How many times in life do we wait for “the call”? You know….the call to inform you that you got the job, or the call to the bullpen to let you know that you will be the next pitcher in the ball game. Well, I never got the call. You see, I used to be an up and coming motocross racer that got started a little too late in life and never got the call to be on a team. That was until last Wednesday, New Years Eve. I was asked to attend the Anaheim Supercross to kick off the 2009 SX season, but not just as a fan in the stands, as part of motorcycle racing’s newest and most exciting team, the CANIDAE / Motosport / Kawasaki team.
This new team will consist of four riders in the “Supercross Lites” Class (a class for 250cc machines) and one rider in the “Supercross” Class (a class for machines with 450cc’s). The “Lites” Class is split up into to two regions. Kyle Cunningham and P.J. Larson will ride the eight “west coast” rounds and Branden Jesseman and Hunter Hewitt will handle the “east coast” events. In the premier class, Tommy Hahn will ride the big KX450F starting at the fourth round of the 2009 season in Houston, Texas due to a broken hand suffered while training for the upcoming season.
I arrived almost 2 hours before the gates were open (to say I was excited was an understatement). After what seemed like an eternity, I met with Jim Mantych of CANIDAE Racing. Jim is responsible for the marketing and promotions of CANIDAE Pet Foods. Jim provided the necessary credentials, and we headed past the gates and security guards who have kept me out since I started attending Supercross races in the late eighties. As I wandered the pits and got used to the fact that some huge rent-a-cop was not going to ask me “How did you get in here?” and briskly escort me to the parking lot, I was amazed at the size and extravagance of the small city that had been erected by the race teams and sponsors in this former parking lot. Huge, outfitted, race team trailers with gigantic awnings served as rolling shops for the teams. The trailers formed the temporary city and under each was a well-polished team that hustled with excitement and purpose. Even in the “Privateer Section” (a “privateer” is a rider that does not ride for a large, sponsored team and pays for most of his expenses out of his or mom and dad’s pocket), most were in large motor homes or in trailers that were stocked with bikes, parts, and riding gear. I was in awe!
When we approached the CANIDAE / Motosport / Kawasaki team, I was impressed by the team’s size and professionalism. This did not look like a new team searching to find its way, but a team that had a plan. The riders were getting ready for their first practice session while the mechanics attended to every detail on the bikes. Bill Keefe, the team’s manager, never had to bark orders because everyone knew exactly what to do. He had hand built this team to ensure everyone knew their roll at this first event. He obviously had done a great job as this team moved with the precision of an expensive timepiece.
Later, as I walked down the tunnel that led the riders onto the track, I could not help but daydream of what it would be like to make this walk as a racer. I shivered with excitement and goose bumps covered my arms, as I got closer to the entrance to the stadium. I could see the track with its huge jumps and deep whoops covering the stadium floor. Wwatching Team CANIDAE rider P.J. Larson prepare to ride, I reflected on my childhood when a BMX bike was my make-believe motocross motorcycle and I was pretending to be David Bailey winning the Supercross in the L.A. Coliseum. I was truly a kid in a candy store. Jamie Ellis, P.J.’s mechanic, looked into the eyes of the team’s rookie sensation and reminded him, “Just take it easy the first few laps!” P.J. clicked the bike down into first gear and rolled out to the stadium floor for the first race of his Supercross career. P.J. did not listen very well. He apparently had a different plan. He attacked the track and quickly established himself as the one to beat during practice session #1. As each lap progressed, the leader board consistently listed #87 on top. In Supercross, the bikes have transponders that record the lap times during each practice session. The fastest riders receive first choice for starting position in the actual race. P.J. was carving up the track with the precision of a surgeon as he tried different race lines and worked out the jump sequences. P.J was ready for the challenge that lay ahead.
The second practice showcased Team CANIDAE’s other Supercross West “Lites” rider, Kyle Cunningham. Kyle is well known in the sport, although he is new to the CANIDAE team this year. Kyle has been touted as one of the best up and coming riders on the circuit. In 2008, Kyle finished in 11th place in the West championship. Like P.J. during practice, Kyle was on the gas and wasted little time moving up the leader board. He was in the top spot on several occasions and placed third. Team CANIDAE was ready for the show!
