Vital MX Forum QNA: Andy Bowyer

GuyB
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12/14/2016 10:14am Edited Date/Time 4/10/2017 4:41pm


The 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season is coming in hot. What would you like to ask the host of Raceday Live, Andy Bowyer? He posts here as Hattica77.
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Rowlands
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12/14/2016 10:44am
How do you manage to find to much to say ?
12/14/2016 10:49am
When you're headed to track walk to get pre race bites and footage, who can you count on to provide you with quality interview material?

We know you are the host with the most on Saturday, but how much legwork and research do you do preparing for each weekend? Have you become full fledged stat dork yet?

If you were 17 and fresh off amateur titles, would you rather race east or west coast in 250sx- and what team would you hope to be signed to?
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 11:05am
When you're headed to track walk to get pre race bites and footage, who can you count on to provide you with quality interview material? We...
When you're headed to track walk to get pre race bites and footage, who can you count on to provide you with quality interview material?

We know you are the host with the most on Saturday, but how much legwork and research do you do preparing for each weekend? Have you become full fledged stat dork yet?

If you were 17 and fresh off amateur titles, would you rather race east or west coast in 250sx- and what team would you hope to be signed to?
Hi Jeff,

1st question: Mechanics. They know their riders closer than almost anyone and Jim Holley and myself frequent the pits every Saturday morning to chat up as many mechanics as we can to get the scoop.

2nd question: I handle the social media for Feld Entertainment two-wheel so that really helps keeping up to date. Other than that we have the luxury of the Fox Sports stat book which is insane how much information it has.

It was always my dream to race for Mitch Payton's team. When I turned pro in 1996 his team was THE organization in the 125 class. Now a days, I would think any aspiring 17 year old pro would be stoked to join ANY current 250F pro team. The paddock is filled with strong options.
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 11:08am
Rowlands wrote:
How do you manage to find to much to say ?
Hello Rowlands,

I think I'm picking up on your sarcasm, and yes, it is a fine line between calling the action and knowing when to just let things play out. This is my third swing at Race Day Live and I've studied all of the shows from 2016. Always trying to be better!

I see you are an international fan, so thanks for tuning in. International viewers make up 60% of our viewership!

The Shop

SethGator
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12/14/2016 11:19am
congrats on the new niece., all I got. Hopefully Clint turns in around, shitty deal in 2016 on the track and off with the team.
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 11:23am
SethGator wrote:
congrats on the new niece., all I got. Hopefully Clint turns in around, shitty deal in 2016 on the track and off with the team.
Thank you! Excited to meet Miss Presley over Christmas.

Wheelman will be just fine in '17. Pretty funny the only race he won in '16 was the NASCAR Holeshot Challenge in Atlanta. LOL
JBmaico
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12/14/2016 11:25am
Hi Andy,

Any changes planned for the 2017 Race Day live broadcasts you can tell us about?

Keep up the good work!
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 11:44am
JBmaico wrote:
Hi Andy,

Any changes planned for the 2017 Race Day live broadcasts you can tell us about?

Keep up the good work!
Hello JBmaico,

Stay tuned for some announcements as we get closer to A1 for some possible changes.

Other than that, we aim to be tighter overall. We have the same Executive Producer and Show Producer this year, and are eager to produce solid broadcasts.

Thanks for the kind words!
huck
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12/14/2016 11:53am
Do you know that Clint Bowyer guy and can you beat him in a straight line race on a motorcycle?

Kenny Lingus
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12/14/2016 11:57am Edited Date/Time 12/18/2016 7:10am
error 404
Rowlands
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12/14/2016 11:57am
Rowlands wrote:
How do you manage to find to much to say ?
Hattica77 wrote:
Hello Rowlands, I think I'm picking up on your sarcasm, and yes, it is a fine line between calling the action and knowing when to just...
Hello Rowlands,

I think I'm picking up on your sarcasm, and yes, it is a fine line between calling the action and knowing when to just let things play out. This is my third swing at Race Day Live and I've studied all of the shows from 2016. Always trying to be better!

I see you are an international fan, so thanks for tuning in. International viewers make up 60% of our viewership!
Sorry Andy the question was meant to read " How do you manage to find SO much to say ? " I wasn't being sarcastic I am generally interested to know how you can find to much to talk about it's a talent !

