Friday, December 29, 2017 | 9:00 AM
The National season has come to an end for the likes of ATVMX Pro Cody Janssen, but that doesn’t mean that racing is totally done for 2017 just yet. Coming off a few strong weeks that saw Janssen win the Kyler Lenz Memorial Race and grab an AMA ATV Pro top 10 at Loretta Lynn’s, Cody looked to keep the strong finished coming. Up next was the 2nd Annual Doug Gust ATV/UTV Showdown as part of the Kenosha County Fair. In 2016, Janssen hoisted the first place trophy at the end of the night and he was on a mission to do it again.
On a mission he was, Janssen grabbed the holeshot in the qualifying race and next looked back. Looking like the top tier professional he is, Cody won his heat race in supreme fashion. Heading into the main event, Janssen knew he would need to bring his A game to defend his title against a couple of other AMA ATV Pros (Sam Rowe and Zach Kaczmarzyk) and an assortment of additional National riders. After the ceremonial fireworks had concluded, it was time to go racing and let the real fireworks take place. Cody Janssen aboard his #25 machine grabbed the holeshot and the early lead, but blew a corner just a few corners into the race. Now back in 4th place, Cody quickly regrouped making the move for 3rd at the end of the opening lap. In the same corner he had blown the lap before, Cody made the pass for second before stalking down the leader and making the pass for the lead before the half way point. Janssen would stretch his lead, grab the win, and become the 2-time defending Doug Gust ATV/UTV Showdown Champion. What a great night of racing!
“Man, did it feel great to get this win tonight!” Cody said post-race. “I love this event so much, one of my favorite events of the year – I had a blast! When you get the win against some great competition like we had tonight, it’s always going to feel good! Just happy to put a W in the win column for all the people who support me. Nights like these are what I live for, a big thank you goes out to Doug [Gust] and Cindi [Hart] for another incredible event.”
After the Doug Gust ATV/UTV Showdown, Janssen and his team headed north to the Eagle River ATV Derby World Championship where he looked to regain his 2015 World Championship after being runner up last season. A bad start, one lined track, and lappers were all a factor and Cody couldn’t reclaim his title. That being said, he’ll be back next year to reclaim his World Championship that he believes is rightfully his!
So many great people make being the 2-time Doug Gust ATV/UTV Showdown Champion possible, Cody must thank all the incredible individuals who show their support and make competing at the highest level possible. He must thank the Londerville family and Londerville Steel for coming on as the title sponsor for this season, without Jereme and his family none of this would be possible. Thank you to Heartland Building Co., Elka Suspension, Maxxis Tires, Jay at Impact Solutions, SSI Decals, Walsh Racecraft, Valvoline, FMF, Pivot Works [Vertex, Hot Cams, Hotrods], Koster Racing, Hinson Clutch Components, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, E-Z UP, Midwest Restoration, Cliff Cox at Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Risk Racing, the Stanfield family at Napa of Peru, Indiana; Pafford EMS, Reynolds Body Shop, Outlaw Mx LLC, FourWerx Carbon, 1st Endurance, DT-1 Filters, Sunstar Sprockets, D.I.D Chains, Nova Racing Gears, Galfer USA, Rath Racing, Renthal, Works Connection, 4Arm Strong, Don Straus, Pro-Tec, Energy Release, Precision PowderCoat, Goldspeed, Jeremy Edwards at Edwards Auctioneering, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, Kay Gunn PT, Frank Vallone/Vallone Racing and family, Dream Chaser Designs, CV4, Xceldyne, Amped Apparel, Dominic Sumpolec’s The Program, CP-Carrillo, Motion Pro, Pro Moto Billet, Dynamite ATV, his phenomenal mechanics (Joel Janssen, Haley Davis, Dan Binder, and Tom Culshaw), and everyone else that supports him. The final round of the Wisconsin ATV Championship series is left on the schedule. Cody will be on the awards given out at this event and will look to officially wrap up his state title! Stay tuned and God bless.