RYLAN MUNSON | #382 | Pro MX/SX Rider | CRS Factory Team
CRS Factory Team Member and Professional MX/SX Racer Rylan Munson (#382) started working with Coach Robb and Complete Racing Solutions in 2020. Rylan is a unique combination of extreme kindness off the bike, but fiercely competitive on the bike. He is extremely dedicated to the process of building athletic durability, speed, and endurance without allowing himself to become run down and exhausted.
Rylan is the first racer to transition from the amateur ranks to the pro ranks representing the CRS brand. He developed under the Complete Racing Solutions Amateur Development Program and was selected for the CRS Factory Race Team in 2022. Since joining the Factory Team, he has earned his professional SX and MX licenses. We are excited about Rylan’s potential in future years!
How did you get into riding dirt bikes?
My dad introduced me to moto. My brother and sister were already into riding and racing, so I was literally born into it spending all my childhood at the track on and around dirt bikes.
Did you always want to be a professional motocross racer?
Yes, and no. As a kid I never really thought about it, and we just raced for fun, and I went to public school. When I got a little bit older, I tried football and that was okay, but I always continued to ride, even after football practice. When I turned 14, I really started taking my racing seriously and started to think it was what I wanted to do. I was home schooled after middle school and ended up graduating high school at 15 years old, so I was able to just start working for my dad and racing. I wasn’t training in the best way and had kind of peaked as a top local B rider. In 2020, I started working with Robb and we really elevated my body and racing, and I started producing really good results and quickly knew that I wanted to go pro so I moved to Florida to train full time and the rest is history.
What is the most challenging aspect of racing professionally?
Definitely how taxing race day is on the body. It is a completely different challenge than anything in the amateur ranks.
What is your greatest memory as a racer?
Wow, there are so many good memories! From winning races to accomplishing goals…but I would have to say some of my greatest memories are going to the track with my dad and spending that time with him and my friends, joking around, and laughing, and just completely enjoying life.
What professional racer do you admire the most, and why?
Definitely Eli Tomac for me. He is from Colorado like I am, and I have always looked up to him. I look up to him because he is insane on a dirt bike. He completely shows the definition of grit and is incredibly fit to muscle the bike wherever he needs it to go. He also has great race craft, but mainly I love the fitness he has over his competition.
Outside of moto, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy my cross training and fitness so much. I also really enjoy just about anything where I am able to be outside. I need to get a surfboard because I really enjoy the beach and surfing. If I am not riding or doing something with training, I want to be chilling in the sun at the beach!
What is your number one goal this year?
To make a night show in Supercross.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming racers?
Work hard and don’t skip days. You never know when you will need to cash in that work later in your career.
Do you prefer Colorado over Florida, or have you found another state that you would like to train and race in?
I prefer Florida for sure. I lived in Colorado my whole life and I like it there, but Florida is the best for me. I feel better in Florida, and I am able to focus and train. I also like the tracks in Florida a lot more. Also getting to ride and race full time is huge compared to Colorado where it is frozen half the year.
Who helps you get to the races?
Mostly my dad, brother, and Munson Excavating. Without them I really couldn’t be where I am at with my racing! Also, all of my other great sponsors such as Distinguished Radiant Heating and Plumbing and Greater Grounds Landscaping. Also, Robb Beams with Complete Racing Solutions. He is huge for me. I would really like to thank Robb and the whole CRS staff for everything they have done for me, and I look forward to a great future representing CRS at the highest level of racing!
CHASE DASHIELL | #196 | CRS Elite Team
CRS Elite Team Member Chase Dashiell (#196) started with CRS as a Member and has been on our Elite Team radar since early 2022, but not just because of his race results, but because of his attitude and perseverance when things are not going ideally. Within the CRS Elite Team program, we strictly adhere to the concept that it isn’t what happens to you, but how you handle it. Giving up or getting upset isn’t going to change the circumstances. The athletic maturity that Chase demonstrates is way beyond his age and finding him at the front of national races is not a surprise to anyone. Keep your eye on this guy moving forward. He is a key player in the future of our sport!
