Janssen Charges to Second Overall Finish at Unadilla
On site of what once was an old dairy farm in upstate New York, Unadilla is one of the most historic venues in American motocross. A favorite of many riders, it’s European flowing style racetrack has historically generated some of the greatest racing you’ll ever see. With only a few national events remaining on the schedule, riders like Cody Janssen know that it’ll take a championship effort down the stretch to claim the ultimate goal of a National Title. Following a victorious performance at Sunset Ridge, Janssen looked to replicate his effort against a stacked field in The Empire State.
The Junior 25+ Class would’ve been better named the “Past Pro Class” in New York as a handful of former professionals showed up to get in on the action. Cody Janssen and former AMA ATV Pro Champion Josh Creamer spent Friday practice battling back and forth for the fastest lap time of the day. It looked like an entertaining battle was in store, but unfortunately it never came to fruition.
Cody Janssen had won more events than any other rider in the Junior 25+ division so far this season, however a stacked field wasn’t the only factor that was going to make claiming another victory extra difficult. For the second consecutive season, Janssen randomly drew last gate pick for Moto 1 at Unadilla. That 17th gate pick put him on the far outside at the start of the first moto. Janssen got a solid holeshot given his poor gate selection, survived the first lap melee, and then put on an impressive charge. Cody made some spectacular passes en route to strong 2nd place finish behind championship rival, Michael Allred.
Janssen’s confidence heading into Moto 2 was sky high, then Mother nature threw a curveball. Just minutes before the start of the final moto, a pop-up monsoon rainstorm hit the facility. The hardpacked track collected standing water on top of its surface and made for extremely wet and slippery conditions. The #25 didn’t get the start he would’ve liked, but by the end of lap one had made his way into the top three. No moves were made by any of the top racers after that first lap. Cody Janssen’s 2-3 moto scores earned him second overall and a tie atop the championship points standings with two rounds remaining.
“Unadilla is one of my favorites and with a handful of former pros in the stacked 25+ class this weekend, I was so pumped to go racing.” Janssen said via his social media accounts. “I drew last gate pick for Moto 1 and was really proud to turn 17th gate pick into a 2nd place finish in that moto — I knew with a good gate for the final moto that I had a great opportunity. Mother Nature threw us a curveball with an unexpected monsoon rain while we were on the gate for Moto 2. I didn’t get the start I needed and by the time I got up to 3rd, I was already through all my tear-offs and in survival mode. The 2-3 earned me 2nd overall. I’m proud of the effort yet bummed because my speed was great again this weekend and I didn’t finish the deal. Grateful for another safe trip making memories with my family; win or lose, this trip will forever be a fond memory. The ultimate goal is still in front of us. The rider who best executes the last 4 motos of the season is going to win a National Championship — as an athlete and a competitor, this is the opportunity you dream of.”
37 national event wins and counting, as well as making these memories with his loved ones, wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many great individuals, companies, and families. Cody must thank all the riders and families who support the Cody Janssen Riding School. He wants to thank the Swartfager family of Swartfager Farms and Knox Country Farm Supply for their continued support this season. Huge thank you for the continued support to SSI Decals, Elka Suspension, CST Tires, Valvoline, FMF Racing, and Pivot Works – without the continued support of these long-time believers it wouldn’t be possible. Thank you to his family, girlfriend Taylor, mechanic Dan Binder, and the rest of the crew at Janssen Motorsports. Thank yous continue to Goldspeed Products, Ameriprise and the Hemauer Financial Group, Al Corey Electric, the Kindrick Family and Kindrick Racing, E-Z Up Brand, Klink Equipment and Klink Hydraulics, Jay Gobel and Casey Greek of Impact Solutions, Hinson Clutch Components, Thor MX, The Program Training, D.I.D Chain, Atlas Brace, Bell Helmets, the Stanfield family and Napa (of Peru, Indiana), Cliff Cox and Oshkosh Tattoo & Good Girl Piercing, Precision Powder LLC, Ride 100% Brand, Trimble’s Cycle Center, DT1 Filters, Larry Mills and DP Brakes, Rath Racing, Walsh RaceCraft, Fourwerx Carbon, Sunstar Sprockets, Works Connection, Renthal, Corey Garrison and Parts Unlimited, the Reynolds Family and Reynolds Body Shop, 4arm Strong, Fuel Customs, the Dean and Pauline Janssen family, Energy Release, Pro-Tec Racing, Evans Cooling, Motion Pro, Blenders Eyewear, First Endurance, Pro Moto Billet/Fastway, Nova Racing Transmissions, Mountaineer Brand, Tim “Burr” Decoster, the Hanabarger family, the Hart family, Dallas Janssen, and many others. Without such amazing support, chasing dreams and goals would never be possible. Photos curtesy of Logan Tremellen and Ken Hill. Up next is Cody Janssen’s most favorite stop on the tour – REDBUD! The ATV Motocross National Championship Series heads back to the Midwest, where Cody will look to repeat his winning effort from last year in Michigan. See you there the weekend of July 20-21!
