rig drivers?

mellonhs
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mellonhs
Edited Date/Time 3/1/2012 6:12pm
Anyone know anything about them? What they do during the race? How they got their job? I was curious because I saw 2 muscle milk honda, jstar KTM, MOTO concepts and the factory KTM rig this morning heading north on 75 just north of ATL. I tiptoed how they got their job and someone said its just a mechanic with cdls....? How true is that?
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tireguy111
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tireguy111 2/28/2012 8:43am
2/28/2012 8:43am
The semi driver is just that...and a little more...keeps the truck clean and well organized, helps set up and tear down the awnings and tables, sometimes cooks lunch and dinner and helps out whenever needed..............
lumpy790
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lumpy790 2/28/2012 8:55am
2/28/2012 8:55am Edited Date/Time 2/28/2012 8:58am
some are the BBQ guys too.

I suspect if something needs to be done and they are able to perform the task .... they do it.

I was told by one of the drivers .... they make a lot less $$ driving for a team than they would driving CC full time.
newmann
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newmann 2/28/2012 8:58am
2/28/2012 8:58am
lumpy790 wrote:
some are the BBQ guys too. I suspect if something needs to be done and they are able to perform the task .... they do it...
some are the BBQ guys too.

I suspect if something needs to be done and they are able to perform the task .... they do it.

I was told by one of the drivers .... they make a lot less $$ driving for a team than they would driving CC full time.
If a guy can drive a truck but not cook with fire then he can't drive the truck.Smile

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Riesenberg448
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Riesenberg448 2/28/2012 9:40am
2/28/2012 9:40am
First ones there every day, last ones gone every round. Drive cross country, stock the rig with groceries, hospitality supplies, food, drinks, etc., keep it clean, load and unload, setup (and those big ass awnings are a pain), cook, video tape practice/races, etc.

The pay is crap and you're a bit of a housewife for the whole crew, but it does get you to all the races and you might actually get to watch some of them once in awhile.
Temor a la Mancha 2/28/2012 10:18am
2/28/2012 10:18am Edited Date/Time 2/28/2012 10:18am
TransworldMX did a behind the scenes video with RV and team and interviewed their semi driver. Among other things, he is responsible for repacking the linkage on the race bikes every week and buying groceries for the pits. They put them to good use, but I'm sure it varies wildly from team to team.
kxkid715
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kxkid715 2/28/2012 10:39am
2/28/2012 10:39am
newmann wrote:
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here. http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-semi-driver/
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here.

http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-s…
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
Moto331
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Moto331 2/28/2012 10:44am
2/28/2012 10:44am
newmann wrote:
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here. http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-semi-driver/
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here.

http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-s…
kxkid715 wrote:
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be...
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
That is just awesome
GuyB
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GuyB 2/28/2012 10:51am
2/28/2012 10:51am
kxkid715 wrote:
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be...
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
Thanks, Corey. Smile
flyinb501
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flyinb501 2/28/2012 11:18am
2/28/2012 11:18am
newmann wrote:
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here. http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-semi-driver/
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here.

http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-s…
kxkid715 wrote:
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be...
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
Very cool! Sounds like a lot of work!
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/28/2012 11:29am
2/28/2012 11:29am
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Did I miss anything?
rg4
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rg4 2/28/2012 12:41pm
2/28/2012 12:41pm
newmann wrote:
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here. http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-semi-driver/
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here.

http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-s…
kxkid715 wrote:
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be...
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
Corey? Funny topic for today. One hour ago I took my 12th grade Civics class through The Migration part 1. We were talking about how you got the job as transport driver and your work ethic. We discussed ways students can learn from your actions. I told my students that you were probably on your way to St. Louis right now. Ride safe.
kxkid715
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kxkid715 2/28/2012 3:36pm
2/28/2012 3:36pm
newmann wrote:
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here. http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-semi-driver/
This was up a while back. Maybe some insight here.

http://motocross.transworld.net/1000105392/videos/life-of-a-race-team-s…
kxkid715 wrote:
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be...
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
rg4 wrote:
Corey? Funny topic for today. One hour ago I took my 12th grade Civics class through The Migration part 1. We were talking about how you...
Corey? Funny topic for today. One hour ago I took my 12th grade Civics class through The Migration part 1. We were talking about how you got the job as transport driver and your work ethic. We discussed ways students can learn from your actions. I told my students that you were probably on your way to St. Louis right now. Ride safe.
That is great! I am curious, how did the students react?