How old were you when you first started riding/racing and how did you get into the sport?
I was 2-1/2 when I started riding and 4-1/2 when I started racing. I started riding a balance bike, then an Oset electric bike, and then transitioned to a PW. My Dad grew up racing and introduced me to the sport.
What classes do you race in?
This year I rode in the 65cc (10-11) class, 65cc (7-11) class, and 85cc (9-11) class. In 2023 I will be running the 85cc classes.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I enjoy traveling with my family to different races and seeing friends we have made through the years. I enjoy the competitive side of racing, so it makes me want to work harder to improve my overall results.
Who has had the most influence on you as a rider?
My father has had the most influence on me as a rider. He has taught me how to ride, have fun, be a good sport, and how to work on and maintain my motorcycle.
Outside of moto, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of moto, I enjoy riding my bike, go-karting, surfing, and snowboarding. I also enjoy working on my motorcycle and tinkering in the garage.
What do you consider the biggest challenge on the track?
My biggest challenge on the track is having the race pace in the beginning of the moto.
Who is your favorite professional rider?
Eli Tomac is my favorite professional rider. He has been a consistent racer over time. He knows when to dial back when he is not comfortable on a track, and he can also go beast mode to make his way through a pack.
What do you like to eat the night before a big race?
I usually eat chicken, rice, and vegetables before a big race. I also make sure I am hydrated for the next day.
What are your racing goals for 2023?
My racing goals for 2023 are to work hard to be a consistent top competitor in my 85cc classes and have fun.
What are your racing goals long term?
My racing goals long term are to quality and go to Loretta’s each year and one day to become a professional motocross and supercross racer.
TONY HODGES | #885
CRS Client Tony Hodges (#885) hired Complete Racing Solutions the month before Loretta’s in 2021. In addition to cross training, riding, and racing. Tony owns and operates a very successful air conditioning business and does a good job of balancing life with training and racing. When we were first introduced, Tony felt like fitness and nutrition were holding him back from achieving his fullest potential. Due to his improved speed and endurance, Tony was able to punch his card back into Loretta’s in 2022. We look forward to continued improvement again in 2023.
How long have you been racing and how did you get into motocross?
I have been racing for about 27 years. I got into racing motocross late. As a kid growing up I played a lot of sports – football, baseball, and basketball. It wasn’t until I graduated high school and working that I was able to save and buy my motocross bike, a 1995 RM 125. I did my first race at a local track called Calhoun SX, in Calhoun, Georgia and got 3rd place on my first race. After that I was addicted to racing!
What classes do you race in?
I race in the Vet classes now, 40 and 45+. I also do some hare scrambles in the 40+ A.
How many times have you raced at Loretta’s and what is your greatest memory?
I have raced Loretta’s 8 times. One of my greatest memory was in 2009 when I finished top 10 in the 30+ class. And this year (2022), I would say is going to be my greatest even though I didn’t win or make the top 10. It was the first time my dad has gone to the gate with me and helped me prep the gate and hand me a new pair of goggles after the sight lap. Loretta Lynn’s 2022 will be one I’ll never forget!
What advice would you give a first-time qualifier?
Make sure you stay hydrated, and be in the best shape possible to race the demanding motocross track called Loretta Lynn’s. It has long deep ruts and is rough!
What is your biggest challenge as a racer?
I own and operate a heating and air business. When the weather is nice and hot out to ride, it’s also the time I’m the busiest fixing air conditioners. It is challenging, but if you are passionate about something you love to do, you can make it happen.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I enjoy the family atmosphere the sport has at the track. When I’m racing or just riding, I don’t think about the stress or anything else that life brings. Its a big stress reliever for me!
Outside of moto, what do you do for fun?