Back in the Team CANIDAE pits, I watched the riders signing autographs and spoke with Robert Bemis from CANIDAE about CANIDAE’s line of pet foods and the connection with Supercross. He explained how Supercross fans are predominantly not the type of people to sit on the couch when not sitting in their seat inside Angle Stadium. They live very family oriented, active lifestyles and most, if not all, have pets whom they care about very much. As Robert told me about CANIDAE’s All Natural Pet Foods, I realized that I had been neglecting my own best friend at home by not serving him the very best food possible. I could also see that their marketing strategy was working, because fans came by the booth by the thousands to get a sample of all natural food for their dogs or cats and to catch a glimpse of the team riders and bikes. There was a great time had by all, and it was terrific to see the children’s faces light up, as they talked about their family pets.
Just after dusk, we headed into the stadium for the races and we found almost every one of the 45,050 seats filled. The crowd was electric with anticipation. As the lights came back on after the opening ceremony, which included fireworks and lasers, it became obvious it was time to get serious about racing. Heat 1 for the “Lites” was in the starting gate and Team CANIDAE’s P.J. Larson was lined up right where he wanted to be. The gate dropped and the 2009 SX season was underway as 20 riders fought for a spot wide enough for only two or three riders in corner #1. The mayhem had begun. It was difficult to think that only nine riders from this heat would move on to the main event. P.J. got pinched off on the start and was way behind as the riders flashed by on the opening lap. As his nerves subsided, P.J. began to charge toward the front passing riders. By the second lap, he had moved up to 8th and was 11.119 seconds behind the leader, in a transfer position to the main event. On lap 3 of the 6-lap heat, P.J. had gained on the leaders by over a second and moved into 7th place. With two laps to go, Larson was trailing Jeff Alessi, who had been battling Michael LaPaglia for 5th place. The CANIDAE rider stormed through the whoops so fast that LaPaglia had no idea he was there and turned down into P.J. causing a violent collision. With too much damage to the bike and his hand from this crash, the rookie sensation would have to try to make the main through the L.C.Q.
Heat Race 2 was just as exciting with a much better result for the team. Kyle and his #36 Kawasaki had a mid-pack start and had trouble getting around slower riders. The track was littered with fallen bikes and riders as Kyle skillfully maneuvered through them. On lap 3, Cunningham was in 11th place with only 3 laps to go and 3 spots outside of a transfer position. Kyle passed five riders in the next three laps to not only secure a spot in the main event, but to also give him a top ten gate pick. The CANIDAE / Motosport / Kawasaki team was officially in the big show!
The CANIDAE, “Lucky Dog” Last Chance Qualifier is the toughest race of the night and no place to be if you can help it, but that is where Team CANIDAE / Kawasaki’s, P.J. Larson found himself. In the L.C.Q., only the top two riders of the twenty at the gate transfer to the main. A rider needs a great start and no crashes to give him any chance of success. As the gate dropped, it was obvious that something was wrong with P.J. The crash in the first heat hyper extended P.J.’s thumb much worse than originally thought, and P.J. wisely pulled out of the L.C.Q. to ensure his safety. It was the right choice, but he obviously was dissapointed.
This new team will consist of four riders in the “Supercross Lites” Class (a class for 250cc machines) and one rider in the “Supercross” Class (a class for machines with 450cc’s). The “Lites” Class is split up into to two regions. Kyle Cunningham and P.J. Larson will ride the eight “west coast” rounds and Branden Jesseman and Hunter Hewitt will handle the “east coast” events. In the premier class, Tommy Hahn will ride the big KX450F starting at the fourth round of the 2009 season in Houston, Texas due to a broken hand suffered while training for the upcoming season.
