Here is a little post I wrote over at www.njmotocross.com To see photos that go with teh story check it out at the link below:
http://01659d2.netsolhost.com/blog1/?p=140


Dateline Hurricane Mills TN. NJ racers to compete for national championships.

The 27thannual Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships takes place at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills TN the week of July 28th. Several NJ riders made it through the rigorous qualifying procedure where a field of more than 20,000 racers is narrowed down to 1386 qualifying positions. For many of these riders this event could be the next step to a lucrative motocross career.

Here is a little on each NJ rider making the trip:


Grant Desiderio (Washington, NJ) is the younger brother of Suzuki Support rider Nick Desiderio. Nick will be competing in the Schoolboy 12-16 class. Their dad Steve used to compete on the national circuit in the 80’s and his riding skills have rubbed off on the young KTM rider. Grant made the cut in the (4-6) Stock Shaft Drive class.


Bryton Carroll (Vineland, NJ) is also the son of a former National series competitor. If fact his dad Brian was a Loretta Lynn’s champion in 2001. Bryton qualified in the 51 (4-6) AMA 1 Stock class.



Brandon Hartranft (Brick, NJ) and his brother Jacob are the other brother duo from NJ taking the trip to Loretta Lynn’s. Brandon qualified in both the 65 (7-11) Modified and 65 (7-9) Stock classes.



Jacob Hartranft (Brick, NJ) qualified in both the 85 (9-11) Stock and Modified classes.



Suzuki rider Damian Robinson (Little Falls, NJ) will join Hartranft in both the 85 (9-11) Stock and Modified classes as well.



The last mini rider from NJ making the show is Luke Renzland (Hewitt, NJ). Luke qualified in both the Super Mini (12-15) and 85 (12-13) Modified class.





The Schoolboy class has the most NJ riders. Frankie Lettieri (Brick,NJ) quakified in both the Schoolboy 1 (12-16) B/C and Schoolboy 2 (14-16) classes.



Also racing in the Schoolboy 1 and 2 classes at Loretta Lynn’s is Charles Sherby (Woodbine, NJ) and joining Lettieri and Sherby in the Schoolboy 2 class is Nick Desiderio (Washington, NJ) (No Photo)



Chris Duymich (Millstone Twp, NJ) is taking his first trip to the ranch in 2008. Chris qualified in the MX Lites “C” Modified class.



Nicholas Myers (Egg Harbor Twp, NJ) qualified in both the Motocross “B” Stock class and MX Lites “B” Modified class and is joined in the Lites class by Tyler Wozney (North Haledon, NJ)(No Photo)


In “A” class racing three NJ riders have qualified. Dakota Kessler (Farmingdale, NJ) qualified in in the Motocross “A” and MX Lites “A” classes

Anthony Roth (West Creek, NJ) qualified in the Motocross A and Motocross A Pro-Sport classes

And Brian Mulcahy (Hewitt, NJ) qualified in the MX Lites “A” class.



And rounding out the NJ group making the race is Darren Edsall ( Lafayete, NJ). Darren is the lone vet rider from NJ. He qualified in both the 25+ and 35+ classes.



Good luck to all from racing. You can learn more about the Amatuer National Championship at MX Sports website. http://www.mxsports.com/

Check it out at www.lukaitisphoto.com and let me know what you think. Subscribe for FREE and get emailed updates.

Thunder in the Sand Race Report
Thunder Moto
Blessing Cashes in on Wildwood Beach
By Scott Lukaitis / Photo by Lukaitisphoto.com
WILDWOOD NJ, MAY 31ST & JUN 1st


The sounds of the Atlantic Ocean and the thunderous boom of four-stroke engines combine for an event like no other. The Thunder in the Sand promoted by New Jersey Thunder Motorsports took place over the last weekend of May at Wildwood New Jersey.
The unique race is held twice a year once in the spring and once in the fall. Held over a period of two days with one moto in each class held on each day the relaxed events schedule allows for plenty of time to soak up the New Jersey sun. The Mark Hufnagle designed track is built right on the beach in the sand. With no other dirt brought in the shifting sand of the Jersey shore make for a challenging and exciting track for all.

The 250 and 450 “A” classes were the premier classes for the weekend. A large cash payout meant for a profitable weekend for the winner. The first class of the weekend was the 250 class, for up to 250c two and four strokes, Adam Blessing was the class of the field. Riding a borrowed Suzuki RM250 the Fox / Dragon Optical backed rider jumped out to an early lead and never looked back taking the victory. No Fear / Von Zipper backed Dave Ginolfi was second and Yamaha mounted Eric Balawejder was third. The three riders would repeat their moto scores in moto 2 and finish in the same order overall.
The 450 class saw Blessing on his more familiar Honda but the results were much the same. Blessing was again the winner of both motos with Ginolfi second in both motos. In the first moto LDR / Moose backed Chris Chomko put his Honda in third and Kawasaki rider Evan Forosisky in fourth. Those two riders would swap position in moto 2 thus giving Forosisky the final step on the podium.


Chomko was not left off the podium however as he used 1-1 moto scores to take the 25+ Expert class payday. Second behind Chomko was 30+ Expert class winner Brian Carroll and third overall was Honda rider Tristian Huey.
With classes for the youngest to the oldest and all bike sizes a great weekend was had. Even the torrential rain and threat of a tornado on Saturday afternoon didn’t hamper the great weekend. Make your plans now for the fall event held on the weekend of October 10th and 11th. Check out their website at www.thundermoto.com for more information.



Sorry for the delay. Better late than never. Here are the Race Results from the Thunder in the Sand Wildwood Beach race held on the weekend of May 30th thru June 1st.

+25 A: 1. Christopher Chomko (Hon); 2. Brian Carroll (Yam); 3. Tristan Huey (Hon); 4. James Mazza (Suz); 5. John Thomas (Hon);

+25 B: 1. Mark Wesnofske (Hon); 2. John Hurley (Kaw); 3. Rob Novak (Hon); 4. Ken Thomas (Hon); 5. Matthew Hangey (Suz);

+30 A: 1. Brian Carroll (Yam); 2. James Mazza (Suz); 3. John Thomas (Hon);

+30 B: 1. Mark Wesnofske (Hon); 2. Ken Thomas (Hon); 3. Todd Tennis (Yam); 4. Michael Smith (Kaw); 5. Thomas Gibson (Hon);

+30 C: 1. Stuart Thomas (Yam); 2. Charles Hock (Suz); 3. Christian Giaime (Hon); 4. Richard Trout (Suz); 5. Richard Tamburo (Hon);

+40 Senior: 1. Chris Suydan (Hon); 2. Thomas Gibson (Hon); 3. Bill Ford (Suz); 4. Robert Yahnite (Hon); 5. Louis Dorrico (Hon);

0-50cc 4-6 B: 1. Bryton Carroll (Cob); 2. Mitchell Mckee (Yam);

0-50cc 4-6 C: 1. Evan Knoll (Ktm); 2. Taylor Longphee (Drr); 3. Tim Brass (Hon); 4. Shawn Cacciola (Hon);

0-85cc 10-11 yrs: 1. Jacob Hartranft (Yam); 2. Lucas Brzostowski (Kaw); 3. Andrew Voroscak (Ktm); 4. Nicholas Mcclure (Ktm); 5. Rocky Cagno (Ktm);