Thank you for doing the show i enjoy it very much.
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 12:02pm
Rowlands wrote:
How do you manage to find to much to say ?
Hattica77 wrote:
Hello Rowlands, I think I'm picking up on your sarcasm, and yes, it is a fine line between calling the action and knowing when to just...
Hello Rowlands,

I think I'm picking up on your sarcasm, and yes, it is a fine line between calling the action and knowing when to just let things play out. This is my third swing at Race Day Live and I've studied all of the shows from 2016. Always trying to be better!

I see you are an international fan, so thanks for tuning in. International viewers make up 60% of our viewership!
Rowlands wrote:
Sorry Andy the question was meant to read " How do you manage to find SO much to say ? " I wasn't being sarcastic I...
Sorry Andy the question was meant to read " How do you manage to find SO much to say ? " I wasn't being sarcastic I am generally interested to know how you can find to much to talk about it's a talent !

Thank you for doing the show i enjoy it very much.

Ha! When you have the legendary Jim Holley with you, there is always something to talk about. Working with Jim is an honor.

Cheers.
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 12:03pm
huck wrote:
Do you know that Clint Bowyer guy and can you beat him in a straight line race on a motorcycle?

I can beat him any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Haha!
huck
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12/14/2016 12:28pm
huck wrote:
Do you know that Clint Bowyer guy and can you beat him in a straight line race on a motorcycle?

Hattica77 wrote:
I can beat him any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Haha!
lol


What's your favorite event to broadcast from, and why?
GuyB
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12/14/2016 12:42pm Edited Date/Time 12/14/2016 12:43pm
huck wrote:
Do you know that Clint Bowyer guy and can you beat him in a straight line race on a motorcycle?

Hattica77 wrote:
I can beat him any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Haha!
But you let him win all races where the finish line is a wall?

With Monster sponsoring the Cup series, do we see similar crossover events in the future?
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 12:50pm
huck wrote:
Do you know that Clint Bowyer guy and can you beat him in a straight line race on a motorcycle?

Hattica77 wrote:
I can beat him any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Haha!
GuyB wrote:
But you let him win all races where the finish line is a wall? With Monster sponsoring the Cup series, do we see similar crossover events...
But you let him win all races where the finish line is a wall?

With Monster sponsoring the Cup series, do we see similar crossover events in the future?
I'm not aware of any more crossover events, but ESPN NASCAR writer Bob Pockrass will be a celebrity guest on Race Day Live for Anaheim 1, and he'll be covering OUR Supercross event. I'm very excited about that.
Hattica77
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12/14/2016 12:51pm
huck wrote:
lol


What's your favorite event to broadcast from, and why?
A1. There is nothing in motor sports like the season opener at Anaheim.
Hank_Thrill
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12/14/2016 2:51pm
I love watching the show. Great work!

Do you have any good racing stories from 59th and Douglas? It was a little before my time, but I heard you and Clint came to Oklahoma quite a bit to race.

Hattica77
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12/14/2016 3:10pm
I love watching the show. Great work! Do you have any good racing stories from 59th and Douglas? It was a little before my time, but...
I love watching the show. Great work!

Do you have any good racing stories from 59th and Douglas? It was a little before my time, but I heard you and Clint came to Oklahoma quite a bit to race.

Wow, 59th and Douglas.

We are from Kansas, but we spent more time on the weekend there than any place in the country. I'll never forget seeing the red wheels of this kid with #67 on his number plates on his modified Y-Zinger. The name on his jersey when he flew past me read, "Reynard."

I raced with Robbie from 50cc through 85cc. As far as 59th and Douglas memories go, one-time I held him off until the white flag. He would always let us go into the first corner, then pass all of us. But one time I was able to hold him off. He still passed me at the race. We were probably 13 years old. He's the fastest guy that's ever lived at 59th and Douglas.

Broke my 1st bone there, a collar bone. They used to have the Dr. Pepper Night Time Nationals and Guy Cooper would ride to the starting line with his wife on the back of his bike in a bikini like a boss. He would do huge one handed whips just out onto the flat on the back straight away.

