Janssen, Injured but Recovering, Gains Ground at Ironman
Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana is most known for its world famous cross country race each fall. Now for just the second year, the storied hills welcomed the world’s most prestigious ATV Motocross series to its new state of the art motocross facility. Unfortunately, the track would look more like a GNCC cross country course for much of the weekend thanks to race day rain. But in a season full of early adversity, it would take more than a little mud to slow reigning ATV Derby Pro World Champion Cody Janssen.
Saturday’s Pro racing program wasn’t only a muddy one for Wisconsin’s Cody Janssen, but it was also stamped by some electrical problems. Janssen, as he’s been doing all season long so far, kept fighting to overcome unfavorable circumstances. The #25 rider capped the day by fighting through the pack to finish Moto 2 in the top 10, showing a glimpse of what’s to come going forward. Janssen went 14-10 on the day, laying the ground work for a solid Sunday in the Pro Am class.
Cody Janssen came into the 2016 Pro Am division as one of the favorites to win, but after that big spill in Texas a few weeks back, he’s been fighting just to be well enough to be at the track and finish all the laps. Finally, over a month after the wreck seen around the world, Cody is starting to round that corner with his body and get back (close to) healthy. Sunday in Crawfordsville can be summed up by rain, rain, and more rain. A rainy Pro Am Moto 1 saw Janssen’s #25 machine survive to a 7th place finish. Following that first moto, the remainder of the Sunday race program was cancelled due to all the standing water on the track; all motos were cancelled except Pro Am Moto 2. Cody made the most of the muddy moto by finishing a very solid 4th and running the 2nd fastest lap time in the moto while running up through the pack. Janssen’s 7-4 score kept him just off the podium but it was a MAJOR step in the right direction for the wounded warrior.
“It’s always a bummer to just miss out on the podium.” Janssen admitted. “But with how it’s been so far this season, we’ll take it! I’m finally starting to feel a little better, I mean at least I can walk around a little bit on this [broken] ankle…What’s been hindering me is not being able to ride. Between the gash to my hand and my big get-off, I haven’t practiced in 6 weeks. So, like I said, I’m feeling pretty good considering, I’m going to go home and ride as much as possible. If I’m 50 or 60 percent now, I want to be 70 or 80 percent by High Point. I’m going to the races from here-on-out to win. See you at the podium in Pennsylvania!”
Cody’s chase for his 3rd National Championship wouldn’t be possible without the great care and support of the people that continue to back him. He must thank his parents/family and the rest of the Janssen Motorsports crew; Thank you to the Londerville family and Londerville Steel for stepping up for Cody when he needed it most. Thank you to Elka Suspension for their support of the #25, phenomenal products and people. Also, thanks to Jay at Impact Solutions, Maxxis Tires, SSI Decals, Walsh Racecraft, Valvoline, Koster Racing, FMF, Pivot Works, Hinson Clutch Components, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, E-Z UP, Cliff Cox and Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Risk Racing, Napa of Peru, Indiana; Pafford EMS, FourWerx Carbon, Sconnie Nation, 1st Endurance, Piping Service INC., DT-1 Filters, Sunstar Sprockets, D.I.D Chains, Galfer USA, Rath Racing, Renthal, Works Connection, 4Arm Strong, Don Straus, Pro-Tec, PHC Coatings, Jeremy Edwards at Edwards Auctioneering, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, Evans Coolant, Terry Moore, Ken Hill, Frank Vallone and family, his phenomenal mechanics (Joel Janssen, Todd Blom, Haley Davis, Dan Binder, and Scot Sachse), and everyone else that supports him. The Janssen team is like a set of gears, Joel and Lisa Janssen along with Haley Davis (girlfriend) make Cody and his racing successful, it wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of them. The #25 will be back, see you at High Point! God bless.
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