rapidly. Philosophically, the Warthog Nation is really just the embodiment of a fundamental Warthog Racing principle -- Warthog Racing has always been about the “big tent” philosophy. We welcome partnerships with all like-minded teams and organizations that want to work together to make the sport of Supercross and Motocross a grand sport for the Privateer racers.
This season would not be possible without our committed and actively engaged sponsor/partner group. For 2009, we have teamed up with the following entities: MDK Motorsports, MDK Speed, DeCal Works, Smooth Industries, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), P-LoK, MotoConcepts, Transworld Motocross, Vanquish MX, DT1 Air Filters, MXResultz.com, Devol Engineering, Liquid Performance, LongShot Racing, CP Pistons, VP Fuel, Dunlop, The Plumber Inc., MB2 Raceway, Edgile Consulting, MX Sports, Vortex, MotionPro, Dana K Business Parks, The Whitaker Wellness Institute, Atlantic Promotions, NXTAgency, Relentless Media, MotoTees, RacerX Illustrated, Dirt Rider Magazine, Motocross Action Magazine, MartialMoto, Honolulu Hills Raceway, L&M Racing, and Fire and Police MX.
With this fine group, anything is possible. And special thanks to Feld Motor Sports. Because of their full support, dozens of privateers get the opportunity to live their dreams.
Take care and we’ll see you at the races!!
About Warthog Racing:
Warthog Racing (WR) is a unique company formed to better the sport of motocross. WR is comprised of two distinct entities: the not for profit Warthog Racing Academy, created to conceptualize, fund, and execute meaningful programs aimed directly at supporting the privateers; and Warthog Enterprises (WE), which focuses on merchandise and entertainment products. The WR website is at www.WarthogRacing.com
About MDK Motorsports and MDK Speed Equipment:
MDK Motorsports, LLC and MDK Speed Equipment, LLC are privately held companies and part of the MDK brand family of motocross related products and services. With 30 years of experience in Aerospace Engineering and a passion for high performance 4-stroke motocross bikes, MDK Speed Equipment delivers technology and products that have not been previously available to the general public.
AS 9003 aerospace manufacturing protocols are used, along with countless hours of dyno, flow bench, and track testing to enable MDK SE to provide products and services that deliver great performance and durability. MDK Motorsports and MDK Speed Equipment are located in San Jose, California. For more information go to www.MDKMoto.com or www.MDKSpeed.com
About DeCal Works:
Founded in 1989 by Ron and Janeen Joynt, DeCal Works has been the industry leader in pre-printed backgrounds and custom graphics for over 19 years. With a passion for racing, DeCal Works has since its early days, focused all its attention in supporting amateur and privateers riders.
“DeCal Works, The Original” www.decalmx.com
About Smooth Industries:
Smooth Industries LLC is the leader in Officially Licensed Motocross apparel and accessories using images and the likeness of the sports biggest names including Jeremy McGrath, Travis Pastrana, Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto, Kevin Windham, Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Rockstar Makita Suzuki and more. It is our goal to provide quality motocross themed products for fans of all ages, giving them fresh and innovative designs to express their passion for not only their favorite riders and teams but the sport itself in hopes of continuing to aid in the overall growth of the sport of motocross. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmoothIndustries.com
About Synergy Racing Technologies:
Synergy Racing Technologies is a group of sponsors and individuals whose mission is to: conceptualize, fund, and execute meaningful programs aimed directly at supporting the Privateers thus helping to progress the sport we love. SRT is focused on providing their riders with the best platform to succeed while making optimal use of race team resources to maximize sponsorship value.
About MotoConcepts:
MotoConcepts is a Pacific Northwest Manufacturer of innovative and unique Motorsports accessories designed for the professional and recreational rider. MotoConcepts is proud to partner with top motocross companies like MDK Speed, Warthog Racing, Smooth Industries, and DeCal Works to help support the MCRMX team. For more information visit www.MotoConcepts.com