0-85cc 12-13 yrs: 1. Michael Pettet (Suz); 2. Hunter Lucas (Hon); 3. Austin Lucas (Hon); 4. Garrett Schwippert (Yam); 5. Taylor Kief (Yam);

0-85cc 14-15 yrs: 1. Dylan Wolfe (Suz); 2. Dan Geiger (Yam); 3. Dashauyn Staten (Suz); 4. Dan Tino (Kaw); 5. Paul Beerley (Yam);

0-85cc 7-9 yrs: 1. Brandon Hatnranft (Ktm); 2. Ricci Randanella (Suz); 3. Scott Stockunas (Kaw); 4. Gage Solis (Pli); 5. Max Amato (Suz);

Supermini 12-15yrs: 1. Michael Pettet (Suz); 2. David Worden (Yam); 3. Eric Osmundsen (Hon); 4. Tyler Valcich (Hon); 5. Dylan Wolfe (Suz);

125 B: 1. Dakota Letsinger (Suz);

125 C: 1. Dylan Wolfe (Suz); 2. David Worden (Yam); 3. Steven Eggert (Yam); 4. David Magee (Yam); 5. Dan Tino (Kaw);

250 A: 1. Adam Blessing (Hon); 2. David Ginolfi (Kaw); 3. Eric Balawejder (Yam); 4. Eric Mckay (Yam); 5. James Dzierwinski, Jr (Kaw);

250 B: 1. Matthew Grant (Kaw); 2. Thomas Sherby (Hon); 3. J Grisham (Hon); 4. Steve Geist (Ktm); 5. Stephen Morelli (Hon);

250 C Group 1: 1. Todd Gordon (Hon); 2. Kyle Crammer (Hon); 3. Devon Grisham (Yam); 4. Troy Clark (Hon); 5. Christian Giaime (Hon);

250 C Group 2: 1. Andrew Herzog (Hon); 2. John Grisi (Hon); 3. Chris Chiofalo (Hon); 4. Joey Gluck (Hon); 5. Billy Stillwell (Suz);

250 C Group 3: 1. Mark Glassford (Hon); 2. Mason Foy (Yam); 3. Burley Crawley (Suz); 4. Timothy Vogel (Suz); 5. Mark Terpak (Hon);

450 4 Stk A: 1. Adam Blessing (Hon); 2. David Ginolfi (Kaw); 3. Evan Forosisky (Kaw); 4. Christopher Chomko (Hon); 5. Tristan Huey (Hon);

450 4 Stk B: 1. Joseph Corcoran (Hon); 2. Anthony Dalessandro (Hon); 3. Stephen Morelli (Hon); 4. Philip Albertson (Hon); 5. Douglas Zee (Hon);

450 4 Stk C Group1: 1. Derek Mowday (Hon); 2. Ethan Clymer (Ktm); 3. Kevin Difrancesco (Suz); 4. Billy Geist (Yam); 5. Samuel Detwiler (Hon);

450 4STK C Group 2: 1. Tom Greenhoe (Yam); 2. Trevor Lyons (Yam); 3. Timothy Vogel (Suz); 4. Michael Ciolino (Yam); 5. Bill Ford (Suz);

Schoolboy: 1. Matthew Grant (Kaw); 2. Thomas Sherby (Hon); 3. Eric Osmundsen (Hon); 4. Ethan Clymer (Ktm); 5. Joshua Watson (Kaw);

Collegeboy Group 1: 1. Teddy Grant (Kaw); 2. Evan Forosisky (Kaw); 3. Andrew Slowey (Hon); 4. Philip Albertson (Hon); 5. Anthony Dalessandro (Hon);

Collegeboy Group 2: 1. Tom Greenhoe (Yam); 2. Kevin Mccusker (Yam); 3. Kevin Clark (Hon); 4. Todd Gordon (Hon); 5. Andrew Herzog (Hon);

LCQ: 1. David, Sr Mcdermott (Hon); 2. Matthew Brandolini (Hon);

QUAD

0-50cc Quad4-6 C: 1. Joseph Serrao (Drr); 2. Julian Coffing (Drx); 3. Joseph Sweeney (Drx); 4. Mitchell Mckee (Yam); 5. Eric Karinalis (Pol);

0-90 Quad 7-9 Group 1: 1. Nathan Patrick (Drr); 2. Aj Garreffi (Drr); 3. Davis Eames (Apx); 4. Brandon Grace (Drr); 5. Sokha Ferroni (Suz);

0-90 Quad 7-9 Group 2: 1. David Clark (Apx); 2. Justin Clark (Cob); 3. Roy Gendron (Apx); 4. Joseph Cavaliere (Drx); 5. Alexis Tedesco (Can);

0-90cc Quad 10-12: 1. Michael Deluca (Cob); 2. Nicholas Major (Cob); 3. Eric Greene (Apx); 4. Kellie Moran (Drr); 5. Mike Lindsay (Hon);

0-90cc Quad 13-15: 1. Bren Marra (Cob); 2. Nicholas Gennusa (Cob); 3. Andrew Rosinski (Hon);

Quad 2 Stk B: 1. Dennis Ray (Yam); 2. Wayne Rocco (Hon); 3. Norman Hargrove (Hon); 4. Anthony White (Yam); 5. Shawn Burrough (Yam);

Quad 200-300cc: 1. Steve Minden (Hon); 2. Stuart Thomas (Hon); 3. Daniel Pagnini (Hon); 4. Chris Chiofalo (Hon); 5. Rob Novak (Hon);

Quad 4 Stk A: 1. Matthew Cusumano (Suz); 2. Rocco Arno (Hon); 3. Chris Butter (Hon); 4. Patrick Brown (Yam); 5. Richard Lindsay (Kaw);

Quad 4 Stk B Group 1: 1. John Shull (Hon); 2. Daniel Bergholz (Hon); 3. Frank Fortney (Yam); 4. Matthew Cusumano (Suz); 5. Tom Shinn (Hon);

Quad 4 Stk B Group 2: 1. Fred ,landwher, Iii (Hon); 2. Paul Callahan (Suz); 3. David Mcdermott (Hon); 4. Timothy Notarianni (Suz); 5. Rich Staino (Yam);

Quad C Group 1: 1. Brad Klimbo (Hon); 2. Christopher Clayton (Hon); 3. Daniel Altenburg (Hon); 4. Justin Lilick (Yam); 5. Tyler Adams (Suz);

Quad C Group 2: 1. Tyler Wittje (Suz); 2. Nicholas Simmermon (Hon); 3. Jason Widdoss (Suz); 4. John Kenney (Yam); 5. Samuel Wall (Yam);

Quad C Group 3: 1. Matthew Herbert (Suz); 2. Brett Butter (Yam); 3. Steve Lyons (Suz); 4. Tonido Dixon (Yam); 5. Devin Woolf (Yam);

Quad C Group 4: 1. Justin Carr (Yam); 2. Richard Perrini (Hon); 3. Chris Piano (Hon); 4. Jeffrey Wolf (Yam); 5. Bill Patterson (Yam);

Quad Unltd group 1: 1. Richard Lindsay (Kaw); 2. John Kenney (Yam); 3. Paul Callahan (Suz); 4. Eddie Przybszewski (Suz); 5. Corey Straga (Hon);

Quad Unltd group 2: 1. Corey Atherton (Hon); 2. Tyler Wittje (Suz); 3. John Shull (Hon); 4. Sean Neidlinger (Suz); 5. Scott Mcmaster (Hon);

Quad Unltd group 3: 1. Rich Staino (Yam); 2. Brett Butter (Yam); 3. Jeffrey Wolf (Yam); 4. Gary Jackson (Suz); 5. Fred ,landwher, Iii (Hon);

Quad Unltd group 4: 1. Justin Carr (Yam); 2. Andrew Capps (Yam); 3. Christopher Clayton (Hon); 4. Timothy Brand (Yam); 5. Kris Lilick (Yam);

Quad Vet Group 1: 1. Chris Butter (Hon); 2. Steven Stracka (Hon); 3. Dennis Ray (Yam); 4. Oakford Ale (Hon); 5. Steve Lyons (Suz);

Womens Open: 1. Krista Marie (Yam); 2. Jennifer Butter (Hon); 3. Samantha Ross (Yam); 4. Alisha Dipasquale (Hon); 5. Kellie Moran (Suz);

FOR MORE IN NJ MOTOCROSS VISIT US @ WWW.NJMOTOCROSS.COM

Frankie Lettieri







Tell us a little about yourself. My name's Frankie Lettieri I’m 16 years old from Brick, New Jersey and I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 4 years old.