Outside of riding moto, I enjoy lots of things like hanging out at the beach with my wife Mai, hunting, and fishing. Me and my dad do a hunting trip every years in Mississippi. We’ve done that trip going on 22 years now. Fun times!
What words do you live by?
Life is short. Follow your dreams and what you are passionate about. Challenge yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to.
DAVE YOUNGLAS | #128 | GNCC Rider
CRS Client Dave Younglas (#128) is a full-time dad, private business owner, and husband, along with being a highly competitive GNCC racer. Prior to the 2022 race season, Dave had never finished inside the top 5 at a GNCC race. Through the first four rounds, Dave has gone 5th, 3rd, 4th, and garnered his first win in Round 4 at Tiger Run, Union, SC. Dave exemplifies how working effectively within a very tight schedule is not only possible but is achievable when following a proven process and system.
How did you get into the sport and how long have you been riding?
Ever since I was 5 or 6 years old, I was obsessed with dirt bikes and four wheelers. I would walk a mile just to see a dirt bike I heard in the distance. I rode BMX bikes as a kid and got my first dirt bike to ride when I was 15. My first bike was a Suzuki DR 100. My dad bought a Suzuki RM80 for my mom to ride and it was a bit much for her so once her nerves finally settled from dad flipping it over and over, they let me ride it. I caught on pretty quickly and bought a new RM125 in 1995.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
It’s my get away from the normal day-to-day. I love everything about it. The community, how it helped develop me as a person, and the physical and mental challenges associated with it. Very few understand how a dirt bike can make you feel. Most think you just sit on it and twist a throttle. It’s so much more than that and always very hard to explain. I wish I could pass the feeling on to them so they could understand.
Why did you choose off-road riding rather than motocross?
I love the learning process. I raced moto in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Now that I’m racing woods, I find so many areas that I can improve and hitting a 70′ triple doesn’t need to be one of them any longer. Going to a GNCC and l getting to race for 3 hours is awesome. The atmosphere is amazing. Just being in the woods is where my heart is. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
What classes do you currently race in?
I currently race Senior B 40+ and anticipate racing Senior A40+ next year.
What do you think is the biggest challenge of an off-road rider?
The biggest challenge is understanding the proper training. When I used to race long ago, proper nutrition, flexibility, and strength was never even thought about. I simply thought the more I rode the faster I would get. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing other than having more local guys to practice with that had the same determination. It gives me more motivation today than maybe it would have if I wasn’t learning so much. There are so many things that happen in a three-hour race. You can’t show up to a GNCC and expect your skill on a dirt bike will guarantee success. You have to put more work in than the other guys which makes it that much more rewarding.
Who is your favorite rider (MX or GNCC) and why?
I’m a huge fan of so many. First rider that always comes to mind is Travis Pastrana. There will never be another like him. On and off the track he is just unreal. What I’d do to sit by a fire and listen to an hour of his stories. If you didn’t know how insanely talented, he was you’d think his stories were made up.
In your opinion, what makes you a good rider?
I’ve been riding dirt bikes on and off for about 25 years. I’m a fairly competitive person and love to learn. I’m no different than I was when I was younger in that I love talking dirt bikes. I’m fortunate to have quite a few friends who are faster than me and I’m always drilling them with questions regarding bike setup, riding technique, and fitness.
Outside of motorsports, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy my job quite a bit. Machinist by trade. I co-own two CNC machine shops and we employ a total of approximately 45 employees. Aside from word, I have a wife and two kids. My wife is extremely supportive of everything I do and for that I am very grateful. We generally will travel to the races together and just like to travel in general. I was a guitarist in a cover band that played rock for several years but recently decided it used up too much time and didn’t give me the same feeling as the dirt bike. I also love to mountain bike and hike with the family.
What words do you live by?
Take risks others are unwilling to take. Learn from the struggles and grow from the successes. I hate hearing the phrase “I don’t have time.” We all have time if you make the time.