Clifford "The Flyin Hawaiian" Adoptonte, Trey "Big Daddy" Owens, "Big Bank" Monte Frank, "Wild Waylon" Litchfield, Cliff "Hot Rod" Palmer, Tommy Lee, Jason Owens, David Owens, The Slater brothers, Heath Fraizer, Jacob Martin...many others.

So many memories. Barrel fires in the winter, the red dirt and the airforce base nearby with jets flying over the track all day long.

Casey, Clint and I grew up there. It was perfect.
Ted722
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12/14/2016 4:42pm
Andy,
We were actually a bit worried about you guys until confirmation you were OK. What a way to end the season. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there!



UpTiTe
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12/14/2016 5:35pm
I know what its like to be over shadowed by a brother, so when I ran into your bother I said "Hey, you're Andy Bowyers brother aren't you?". He laughed.
trailrider
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12/14/2016 6:36pm Edited Date/Time 12/14/2016 6:56pm
Does fled require or send u to training?
How are u preparing for the 2017 broadcast season?
How do u make a living in the off season?
Quiz time...what was Jim's highest finish in AMA Supercross?

Racerx930
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12/14/2016 9:28pm Edited Date/Time 12/14/2016 9:30pm
I love watching the show. Great work! Do you have any good racing stories from 59th and Douglas? It was a little before my time, but...
I love watching the show. Great work!

Do you have any good racing stories from 59th and Douglas? It was a little before my time, but I heard you and Clint came to Oklahoma quite a bit to race.

Hattica77 wrote:
Wow, 59th and Douglas. We are from Kansas, but we spent more time on the weekend there than any place in the country. I'll never forget...
Wow, 59th and Douglas.

We are from Kansas, but we spent more time on the weekend there than any place in the country. I'll never forget seeing the red wheels of this kid with #67 on his number plates on his modified Y-Zinger. The name on his jersey when he flew past me read, "Reynard."

I raced with Robbie from 50cc through 85cc. As far as 59th and Douglas memories go, one-time I held him off until the white flag. He would always let us go into the first corner, then pass all of us. But one time I was able to hold him off. He still passed me at the race. We were probably 13 years old. He's the fastest guy that's ever lived at 59th and Douglas.

Broke my 1st bone there, a collar bone. They used to have the Dr. Pepper Night Time Nationals and Guy Cooper would ride to the starting line with his wife on the back of his bike in a bikini like a boss. He would do huge one handed whips just out onto the flat on the back straight away.

Clifford "The Flyin Hawaiian" Adoptonte, Trey "Big Daddy" Owens, "Big Bank" Monte Frank, "Wild Waylon" Litchfield, Cliff "Hot Rod" Palmer, Tommy Lee, Jason Owens, David Owens, The Slater brothers, Heath Fraizer, Jacob Martin...many others.

So many memories. Barrel fires in the winter, the red dirt and the airforce base nearby with jets flying over the track all day long.

Casey, Clint and I grew up there. It was perfect.
Zack and Eli Slater, Those are some names left off most lists that I remember very well. Bought my first KX60 from them. I was raised by my grandfather and he couldn't make out one KX60 over another on the track so he put Blue Maier plastic with an orange shroud, and an orange "Scoobs" seat with blue splashes on it. The ugliest bike ever that I'd pay a small fortune to get back.

Still talk to most of that list often.
Flatliner
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12/14/2016 9:49pm
Cant believe this one hasn't come up.

Terrafirma 4..... talk us through "the jump".
mxnick
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12/15/2016 12:16am Edited Date/Time 12/15/2016 12:16am
What was it like sharing an office with the very famous Mike "Fubar" Farber?



Hattica77
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12/15/2016 4:31am
Ted722 wrote:
Andy, We were actually a bit worried about you guys until confirmation you were OK. What a way to end the season. Keep up the great...
Andy,
We were actually a bit worried about you guys until confirmation you were OK. What a way to end the season. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there!



That was a crazy day. About 10 minutes before this moment we saw an EZ-Up get picked up by the wind and get carried about 400yds away into the pro pits. It made a crazy sound and at first I thought we were getting shocked...we still had a big show to go at that point, so it was a bummer, but hey as they saying goes, it happens.

Thanks for watching!
Hattica77
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12/15/2016 4:39am
trailrider wrote:
Does fled require or send u to training? How are u preparing for the 2017 broadcast season? How do u make a living in the off...
Does fled require or send u to training?
How are u preparing for the 2017 broadcast season?
How do u make a living in the off season?
Quiz time...what was Jim's highest finish in AMA Supercross?

