Idaho State Championship Motocross Series Rnd #4, 15, 16 May 2010

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Team. Ed, Matt, Danielle.

Shane Kipper.

John Kipper.

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Motocross Team made the trip to Salmon Idaho this past weekend for Round #4 of the State Series.

This was, by far, the most mentally and physically challenging race weekend that I have had throughout the State Series Races. Salmon offers a long, rough, hard-packed, dry, dusty and difficult pure motocross track. The Salmon motto is, “Go Big or Go Home”. Last year they had a set of jumps called the six-pack that sent a few riders to the hospital. This year they turned them into a set of doubles that were doable but challenging. I did the doubles in my first two motos but I was having some trouble with them. It became a mental challenge for me as I cased them three times and almost experienced a trip over the handlebars. I decided it was in my best interest to roll the first one and clear the second, which was very frustrating for me.

Another mental challenge I faced was watching my best friend’s son (Shane Kipper) being loaded into the ambulance after a violent crash that put his foot peg through the side of his leg. His dad, John and I were sitting on the start line because our moto was the next one up. Needless to say John did not ride because he accompanied Shane on the ambulance ride. I rode the moto with a heavy heart. One thing that really touched me is that my daughter Emily came up to me and said, “Daddy, please don’t ride this one”, I told her I would be ok and she said “I know because I already prayed for you”…

The event signified once again that motocross is a family sport; it even goes deeper than family, the camaraderie throughout the community is awesome. The word had spread throughout the pits about Shane and several people were asking about his status, they were truly concerned. We found out that nothing was broken but he had to have surgery on his leg and would have to spend the night in the Salmon hospital.

The event also signified the fact that motocross is a very dangerous sport. I have been asked many times why I do it and all I can say is that I love the sport, the challenges and the competition. It is just like any other sport in the fact that it is that one good start, that one perfect lap, that really cool jump and that one good finish that keeps you coming back for more.

So, I ended up finishing with a 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 5th overall, which I didn’t consider to be too bad for a rough weekend.

As I thought a little deeper about the weekend and the challenges that I made it through, I began to think about all of the people that have approached me and have asked about Project Filter. They always say the same thing, “I sure would like to quit”. I would challenge all of you to bring heart and desire into your decision to quit. Accept the challenge, the end result is worth the fight. The benefits to quitting are huge and it is so awesome that there is a program like Project Filter available.

I personally support a healthy life style and I know I could not overcome the battles that I face on the racetrack if I used Tobacco, “It would slow me down”. So, to all of you who have said you would like to quit, “What are you waiting for”? You tell us when and we’ll show you how…

Next Race, Clarkia Idaho. We’re headed North so stay tuned…

Idaho State Championship Motocross Series, Rnd #3, 1 May 2010

Matt. Big Air!

Danielle.

Once again the Mighty Fighting Smokefree83/Project Filter Race Team was on scene for another eventful weekend of racing, this time at Pleasant Valley Raceway in Boise. As you all know the weather situation has been challenging lately. It’s like “Mother Nature” is teasing us by jumping back and forth between 80 and 40 degree days. We had a little bit of everything at this race; a little wind, a little rain and even a little sunshine with a definite chill in the air.

Danielle and I attended the Friday practice session, which generally gives us a chance to turn some laps, test and tune, and get the track dialed in before the first gate drop on Saturday. The wind was blowing so hard on Friday that we had had to roll all of the jumps. Anytime our wheels were in the air, the wind would try and sweep them out from under us. “Scary”. You know that my policy is to always try and keep my Project Filter Yamaha, “Rubber Side Down” so I slowed up and didn’t push my luck. It was frustrating, so we packed up early and hoped for better conditions on Saturday.

Saturday wasn’t as windy but we got some rain and it was a little chilly all day. All in all it was pretty decent; the cloud cover helps to hold the moisture in the ground so the track was in good condition all day.

Again, the rider turn-out was less than expected. Because of the sparse attendance the promoter opted to run a three moto format on Saturday and cancel Sunday’s events. So, we rode three motos on Saturday, all finishes were combined for an overall score and double points were awarded to cover Sundays canceled event.

I rode six motos to cover the two classes that I am riding this year. Two of my greatest rivals were in attendance so I had my work cut out for me. I ended up finishing 2, 1, 1 in the Over 30 to take the overall win and 3, 2, 2 in the over 40 which put me second overall. For me, it was a great day of racing, the conditions were challenging, my competition was good and I was happy with my performance.

Thank You Project Filter for the support and for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of the fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho. Project Filter is becoming a familiar, respected name throughout our Motocross Racing Community. The program is outstanding and your involvement is appreciated!

The next race is in Salmon, Idaho. I am looking forward to this one. If you remember last year Matt was not only Smoke Free, he was hands Free over the 100 foot table top jump! The track motto at Salmon is”Go Big or Go Home”, so stay tuned, it should be a good one…