Janssen Second at Daytona, Eyes Top Step of Podium
After months of preparation and excited anticipation, the ATV Motocross National Championship season opener finally took place this past Tuesday inside the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway. Following the announcement of his move to the 25+ division, all eyes were on fan favorite Cody Janssen as the season kicked off. With the addition of Janssen to an already stacked 25+ Class, it appeared that a battle was imminent.
Cody Janssen aboard his #25 Swartfager Farms/Knox Country Farm Supply backed Honda didn’t get the holeshot he was looking for in Moto 1 but made a few quick passes and found himself in 2nd behind former pro, Nick Moser. Janssen made a run at the #1 spot but came up just short by moto’s end. Moto 2 would feel eerily similar to the first moto, as Cody made a couple quick passes and found himself in 2nd. Whoop sections have always been a strength for Janssen and that was evident at this Daytona ATV Supercross. Near the midway point of the race, Janssen made a big run in the whoops that nearly grabbed him the lead but nearly cost him the race at the same time. He would manage to regain control and ride it out but later admitted he got tight after that. A big last lap charge made things interesting, but Cody Janssen would finish second, .3 of a second off the lead.
“Daytona was good to us, we’re leaving Rd. 1 healthy and in one piece.” Janssen said after racing had concluded. “It isn’t how I wanted it to go, we came here to win and came up just short. I got a little tight and that hindered me today, but that’s [probably] to be expected after only riding 3 times in the past 6 months. I going to get a bunch of seat time these next few weeks and I’ll be right where I need to be. It’s all up from here!” Janssen finished confidently.
Cody has stated continuously that he has never been more excited to go racing, he has never enjoyed the sport more than he does right now, and he feels very lucky to be able to use all the best products in the industry. Cody Janssen has the support of so many incredible individuals and companies, he knows he wouldn’t be possible without them. He must start out by thanking all the riders and families that support and attend the Cody Janssen Riding School. Another huge thank you goes out to the Swartfager Family at Swartfager Farms and Knox Country Farm Supply, this 2018 season wouldn’t be possible without you! Cody’s pursuit of his 3rd National Championship comes while using CST Tires and Elka Suspension, both industry leaders – thank you to CST Tires, Elka Suspension, as well as Impact Solutions for all the support! Major thank yous continue to SSI decals, Valvoline, Pivot Works, FMF, Klink Equipment, Ameriprise Financial – Hemauer Financial Group, Goldspeed Products, Trimble’s Cycle Center, Hinson Clutch Components, the original E-Z Up, Thor MX, Ride 100%, Atlas Brace, Bell Helmets, D.I.D Chain, CV4, Walsh RaceCraft, Fourwerx Carbon, Renthal, Rath Racing, DT1, The Program, 4arm Strong, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Cylinder Works, All Balls Racing, Vertex Pistons, Energy Release, Precision Powder, Cliff Cox at Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, DP Brakes, Midwest Restoration, Pro-Tec Racing, Sunstar, Works Connection, Evans Coolant, The Stanfield Family at Napa Auto Parts of Peru, Indiana; Edwards Racing, Reynolds Body Shop, Galfer USA, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, 1st Endurance, Risk Racing, Motion Pro, Kindrick Racing, the Dean and Pauline Janssen Family, Bob Marshall at Dynamite ATV, Heartland Building Co., Karsyn Tucker and Family, and so many others including his mechanics Dan Binder, Joel Janssen, and Tom Culshaw. Additionally, thank you to Ken Hill and Stephen Tripp for the photos. The next time you see Cody Janssen hit the track he will more prepared having much more seat-time under his belt, and we look forward to it! As we look ahead at the coming schedule, ATVMX heads to South Carolina followed by Underground, Texas on April 14-15. See you there! God bless.