You started 2007 on minis and finished up on the big bikes. Was that the plan coming in or did you just get too big for the minis? Well I wanted to move onto big bikes because I felt that the 85's were doing nothing but hold me back. I got a little big for them but still managed to win on them and do good at nationals, but I felt it was time for big bikes.



You won a couple of National Championships at Ponca City last summer and finished well at Loretta Lynn’s as well, did you expect to do so well coming into the season ? 2007 started off at Lake Whitney and I was nervous, it was my first national on big bikes so I didn’t exactly know what to expect. At Whitney I kind of choked up, got nervous, arm pump, the whole 9 yards and then at Oak Hill I just came out swinging I guess. I ripped a lot of good starts, few holeshots, won motos, top 3 qualifiers and it was good. When the mains came around I got a 1st a 2nd, a 6th, a 8th, and a 10th so I was supper pumped after that. When I went back to Jersey I knew for sure I had to train and get ready for Loretta’s.





What type of training and practice program do you have? My training program is nothing gnarley. I wake up at 8:00 everyday go riding until 1, come home eat lunch, go to the gym for 2 hours and just hang out with some buddies after I get all the work out stuff done.







Suzuki stepped up this season to help out more with your program. How did that come about? Suzuki definitely stepped up my program this year for sure! I’ve always got help from them throughout 80's but they stepped it up big time this year. I was always on what they called the "C" team which is dealer support, Cole Gress the American Suzuki rep told me that I have to be consistent, so I came out to Ponca and showed him I could do it. I got a 4th in schoolboy and 2 championships then went into Loretta’s and got a top 10 every moto except 1 and then we talked and talked and talked and next thing you know I have a contract and everything is starting to brighten up.






What is it like to be one of the next big guys for Suzuki? Is that a lot of pressure on you for this season? Ya know being on Suzuki to me it takes off pressure. I know I have good support behind me and the best bikes I could ask for.





How do you fit the travel into your everyday life? Well I used to go to school but this year I traveled a whole lot more so my parents worked out something with my school. I can miss how many days I need for riding as long as I make up the work when I get back. ( haha which probably wont happen anyway) still it’s awesome for me because I get to live my dream! I train and ride every single day i couldn’t ask for more.





Plans for 2008? For 2008 I’m going to all the big nationals and just doing the best I can. I know if I ride the way I know how to ride that I’ll do good and come up with good results



Who are some of your sponsors? I have to thank My mom and dad and my mechanic, I definitely couldn’t do anything without them. Cole Gress at American Suzuki & Mt Holly Suzuki, Thor, Parts Unlimited, Kessler Pro Suspension, Scott, Pirelli, One Industries, MGX, Alpinestars, Moto Masters, Ogio, Rockstar Energy, Bel-Ray, FMF, Pro Taper, Playground/Pickel, Lukaitis Photos, Ready Filters, E Fitness Academy, Wiseco, CTi2, Cometic, DC, Acerbis






Any closing words?
Everyone that’s behind me I can’t do it without them!!!!!!

This weekend it's better at the beach.
http://www.thundermoto.com/

MAY 30-JUNE 1, 2008 SPRING THUNDER IN THE SAND AMA MOTOCROSS RACE

OCTOBER 10-12, 2008 FALL THUNDER IN THE SAND MOTOCROSS RACE

There is no better backdrop than the Atlantic Ocean for an AMA Sanctioned Progressive Motocross right on America’s largest, cleanest, safest beaches located in Wildwood, New Jersey.

It’s a gathering of professional and amateur riders competing for thousands in cash and awards. It’s families and friends enjoying a weekend of racing, socializing and fun on the beaches, 2 ½ mile boardwalk, great restaurants and we boast more amusement rides than Disney World.



ALSO YOU CAN RIDE OUR JERSEY DEVIL MONSTER TRUCK ALL SEASON LONG AT YOUNGS AND THE BOARDWALK WILDWOOD NJ 08260ALSO CHECK US OUT ON

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/THUNDERMOTO
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THUNDERMOTO
http://community.webshots.com/user/thundermoto

Thank you Mom
By Scott Lukaitis

With Mother’s day just around the corner I thought it would be appropriate to send a special thank you out to the Motocross Mom.
Mom-
Thank you for getting up early and taking us to the races.
Thank you for getting us new bikes and not a new car.
Thank you for putting racing before your hobbies.
Thank you for spending Mothers Day at the track.
Thank you for putting up with us in the garage all night working on the bikes.
Thank you for letting our bikes take over the garage.
Thank you for washing our dirty gear.
Thank you for making breakfast at the track, and lunch and dinner too.
Thank you for not worrying about the track in the yard.
Thank you for giving up your Sunday to spend time at the track.
Thank you for supporting us when we do well and especially when we don’t do so well.
Thank you for always being there to help us up when we fall.
Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you for being my mom.
I love you. Happy Mothers Day.
Scott

Raceway Park photos from this past weekend are posted and available:

Sunday:

http://lukaitisphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/4868634_o22wT/1/290160889_GLnGY

Saturday:

http://lukaitisphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/4854175_842tt/1/289065260_o9wKZ

http://scottlukaitisphotography.com/2008/04/28/photo-of-the-week-april-28th-may-4th/

NJ Motocross Rider Interview: Harold Glissen

Many racers and fans around the country recognize Harold Glissen. His outgoing personality and friendly nature make his a great person to talk to. He has overcome adversity and rose to the ranks of an expert racer and now in his 40’s he is continuing to do what he loves. Race motocross. Oh by the way Harold does it all with just one arm.
Here is the story of Harold Glissen.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…… I was born without a left forearm and hand. I’ve been riding since I was 10 years old and racing motocross since 1979. I own and operate a full landscaping company, Glissen Landscaping LLC since 1986. We install and design landscaping, interlocking paver patios, driveways, walkways and retaining walls. We’re currently running two divisions, landscaping and lawn maintenance.

In the beginning you had a tough time getting to race in New Jersey. The tracks didn’t want to let you race due to your “disability” Tell us a little about your tryout with Raceway Park. Yes it was tough in the beginning. Race promoters-Ken Landerman and Jay Irwin at Raceway Park thought it might be dangerous for a one armed kid to race motocross due to insurance reasons. My friend, Ray Cross, pleaded with them to allow me to ride at a practice session to asses my abilities. They liked how I rode and allowed me to race that day in the 125 Amateur Class. It was a little different back then because you would have 4-6 125cc qualifiers and they only took the top 20 riders from each moto to make the finals. It was very difficult and I didn’t qualify until 1980.