I added some pics from the road...hope you enjoy.

Pulling the generator our for a rebuild...It shut down on us at two different rounds, quite the headache.


Before supercross started I tore apart the interior to better suit the mechanics and crew. We need to use every square inch of storage efficiently so our days run smoother. Everything has a place.


This is the end of a build day before Steel City. We were putting bikes away and filling the tanks in the trailer back up. Awesome sunset.


Driving through New Mexico and Texas....I had two blowouts this trip. One due to heat, and one because the mechanic in this picture put on the wrong size tire and I was too delirious to even notice. But, as you can see the JDR driver hung around with me this whole drive to help insure my safety. He had a blowout as well the next day!


Heading to Colorado...


And for the rewards....our teams first win, Cole rode like an animal!
rg4
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rg4 2/28/2012 3:58pm
2/28/2012 3:58pm
kxkid715 wrote:
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be...
I have been driving the TLD truck for 3 seasons now and really enjoy it. The drivers are a breed of there own and to be good at it, have to put up with a lot of adversity.

SX and outdoors are two different disciplines for the driver. Outdoors being the toughest. Saturday we race and during the day a driver will cook, clean, film, get the rhino to the mechanics area full of supplies for the moto and at the end of the day, tear down the awning. Sunday is a drive day and we usually drive until Monday or Tuesday. On Tues/Weds the truck is torn apart...upstairs, downstairs, lounges and thoroughly cleaned and re-loaded. Thursday the mechanics will return to the truck to tear the bikes down and re-build and drivers will use this day to shop for food and supplies. Its an early morning on Friday, and the truck needs to be at the track for parking/set up. Once the truck is parked we lay out our flooring for the pit area and start the, "tent event". Once set up we cook a lunch for the crew and prepare for Saturday. .....Repeat.

Aside from racing, a driver is in charge of all maintenance, repairs and paperwork involved with the tractor and race trailer. It has boggled my mind how many issues come up weekly....generator problems, A/C, 110 power, tent...the list goes on. It is imperative that every part of that trailer works throughout the week and that is a job within itself.

It is a tiring, sometimes grueling emotional roller coaster of a job that in turn is rewarding, satisfying and very fun. Especially after winning races! I am lucky to be a part of a great team with a lot of success in the future.
rg4 wrote:
Corey? Funny topic for today. One hour ago I took my 12th grade Civics class through The Migration part 1. We were talking about how you...
Corey? Funny topic for today. One hour ago I took my 12th grade Civics class through The Migration part 1. We were talking about how you got the job as transport driver and your work ethic. We discussed ways students can learn from your actions. I told my students that you were probably on your way to St. Louis right now. Ride safe.
kxkid715 wrote:
That is great! I am curious, how did the students react? I added some pics from the road...hope you enjoy. Pulling the generator our for a...
That is great! I am curious, how did the students react?

I added some pics from the road...hope you enjoy.

Pulling the generator our for a rebuild...It shut down on us at two different rounds, quite the headache.


Before supercross started I tore apart the interior to better suit the mechanics and crew. We need to use every square inch of storage efficiently so our days run smoother. Everything has a place.


This is the end of a build day before Steel City. We were putting bikes away and filling the tanks in the trailer back up. Awesome sunset.


Driving through New Mexico and Texas....I had two blowouts this trip. One due to heat, and one because the mechanic in this picture put on the wrong size tire and I was too delirious to even notice. But, as you can see the JDR driver hung around with me this whole drive to help insure my safety. He had a blowout as well the next day!


Heading to Colorado...


And for the rewards....our teams first win, Cole rode like an animal!
Super COOL pics. I'll show them to my class tomorrow. I've saved all the assignments this year from (The Migration) so I can share them with you. To quote one student "he's a stud." You're an inspiration.