I arrived almost 2 hours before the gates were open (to say I was excited was an understatement). After what seemed like an eternity, I met with Jim Mantych of CANIDAE Racing. Jim is responsible for the marketing and promotions of CANIDAE Pet Foods. Jim provided the necessary credentials, and we headed past the gates and security guards who have kept me out since I started attending Supercross races in the late eighties. As I wandered the pits and got used to the fact that some huge rent-a-cop was not going to ask me “How did you get in here?” and briskly escort me to the parking lot, I was amazed at the size and extravagance of the small city that had been erected by the race teams and sponsors in this former parking lot. Huge, outfitted, race team trailers with gigantic awnings served as rolling shops for the teams. The trailers formed the temporary city and under each was a well-polished team that hustled with excitement and purpose. Even in the “Privateer Section” (a “privateer” is a rider that does not ride for a large, sponsored team and pays for most of his expenses out of his or mom and dad’s pocket), most were in large motor homes or in trailers that were stocked with bikes, parts, and riding gear. I was in awe!
When we approached the CANIDAE / Motosport / Kawasaki team, I was impressed by the team’s size and professionalism. This did not look like a new team searching to find its way, but a team that had a plan. The riders were getting ready for their first practice session while the mechanics attended to every detail on the bikes. Bill Keefe, the team’s manager, never had to bark orders because everyone knew exactly what to do. He had hand built this team to ensure everyone knew their roll at this first event. He obviously had done a great job as this team moved with the precision of an expensive timepiece.
Later, as I walked down the tunnel that led the riders onto the track, I could not help but daydream of what it would be like to make this walk as a racer. I shivered with excitement and goose bumps covered my arms, as I got closer to the entrance to the stadium. I could see the track with its huge jumps and deep whoops covering the stadium floor. Wwatching Team CANIDAE rider P.J. Larson prepare to ride, I reflected on my childhood when a BMX bike was my make-believe motocross motorcycle and I was pretending to be David Bailey winning the Supercross in the L.A. Coliseum. I was truly a kid in a candy store. Jamie Ellis, P.J.’s mechanic, looked into the eyes of the team’s rookie sensation and reminded him, “Just take it easy the first few laps!” P.J. clicked the bike down into first gear and rolled out to the stadium floor for the first race of his Supercross career. P.J. did not listen very well. He apparently had a different plan. He attacked the track and quickly established himself as the one to beat during practice session #1. As each lap progressed, the leader board consistently listed #87 on top. In Supercross, the bikes have transponders that record the lap times during each practice session. The fastest riders receive first choice for starting position in the actual race. P.J. was carving up the track with the precision of a surgeon as he tried different race lines and worked out the jump sequences. P.J was ready for the challenge that lay ahead.
The second practice showcased Team CANIDAE’s other Supercross West “Lites” rider, Kyle Cunningham. Kyle is well known in the sport, although he is new to the CANIDAE team this year. Kyle has been touted as one of the best up and coming riders on the circuit. In 2008, Kyle finished in 11th place in the West championship. Like P.J. during practice, Kyle was on the gas and wasted little time moving up the leader board. He was in the top spot on several occasions and placed third. Team CANIDAE was ready for the show!
Back in the Team CANIDAE pits, I watched the riders signing autographs and spoke with Robert Bemis from CANIDAE about CANIDAE’s line of pet foods and the connection with Supercross. He explained how Supercross fans are predominantly not the type of people to sit on the couch when not sitting in their seat inside Angle Stadium. They live very family oriented, active lifestyles and most, if not all, have pets whom they care about very much. As Robert told me about CANIDAE’s All Natural Pet Foods, I realized that I had been neglecting my own best friend at home by not serving him the very best food possible. I could also see that their marketing strategy was working, because fans came by the booth by the thousands to get a sample of all natural food for their dogs or cats and to catch a glimpse of the team riders and bikes. There was a great time had by all, and it was terrific to see the children’s faces light up, as they talked about their family pets.
