Cody Janssen Race Report from Muddy Creek

TimeTuesday, April 8, 2014 | 12:35 PM

Coming off a solid weekend at the opening round, Pro Class rookie Cody Janssen and the rest of the 2014 Mountain Dew AMA ATV National Motocross Series headed into round 2 at Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville, Tennessee. Cody was the top rookie at round 1 in Georgia in the Pro Class, he looked to build on that momentum and recoup from some issues in Pro Am and get back in the title hunt. "I've always liked this track." Janssen said during Thursday's media session. "I look forward to making this a weekend one to remember!"

In Georgia, Cody was the top rookie in the Pro class
In Georgia, Cody was the top rookie in the Pro class Photo: Courtesy of Cody Janssen

Saturday, as always, is a full day of Pro Class racing for Cody Janssen and the rest of the world's best ATV racers. The morning starts off with two time qualifying sessions that determine your starting gate pick, followed by two 20 minutes races. Cody felt solid in qualifying, had a tough first moto, but ended the day with a phenomenal ride. In moto 2, the 21 year old went from nearly 20th up to 11th, a career best, by moto's end. "I'm happy with today." Cody said following Saturday's races. "We struggled a little bit earlier on today, but we finished it off really strong! (insert big grin) I'm a rookie, it's not supposed to be easy. I feel great about my speed, I know my FSI/Janssen Motorsports Honda is as good as anyone's, and I have a dream team of supporters and sponsors making my job as the rider as easy as possible...I'll keep working my behind off and I know that will show. But for today, I'm happy! On Wisconsin! (cheering on his own Wisconsin Badgers ahead of Saturday night's Final Four game)"

With Sunday comes the Pro Am class, two 15 minute moto's. Janssen came into 2014 as one of the favorites to win the Pro Am National Championship, after some issues last week, he was ready to put those behind him with a good showing. Moto 1 started with a little tangle up for the #40, but he was able to rebound and climb up to 5th by moto's end. "I'm confident we can be on the podium today." Cody said smiling. "We just need to go get a start!" He got that good start he was asking for, but his podium aspirations were quickly derailed by yet another tangle up while try to pass on another rider. "I wouldn't be so disappointed, but it was right there at my fingertips." Janssen said. "I felt really good, I had the speed to contend for the win in that second moto, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be today. I know I have the speed, just need a tiny bit of luck and we'll be set. Put together a good round or two and we'll be back in the championship hunt."

Cody's start to the Pro Am class didn't start how he would have liked, but he knows soon enough he will be back in the championship chase
Cody's start to the Pro Am class didn't start how he would have liked, but he knows soon enough he will be back in the championship chase Photo: Courtesy of Cody Janssen

Last but not least, Cody must thank all his sponsors and supporters because without such great people he wouldn’t even have a chance to be at the races. First and foremost his team, FSI/Janssen Motorsports, Roy, Faye, and Troy Hill, Jimmy Sims, his amazing family, friends, and fan base. Thank you to Elka Suspension for everything they do for #40, phenomenal products and even better people. Also, Maxxis Tires, SSI Decals, Walsh Racecraft, Makson Construction, FMF, Renthal, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Dynamite ATV, Quadtech, Tweeked Powderworks, Honda East Toledo, Rath, Hinson Clutches, Stephen Propson at P501, CP Pistons, KIK ATV, Maxima, Sunstar, D.I.D, Don Straus, 136 Photography, Pro-Tec, ASM13, Jeremiah Jones, Jeremy Edwards, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, Terry Moore at Advanced Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, his phenomenal mechanics Todd and Dan, and everyone else that supports him.

After a short break, the next race takes place in Mount Morris, PA on the weekend of May 17-18. In the meantime, Cody invites everyone to join in his Autism Awareness Campaign on Twitter (and Facebook) as April is Autism Awareness Month. God bless you all and see you soon!

Join Cody during April in his Autism Awareness Campaign on Twitter @codyjanssen25 (and on Facebook)
Join Cody during April in his Autism Awareness Campaign on Twitter @codyjanssen25 (and on Facebook) Photo: Courtesy of Cody Janssen