2011 Thunder Mountain Motocross Series Rnd #2, Idaho Falls

The Project Filter Motocross Team traveled East and was in full force this weekend at Noise Park in Idaho Falls. We arrived at the track Friday morning to get set up and prepare for a day of test and tune. On Fridays, throughout the series, the promoters prep the track and allow the riders to go out and get a feel for it. This allows us not only to get familiar with the track but also to make sure that everything is working well before the first gate drop on Saturday morning.

I was excited to race Noise Park, the series didn’t land their last year so it’s been awhile since I have ridden the track. This track is a smaller, tighter track and I knew it was going to take some finesse to get the new 450 maneuvered around it. I was a little worried about the weather since it has been so sketchy lately and Idaho Falls actually had snow earlier in the week.

It was pretty muddy for our first couple practice heats on Friday but as the day went on the track dried out (from the 50 MPH winds), okay maybe not 50 but it felt like it…. I felt great after practice, my Project Filter backed KX450 was running awesome and I had the track dialed in.

The gate dropped for my first moto on Saturday and I launched my Project Filter KX450 into the lead to start the two day event off right. I, once again, found myself in familiar territory as the current Idaho State Champion Vet rider, Bob Harris, was right on my tail. We went back and forth several times and were never more than a bike length apart; I was able to hold him off for the moto win which set the stage for some great motos to follow. I definitely had my starts dialed in as I was able to pull almost every holeshot over the weekends eight motos. I won three of the eight motos and ended up finishing second and third overall in the two classes that I am competing in for the season.

It turned out to be an awesome weekend of racing. The wind beat us up pretty bad but at least we had no rain or snow.

It is such a great feeling to be a part of the Project Filter Team. We are proud to represent Project Filter and to be an instrumental part of the fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho. Matt, Dani and I all ride two classes each, for a total of eight motos every race weekend. There is absolutely “No Way” our bodies could withstand the punishment of Motocross if we used tobacco and we certainly wouldn’t be as competitive if we did!

We ride because we Love the sport and we represent Project Filter because we believe in the cause. “Were fighting for you Idaho”, make the choice to be healthy, all you have to do is tell us when and we’ll show you how….

Round three is in Preston Idaho and is coupled with the RMX series. There is an expected turn out of over 500 riders, stay tuned, it should be a good one.

Idaho Thunder Mountain Motocross Series Round 1 and 2, 19, 20 March, 2011

Dani, "BIG AIR"....

Matt, "No Hands"...

The Project Filter Motocross Team came together at Owyhee Motorcycle Club, in Boise, for the opening round of the Idaho Thunder Mountain Motocross Series. It has been several months since we have been together, the winter months are usually a break for us moto-heads, although we have all spent the past couple of months preparing for this day. Dani traveled to indoor arenacross races in Utah to keep her skills sharp through the winter months. Matt trained out at his favorite place to ride, “Big Willow”. I spent most of my time in the gym and tried to grab as much bike time as I could in between traveling for work and trying to work around this crazy Idaho weather.

The Motocross Team has made some changes this year, mostly in our look, we are sporting some awesome new graphics and we are all on Kawasaki’s now. We are all ready for another great season of racing and to once again help fight the fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho.
It was a familiar feel as I sat on the start line early Saturday morning with a chill in the air, the sounds of thunder from the bikes and the smell of motorcycle exhaust floating in the wind. I must say, I have been at this wonderful sport for a long time and I still get the butterflies. It’s the love for the sport and the hunger for the competition that gets your heart pumping every time and just like any sport, it’s that one good jump, that one great start or that one perfect lap

that makes you want to keep coming back for more.

The start gate dropped for my first moto and my Project Filter backed KX450 shot me right into the lead. I led for the first lap and then I found out that some of the other riders were hungry too as I was engaged in a battle for the lead. I ended up finishing third in the first moto and considered it a pretty good start for this 2011 season. The competition was great as I found myself in several good battles back and forth over the two days of racing. I am riding two classes this year, again, which is extremely physically demanding but it sure is fun. I had a couple great hole-shots over the weekend as I ended up winning all four motos in my over 40 class and posted 3rd and 5th place finishes in the over 30’s.