Hi Trailrider,

We have an internal media trainer at Feld that I am very fortunate to be able to spend time with. She can really teach you a thing or two for sure.

I prepare by watching every pre game show that I can. I love the NFL pre game shows, College Game Day and pretty much any broadcasting show that I can. I pay attention to the transitions and how the hosts react to prompts given to them by the producers.

Well, I have no off-season as I am a Digital Marketing Specialist for Feld Entertainment. I work alongside a wonderful team that are the smartest folks I've ever met. Every day is a challenge and an honor.

Hmm, Jim never got a podium so I'm going to say 5th. He is the 1985 World Supercross Champion and as solid of a guy as there is.

Thanks for watching Race Day Live!
Hattica77
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12/15/2016 4:47am
mxnick wrote:
What was it like sharing an office with the very famous Mike "Fubar" Farber?



Hi Nick!

Those were the days working in the Racer X office in Morgantown. Farber is a great guy, man, we all used to be on instant messenger in the office and set up pranks and jokes and literally laugh ourselves to tears. The funniest story was when he came to the office on a snowy morning and for some reason he had gotten out of his Jeep on the RIGHT side and left footprints walking into the building. Jason Hooper took a photo of it and e-mailed it around the office asking what the heck?

We asked Farber why he got out of the right side of his Jeep and he started nervously blinking and stuttering really bad and said,

"I went to my dad's bar for a beer and jumped out of my Jeep too fast and knocked it into reverse. Just when I sat down I saw my Jeep rolling backwards across the parking lot heading towards my dad's motorhome. So I sprinted fast as I could and dove into the driver's side just in time to stop it before it went into the creek. But the driver's door got ripped off. So I just kind of slammed it back into the hinges and it stuck there."

Oddly, that stuff happened a lot with "Fubar."
Hattica77
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12/15/2016 5:55am
Flatliner wrote:
Cant believe this one hasn't come up.

Terrafirma 4..... talk us through "the jump".
Hi Flatliner, thanks for the question!

That was a very exciting time in my life/career. It was Spring '97 and the big video craze was in full swing. I had spent the last couple years leading into the Terrafirma 4 shoot watching Crusty Demons of Dirt and the earlier Terrafirma series for hours and days on end. The writing was on the wall that I wasn't going to be the next Jeremy McGrath and I had already made some moves to transition into a career as a rider rep for Fox Racing. It just so happened they had a spot for a rider on the Chile shoot and Chris Hultner hit me up and asked me if I would do some filming. I still remember getting that phone call at my Dad's tow truck shop in Kansas...

Chris Neal, Edgar Torrenterras and I had spent 5-6 days shooting and had captured some pretty gnarly stuff, but we were missing a banger. We hit this spot with acres of natural table tops and started doing whips and hitting some sections. I saw a gap from one table top to a large clearing then a landing spot and thought, "I can hit that gap."

Hultner, Neal and the rest of the film crew urged me not to do it, but I was 19 years old and pretty stubborn and over confident. I knew if I hit it 5th gear wide open I'd make it. Well, we took a 4x4 truck and kind of smoothed out the face of the take off and I did a couple of practice runs. I was hitting 5th about 30 yards before taking off and guessed I had the speed.

I remember lining up for the jump and looking out across the ocean and remembering how peaceful it was. There was that acid in the throat and shaky legs, but I was committed. I told myself, "You'll never have this kind of opportunity again, this is your shot. Do it."

Unfortunately on my approach I hit a roller awkwardly and I couldn't stay wide open. When I cracked the throttle I lost my momentum and compressed my suspension into the face of the take off. This shot me too high and not OUT far enough. A pro racer knows exactly where he is going to land right when he takes off, and sure enough I knew I was in trouble.

Compound fractured my jaw in 4 places, broken tib/fib and ripped my throat open with the helmet strap. It was scary and as sketchy as it gets with no hospitals around. Someone/something was taking care of me that day.

No "ragrets" though. Haha.
Flatliner
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12/15/2016 11:31am
Thanks for taking the time to answer in detail!

When I watch it now I can totally see what you described.

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