You had a successful amateur career and moved up to the expert class. As an expert level racer for many years you even raced some nationals back in the day. Tell us a little about that. I had several 125 and 250 Amateur wins and turned Expert in 1990. I received my pro license in 1998 and raced the 125 Nationals fulfilling a childhood dream of mine. I had some good rides and found my ability. I rode to the limit of that ability. I was featured in a few magazines and several newspaper publications. Today I compete in the 25+, 30+, and 40+ Expert classes.

Last fall you went down to Travis Pastrana’s house to try and back flip. How did that go? John Sigismondi got me invited to Travis Pastrana’s house. I went down and met with Travis’ dad Robert, what a character, he went through and gave me some pointers as to what to do and assured me that I would not miss the foam pit. I was a little nervous at first, which I’m sure you can understand, but once I had my helmet and goggles on I went for it. My first attempt seemed like an inverted Barrel Roll and I landed completely upside down on my head. It felt a little weird being being inside the foam pit with minimal lighting and air. It only took them a few minutes to dig me out but it felt like forever. The next few attempts got better rotations and the tires went into the foam first. I can’t wait to go back and try again and eventually do a back flip onto dirt.


You have been using Bel-Ray lubricants for a many years, tell us how your relationship with them got started. As with many young racers, you want to use the best products you can find and Bel-Ray was that product for me. 29 years later, I’m still using Bel-Ray. I have Bel-Ray sponsored since 1998 when I was racing the Nationals. I have a great rapport with the people at Bel-Ray. I’m mainly promoting their products on the local level through my travels by giving out products such as hats, t-shirts and oil to the kids and their families. More than likely if you give a kid Bel-Ray products you can be sure he will be using them for his entire riding career.

Who would you like to thank for helping out with your racing. Oh boy!! I have a long list of people I’d like to thank over the years. Starting with Ray Cross, a family friend who first took me to a race in 1979. I would also like to thank Bob Sorensom, Malcolm Forbes, Uncle Carmen, Scott Lukaitis, KPS, RRP, Bel-Ray, Action Motor Sports, Stumpy’s Yamaha, Rekluse, Scott Goggles, Dragon, Twin Air, Boyesen, Ed Brazina, Glissen Landscaping and all my friends, fans and people who have inspired me over the years.

Outside of racing you own and operate a hugely successful landscaping business. Tell us about that side of your life. In 1986, I wanted to be self-employed so I could have the freedom to ride more often. So I quit my job at Mobile Research Laboratory, bought a 21” Snapper Lawn Mower and launched my landscaping business. 22 years later, I have designed and installed landscaping, interlocking paver walkways, driveways and patios and retaining walls in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Some of our projects are featured in Cambridge Clayton Block Company brochures and catalogs. We have participated in numerous trade shows and exhibitions such as The Flower and Garden Show at the NJ Convention & Expo Center, The Home Show at Brookdale Community College and The Home Improvement exhibit at The Freehold Raceway Mall. We also have a newly designed website at www.glissenlandscaping.com For more information about our business check out our website. It lists our company philosophy, our services, a photo gallery and testimonials.


In conclusion, as a long time friend I have admired Harold’s success as a person in all that he does all the while not realizing the obstacles that he has overcome in everyday life. If you don’t know Harold you should. Stop by and say hi at the track next time you see him. For a link to photos of Harold check out this interview on the web at www.njmotocross.com

Raceway Park Loretta Lynn's Qualifier photos are up:

Saturday
http://lukaitisphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/4708339_DgPrZ/1/278732702_GdZfK


Sunday
http://lukaitisphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/4719130_geEDR/1/279353768_LtwR3

1 MX Lites A: 1. Dakota Kessler (Hon); 2. Paul Lamb (Kaw); 3. Pete Devlin (Suz); 4. Anthony Roth (Hon); 5. Henry Rojas (Suz);

2 MX Lites A/Pro Sport: 1. Paul Lamb (Kaw); 2. Dakota Kessler (Hon); 3. Kyle Willis (Hon); 4. Ronnie Stewart (Suz); 5. Pete Devlin (Suz);

3 MX LItes B Stock: 1. Sunny Drake (Hon); 2. Tyler Hawk (Yam); 3. Nick Myers (Suz); 4. Sal Calamita (Hon); 5. Michael Sowa (Kaw);

4 MX Lites B Modified: 1. Sunny Drake (Hon); 2. Nick Myers (Suz); 3. Mike Lacerenza (Kaw); 4. Andres Benenaula (Yam); 5. Damon Rummel (Hon);

5 MX Lites C Stock: 1. Dominick Guastella (Suz); 2. Thomas Mcdaniel (Kaw); 3. Zachary Lang (Suz); 4. Joshua Mezger (Kaw); 5. Alec Eccleston (Suz);

6 MX Lites C Modified: 1. Dominick Guastella (Suz); 2. Jesse Pierce (Suz); 3. Zachary Lang (Suz); 4. Sean Koeller (Ktm); 5. Kyle Kaznowski (Suz);

7 Motocross A: 1. Dakota Kessler (Hon); 2. Brian Mulcahy (Kaw); 3. Paul Lamb (Kaw); 4. Pete Devlin (Suz); 5. Anthony Roth (Hon);

8 Motocross A/Pro Sport: 1. Dakota Kessler (Hon); 2. Ronnie Stewart (Suz); 3. Paul Lamb (Kaw); 4. Bryan Wallace (Ktm); 5. Anthony Roth (Hon);

9 Motocross B Stock: 1. Sunny Drake (Hon); 2. Nick Myers (Suz); 3. Matthew Moore (Yam); 4. Damon Rummel (Hon); 5. Zak Klaptosky (Kaw);

10 Motocross B Modified: 1. Sunny Drake (Hon); 2. Andres Benenaula (Yam); 3. Nick Myers (Suz); 4. Michael Voorhees (Hon); 5. Matthew Moore (Yam);

11 Motocross C: 1. Dominick Guastella (Suz); 2. Kyle Kaznowski (Suz); 3. Chaz Clingerman (Hon); 4. Schuyler Martin (Yam); 5. Kyle Desrochers (Ktm);

12 Four Stroke: 1. Ronnie Stewart (Suz); 2. Bryan Wallace (Ktm); 3. Alex Sigismondi (Hon); 4. David Szymansky (Hon); 5. Brian Carroll (Yam);

13 Junior 25 Plus: 1. Greg Lurch (Yam); 2. Greg Pamart (Suz); 3. Kurt Mcmillen (Suz); 4. Darren Edsall (Hon); 5. Robert Abram (Ktm);

14 Vet B/C 30 Plus: 1. Jed Schappert (Kaw); 2. John Ward (Hon); 3. Ethan Waybright (Hon); 4. Mike Biondo (Hon); 5. Eric Hampson (Hon);

15 Vet 35 Plus: 1. Greg Pamart (Suz); 2. Kurt Mcmillen (Suz); 3. Darren Edsall (Hon); 4. James Mc Ilvaine (Hon); 5. Thomas Ulikowski (Hon);

16 Senior 40 Plus: 1. Kurt Mcmillen (Suz); 2. James Mc Ilvaine (Hon); 3. Jim Kapitan (Hon); 4. Vincent Scannapieco (Suz); 5. James Mcgee (Suz);