Just after dusk, we headed into the stadium for the races and we found almost every one of the 45,050 seats filled. The crowd was electric with anticipation. As the lights came back on after the opening ceremony, which included fireworks and lasers, it became obvious it was time to get serious about racing. Heat 1 for the “Lites” was in the starting gate and Team CANIDAE’s P.J. Larson was lined up right where he wanted to be. The gate dropped and the 2009 SX season was underway as 20 riders fought for a spot wide enough for only two or three riders in corner #1. The mayhem had begun. It was difficult to think that only nine riders from this heat would move on to the main event. P.J. got pinched off on the start and was way behind as the riders flashed by on the opening lap. As his nerves subsided, P.J. began to charge toward the front passing riders. By the second lap, he had moved up to 8th and was 11.119 seconds behind the leader, in a transfer position to the main event. On lap 3 of the 6-lap heat, P.J. had gained on the leaders by over a second and moved into 7th place. With two laps to go, Larson was trailing Jeff Alessi, who had been battling Michael LaPaglia for 5th place. The CANIDAE rider stormed through the whoops so fast that LaPaglia had no idea he was there and turned down into P.J. causing a violent collision. With too much damage to the bike and his hand from this crash, the rookie sensation would have to try to make the main through the L.C.Q.
Heat Race 2 was just as exciting with a much better result for the team. Kyle and his #36 Kawasaki had a mid-pack start and had trouble getting around slower riders. The track was littered with fallen bikes and riders as Kyle skillfully maneuvered through them. On lap 3, Cunningham was in 11th place with only 3 laps to go and 3 spots outside of a transfer position. Kyle passed five riders in the next three laps to not only secure a spot in the main event, but to also give him a top ten gate pick. The CANIDAE / Motosport / Kawasaki team was officially in the big show!
The CANIDAE, “Lucky Dog” Last Chance Qualifier is the toughest race of the night and no place to be if you can help it, but that is where Team CANIDAE / Kawasaki’s, P.J. Larson found himself. In the L.C.Q., only the top two riders of the twenty at the gate transfer to the main. A rider needs a great start and no crashes to give him any chance of success. As the gate dropped, it was obvious that something was wrong with P.J. The crash in the first heat hyper extended P.J.’s thumb much worse than originally thought, and P.J. wisely pulled out of the L.C.Q. to ensure his safety. It was the right choice, but he obviously was dissapointed.
The main event showcased 22 of the best Lites riders on the planet with only one thing on their minds... WIN! The #36 Kawasaki of Kyle Cunningham carried the hopes of the entire CANIDAE / Motosport / Kawasaki team with him as he launched out of the gate with a good start in 6th place right behind last year’s West Coast champion, Jason Lawrence. As the pack rounded the second corner after the torturous whoop section, Jason Lawrence went down hard leaving Kyle no where to go but into the back of him causing the 19 year old rider to hit the ground with several other racers. Surprisingly, Kyle was able to continue the race and resumed in 20th place Within 1 lap, he had made his way up to 18th. Cunningham tried to work his way to the front, but on lap 4, he was slammed by last years East Coast Champion, Trey Canard. The crash was too severe, as his shift lever twisted under the engine case and put a hole in the ignition cover. The bike was stuck in second gear and Kyle was forced to pull into the pits to try to repair his bike. Kyle’s mechanic, Steve Westfall, worked feverishly to get the bike fixed, but it was too damaged and too late so the team called it a night.
It was a wonderful start to what promises to be an exciting year of racing for this great team. The riders proved they have the speed to contend. The team showed they have great leadership and direction as well as great backing from its sponsors CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods, Motosport.com and Kawasaki USA. This team will be a major force in this ultra competitive racing series, and I cannot wait to watch the race on Speed Channel tomorrow even though I was there tonight.
As I drove home and reflected on an incredible night with a terrific team, I could not help but think of how wonderful this sport is and clearly see that it is in good hands with the stars of today and CANIDAE’s stars of tomorrow. I also thought about Sunday. Sunday is the day when all the fans will travel to their local motocross track to ride and enjoy this great sport, albeit at a much slower pace. Know I will be out at the track with my son and we will ride all day, of course, right after I stop by my local CANIDAE dealer to take care of my best buddy. See you out there.
Jason Cobb
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