About Me

[b]Not good MXer. Started racing '73 and had breaks due to no job or health insurance. Finally at age of almost 31, moved up to local and Vet Pro on my fav bike, the '90 YZ 250. Raced for few more years; saw a kid with oodles of talent and I already was a part time mechanic. My full time job laid me off and I (prior to job deal) had started helping this young man as Int. I closed up shop and... I sponsored, tried to support my best and was his mechanic for close to 10 years on the AMA circuit. He know runs 2 tracks; a third will be starting like first or end of December. He made a two digit number and the only DNF we had while he was running in top 10 at Southwick 250 before a new Barnett clutch slipped to nothing...losing a good 15 digits, but we never had one DNF due to my total teardowns, buiding parts; everything to make that bike right. He'd tell me to change clickers x amount and I'd ask problem. I changed nothing near what he said. Never did he complain. For the support and dollars, we exceeded expectations. Never had a SX track to practice at, yet made mains in both classes. But the worst part, I dropped dead twice within 2 weeks in mid '06. I have a heart syndrome called Long QTc; it's an electronic malfunction that has no cure...my HR could be 60 then out of the blue hit 220 for no reason. Fortunately there are meds that are beta blockers to stop what is called a violent event. Also for life have to wear this defibrillator/pacemaker box under my collarbone. Geeze how many more surgeries in store? I pray not many. I wish you all well in your lives and I hope to make a few friends here; seems that's the hardest part in a sport where we should all like family. Peace. Andy Moto Medin.[/b]

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Two important letters.

I was in the pits of this '09 Hangtown with a few long time friends; one having his girlfriends 10 yr old, who was waiting in line for autographs.

Now this kid was in line for at least an hour; my friend said 1 1/2 hrs...he was a trooper and wanted that autographed poster, no matter how long it took.

The first rider comes out of the rig and just threw down his stack of posters on a board to go thru what looked on his face an "excruciating process"; giving autographs and autographed posters to this long line of kids and adults alike.

This happened to be the rider the 10 yr old was waiting all that time for.

Both my friend and I looked at each other and said WTF is this? I wanted to give Mr. Bad Attitude a piece of my mind and my pal calms me down and tells me for the 10 yr olds sake leave it be. The kid luckily is too young to understand.

Sure riders have grueling schedules; but they chose their profession or job, now it's time for some schooling like many motorsports do. Knowing the customer is first no matter how "excruciating" the process of an autograph is; I've never seen such an ungreatful attitude....wait; I have a plenty of times.

PR. Two pretty important letters; Public Relations.
Every customer oriented business that's credible goes thru hours of skilled public relations training for all involved. DMG, MXSports, Allisports, etc.; this should be a top priority.

Many motorsports have public relation specific training.

I would hate for another youngster wait for a long period for an ungreatful riders autograph...

I know I'm sick of some riders that by actions show they are above the fan and the sport itself.

True story.

Observations and opinions are my own.









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  • Vital MX member easywriter
    easywriter Posted:

    8/23/2009 1:14 PM

    Excellent Andy.
    I am writing the bi for Steve Wise, I know you remember him. 1st true privateer to win an mx national. The day was July 4th, 1976, bicentennial day. Anyway, Steve is one of the old school riders who had 10 times more heart than 90% of today's wanna-be stars. I sometimes get tired of their lame-assed attitudes , they are worse than the Hollywood glitteratti who think theirs is the only life that counts... yecch!!!

    In 1979 or 80 I got both Roger DeCoster's autograph and Bob Hannah's after they completely beat the crap out of each other for two 45 minute motos, not wimpy 30 minute motos...AND they signed it with a smile. Note to Chad and company, we respect your abilities as a rider but seriously man, get over yourself, you come across like an a$$hole.
    I've never seen Carmichael or Stewart sign an autograph with a frown.
    MJ

  • Vital MX member easywriter
    easywriter Posted:

    3/11/2009 11:39 AM

    Hey bro,
    we are already buddies in here. how cum I didnt see you write for CN, I used to freelacne for them for a decade. Only the need for OT from teh day job has kept me away lately. WHat events do you cover for them?
    Mike