RICHARD MCKEOWN | #22
CRS Client Richard McKeown (#22) is a full-time racer from the United Kingdom who you will find battling for top spots in the British Championship, as well as a few select MXGPs. Richard balances his busy race schedule along with helping his father manage The Cookstown & District Motocross Club, where they have previously hosted a MXGP. Although 2021 has had its fair share of challenges, Richard has consistently been one of the top finishers in all of the races he has competed in this year.
How did you get into moto and how long have you been riding?
I got into Moto through my Father who used to race. I started to ride a bike when I was 4 years old and started to race at the age of 6! 35 years of moto!
What do you enjoy most about the sport of motocross?
It’s the racing…the buzz of being behind the start gate. That is what I enjoy about motocross.
What is your biggest challenge as a racer?
I think everyone faces the same challenge…being faster and improving…the daily grind trying to be a better racer.
In your opinion, what makes a good rider?
Hard work.
How would you compare tracks in the UK to those in the US?
I think our tracks in the UK are more old school scramble style, where in the US it seems to be more modern and supercross type.
If you could ride on any US track what would it be?
Southwick, 100%.
When you are not riding or racing, what are you doing?
When I am not riding or racing I am normally cleaning my bike and preparing to race again! We also run a racetrack which takes a lot of time and effort.
What motivates you?
Improving motivates me. I do my best to put 100% into life.
If you weren’t a motocross racer, what sport would you be interested in?
I enjoy all sports. I appreciate the greats in all sports but it is only moto for me!
Who is your favorite racer of all time and what question would you ask him?
Stefan Everts, and I would ask him can you win a championship on hard work alone?
Who is the most famous person in your phone?
I don’t know any famous people.
What are your plans after racing?
After racing I would like to get involved with rider development and coaching.
What are you afraid of?
I will keep that to myself. I don’t want to show weakness, right?
DEVON O’LEARY | #465 | CRS Factory Team
CRS Factory Rider Devon O’Leary (#465) is a full-time college student who balances a very hectic school schedule with working part time, family, and training. Devon’s commitment to training and the CRS Performance program earned him his first trip to Loretta’s in 2021.
How did you get into moto and how long have you been riding?
I got into Moto from my dad. He used to ride when he was a kid and wanted me to get into racing as well. I have been riding since I was 4 years old but didn’t get serious into racing until I was around 14 because I tried a lot of other sports to see what I truly loved.
What classes do you currently ride in?
I currently race in 250/450 B and Collegeboy 18-24. I sometimes race in the 250/450 B Limited classes, depending on the event.
What is your primary take away from racing Loretta’s?
For this being my first time at the ranch, I was happy with my results. I didn’t know what to expect or how I would compare with other riders, but I felt I was capable of competing at that level. Walking away from the Ranch I now see that I do belong in the field where I had questioned it in the past.
What advice would you give a first-time qualifier?
Be prepared for long motos – high-intensity, 20-minute motos. Finding rough tracks that are physically and mentally demanding, I believe, would have been the key to be even more prepared than I was.
What hurdle did you have to overcome to make it to Loretta’s?
Finding the time to train on the bike was challenging – balancing school, competing on my high school mountain bike team, and working part-time made it difficult for me to fine adequate time to ride.
Who is your favorite pro racer, and why?
Ryan Dungey is my favorite racer. I like his style both on and off the track.
Outside of moto, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy baking, cycling/mountain biking, and working on cars/bikes. My favorite thing to bake is chocolate chip cookies, but a close second is a good fudgy brownie. In my senior year of high school, I competed on my school’s mountain bike race team and grew to enjoy riding my mountain bike.
Who has had the most influence on you as a rider and young adult?