17 Senior 45 Plus: 1. James Mcgee (Suz); 2. Frank Tussel (Yam); 3. Ken Bordzuk (Hon); 4. Ken Roma (Hon); 5. Jeff Burns (Kaw);

19 51 (4-6) AMA 1 Stock: 1. Bryton Carroll (Oth); 2. Nicholas Cryer (Oth); 3. George Doherty (Oth); 4. Danny Congdon (Oth); 5. Tucker Hake (Ktm);

20 51 (7-8) AMA 2 Stock: 1. Gage Solis (Oth); 2. Sean Patterson (Ktm); 3. Devin Kusmider (Ktm); 4. Hunter Fenelon (Oth); 5. Nathan Cryer (Oth);

21 65 (7-9) Stock: 1. Oscar Kelchner (Kaw); 2. Joe Tait (Oth); 3. Alexander Guerrierie (Ktm); 4. Trevor Pritchard (Ktm); 5. Gage Solis (Oth);

22 65 (10-11) Stock: 1. Jared Jennings (Kaw); 2. Miguel Correia (Suz); 3. Jacob Runkles (Ktm); 4. Justin Cooper (Ktm); 5. Wilson Fleming (Ktm);

23 65 (7-11) Modified: 1. Wilson Fleming (Ktm); 2. Miguel Correia (Ktm); 3. Damon Fiore (Oth); 4. Schae Thomas (Ktm); 5. Joseph Galbraith (Ktm);

24 85 (9-11) Stock: 1. Darian Robinson (Suz); 2. Jared Jennings (Kaw); 3. Jacob Runkles (Suz); 4. Damon Fiore (Kaw); 5. Charles Wernig (Hon);

25 85 (9-11) Modified: 1. Darian Robinson (Suz); 2. Damon Fiore (Kaw); 3. Tyler Betsch (Suz); 4. Wilson Fleming (Ktm); 5. Trevor Pritchard (Ktm)

26 85 (12-13) Stock: 1. Kevin Tompkins (Suz); 2. Keith Pierce (Ktm); 3. Aaron Zielfelder (Hon); 4. Eric Grondahl (Hon); 5. Robert Piazza (Kaw);

27 85 (12-13) Modified: 1. Kevin Tompkins (Suz); 2. Jesse Pierce (Suz); 3. Eric Grondahl (Hon); 4. Aaron Lampi (Suz); 5. James Coen (Kaw);

28 Super Mini 1 (12-15): 1. Christopher Mowery (Ktm); 2. Jesse Pierce (Suz); 3. Sean Kelly (Hon); 4. Aaron Lampi (Suz); 5. Kevin Tompkins (Suz);

29 Super Mini 2 (14-16): 1. Christopher Mowery (Ktm); 2. Sean Kelly (Hon); 3. Damon Rummel (Hon); 4. Jason Chavez (Hon); 5. Brett Cooper (Yam);

30 Schoolboy 1 (12-16) B/C: 1. Sal Calamita (Hon); 2. Dominick Guastella (Suz); 3. Joey Peters (Yam); 4. Damon Rummel (Yam); 5. Tyler Hawk (Yam);

31 Schoolboy 2 (14-16) B/C: 1. Sal Calamita (Hon); 2. Joey Peters (Yam); 3. Mike Lacerenza (Kaw); 4. Damon Rummel (Hon); 5. Charlie Miller (Hon);

32 Girls (9-13): 1. Rachel Engdahl (Suz); 2. Eden Netelhos (Suz);

33 Womens (12 Plus): 1. Amanda Brown (Hon); 2. Alexis Morris (Yam); 3. Virginia Roma (Oth); 4. Nikki Hetzko (Hon); 5. Charlotte Van Cott (Kaw);

Race report from this weekend's races at Raceway Park, Englishtown NJ


Saturday:
http://njmotocross.blogspot.com/2008/04/race-report-raceway-park-opening-day.html

Sunday:
http://njmotocross.blogspot.com/2008/04/race-report-raceway-park-northeast.html

While you're there go ahead and subscribe to get free email or RSS feed updates of all things New Jersey motocross.

Thanks
Enjoy
Scott

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Rocco Cagno 732-266-0306
rmcagno@comcast.net

3rd annual MX Kids Racing for Hope Fundraiser Event May 3rd

The 3RD Annual MX Kids Racing for Hope will take place at Old Bridge Township’s Raceway Park on May 3 2008. The proceeds will benefit Embrace Kids Foundation of New Brunswick NJ.

Rocky Cagno, a fifth grader at Frost Elementary School in East Brunswick NJ, and local racers are once again ready to participate. The support over the last 2 years has been amazing and everyone involved in this fundraiser have had a large impact in helping the cause. Their support has not only been financial but by inspiring other children to get involved as well.

The Embrace Kids Foundation (formerly The Institute for Children) www.embracekids.org helps many children and their families by providing counselors, educational teachers, financial assistance and research to develop new treatment and a search for a cure for children with cancer and blood disorders.

The 2008 fundraiser will once again be held in conjunction with Raceway Park’s Youth day on Saturday May 3rd 2008.

Any youth rider or businesses wishing to participate by sponsoring the event or making monetary or raffle product donations please contact Rocco Cagno @ 732-266-0306 or email rmcagno@comcast.net by April 15th 2008.

About the Embrace Kids Foundation www.embracekids.org :
In 1991, a group of parents, staff and friends joined together to form The Institute for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders. The original group has flourished into the newly renamed Embrace Kids Foundation, an impressive organization comprising parents of patients, working professionals, community leaders and college/high school students.
In 2007, Embrace Kids Foundation will provide over $1.2 million in services to children and families throughout the greater New Jersey area. The child patients range in age from infancy to young adulthood and encompass all ethnic and social backgrounds. Our family programs and support services are available at absolutely no cost to the family. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life and relieving emotional, spiritual and financial concerns.
Our support services include the David E. Zullo Pediatric Palliative Care (PACCT) Program, an Accredited Learning Center, Embrace Kids with Sickle Cell Initiative, a Financial Assistance Program and other Family Support Services. We also fund research at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey with the goal of improving treatment and searching for a cure.

About Raceway Park www.racewaypark.com :
About Raceway Park:

Raceway Park, located in the heart of Central New Jersey is just thirty-five miles south of New York City & the four surrounding boroughs and just fifty five miles northeast of Philadelphia, will celebrate forty-three (43) years of fast family fun in 2008.
Raceway Park conducts a very wide variety of motorsport events including Championship NHRA Drag Racing, Championship AMA Semi-Pro Motocross racing, WKA Karting, Auto Shows, NOPI Sport Compact & Import Shows, Junior Drag Racing, Musical concerts including festivals like the annual Vans Warped Tour, Auto flea markets, motocross practice tracks, theme events, family shows, monster truck shows, and much, much more. Opening soon will be an all-new 1.3 mile paved road racing course for cars and motorcycles.
Annual attendance (based on fair weather conditions) is 560,000 people per year at more than two hundred different events conducted between March and November.