Of the pics, I love the one of you and JDR guy helping each other out. Then, I love the convoy pic. Both show the brotherhood of truckers and motorcyclists. And the emotion with you and Cole. AWESOME!
jasonv43
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jasonv43 2/28/2012 4:19pm
2/28/2012 4:19pm
Wow. Cool thread. Thanks for the info.
SXDoc
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SXDoc 2/28/2012 9:07pm
2/28/2012 9:07pm
They definitely have a hard and what can seem like a thankless job.

Our driver, Ken Stultz is always pulling a trick out of his hat to make sure the rig gets to the track in one piece and I am always amazed how any problem is fixed so quickly. Hats off to all the drivers and their dedication to our sport! We couldn't race without them!

Thank them whenever you see 'em!

Doc B
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DiIullo 2/28/2012 9:30pm
2/28/2012 9:30pm
Racing, any type of racing, regardless of job title, is a shit load of work. much respect to all involved, even the people working in the AM's....

Pit Row

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rocrac
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rocrac 2/29/2012 3:38am
2/29/2012 3:38am
jasonv43 wrote:
Wow. Cool thread. Thanks for the info.
x2
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Mr Regis 2/29/2012 4:04am
2/29/2012 4:04am Edited Date/Time 2/29/2012 4:05am
I met Corey last year while visiting TLD...
What a great guy and great personality... Very respected inside the mx/sx scene..
Keep it up man, you are in the best way possible...
Crisp BRAAAP! 2/29/2012 5:10am
2/29/2012 5:10am
It's replies like this that keep me glued to this site. It helps me through the other 1000s of Vitarded ones. Thanks for providing the insights, Corey, and that's a lot of work you've invested into TLD. Congrats on helping build such a solid team.
ricko
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ricko 2/29/2012 6:02am
2/29/2012 6:02am
Very cool thread, glad to see this!
suzukiSteve162 2/29/2012 6:08am
2/29/2012 6:08am
I remember watching a video last year of Corey and the TLD team. It was very motivating, seeing how he had no experience at all just love for the sport. I am in the same position. I do have 3 years driving experience and the same amouth of love for the sport. I'm trying to follow in his foot steps. Your a great Inspiration Corey! It's good to see that having the right attidude and great work ethic will eventually get you somewhere. Keep up to good work.

I will be at Indy, I would like to stop bye and say hello.
mellonhs
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mellonhs 2/29/2012 9:36am
2/29/2012 9:36am
Sweet man thanks for the info! I figured I would get a bunch of smart assess replying but thanks a lot for the info!!!
toolie
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toolie 2/29/2012 9:36am
2/29/2012 9:36am
I have spent many years dealing with these rockstar sissy la la truck drivers and I can tell you one thing for sure...
There all great guys and work there ass off. Just kidding about the rockstar sissy la la stuff...... Good job DRIVERS
Mxfreak24
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Mxfreak24 2/29/2012 9:53am
2/29/2012 9:53am
That's just awesome, Corey. Keep up the hard work and it's great that you get to be involved with this amazing sport.

One quick question: Do the drivers tend to drive together like you mentioned the JDR driver stuck with you? If so, that's great that y'all got eachother's backs.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 2/29/2012 10:35am
2/29/2012 10:35am
just hope all of our truck driving moto brothers are safe ...... huge tornado went through the Lois area this morning!
kxkid715
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kxkid715 3/1/2012 5:23pm
3/1/2012 5:23pm
Thank you all for the awesome replies! Totally made my day. I want to take the chance to shed light on all the other workers that make these events happen as well, everyone involved works just as hard as I do.

I was just thinking today about getting a little bit more involved on this site and get you guys some cool weekly stuff while racing outdoors. Somewhat like a blog, but just on here. "On the road with Team TLD". If you guys are into it I will see what I can do to make it happen, I think it could be pretty neat.

Mxfreak: The drivers do tend to drive together as much as possible. We all usually take the same routes and leave around the same time, it makes the drives more interesting and is nice to know you have someone to help you out when you need it. Drivers are a small brotherhood for sure.

SuzukiSteve: Keep trying man, it seems like driver positions open quite often.
BD49
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BD49 3/1/2012 5:38pm
3/1/2012 5:38pm
I get wood every time I pass a MX/SX semi on the interstate.

Drive safe!!

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