Definitely my mom and dad…from teaching me how to cook and bake, to getting me started in racing. They have allowed me to travel the country on family trips and racing, seeing different places and meeting new people, which I don’t think would be possible if they had not allowed me to start racing. Also influential in my life is Joe Kazimir. Joe has always been supportive of what I do from following me around the big bike track when I was on 50’s to most recently, working on the 10 Commandments in his backyard the week before I went to Loretta’s.
What are your racing goals for 2022?
My goal is to qualify for Loretta’s again and improve on my results from the 2021 season!
JAMES JETMAR | #8 | CRS Factory Team
CRS Factory Rider James Jetmar (#8) is a full-time corporate pilot who balances a very hectic travel schedule with family and training. James has been on the CRS Performance program for the past three years and has worked extremely hard to move himself to the front of the pack, including two trips to Loretta’s.
A lot of people don’t realize what kind of hectic schedule you have to maintain…can you share with our readers what you do for a living and how you got into the sport of motocross?
Yeah I’ve been a commercial pilot for 25 years now. It’s not like a regular 9 to 5 job with schedule being the most challenging aspect. It took some time to figure it out, but If I use my time effectively, then I can get most of my training in on the road. Then when I get home, I mostly focus on riding and making some races. I got into Motocross when I was 14 but before that my father and I rode some in the woods. I started out on a 1975 XR 75. We would venture out into the woods and about two miles in my bike would have fuel and carb problems and quit. I hated the woods at that point because now I had to somehow get my bike back to the van (of course that’s after my Dad would realize I wasn’t behind him for the last mile or so). One day we found a track behind a office complex (growing up on Long Island we took what you could get) and I quickly realized that anywhere from the track I could see the van. I was instantly hooked and and never had to push my bike out of the woods again!
What classes do you currently ride in?
I race +40 and +45 nationally and also +35 for the local races.
What is your biggest challenge as a racer?
Fear has always been my biggest challenge as a racer. I mean simply put, I don’t want to get hurt. That is something that has not changed in all my years racing, but I have learned to not run from it and to acknowledge it and move forward. With that said, it’s a work in progress.
What do you enjoy most about the sport of motocross?
I think in some ways facing your fears is what I enjoy most about moto. Whether it’s fear of failing or getting hurt. When you step up and put yourself on the starting line, or do a section you have never hit… that makes the ride home all that much better.
What areas have you made the most improvement over the last year?
The biggest improvement I’ve made recently is definitely my fitness. Every year I’m improving my base and really understanding how my body is adapting. It’s so much fun at 47 to see that you can still get stronger and faster. I’m looking forward to more improvements!
.Who is your favorite rider, and why?
I can honestly say that my favorite rider is my son Garett Jetmar. He is at college now so it has been a hard realization of mine of just how much I miss riding with him and how much it meant to me to have a buddy to go to the races with. He really pushed me up a level the past years and I got to witness him jump up multiple levels in a short time. I would see him do stuff on the bike and then incorporate into my riding so not only was it good time spent together but it really helped me improve. Yep, he’s my favorite.
How many times have you raced at Lorettas and what is your greatest memory?
I have been to Loretta’s the past two years. It is a great time. My best memory is of my son and I both picking up our bibs and hearing the staff comments on how special it is for a father and son to race at Loretta’s. That memory along with watching my son’s first moto at Loretta’s. He was “rising to the occasion” and just riding like I’ve never seen him ride before. I was giving him messages on the pit board and at some point I was just speechless and just wrote “I love you” on the board. I was so happy for him! I still have tears in my eyes thinking about that moto. Something only a parent can relate to I guess.
What has been the biggest surprise racing at Lorettas?
It’s not so much of a surprise as it is a enjoyment, but the way the track shapes up. Man it is so awesome to ride a track that has so many lines and roughs up like Loretta’s. This is no regular weekend race track. To race on a track like that just once a year makes you always want to come back. I love it!
What words do you live by?
Put everything you have into it! I don’t care if it’s your job, hobby or life. Don’t stand on the sidelines, go out and face your fears. If you fail then good for you, at least you tried and look at all the lessons you just learned. Everyday we can get better.