Jay Irwin

Fall 2007

Jay Irwin interview
you are a long time competitor at Raceway Park. Tell us a little bit about yourself…..
I'm 34, from Howell, NJ and I sell cars for a living for a family business (Irwin Lincoln Mercury Mazda) in Freehold, NJ. I race in +30A and +25A and once in a while 250A

How long have you been racing?
Well, I raced bmx from when I was 5 or 6 until I was 12 and have been racing mx ever since - So I've been racing mx for 22 years

Your dad Kerry and uncle Jay started Raceway Park. Could you tell us about the history behind Raceway Park?
Both my father and uncle were into motorcycles as kids riding minibikes in the sandpit and trails by their house. My uncle Jay ended up taking it a little more serious and racing mx as my father did more enduros. As Jay kept racing mx, my father Kerry started drag racing at Englishtown. He got to know the Napp's (the owners of Raceway Park) and suggested putting an mx track in the empty field by the track entrance. He laid out the track and ran the first race ever there and from what I’ve been told, about 700 riders showed up. My father realized that it was going to be more than a weekend thing to run the races and already had a commitment at our family business - that’s when Uncle Jay came in and started track management duties along with Ken Landerman.


What was it like growing up at Raceway Park?
It was great! Imagine being a little kid around dirt bikes, trucks, bulldozers and everything else... I spent a lot of time at the track with Uncle Jay while he would be prepping the track - helping as much as a little kid could. Raking wood chips on the track, aiming sprinklers and picking up trash was about all I could do though! Raceway Park is even where I learned to drive. Uncle Jay and Ken Landerman were a huge part of my life as a kid!


So they got you into racing motocross?
Racing was in my family - between my father racing mx, enduros, drag racing and go karts and Big Jay an expert mxer you knew I was going to race something with an engine. In the early 80's it seemed like people didn't start as young as they do now so they kept me racing BMX until I was 12. I was really into BMX at the time and didn't start getting the itch for mx until I was about that age anyway so it worked out for them!

Back when Jay and Kenny Landerman ran the track motocross was really just starting to gain ground in NJ. Riders like Bob Hannah used to go there often. What was it like to spend some time with the Hurricane?
It was really cool. I have a picture of us together and I was so excited and nervous to be taking a picture with him! It was really cool for me because I got a lot of time with riders like that but in a relaxed environment - not like the autograph signing sessions. I got to talk to and hang out with people like Tony D, Jo Jo Keller and Jeff Ward and plenty of others too.

How about the time you got to meet Malcolm Forbes and Liz Taylor…
I didn't even know who Malcolm Forbes was at the time but everyone knew Liz Taylor. Malcolm Forbes had a motorcycle club and took a ride with the whole club one day and the came to watch the races. I guess he and Liz Taylor were dating so she came with him. They made their way to Ken Landerman and my uncle and asked for people to watch and root for. I was one of the people they were told to root for and I got to meet them and have a picture taken.


You spent some time working with Brian Deegan back in the beginning of the Mullisha, what was that like?
It was a lot of fun! I moved in with him because I wanted a change and Ronnie Faisst (who also was his roommate) told me there was an open room and to come on out! It was the very beginning of fmx and riders were just being able to make a living from it and we spent a lot of time riding bmx, wakeboarding (Deegan got a boat to use every summer as a sponsorship deal) and going out to clubs just about every night!. But as the sport grew my responsibilities grew too. I ran the business side of the metal mulisha, shot video for 2 movies he put out, worked on his bikes and I also worked at skin industries in sales too. Don't get me wrong - I had a lot of responsibilities but most of them were all part of the fun. I mean, is carrying a camera everywhere we went or wiping the dust of a bike at the xgames really considered work? Unfortunately for me, I was not really fitting into the whole mulisha thing and Brian as my boss and landlord told me to hit the road! Oh well I missed Jersey anyway.


What is your best Raceway Park memory?
I don't know if this is best, but most memorable - being involved in lighting the staircase on fire with hay bales after the Kawasaki race one year. Because of that I’m not even allowed to light a grill at Raceway Park! I'd have to say the best memory just meeting my friends Tommy and Shawn Ulikowski, Richie Zupko, Rich Rike (rip), Ken Landerman and the Kesslers. Without Raceway Park there is no way I would have met these people.

Do you have a favorite race or favorite rider over the years?
Favorite race would have to be the 1991 KROC when I won 500 amateur on my father’s bike when I weighed about 130 lbs.! Favorite racer would be Mickey Kessler. I've learned so much from him over the years and still learning to this day.

What does the future hold for you?
First I want to heal up after breaking my heel 2 months ago so I can start riding again! Long term is I just want to keep riding and racing and be involved at Raceway Park

Chris Chomko

Winter 2007-2008

Chris Chomko



Back in New Jersey after a couple of year break living in Michigan Chris Chomko is one of the most friendly outgoing riders you’ll find. Here is a little about #576.



Chris Tell us a little about yourself….

250 pro/ 25plus vet A rider. I am looking forward to be the fresh 30 plus guy in less than 1 year. I’m a laid back kinda guy who loves to race, but at the same time I can be the out of control guy out on a Saturday night. When I’m not racing or putting in laps at the practice track with Ceasar, I can be found out fishing or just chillin’ with some good

friends.



What is your favorite thing about racing ?

I must say I love the competition. Every year younger riders are coming up as well as some of us older guys just keep getting faster, I may not be the fastest guy out there but there is nothing like a great day at the races with a bunch of fast guys going into the 1st turn.



You lived in Michigan for a couple of years while still traveling back to NJ to race once in a while. How did the Michigan scene compare to the NJ scene?

The Michigan scene, there were definitely a lot of fast guys out there, The problem for me was that I had to travel close to 2 hrs to get to a race where you could get more than a handful of racers. There were a lot of good tracks , and plenty of fast riders., but racing has always been something that has keep me close with my Dad, so it really wasn’t to much fun traveling by myself. And I had to wash my own bike!



How long have you been racing and what got you started ?

I have been racing 17 years now. My uncle raced and bought my brother and I an XR 70 many years ago. My brother was faster, And I was told I would never be a racer . So that kept me motivated. A few years later my Dad bought us a KX 80 we rode all the time, Then just tried out the racing deal. The rest is History



How about those Michigan winters. Were you able to ride with all the snow on the ground?

Michigan winters are definitely no fun. I had a supercross style track in my back yard that I could look at through the window because it was way to cold to ride. We had a indoor track I would ride at every weekend just to try to stay in shape.



What made you come back to NJ?

Well I moved to Michigan with my job, I had a pretty sweet deal to transfer out there. I had it all but I just wasn’t happy. The simple things in life are what made me want to move back home. Family and Friends


You had a pretty successful 2007 tell us a little about that ?

07 went ok I finished 2nd for the indoor Mx series in Michigan in both the 250 pro and 25plus vet.

I also finished 5th overall at Raceway park for the 250 Pro/expert class.



Who helped you achieve those results?

There are so many people to thank. My Dad he is always there no matter what. Freehold Honda, LDR, Bel-ray, Scott, MSR, Bridgestone, KPS, Decal Works, Twin Air, Cycra, FmF, Tag, EK, The Lukaitis Crew, SDG Seats, Pro Wheel, Evs, Everyone that comes out to practice with me to keep me putting in laps! Thanx



What are your plans for 2008?

I’m planning on going to Florida over the winter to get back into better shape. Racing local district 6, some 34 stuff. There is a few things up in the air right now, but I will definitely be back and ready to give 100%

Chris Chomko Photo Gallery

Tommy Ulikowski interview

Tommy Ulikowski



You are a well recognized figure around Raceway Park. Tell us a little about yourself. I'm 33 years old and own Robertsville Landscaping. I race 25+, 30+ expert and pit bikes, and I live in Bayville NJ with my wife and two dogs.



