If you haven’t had that “OMG” feeling yet, you should be feeling it anytime now. The fever seems to be rising in Texas! This week there have been a number of social media posts from folks prepping for the big weekend at Underground MX Park in Kemp, Texas.

As we roll into round one for the amateur portion of our championship it was just announced this week that ProX Racing Parts has signed on to be the title sponsor this year. It comes late in the process, but nonetheless there is a new title sponsor. This is good for the ATV racing industry as it proves more recognition has been presented to our sport and may be opening a few eyes around the industry. This is another step in the right direction and proof that things are moving forward and in a positive way in our sport. 

The hype leading into this round has been off the scale. The folks in the TQRA and LSQR are amped and ready for another stellar year. Randy Poulter, Pat Cassidy and all the Underground MX folks are ready to welcome the ATVMX Racin’ Nation for a second running of the Texas ATV National. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have been filled with posts of folks prepping and getting ready for the event. It looks like Root River Racing is ready as many of the racers from that team and others have been turning laps at Green Acres MX, the home compound of Ford Brothers Racing. Others took advantage of the Quad Spring Break event at Monster Mountain, and all that headed that way seem to be ready to tackle what appears to be the most competitive championship season that I have seen in some time. I think anyone who gets a chance to watch ATVMX this year will be hard-pressed to find a time when they can take their eyes off the track. 

So, who exactly are the players this year? I think folks may be surprised as to how deep the talent field is this year, and as long as all can stay healthy then we may see things we have never seen in the history of the sport. I have a feeling we are on the verge of something really big once again, and I can’t wait to see what it is. 

As the new season approaches it is time to say hello to a lot of new faces. The unfortunate side of saying hello we must also say goodbye sometimes. It isn’t easy but sometimes plans, goals and opportunities change but it isn’t the end of the world. Things will be missed, but the void will eventually be filled. Unfortunate for us we must say goodbye to miss Carol Lee Bettis with the 88 Live to Ride Foundation and Mobil Medical Services as our go to for all our “walking wounded” injuries but as Debi Bartosek explains there will be a unit this year and things are as strong as ever. 

Hi, Rodney I wanted to fill you in on what’s going on with 88 Live to Ride for the 2016 season.  

First off, I’d like to say a HUGE thank you to Carol Lee Bettis for all she did for us for the last four years and wish her the best in her new endeavors! And I’d be remiss if I didn’t also say thank you to her dad, Ronnie.  He was “johnnie on the spot” when anyone in the pro pits was setting up or tearing down or just needed a helping hand! 

We’ve got some new medical volunteers that will be helping us out this year – Tammy King, R.N. and John Orr, EMT will be splitting the season.  No, they don’t have family that race but they knew Matt and have followed what we have been doing and wanted to get involved.  Here’s a little bit about each of them: 

John Orr has been married for twenty-one years to his wife, Kathy, who just happens to be Jody Bateman’s (JB Racing) sister.  They have two children, Caitlynn, who is a freshman at Penn State Behrend studying nursing and Matthew, who is a sophomore in high school.  John and family were a big part of each of Matt’s memorial races and they attended Loretta Lynn’s this past year. 

As a teenager, John joined the local volunteer fire department where he is still an active member.  He has been involved in prehospital care for 26 years and for the last 20 years he’s worked for a paid service as an emergency medical technician.  John is a very compassionate person who we are fortunate to have join us. 

Tammy King, R.N. is pictured here with her adopted granddaughter, Olivia.  Tammy is 51 years old and resides in West Springfield, PA.  She graduated from St. Vincent School of Nursing working in the Trauma unit for five years; Heart Cath lab for three years and the last fourteen years in pharmaceutical research.  Prior to becoming a registered nurse she worked over twenty years as a Veterinary assistant/technician. 

Tammy enjoys kayaking, camping, horses and dog agility.  She and I have been long time friends and she knew Matt when he was involved in 4-H (prior to finding out an ATV goes a lot faster than a horse!).  Tammy’s enthusiasm and outgoing personality will make her a welcome addition to the 88 Live to Ride family. 

Justin Perkins, MX Sports, has been instrumental in making sure track promoters advise their ambulance crews ahead of time that the Pros are required to have an Eject, or similar, Helmet Removal System installed.  88 Live to Ride provided links to training videos for them to review and will have Eject removal tools available if needed.  Tim Cotter, Director at MX Sports, has also assured us that an Advanced Life Support (ALS) will be on hand at each event.  We deeply appreciate all that Kevin Smitley is doing, on our behalf, as he continues to negotiate with UPMC to provide a doctor for our series. 

All that we accomplish wouldn’t be possible without the help and awesome support of the ATV racing community.  From the bottom of my heart…..thank you, 

Debi Bartosek

88 Live to Ride Inc. 

The news is bitter sweet and Carol Lee will be missed in the position but it looks like competent and enthusiastic help will be filling that void. Welcome to the ATV Racin’ Nation John and Tami!

That about does it for me for now. I leave Thursday morning fly to Texas and I have a few things to tie up before I head out. Be watching Quad Radio’s Facebook page for updated interviews and more. Also be sure and check out Gloop’s Rip It Up Films page and website and like and share to help spread the word.

Let’s check in with Gloop’s Loop and Ken “ I wanna be a cowboy” Hill. Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs. 

In The Loop with Gloop:

Joel Hetrick getting some riding in before he heads down to Texas.

Congrats to Chris Furches on his first 450 win!

Keeping up with Ken Hill: 

I have to apologize for this being really short this week, but stating that I have had no time this week is a major understatement! With having a GNCC last weekend, the ATVMX this weekend and then straight to another GNCC gives me just a day or two to catch up with things here before I jump in the truck and roll out! 

However, I did just get word we got some love from a bike magazine that gave us some good mentions in their latest issue, so be sure to check it out! I’ve been saying Daytona is a magical set of circumstances that needs to be prayed upon like no other! It is a massive opportunity to reach out to new hands and get them into the race and show the world what we can do. Small steps, but big things are coming!

Did I say short on time? I know many of you are in the same boat so have safe travels to Texas and I will see everyone there! 

Check out the Born To Ride Florida article HERE!