The best race over the weekend was my final moto on Sunday. It was unbelievably windy, all day, it never let up. By the time the last moto rolled around I was beat from the wind, the dust and the brutal dry slick track that we had battled on all day. I was ready just to get it over with but it didn’t turn out to be that easy. I experienced an encounter with one of my old rivals and we went back and forth, trading places, several times throughout the moto. We were never more than a bike length apart as we worked our way around the track, through the wind and the dust. At times you couldn’t see because of the dust and we had to slow up over some of the jumps because the wind would try to sweep your wheels out from under you. On this track there is a whooped out brutal uphill that leads into a knarly, deep sandy downhill. Several laps in a row, I would pass him on the uphill and he would pass me back on the downhill. Unfortunately the finish line is at the bottom of the downhill….. He got me on this day but it was a great battle. It’s the competition, the camaraderie and being a part of something great that

will have me sitting on the start line again in just a few weeks.

It was an awesome weekend! I had several people approach me and ask about Project Filter. They want to know about the program, what we are all about, and what resources are available to help them quit when they’re ready. It always makes me feel good when people are asking because I know that is one step closer to quitting.

Next round is in Idaho Falls. Stay Tuned…….

2010 Big Nasty Hill Climb

The Hardwear!

Before the Climb!

The PF Cheerleaders - Emily, Mallory, Elyssa and Lindsay!

Thank You for your support Ladies, "You make it Fun"!



The Project Filter Motocross Team was on scene for the 2010 Big Nasty Hill Climb. The Big Nasty is a great chance for us to get out and do something different. The Motocross Series is over and the Big Nasty is a chance to unwind.

This is my second year attempting the Nasty, which allowed me the opportunity to develop a little strategy for the event. I competed in two classes this year, I was looking at the first one as a warm up for the one that I really wanted to win. Don’t take it wrong, I definitely gave it my all in the first class but experience from last year proved that I went farther each time I climbed. My strategy worked. I felt like I got the bugs worked out in the first to climbs and then I was ready to battle in the Vet class.

I had a great run in the Vet class and was able to walk away with the win that I wanted. The cool thing about the Hill Climb is, each time you climb; it makes you want to come back for more. I was wishing for one more climb. “That’s what it is all about”. You gotta love what you do and it’s the heart and desire for whatever you do that makes it all worth it.

Once I was finished, I walked through the event with my family, Ann and all of our children. I took a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this country and have the opportunities and freedoms that we do. It is a great privilege to be able to enjoy something as simple as a sporting event that we love, within the confines of the security that we are all accustomed to.

As you know, I am in the military; Idaho is on the forefront of another deployment. Several of my peers, subordinates, friends and associates are headed out for another tour. I want to thank each and every one of my comrades that are getting on that plane in the next couple of days. Thank You for your service to our country and to all of us who will stay on the home front.

I encourage all of you, to take a moment to think about the sacrifice that these soldiers and their families are making. It’s huge and I know that I have a deep appreciation for it.

This event wraps up the 2010 season for me. I want to thank all of you who came out and supported us, Project Filter and the Smokefree83 Racing Team.

Thank you Project Filter for offering this excellent program for the State of Idaho and for your sponsorship support this season.

"See ya next season"...

Kootenai County Fair Arenacross, Coeurd'alene, Id, 25, 26 Aug 10

This week I traveled to Coeurd’alene for the annual Kootenai County Fair, Arenacross. Danielle and I got to represent Project Filter in our first ever Arenacross Race.

What an amazing event! We set up the Project Filter booth in the fair grounds and got to talk with hundreds of people about our Tobacco Free campaign. We got to meet the staff from Coeurd’alene and work with the TATU’s (Teens Against Tobacco Use). What a great group of people! I thought about how cool it was that we all came together from different parts of the state as a group with the shared goal of fighting for a Tobacco Free Idaho.