How long have you been racing? I started in 1988 so 19 years



What got you started in racing? My neighbor had a track and raced and my brother and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. That year my mom worked two jobs to get us each a CR 80 for Christmas and we've been riding ever since.



What is your involvement with Raceway Park? I started out as an instructor at the Jay Irwin motocross school, and I became more involved as the years went on, helping Jay, Richie Zupko, and Mickey Kessler from picking up garbage to helping with the track design.





Do you have a favorite Raceway Park memory? My all time favorite memory was the 1997 Kawasaki Race of Champions, when my buddy Joel Dengler got the holeshot and led most of the race to finish 3rd behind Jeff Emig and Ryan Hughes.





Your brother Shawn has been a factory mechanic for several years now and even has a Supercross Championship to his credit. Do you make him work on your bike when he comes home for the holidays? Shawn is very busy with his rider, Travis Preston, who can't even lube his chain, so I give him a break and let him just chill when he's home. However, he does show me the way things are done on the factory bikes when he can, and that's pretty cool.



What does the sport of motocross mean to you? I love the energy and adrenaline that I get from racing, there is nothing like going into the first turn with 39 other guys, but I also love this sport because I not only met my best friends racing, it's where I met my wife Joy. She was a score girl at Powerline Park and thanks to the Zupko's I have a great wife.





You have a tight knit group of racing friends, how important to you is the social aspect of the motocross community? As much as I love racing, I probably wouldn't ride as much if it wasn't for the fact that all my friends are there. Raceway is like a second home to me and the people are as important as the racing.





You are a top competitor in both the regular race series and the pit bike series. Do you enjoy the pit bike or bike bike racing more? The big bike is serious racing and the pit bikes series is all about having fun. I wish I could get the results on the big bike that I get on the pit bike, but I enjoy both.



Who would you like to thank for helping you out in your racing career? My brother Shawn, if it wasn't for him my bikes would be junk, my mom for getting me started, Mickey Kessler at KPS, Kenny Watson, Ken Landerman, the Zupkos , the Irwins, the Denglers, Buford at Utopia and my parts guy Scott Lukaitis

Bobby Jimenez interview

Bobby Jimenez

Tell us a little about yourself……Well to start my name is Bobby Jimenez, I’m 18 years young. I’m a pretty simple guy from New Jersey. Motocross is a huge part of my life. I also love to go fishing. I ride as much as possible and train as hard as I can. Right now I’m living in Florida so I can ride and train all winter.


You and your Dad have been a fixture at the races in the Northeast for a number of years. Tell us about your racing career so far. So far my racing career has been pretty good. It’s had its good days along with its bad. My goal all through my childhood was to be a professional motocross rider. At the age of 17 I accomplished my goal.

Last fall you suffered some serious injuries after being landed on. Tell us about that. Yeah that was a tough one! I've had some injuries before but this one was by far the worst. I was doing a little demo ride with a couple other local guys and one of the people out there jumped a double that I rolled and he landed on me. I got flown out of the track. I spent about a week in trauma. And a couple of those days I was in a coma. I had severe swelling on my brain and I broke my jaw. I had my mouth wired shut for about 6 weeks. It was horrible .I don’t remember the crash or about a month after the crash, but I do know that there was a TON of support coming from everyone. But its all in the past now.

You spent part of this summer in Canada racing the Canadian National series. Tell us about that experience. Yeah it was a pretty cool experience. I had a ton of fun. The tracks were a lot of fun, the people were super cool for the most part, the competition was tough. The hardest thing was at round one in Quebec EVERYTHING was French. Even the announcer was announcing the races in French. haha. Round two went the best. It started ALL wrong I brought one of my friends along for the ride. Andrew Flood, he probably has the worst luck I have ever seen. Well he brought it with him. The weekend started out with us locking the trailer keys in the trailer at the border. When we got to the track we realized what happened, then we had to break in our own trailer. After we got the key situation situated Flood and I went driving looking for these cliffs to jump off into a lake that the kids up there were telling us about. Well the street signs were in French...And we got lost. We eventually made it back. Then practice went ok Saturday I felt a little bit off pace but I was able to fix that for Sunday. I qualified in both mx1 and mx2 I was pretty stoked I finished 19-20-for 23rd overall in mx2 and 25-26 for I think 27th overall in mx1.I crashed on the start in moto 2 of the mx1 class. The last round was a disaster! The track was really cool, kinda sandy with some hard packed sections. In practice Sunday morning I went down on one of the fastest sections of the track, it was a long sweeping right hander. My front wheel washed out. I hurt my shoulder really bad. I rode my qualifier in a lot of pain but my lap times weren’t good enough so I had to go to the LCQ. After that there was a HUGE misunderstanding or something because I was under the impression that I didn’t qualify so I headed home. But the week after the race a friend of mine brought it to my attention that I had two DNF's on the results page. So I guess I did qualify. But I ended up something like 82nd in points in the nation and 43rd on the east coast in mx2.So I was stoked on that.

What was it like spending all of that time in a pickup truck driving to Canada with your Dad. It wasn’t too bad for me .The first time Dad was an animal, drove straight through, only time he stopped was for gas. I on the other hand slept straight through that one. Sorry Dad. The second round is when Andrew came with me, they split the driving that time and again I slept a good portion of it. The last round was different. Pops was tired so i put a couple hours in behind the wheel and let him sleep.

In your first season as a pro you even scored a couple of points. How did that make you feel. That was an unbelievable feeling. I ended up 43rd in the east coast points and 82nd in the national points. It was definitely a huge confidence builder.

As we conduct this interview you are actually living in Florida getting ready for next season. Tell us about your program for this winter. Everyday I either go for a pretty long mountain bike ride usually somewhere around 20 miles or I go running. I do a lot of sprints and also some core exercises, and I try to throw some soccer in with my workouts sometimes. I work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I ride Tuesdays and Thursdays, and also on weekends. I’m planning on doing a couple races down here as well.

Who is helping you out while living down there? I’m living with some pretty good friends. The Garcia Family. They are helping me out a ton with a place to live and they even feed me! I cant thank them enough. My Dad is also helping me out tremendously.


What are your plans for next season? I plan to go back up to Canada and Qualify for every east coast round and Place a lot higher in the points. My Dad and I were also talking about getting my Pro card for the states as well. So if I do that I will try to run a couple of nationals that are closer to home.


Who would you like to thank for helping you out?
Well first off I would like to thank my Dad. He has been behind me 100% since day one and I can’t thank him enough. If it wasn’t for him racing motocross wouldn’t even be an option for me. I would also like to thank Freehold Honda, Dragon, Troy Lee Designs, Decal Works and Bel-Ray, And a special thanks to Scott Lukaitis for hooking me up with all the right people that he hooks me up with. And everyone else who has helped me through the years.

Jerry Seip interview

Jerry Seip

You are a long time competitor at Raceway Park.Tell us a little bit about yourself…..

I live in East Windsor, NJ with my beautiful wife and 4 year old daughter, Ruth and Jamie.



What do you do for a living?

I just recently started working at Cooper’s Honda in Hamilton, NJ.



How long have you been racing?

I started racing in 1981 at New Egypt. This is my 27th year.



What got you started in racing motocross?

Some of my friends raced (Terry Tucker) and told me to give it a try.



Back in the day you used to travel all over the area racing every weekend. Do you still do that or is it mostly local races now?