RITCHIE LAWLER | #113 | CRS Factory Team – Australia
Our first exposure to Ritchie Lawler was during our original Australian Riding & Performance Camp at Mount Kembla. Ritchie immediately caught our eye with his attentive listening and his eagerness to apply all concepts to the track. A naturally gifted rider (very much like Ron Lechien), Ritchie loves to jump and push the boundaries. Since working with Ritchie, we have been watching his race results and progression from the 65 cc, now up to the 85 cc. Ritchie’s size and determination on the bike reminds us of working with Adam Cianciarulo when he was on 85 cc’s. Just like Adam, Ritchie is dedicated to the necessary work to improve both his strength and endurance. 2021 is going to be a break out year for him and we are glad to be a part of his program.
How did you get started racing motor bikes?
I joined a mini bike club when I was 6 and from there we went racing and I just love it.
What classes do you currently ride in?
65 and 85 9-u12 classes.
What is your biggest challenge as a racer?
My biggest challenge as a racer is to be consistent and never give up. Keeping my confidence up helps me find my speed on the tracks we ride and find better lines. My fitness and energy levels have always been quite good but sticking to the training program Coach Robb has me on will also improve my riding and that’s probably my biggest aim for this year.
What do you enjoy most about the sport of motocross?
Definitely jumping big jumps is the most fun but racing and riding at new tracks almost every weekend is the best. I also really like supercross and stadium cross which I have just started to train on thanks to Matt Moss. He built a stadium cross track with doubles and triples and small whoops and it’s so much fun to ride.
If you were to talk with someone new to the sport, what would you suggest to them to get faster quicker?
To work on technique first and getting your body position right. Once you get that down pat you can twist the throttle harder and trust your brakes to make the corner and you will just go faster. This is what I’ve worked hard on for years and now I’m starting to find a good flow but I know I need to get a lot better at it.
Who is your favorite Australian rider, and why?
That’s a hard one because I like a lot of riders. I like the Lawrence brothers and Chad Reed, but there are a lot of riders that race the same day as I do and they are all awesome and too many to name them all.
Who is your favorite U.S. rider, and why?
Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen. Tomac is awesome to watch when he does Motocross and Supercross. To me he is so much faster than other riders. I like Ken for coming back from injuries and he flows so good that he doesn’t even look like he’s making an effort.
When you come to the U.S., what races are you looking most forward to?
Loretta Lynns or Mini O’s would be the two, but just to ride the tracks and train in America would be an awesome experience.
What are your racing goals for 2021?
To be a top 5 rider and get a few top 3’s on race days during the year.
EVRETT CLARKE | #926 | CRS Factory Team
New to the CRS Program in 2020, Evrett Clarke continues to improve both his speed and endurance after moving up to the 85 cc class. During his tenure on the 65 cc, he was consistently one of the nation’s top competitors until incurring an injury. Evrett trains in Utah and Central Florida sharing his time between Tyla Rattray’s facility and CRS Performance Camps. In six short months, he has catapulted himself back into the top 5 consistently at the top amateur national races. Watch for Evrett in summer 2021 as he returns to the Loretta Lynn’s ranch.
How old were you when you first started riding/racing and how did you get started?
I was 3 when I first started riding and 5 when I started racing. We bought a bike from a dealer who sponsored a small local mini series and my mom took me to a practice while my dad was out of town….we have raced ever since!
What classes do you currently race in?
I race in the 85 cc 9-11 and 85cc Open classes at the national races.
What is your favorite race and why?
My favorite National race is Spring a Ding Ding. The track has such a fun layout and the ruts form up really good!
What do you enjoy about the sport of motocross?
It’s fun and it’s a thrill. Also, I have made so many friend from all over…some even from other countries. The new places we go to and experiences I have had are also some I possibly would never have otherwise.
What do you think is your biggest challenge as a racer?