This was by far the coolest event that I have ever raced. The energy at Arenacross is amazing! There were about one hundred fifty riders and three thousand fans. They had music playing, to get everyone pumped up and we were riding under the lights. Wow!

I had a great ride! In the main event I got a good start but slipped back to fifth through the tight right hander, headed into a fifty yard long whoop section. By the end of the whoops I was in forth and was on a mission to move to the front. Two laps later I was in second place and not too far from the leader. Arenacross is run on a very tight track and the main event is only five laps. You have to be aggressive and willing to take some chances in order to be a contender. I ended up finishing second overall, which I was completely stoked about! Not too shabby for my first ever Arenacross.

The entire event was a great experience. The promoters of the event were happy to have Project Filter on scene and invited us out on the arena floor during the half time break to throw some PF Footballs into the crowd as they talked about our program. The announcer made the comment that there is no way Dani and I would be as competitive as we are if we were under the negative effects of tobacco. He’s right!

I was impressed by the professionalism of the entire event. Thank You MRP for your hospitality and Thank You Project Filter for this unforgettable experience!

The last round of the Idaho State Championship Motocross Series is coming in two weeks at Mountain Home. See Ya There!!!!

Idaho State Motocross Series Rnd 7, Kimberly, Idaho 14, 15 August, 2010

This weekend the SmokeFree83/Project Filter Motocross Team met in Kimberly, Idaho for round seven of the Idaho State Motocross Championship Series. It was great to get the Project Filter Team back together again after a long four week break.

The Kimberly track is located out in the middle of what seems to be hundreds of acres of farmland. The facility is nice and the track is challenging with several jump sections, soil changes and a small whoop section just to keep you on your toes. One tough challenge in Kimberly is the wind; it is amazing how the wind can push your motorcycle when you are in the air. There are a couple table top jumps that you have to be careful on because the wind will sweep your front end out from under you. Some riders will approach these jumps to the far side of the takeoff and expect to land on the other side at the landing after being pushed four to five feet to the side, it can be a little scary.

I had a pretty solid weekend with a moto win and second and third place finishes in my two classes. As usual my Project Filter backed Yamaha was running great as I battled back and forth with the competition that I have been fighting with all season.

Like I said, “The Kimberly track is challenging”, it takes a lot out of you physically and mentally. I can’t imagine trying to withstand the pressures of this grueling sport if I was also battling the negative effects from Tobacco use. As an athlete I train for motocross to try and build my endurance and overall body strength. Tobacco use helps to deteriorate your endurance and body strength and causes you to use more energy just to breathe properly. Carbon Monoxide from cigarettes also damages your lungs and has detrimental effects on your performance. Also, another problem with smoking is that it slows down your body’s ability to heal itself by hindering the employment of cells to the injury site. I don’t know about you but it sure doesn’t seem worth it to me!

All I know is that I am glad to be Tobacco Free and I am glad that many of you are joining me I the fight for a healthier lifestyle.

We are headed into the last round of the Championship Series. I am in a points battle with #955 Bob Harris, he has me by three going into the last round. I have to win this one in order to take the title. Let there be no doubt, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.

See You in Mountain Home; it should be a good one….

Idaho State Motocross Series Rnd 6, Mountain Home, Idaho 10, 11 July, 2010

This round of the Idaho State Series was held in Mountain Home. The Mountain Home track is located at the MH Optimist Park. The track is an arena still course and the cool thing about it is you can stand on the bridge that extends out on the course or sit in the bleachers and see the entire race track. Tag and Robin run the track and they always do a great job. It is always fun to attend their events.

The Smokefree83/Project Filter Race Team showed up in full force for the Friday Night test and tune practice session. We got to share some laps together and figure out all of the hot lines before the Saturday kick off.

