Cody Janssen Claims Back-to-Back Victories at Pleasure Valley

2020 has been a year of adaptability. News to no one is the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic changed life for us all, and within the world of ATV Motocross that meant everything was put on pause. Income was impacted, gyms were closed, parts may have been unavailable – but we prevailed by adapting to this new normal. Within the sport, events were pushed back, locations were changed, and new rules were enacted to enable a safe return to racing. To this point, the 2020 ATV Motocross National Championship season has to be considered an extreme success given all the hoops the series and its’ promoters have been required to jump through. The most recent chapter to this adapted 2020 season was this past weekend at Pleasure Valley Raceway near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. This event is annually scheduled to take place at Unadilla, but with no racing to be had in New York, Jeff Cernic and the PVR crew jumped at the opportunity to host an ATV Motocross national for the first time in over a decade. Pleasure Valley was already planning to host an ATV event honoring the great career of ATV racing legend Jeremiah Jones, so upon being awarded the event hosting the greatest four-wheeled racers in the world, it was quickly flexed into being called the Jeremiah Jones ATV MX Pro National. And man, it made for one great weekend of racing! 

Reigning champion in the prestigious Junior 25+ division of ATV motocross, Cody Janssen was coming off his most recent victory at Sunset Ridge. His win in Illinois had earned him the points lead heading into the 4th of July weekend of racing in PA, but much like the series as a whole, hewas required to adapt. The Janssen racing crew consisting of Cody, his girlfriend Brooke, and parents Joel and Lisa ran in to some vehicle troubles before they even left their local area to head east – their trip was in serious doubt. But miraculously, somehow someway they managed to get the parts needed, get the vehicle fixed, get back on the road, and make it to Pennsylvania in time to go racing. It’s safe to say that that they were probably more grateful to have made it to the track than any time previous. Thankfully all the bad luck was out of their system and didn’t manage to impact the racing on the track whatsoever. 

It was the 4th of July weekend, but for defending champion Cody Janssen the fireworks were reserved for the night skies and not the racetrack on this particular weekend. With mediocre start to Moto 1, Cody was required to make some passes early on to get to the front. After a few first lap moves, he found himself in the runner up position with the leader in sight. Janssen bided his time while deciding where he wanted to make his move on a relatively one-lined track. After the midway point, Janssen decided it was time to strike by sling-shotting out of a berm and using his momentum to grab the lead. Cody Janssen was your first moto winner at Pleasure Valley, the location of his first ever 450cc national win 12 years earlier. Cody again didn’t get the greatest holeshot in Moto 2, but he quickly made some smart moves and found himself in the lead after just a handful of corners. The #25 rider would go on to yet another moto victory, extending his points lead with perfect 1-1 moto scores on the weekend for 1st overall in the Junior 25+ class. This was a special moment for Cody Janssen, who had now claimed his 40th career national event overall victory!

“We nearly didn’t make it to Pennsylvania, but I’m sure glad we did.” Janssen said via his social media accounts.“This one is extra special, and one I’ve had my eye on for a long time, as it’s our 40th national event victory. When I started racing as a little boy, I ran the number 40; when I turned pro and my career number was currently taken, I ran the number 40. I ran that number because 40 was my dad’s number, and your father is always your first hero. 40 unique times we’ve left a national event with a victory, this weekend being the most recent. Someday we’ll look back on these memories, wishing we could go back and relive them. I wouldn’t trade this crazy life for gold, and we’re cherishing the moments while they’re still here. Thanks to everyone for keeping the dream alive. This one’s for you, Dad!”

Forty national event wins to date,and a title defense,is something unachievable alone – it’s thanks to the incredible support system that the reigning champ has behind him. Cody must thank all the loyal listeners and sponsors of his Digging Deep ATVMX Podcast, the #1 podcast in ATV racing! He must also thank the riders and families who continue to support the Cody Janssen Riding School. Huge thank you for the continued support to SSI Decals, CST Tires, Valvoline, Elka Suspension, FMF Racing, and Pivot Works – without the continued support of these long-time believers none of this would be possible. Thank you to his family, girlfriend Brooke, mechanic Dan Binder, and the rest of the crew at Janssen Motorsports. Extreme gratitude continues to Goldspeed Products, Ameriprise and the Hemauer Financial Group, the Kindrick Family and KindrickRacing, 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, All Balls Racing, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Cylinder Works, Vertex, DT1 Filters, Larry Mills and DP Brakes, RathRacing, Walsh RaceCraft, Fourwerx Carbon, Sunstar Sprockets, Works Connection, Renthal, Corey Garrison and Parts Unlimited, the Reynolds Family and Reynolds Body Shop, the Dean and Pauline Janssen family, Pat McGuire, Energy Release, Pro-Tec Racing, Evans Waterless Powersports Coolant, Blenders Eyewear, First Endurance, Pro Moto Billet/Fastway, Nova Racing Transmissions, Rocket Machining and Design, Mountaineer Brand, Dallas Janssen, and many others. Without such amazing support, continuing the pursuit of dreams and goals would never be possible. Photos curtesy of TmanPhotography, JBMX Photography, and Logan Tremellen.

The ATV Motocross National Championship series is scheduled to head to Buchanan, Michigan, for the next round of racing on the weekend of July 25/26. Cody Janssen will look to continue to stack success and inch closer to defending his title at his favorite event of the year. We hope to see you at REEEEEDBUUUUUD!!!!!!!!