My biggest challenge right now is keeping my head on straight…but the challenge is always changing.
In your opinion, what makes you a good rider?
My parents and even my very first trainer have always focused on my technique, so I think that has definitely helped a lot!
Who is your favorite amateur rider and why?
Probably Chance Hymas. He is really smooth and has good flow. His form is really good too.
As we go into Mini O’s, what are you working on the most on the track?
I am trying to focus the most on myself, my technique, and the track…not what is going on around me. That will help me the most at a big race like Mini O’s.
LOGAN BEST, Triangle Cycles | Factory Yamaha | #206
CRS Factory Rider Logan Best, Triangle Cycles | Factory Yamaha, has been on the CRS program for the last three seasons while living and training at the South of the Border MX Facility under the instruction of Brandon Scharer and Matt Bisceglia. Over this time, he has developed into a national caliber racer racking up numerous wins around the country. Along the way, he has picked up the attention of Factory Yamaha, FXR, Dunlop Elite Team, Factory Connection, 6D Helmets, X Brand Goggles, among others. What is refreshing about working with Logan is that he is not afraid to put in the sweat equity, take constructive criticism, and take the time to understand and interpret the performance data that we collect and analyze weekly.
How did you get into motocross and how long have you been riding?
I have been riding since I was 4. We always had cars, motorcycles, and dirt bikes in the garage and one day I said I wanted to ride. My parents said I had to ride a bicycle without training wheels first, so I did!
What do you like most about racing motocross?
The large number of people I get to meet from all over the world. I also like the fact that unlike team sports, my results are based on MY efforts!
What are your biggest challenges as both a young man and an elite racer?
The biggest challenges are making sure I have people around me that want to help me succeed, and not just say they do.
What advice would you give to a young rider getting into the sport?
My advice would be that only you can create your success. Too many people have tons of talent but lack work ethic. You have to put in the time especially when people are not looking.
Of all the races you have done around the world, what is the most memorable for you whether you won or not?
Definitely racing for Team USA in Australia! It was amazing to meet tons of people from different countries and meet people that follow my Instagram. Also, the different racing procedures were cool too. I had a tough first moto, but winning the second moto was amazing, being the first 65 to ever hit their triple that everyone said a 65 couldn’t do! Also the support from Yamaha and winning a moto on the brand new YZ65 will always be a great memory.
Are there any sponsors you would like to thank?
The list is long! I feel that I have the most amazing group of people around me but here we go! MotoE and Coach Robb, Triangle Cycles, Yamaha, FXR, 6D, Dunlop, Asterisks, JMS Performance, Hinson, Factory Connection, SOBMX, VP Southeast, ODI, Gaerne, Flo Motorsports, Engine Ice, Real Ink Graphics, MX Tire, and of course my trainers, Brandon Shearer and Matt Bisceglia. Also Falan VanderMeer and James Hanson.
ANDY MORANO #206
CRS Rider Andy Morano earned his way to the Loretta Lynn’s National Amateur Championship for the first time in 2019. We sat down with Andy to learn more about his first experience at the big show!
How long have you been racing and how did you get started?
My father always brought us to the local races to watch but would never let us race, so when I was able to buy my own race bike (1990 YZ25) and go on my own, I started racing. My first race was a hare scramble in 1994 when I was 19. Since then I have won two AMA amateur national championships, one being on the Ice half mile oval in 2001 in Eagle River Wisconsin, and the other at Daytona in the winter short track series in 2005. I have also won four expert motocross championships in our local series in the last four years.
What is your biggest memory from Loretta’s?
I made a lot of good memories during the whole week with my wife and best friend, but being the first moto 7:30 a.m. on the last day of competition with the sun coming up, the national anthem playing, and then ripping a good solid moto to finish my best for the week was priceless!
What advice would you give a first-time qualifier?
Compete in as many area / regional qualifiers as you can so you increase your chances of qualifying…and be consistent!
