MDK/Warthog Racing Academy Has a Breakthrough Season!

MDK/Warthog Racing Academy (WRA) Series Report

By Chris O’Neal

“Success” is the best word to describe MDK/WRA’s 2008 Monster Energy AMA and FIM World Supercross series.

In 2008, MDK/WRA once again set out to support the sport by providing deserving privateers a business model that would allow them to run their own program. The program included a group of supporters that staffed the operation, provided transportation, pit set-up, technicians, food and hospitality, marketing and promotion, product support, and handled sponsorship relations -- all while allowing the rider to keep every cent of his earnings.

Every year it becomes financially more difficult for a struggling privateer to get a chance to race in the big show. With the support of great sponsors like MDK Motorsports, U.S. Air Force, MDK Speed, DeCal Works, Smooth Industries, MotocrossGiant.com, Mastercraft Boats, MMI, Vortex, ASV, Universal, MB2, The Plumber Inc., and Dana K the team was able to qualify for more than 30 main events throughout the season while supporting an astonishing
30 riders!

2008 WRA SX Rider Support Roster

The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) Intern Program provided excellent mechanics for riders in need of help at every round. Trained qualified technicians took a huge load off of the privateers and provided excellent support for the entire program. At Toronto, one stand out mechanic, Derik Dwyer, wrenched for three riders at one time helping MDK Speed/RXR’s Colt Humphrey and MDK Speed/CDG Technologies’ Jiri Dostal into the main events, in their respected classes. For the second year the partnership has reaped great rewards for both the riders and interns as we have now graduated four to full time status within the industry.

DeCal Works/WRA’s Hog Haven tent and semi truck provided one of the largest footprints in the pits, fielding 10 riders or more at most events. Almost every weekend new riders joined the team. The entire concept is a true testament to the dedication and passion that the crew at DeCal Works have for our sport. Through necessity MDK/WRA and the privateers forced DeCal Works to prove daily that they have the highest quality and fastest service in the decal business, they equipped new riders with custom team graphics in very short notice.

MDK/U.S. Air Force/WRA’s Team Captain Heath Voss had a good season, by his standards, great by ours, finishing second overall in the privateer point standings. Heath’s will and determination is unquestionable; after suffering a horrific crash at A3 which rendered him unconscious for 3 minutes and out for the next two rounds Voss finished the series 12th overall with a best finish of sixth at the Daytona mud fest.

Straight from Spain, MDK Speed/Kawasaki/WRA’s Manuel Rivas displayed the talent and ability that had earned him the Spanish SX championship.

Rivas qualified for six main events riding his MDK Speed/FMF/Enzo equipped Kawasaki in the Supercross class. Rivas scored five top 15 finishes and the highlight of the season for Rivas came at Anaheim 3 finishing an impressive 10th against a field of factory riders.

MDK Speed/CDG Technologies/WRA’s Jiri Dostal had a frustrating season qualifying for just 2 main events while placing 10th in nine heat races – he just missed a direct shot to nine more mains. Look for Dostal to improve his starts next year . . . he has the speed to qualify but needs to get out front early.

Mid season additions to the team saw Chris Gooselaar, Tiger Lacey, and Mike McDade all making main events. Gooselaar rode the Supercross class for the east rounds under the huge MDK/DeCal Works set up and looked really good adapting to the big bore. In Indianapolis, McDade came out swinging, leading every lap of the Lites LCQ and taking the win. Dallas soil claimed McDade ending his season with a broken arm. McDade is a great outdoor rider and looks to shock the motocross world with his return at High Point. Tiger Lacey rode phenomenally aboard his MDK Speed/RXR/FMF equipped Honda, making three main events in the west coast Lites class with a best finish of 13th at Anaheim 2.

Ryan Mills and Tyson Hadsell were both riding MDK Speed equipped Honda’s. Having excellent bikes, helped both of them make mains this year, with Mills logging his best finish of the two with a 13th at Atlanta. Mills will be contesting the outdoor series under the MDK/WRA awning and looks to return to the top where he once was.

Coming back to Supercross after a couple years off, Supercross veteran Daniel Blair returned right where he left off, making main events. Blair was part of the MDK/WRA tryout that took place before the season began. Blair put down impressive lap times on the
Power Start VictoryLap Timer and was offered a spot for 2008. He did not disappoint, making back-to-back mains at Phoenix and Anaheim.

Warthog Racing Academy’s goal is to help struggling privateers make main events, by providing the MDK/WRA semi truck to transport bikes and a comfortable environment. Cytomax beverages and wonderful catering at every event are added bonuses when riding for the MDK/WRA team. Every rider on the team is offered the same hospitality, unconditional support, and encouragement. 100% effort and commitment is all that is asked from the riders.

2008 was the best season up to date for the team. Voss finished as the teams top placing rider as expected and will be back next year.

Congratulations to all the riders and supporters for making motocross history as the largest race team in Supercross and to Sara and Heath Voss on the birth of their son. Good luck in the upcoming months to our Teams’ Riding coach and mentor, Brian MacDonald, as he and his wife are expecting twins.

Now, MDK/MediaZone/WRA is headed outdoors for the first time ever. Many riders are prepared to do battle starting at Glen Helen next week. The largest team in motocross will be out in full force, be sure to show your support for the hardest working riders in the sport.

Catch the MDK/Media Zone/WRA juggernaut in Glen Helen, CA on May 24th and remember to support your local privateer!

Please visit our websites at www.WarthogRacing.com, www.MDKMoto.com, and www.SmoothIndustries.com