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Another kid who did well, despite the fact that the family is working 3 jobs (and he has natural ability) is AJ Cantanzaro. That family can only afford to go to 2 or 3 races a year, barely, and I think I read somewhere "Despite winning a national title (stock class but not mod) at Lake Whitney AJ doesn't have what it takes to make it to the big leagues." , all of this while the kid came down with a cold or flu and had trouble with his mod bike and could only do his best.
I totally agree about the times now, but anyone watching can tell talent and hopefully give support to a person that needs it to make it to the next level.
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I have been saying that about AJ for the past 2 years.
The kid is amazing and they have to scrape and do anything they can just to get him to the races.
I am friends with the family and they work their asses off for AJ.
They have to bum rides and get other folks to bring AJ's bikes to the bigger nationals because they get squat for help.
Podiums this year at LL's and they got nothing for it.
I garun-damn-tee you if they could afford for him to train at MTF all year you would know that kids name just as well as you know Trettle or Tomac or Anstie.
THAT is where money makes a difference, this kid has a ton of talent, desire and determination and his family is behind him 1000%.....the only difference is they don't have the cash to keep up with the jones.
Honestly,
Some on this board have no idea what it cost to race in the amateur ranks at this level. We were very lucky and for the majority of my sons career we never paid for bikes, parts, all gear, motor or suspension work or things like sunglasses, hats, shirts, jackets, shorts etc. He was even lucky enough to get a check every month for expenses and it still cost me a lot of money.
My hats off to people like the Catanzaro family and 35smom because it's not an easy task to compete at this level.
"AJ Catanzaro blasted onto the scene like a rocket ship a few months ago, but he’s seemed to have fizzled out over the last two weeks. He’s on his own program, so it’s going to be tough to beat the factory boys. Nonetheless, despite winning a title last week at Lake Whitney AJ has been less than impressive. He hasn’t mixed it up with the big boys on many occasions, which is something he’ll have to do if he wants to make the stud list next time around."
"Despite winning a title last week at Lake Whitney, AJ has been less than impressive."
Don't tell me that isn't a huge slap in the face.
Like you said jndmx, AJ is a rider who has been at it for awhile now. I completely agree. I remember when he was doing really well on a Polini 50 back when he started. Always has been a great rider since then and with a superb family doing what they can to get him from race to race, AJ has earned it the hard way and should get noticed for his outstanding results. With his past results (including a podium at Loretta's last year), determination, and the huge support from his family, AJ is a rider who deserves the credit out there for his accomplishments, not for his lack of being at every single amateur national.
Look at professional sports. Things get called as they are seen. And while he may still be intermediate, he has a professional outlook and plans on going pro. Being loved or patronized is part of the game, especially at that level. Results are results.
He did an awesome job at Whitney, and if you read that statement in its context, it means he isn't getting the job done at Oak Hill. It's that simple. We have the biggest amount of respect for AJ and his family; there is absolutely no disrespect intended.
Just checking since I did hear he did get sick last week at Whitney and all.
Maybe that's why for the poor performance at Oakhill?
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