Back-to-Back National Champion, Cody Janssen, Says “I’m Back” for High Point and Returns to the ATV Motocross Nationals
(Mount Morris, Pennsylvania. May 16, 2021) – The last time we saw Cody Janssen, he was clinching his second consecutive ATV Motocross National Championship deep in the heart of Texas late last season. The now 4-time National Champion (2007, 2013, 2019, 2020), skipped the opening round of racing amid the exponential growth of his wildly popular ATV-centric online radio show – the Digging Deep ATVMX Podcast. As his followers, supporters, and listeners know, Cody Janssen’s love for ATV racing is immeasurable – so it was no surprise leading up to the second round of 2021 when the champ delivered a simple message: “I’m back”.
High Point Raceway, nestled in the scenic mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania and established in 1976, is one of the most historic facilities in all of American motocross. The High Point ATV National was a longstanding tradition in the region but went on a hiatus following the 2018 event. Its’ elevation changes, sizeable jumps, fast speeds, and array of unique obstacles makes for incredible ATV racing, and in 2018 Cody Janssen claimed one of the most memorable wins of his career at the historic raceway. So as the most prestigious ATV racing series in the world returned to High Point and fans and racers alike both rejoiced, no one was more excited than Cody Janssen!
Working on limited seat time going into the event, Cody Janssen’s first objective was to “feel like himself” by the end of Friday practice. Janssen seemed to achieve his first goal rather quickly, turning some of the quickest laps of the day and giving him plenty of confidence going into the weekend of racing ahead. Competing in the same class which saw him crowned champion each of the last two seasons, the 25+ Class, Cody would help headline one of the fastest classes at the event featuring multiple past professionals.
Moto 1 saw the defending and reigning 2-time champ get off to a subpar start but fight his way up to the runner-up spot early on. However, Cody Janssen would eventually feel the effects of his poor holeshot after using up all his tearoffs by the midway point of the race. Cody raced up to the back of the leader, before taking on additional roost and losing most of his vision. He would ultimately hold on for third in the opening moto, but remained quite optimistic heading into Sunday. Janssen battled inside the top 3 early in Moto 2, later stating he felt like he felt like he was in perfect position to take the moto win and potentially the overall victory – but it would ultimately end in anticlimactic fashion. Cody Janssen would suffer a mechanical failure in the first half of Moto 2. His 3-DNF scores would earn him 6th overall in the 25+ division at High Point.
“If it wasn't for bad luck, we would've had no luck at all this weekend.” Cody Janssen posted to his official social media accounts. “We somehow managed to break just about everything we brought with us to High Point, and likely being on a limited schedule makes it sting a little extra. That being said, it was SO good to be back at the races and I truly cherished every moment with podcast fans, our friends, and most of all my family. I had ridden just twice since Texas late last summer, so all things considered I actually feel really good about my fitness/speed and I felt like I was in perfect position in Moto 2 until we broke. I don't know for certain when you'll see us back at the races, but I love this sport so damn much, I'm counting down the seconds until the next opportunity and we're going to grind in the meantime. Be back soon…”
Cody Janssen is eternally grateful for all the great supporters who helped him successfully defend his title in 2020, many who have continued their support again in 2021! He looks forward to adding to his 4 National Championships, 42 total national event wins, and countless memories with his loved ones this season and beyond – none of which would not be possible without so many incredible supporters. 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 All Balls Racing Group – 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 GPS Offroad Products, Ameriprise and the Hemauer Financial Group, 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, Parts Unlimited, D.I.D Chain, Atlas Brace, 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, Pivot Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Cylinder Works, Vertex, DT1 Filters, Larry Mills and DP Brakes, Rath Racing, Walsh RaceCraft, Fourwerx Carbon, Sunstar Sprockets, Works Connection, Renthal, 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, Northern Chill, Rocky Mountain ATV MC, Dallas Janssen, and many others. Without such amazing support, continuing the pursuit of dreams and goals would never be possible. Photos curtesy of Tremellen Media House and PH3 Photos.
The ATV Motocross National Championship series rolls on, with upcoming events at Aonia Pass (GA) and Sunset Ridge (IL) approaching on the weekends of May 29-30 and June 19-20 respectfully. Cody Janssen and crew look forward to going racing once again and enjoying a better outcome next time out. We surely cannot wait for that, see you there!