What was your biggest hurdle to get to Loretta’s?
My biggest hurdle was putting in three consistent motos at Regionals while traveling and racing on new tracks that I have not practiced or competed on before.
RICH ELLIS | Off-Road Rider
We sat down with CRS rider Rich Ellis, from the Netherlands, who recently had the incredible experience of racing in one of the coolest off-road motorcycle events in the world – the Loon Plage, the 2nd race in the Enduropale du Touquet, a three-hour extreme enduro raced on the beaches of northern France. Check out the teaser video below and read more about Rich’s experience and plans to participate in the Touquet Finale.
How long have you been racing and how did you get started?
Well when we say racing, I’ve not been challenging the front in any part of my career, but I did quite a bit of road racing for about 10 years, a little bit of off road for fun.
What did you enjoy the most about the Le Touquet Beach Race?
The whole thing is buzz… there are big events, some real top riders, great tracks and its a test – three hours on the sand asks big questions of a 45-year-old who still has some techniques to button down!
If you were doing the race over tomorrow, what would you do differently?
For a guy who came towards the tail end of the order, its a bit odd to say, but on the day it went as well as it could for me. I went into the race day feeling good. I rode the plan and got my own fueling about right – loads to work on for next time but on the day it went to plan and you can’t ask for more than that.
What was your biggest hurdle to get to Le Touquet?
I’ve got three kids under 5, first up they need to sleep! Otherwise its keep the training consistency and fit a bit more saddle time in amongst work and family. Easy!
JOSHUA GUFFEY | GNCC Rider | #98
CRS Rider Joshua Guffey has been on the CRS program for over 10 years. Joshua raced motocross for many years as a top amateur rider who like others have made the jump over to off-road racing in order to enjoy more seat time at the races. With his mechanic’s help and parental guidance of his dad Randy and mom Misty, Joshua has seen similar success in the off-road scene as he previously experienced on the motocross track. Unfortunately, Joshua suffered two injuries that resulted in surgery his first year as a GNCC racer creating a bumpy road into the off-road community. Fresh and ready to resume racing, Joshua is ready to take his new found speed and fitness back to the races this weekend at the Kendra Sprint Enduro Series.
How did you get into motocross and how long have you been riding?
My dad got me interested in motocross. When I was little most of my family rode for fun on the weekends, so when we would go ride it was just a family thing which made it really fun. I started riding when I was four years old so I’ve been riding now for 17 years.
What made you transition into off-road and what has been the biggest difficulty transitioning?
I was looking for something new with racing dirt bikes and my dad raced off-road when he was a kid so I decided to give it a try and I really liked it from the start.
What do you enjoy most about riding and racing off-road?
I love the grind of training during the week, and the feeling of being able to go really fast but stay extremely smooth at the same time. That’s a feeling that isn’t like anything else.
What classes do you currently race in?
This year in the GNCC series I am racing the 4 Stroke A Lites class. In the Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series I am racing the A Lites class.
What do you think is the biggest challenge as an off-road rider?
I would say the biggest challenge is the strategy of racing a three-hour race. You have to be able to change your strategy in a split second. Being it is such a long race, it’s pretty important to have a solid strategy so you don’t go too slow at first or go too fast at first and wear yourself out. So being able to strategize and change the strategy a couple times during the race is something tough that I’ve struggled with but been able to get a lot better at.
Which do you think is more physically challenging and why – MX, SX or Off-Road?
They all have their really difficult points. If there were easy everyone would do it. In SX you have to be very good with timing and be very precise. With MX you have to be really good with sprint speed. And with off-road you have to be good with throttle control, long distances, and threading the needle through single track areas.
Who is your favorite rider (MX or GNCC) and why?
My favorite rider would have to be Ryan Dungey. I like that he didn’t rely on raw talent to get him his championships. And he has done a ton of things that started outside the sport that have ended up coming into the sport and making it better.
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