It was apparent that one challenge we would face on Saturday was the Heat. You gotta remember, Mountain Home is in the desert and we experienced temperatures into the triple digits. To go along with our motto, “We Were Hot but We Weren’t Smoking”. Lol…
It was a great weekend of racing, the track is challenging but friendly and other than a few minor scrapes we all made it through safely. I enjoyed the company of my two nephews Tim and Shane; Shane brought his family down from Lewiston. Thanks for coming out to watch me throw some dirt.

I got some really good starts on my Project Filter backed Yamaha and managed to stay pretty close to the fight, finishing second and third in both classes, both days. I am in a really tight battle for the championship with one of my fiercest competitors, Bob Harris #955. Bob and I have been trading positions all season and it has come down to just a three point difference going into the second to the last round. We are headed to Kimberly in August, last time we were there, I beat Bob on Saturday and he beat me on Sunday. It should be a good one…

I got a chance to race against my Teammate Danielle on Sunday. We were not scored together but rode in the same moto. Danielle is the reigning Idaho State Champion in the Woman’s class. In the first moto we had a great battle, we were never more than a bike length apart, she made an inside pass on me on the last lap and took the checkered flag. In the second moto, Dani got the holeshot and was gone; she showed me why she is was Idaho State Champion in 2009 and is on the way to another Championship for 2010. Great Ride Dani!

We had some fun on Sunday as we roamed through the pits, handing out Project Filter footballs, pens and drink coolers; we helped to share the word that Project Filter is offering 4 week supplies of nicotine replacement therapy for those in need. It is a good feeling to know that we are making a difference as we continue to fight the Fight for a Smoke Free Idaho.

Thank You Project Filter!

Project Filter Allstar Challenge, Meridian Speedway 10 July, 2010

This was another awesome experience with Project Filter. After racing four motos each in Mountain Home on Saturday, Matt, Dani and I washed some of the crud off of our bikes, loaded them up and headed to the Project Filter Allstar Challenge at Meridian Speedway. This was also Military Appreciation Night at the speedway, the stands were packed and the energy at the racetrack was remarkable.

When we arrived, Project Filter already had the booth set up; we rolled our bikes right into a very warm welcome. The crowd was great and the interest in the fight to be Tobacco Free was in the air, we got to talk with a lot of great people as we all signed autographs, footballs and hats.
Matt and I got to ride our bikes in the opening ceremonies during the National Anthem and I got to carry the American Flag. It was a proud and honorable moment for me to carry our nation’s colors in front of the great crowd. After the National Anthem, Matt and I got to take a fast lap around the track. Matt pulled a wheelie all the way down the back section and the crowd went wild.

The night only got better as we were once again invited out on the track. This time, I walked out with Jack and Trevor and Matt came out on his bike to entertain the crowd with burn offs and wheelies, which the crowd loved. After the event, some of the kids were calling Matt, “The Wheelie King”, it was cool.

Jack and Trevor surprised me with the presentation of an award. They presented me with an American Bald Eagle Award and a plate inscribed, “Thank You for Your Service”. I have to say, “I had a big lump in my throat”, what an honor. This is my Twenty Fifth year of Military Service, as many of you know I am a Chief Warrant Officer in the Idaho Army National Guard. I am proud to be a military member and I am proud to be a member of the Project Filter Team as well. Thank You for recognizing my service on such a great night, you guys are awesome. Thank You to my family, friends and fans. I had family come from as far as Lewiston to attend the Motocross races and share this night at the Speedway.

Still, that wasn’t it; we got to go back out on the track, following the finish of the 100 lap main and congratulate the winner, Kenny Chandler. Congratulations on a great race Kenny! We helped push Kenny’s car into the Project Filter Winners Circle, where Kenny and the entire Project Filter Race Team signed hats and hung out with the fans.

What an amazing Night! Thank You Again Project Filter for another great experience and another opportunity to represent in the Fight for a Tobacco Free Idaho.