I still try to race every weekend, mainly just the bigger events. I love the workout and the competition.



Since it is such a large part of your life. What does your family thing of racing?

Ruth and Jamie really enjoy it. The rest of my family never really got involved.



We have known each other for a long time. One of the things that I always remember about you is how organized and factory your set up has always been. Has your organization been a key to your success?

It helps. I race three classes and I usually come to the races by myself.



As a veteran racer do you have to train harder than the young up and coming kids?

Yeh, which is one of the things that motivates me most.



Many guys you raced against have since retired. Who was you biggest rival? How about now?

Micky Kessler and I had some great races when he rode the vet classes. There are so many different riders from different tracks and different classes.



What is your best racing memory?

Winning a National 500 Qualifier and finishing 17th at Binghamton, NY

Winning the 1st Bruce Zimmeran Memorial Race at Englishtown.



How about your worst?

1996 was a bad year…

January - Orlando SX – I crashed in practice, in my heat and in my LCQ.

March – Englishtown – I crashed during a moto and broke some bones.

September – I crashed during practice breaking more bones.



Who are your sponsors this season?

Cooper’s Honda

Kessler Pro Suspension

MSR

Scott

Boyesen

One

Regina

Belray

Twin Air

Motographx

Jimmy McIlvaine Interview

Jimmy McIlvaine

You are a well known competitor at Raceway Park and around the tracks in the area. Tell us a little bit about yourself…..[jim and kristin mcilvaine] Well, I just turned 40 this past February. I am a husband,father to two awesome little girls and a union carpenter.

How long have you been racing?[jim and kristin mcilvaine] This is my 27th year racing motocross. Yes, I said 27 years!!!!!!!!!.

What got you started in racing motocross? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] When I was about 10 or 11 years old there was a legal place to ride right down the street from my house. All the older kids had dirt bikes . I would beg my parents all the time. One day my dad came home with a new XR 75. There was also a family of three brothers that I went to school with who raced and they helped me get into it

Looking through the districts results you seem to be racing every weekend. How many races a year do you attend?[jim and kristin mcilvaine] I just started to slow down a little bit. I race almost every weekend from March to October.

How does your family feel about that? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] Well, you know, they are starting to get a little tired of it. Last year was very tough for me and my family. I fractured my shoulder in April and then broke my leg and ankle in September. That put a lot of stress on the family life!

What do you do for a living? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] Union Carpenter (UNION YES )

Between working full time and having a family how do you find the time to race so often? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] It is EXTREMELY hard. Most people really don't understand. I go full bore from 5 in the morning until 9 pm.I usually bring my bike to work (load it up at 5:30 am) so I can go straight to practice after. If it was not for my wife doing most of the stuff around the house during the race season I would not be able to do it.

As a veteran racer do you have to train harder than the young up and coming kids? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] Yes, for sure. Especially this off season with all of the injuries and that big birthday that I had!

Many guys you raced against have since retired. Who was you biggest rival? How about now? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] That is a tough one. There are so many that have retired that at the moment I can't think of one. Now I consider anyone over 25 my rival.

What's your secret for racing for so long? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] I guess it is that I truely love this sport. I do it for that reason only! I have met so many great people and have seen so many great places . I have lined up with some of the greatest riders in the world. There is nothing like taking that parade lap at Unadilla or lining up for the supercross(lites now)main event at Giants stadium. Its been a pretty awesome time.

You have always had a great list of people helping you out, who is helping you out this season? [jim and kristin mcilvaine] First, has to be my entire family. They are not very happy that I didn't hang up my boots after last year,but without them it would be impossible. then, Monmouth Cycle, Silkolene,Vortex,Twin-Air,EVS,KPS,Sidi,Scott USA,MSR,Boyesen,Acerbis,Pro Circuit,Moto Masters,Moto-X Support,Skorbordz . Thank you to them and all the people that have helped me out in the past. Without them it would not be possable for me to do what I love. Thank you JMac 133

For immediate release:
Media contact: Rich Schmidt
Email: mx775@comcast.net
Raceway Park motocross Opens for 33rd Anniversary Season.
Sunday March 9th marks the opening day for Old Bridge Township’s Raceway Park’s 33rd anniversary season of motocross racing. Local dealer Monmouth Cycles is the presenting sponsor for this season’s events. There are classes for everyone from the four year old beginners to the over forty year old expert racers. This season’s schedule contains 13 motocross events of which several are special events. The first of the special races is on March 30th as Raceway Park hosts round 2 of the Northeast Classic Motocross Series. April 12th and 13th is the 2nd annual Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier, June 29th is part of the District 6 Ultimate Motocross Series, and August 30th is the 16th annual Vet and Vintage Reunion sponsored by Mickey Kessler’s Kessler Pro Suspension. The first weekend in October, Raceway Park is the site for the 32nd annual Kawasaki Team Green Motocross Race of Champions and on October 19th the 23rd annual Suzuki NJ State MX Championship will be held.
In addition to its full schedule of motocross racing Raceway Park also hosts a series of Quad and Supermoto racing as well.
This New Jersey track is thought by many to be one of the best in the country and over the years has been ridden by the who’s who of the sport of motocross. Multi-time National champions Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and X-Games champion Travis Pastrana have all raced one the famous Raceway Park motocross track. For a complete schedule of events see website @ www.racewaypark.com
About Raceway Park:
Raceway Park, located in the heart of Central New Jersey is just thirty-five miles south of New York City & the four surrounding boroughs and just fifty five miles northeast of Philadelphia, will celebrate forty-three (43) years of fast family fun in 2008.

Raceway Park conducts a very wide variety of motorsport events including Championship NHRA Drag Racing, Championship AMA Semi-Pro Motocross racing, WKA Karting, Auto Shows, NOPI Sport Compact & Import Shows, Junior Drag Racing, Musical concerts including festivals like the annual Vans Warped Tour, Auto flea markets, motocross practice tracks, theme events, family shows, monster truck shows, and much, much more. Opening soon will be an all-new 1.3 mile paved road racing course for cars and motorcycles.

Annual attendance (based on fair weather conditions) is 560,000 people per year at more than two hundred different events conducted between March and November.

The 2008 Raceway Park motocross season is upon us. Hopefully everyone enjoyed their time off from racing this winter but I for one could hardly wait for the season to start.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and kind words last season. I have had the opportunity to get to know many of you personally and enjoy sharing my work with you on a weekly basis. I have spent the winter of 2007-2008 working on and planning some exciting new projects that I think you will enjoy.
As you may have already seen during the 2007 season I launched The Motopages and NJ Motocross. Both websites were designed to increase the visibility of the local motocross community. The Motopages has become the local directory for goods and services for and by local racers. It allows for networking for business between riders and they do for a living. NJ Motocross is a website that is designed to cover all things motocross in and about the great state of New Jersey. The constantly evolving site has served to record the states racing history in one spot. With today’s ever evolving internet society I have jumped into the blogosphere with two interesting projects. www.njmotocross.blogspot.com is comprised of frequently updated information from anything motocross New Jersey related. Weather updates, results and other information can be posted quickly and often. Photos and results usually within a day of the event as well as links to and copies of published NJ Motocross items.www.scottlukaitisphotography.com will become the place to stop first to see photos from each race. As soon as they are done and posted we’ll let you know.
By subscribing to our site feeds you’ll never be out of touch. So I’ll be busy this season and I hope you’ll join me in my adventure.
I am looking forward to another season…see you at the track.
Scott