It is hard to imagine but this time next week Christmas will be over and our attentions will turn to the new calendar year. This is such a great time of year for most as the holidays seems to bring a certain cheer to some. Let your light shine!

As far as the racing world goes it has been another hush time as folks finalize their plans for Christmas break and the upcoming racing season. This week however I think that most will be focused on the many family occasions and reunions with friends that only happen this time of year. Cherish these moments while you can and try and not let the petty things in life get you down. It could all be so different next year.

The big news in ATVMX has been the official announcement of Daytona’s ATV Supercross (ATVSX). Online registration has also begun and classes are limited and not all classes will be offered. There have been a lot of discussions about the topic and a lot of excitement. There have also been some questions and misunderstandings. The biggest piece of advice you can take right now is to log into the ATVSX FAQ section of ATVMotocross.com. The answer to your questions should all be right there.

I gather from the comment boards and social media that the announcement is huge. It is the biggest thing to take place for our sport in some time. It is another step forward that the powers that be have been working to make for some time. Actually this monumental event has been several years in the making. It wasn’t until just recently that the speedway entertained the idea and finally decided with much persuasion from Carrie Russell and Tim Cotter to make it reality. So when you get a chance, give them a “thank you!”

I also gather from the comment boards and social media that there are some negative folks out there too. That’s truly a shame and unfortunately it is people that really don’t know the whole story and have not done any of the research before they start popping off with comments. Overall though the good far outweigh the bad and the excitement is reaching fever pitch.

I would like to take a moment to comment myself on some of the legitimate concerns though. First off, read the FAQs! Yes it is going to be pricy but if you really know the cost of two-wheeled nationals then you would probably never complain about entry fees again. Yes, this one will cost a little more but it is not an ordinary race either. And furthermore, be careful what you ask for.  If you want to be in premier events and venues such as “Daytona International Speedway” then it will cost a little extra. Don’t forget you will get to watch AMA Supercross on Saturday night trackside, and it really isn’t that much when you look at the big picture.

One other thing I have heard is that it will be that last day of the event and no one will be there. This is Bike Week, and people start pouring in the week before so it is just starting to get warmed up at that point. It will be advertised in all the campaigns for the week and should bring a lot of interests since it is the first time ever that ATVs have ever raced at Daytona. And no there will not be tens of thousands fans filling the stands but you may be surprised. Then again, you may be right. No one may want to watch and this will be the only time it ever happens. If that’s the case then so be it. We tried something and that’s what counts more than anything, so please don’t knock it. If you can’t afford the time or the money or both then it will hopefully give you a goal to work for in the future. But please don’t bash organizers they aren’t trying to retire off this one event. They are simply working their butts off to make this sport better and to grow.

Now let’s check in with Ken “I’m in the Christmas Spirit” Hill:

Thanks Rodney,

Wow, we are just around the corner from another Christmas and from the looks of everyone's decorations and Christmas trees on social media, it should be a good one! I don't think I have ever seen such tall trees! And presents? Oh my, the elves sure have been busy it appears!

I was always told that giving is far better than receiving and it sure does feel good when someone opens a present that you know they have wanted, especially when it comes to the kids! I asked for some top picks on the wish list from the racing nation and boy are some of these are pretty awesome!

Jeffrey Rastrelli wants a new road bike so he can train even harder, and Josh Creamer wanted to fill his tag with a big buck. 

Youth racer Trevor Thatcher replied, " well I really want a playstation 4 but my mom told me negative, so with that crossed off, a playstation 3 game...ATV vs. MX Supercross is next in line!”

Jake Visnic wants to be in Florida riding for Christmas and Ronnie Higgerson sent me these wise words, " I'm getting where material possessions aren't what this holiday is about anymore, so for Christmas I just want to be around the people I care about and have a good/blessed time and wish everybody out there the same as well!"

Nick Gennusa is hoping to get some Beats by Dre headphones so he can jam out while training. Sure seems training is in many thoughts!

Payton Revia, well he just wants a KTM50 sr! Now Chad, Payton's father, says that's not going to happen. I am going to take this Site Lap to help Payton by putting some pressure on his dad to get him that KTM!

You see Chad, when I was young, I woke up one Christmas morning and opened all my gifts and was as appreciative as ever, until I heard a sound that changed my life forever. I looked out the window and across the road where my two friends Jason and Eric were filling the neighborhood with the sound of motorized excitement. Santa had brought Jason a Honda XR80 and Eric a Honda 200x. The feeling of being left out rushed into my soul! How could I have not known to ask for something like this that would allow me to part of this newfound bliss! It took the wind out of my sails even though I knew it was not right to not be thankful for what I did get under the tree.

That day was the start of my quest to get my own off-road mechanical device of epic proportions. I wanted a Honda 200X in the worst way and stopped at nothing to make it known. I would help carry groceries just so I could get the latest magazine to leave out with the page opened to that white and red glorious trike! I was told I would have to work for it and maybe, just maybe by the time my birthday came in late July I could get one.  And work I did, non-stop.

So the winter passed, spring turned to summer and finally the day came. I was riding shotgun in my dad’s truck as we headed to town. I had overheard a chat about a three-wheeler a few days earlier and could barely contain myself as this surprise was unfolding. Now the story goes a bit off track because we rode past the Honda dealer and turned into the Yamaha dealership, and I rode home with a Tri Moto 200. Now I was still happy but couldn't figure out why how in the world my father could make a mistake this big! Surely I had done the part of showing the model I wanted more than life itself! After running over my leg a few times I was soon riding with my friends but always and to this day some 30 years later, feel the agony of being so close to my quest that I could feel the clutch in my hand and see the shine off the red front fender!

Now don't get me wrong, I was happy and never let on that I was destroyed about not getting exactly what I wanted. So Chad, as you can see the choices one makes can affect such a young mind in so many ways. There it is, my take it to the rim attempt at helping out a fellow rider who dreams big!

In all seriousness, everyone in the series wants nothing but good health and happiness for all of you and your families during the year and especially during this holiday season. Rodney nailed it for most of us as we seek time with loved ones and the good company of friends, and a 200X or KTM50 wouldn't hurt!

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

Thanks Ken! And I have to agree that Ronnie Higgerson has the right idea about this season. I honestly think we all do but it is cool to receive the same back or even get to open a gift on occasion. It’s such a double edged sword.

Merry Christmas to all and God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.