Janssen Runs Kyler Lenz’s #13 at Unadilla

    The sport of ATV Motocross was devastated after the tragic passing of 14-year-old Kyler Lenz just over two weeks ago. In the wake of the tragedy, the ATV racing community has amazed both insiders and outsiders of the sport by the way everyone has come together and shown support for the Lenz family. It started with Kyler Lenz shirts that riders wore over their jerseys, then came stickers, monetary support, ribbons, multiple videos that went viral, and more. The outpouring of support continued at Round 8 of the ATVMX National Championship series in upstate New York at Unadilla Mx, and it was headlined by ATVMX Pro Cody Janssen.
    “I woke up early Monday morning to a premonition. It was 5AM and I texted Harv, our pro referee, and he instantly was all for in.” Janssen explained. “I wanted to run Kyler’s #13 on the front of my ATV at Unadilla. So with the AMA supporting the idea, and after ATV racing legend John Natalie’s blessing (because he officially holds the rights to the number), Ian at SSI Decals made it happen for me and in nearly 24 hours time the #13 with the words ‘Team Kyler Forever’ was on the front of my quad! … It was absolutely amazing, I am just so thankful that everyone did their part and helped make this possible. Kyler’s goal was to be a professional ATV motocross racer, well it was later said to me that thanks to me, Kyler and his #13 were able to line up on the pro starting gate. Assisting you achieve this goal may just be the greatest achievement of my career, Kyler.” 
    There were additional special race day events that took place in memory of Kyler. The AMA ATV Pro Class festivities kicked off with Cody Janssen riding a solo memorial lap with Kyler’s #13 on the famous Unadilla Mx track. There was also a breathtaking candlelight vigil for Kyler around Janssen’s #13 ride, which hundreds of people attended. The incredible youth man’s presence was felt all weekend at the racetrack. 
      The former World Champion, National Champion, and Pro Rookie of the Year – Cody Janssen – running the #13 in honor of Kyler Lenz, finished 14-13 for 14th overall in the AMA ATV Pro Class. Janssen capped the weekend with a spectacular ride in Pro Am finishing 6th. He was one of the fastest riders all day and with another lap he surely would’ve broke into the top 5; with a few more laps who knows how high he could’ve finished! 
    “It felt good to finish the weekend with a solid ride.” Janssen said post race. “My speed is capable of a Pro Am podium, no question, I just need to put it all together with some starts. We were fast all day and now we’re going to my favorite track [Red Bud], so we’re going to keep working hard and try to translate this momentum into something special up there in Michigan! Can’t wait!”
      So many great people make all this possible, Cody must thank all the incredible individuals who show their support and make competing at the highest level possible. He must thank the Londerville family and Londerville Steel for coming on as the title sponsor for this season, without Jereme and his family none of this would be possible. Thank you to Heartland Building Co., Elka Suspension, Maxxis Tires, Jay at Impact Solutions, SSI Decals, Walsh Racecraft, Valvoline, FMF, Pivot Works [Vertex, Hot Cams, Hotrods], Koster Racing, Hinson Clutch Components, DP Brakes, Thor MX, 100%, E-Z UP, Midwest Restoration, Cliff Cox at Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing, Risk Racing, the Stanfield family at Napa of Peru, Indiana; Pafford EMS, Reynolds Body Shop, Outlaw Mx LLC, FourWerx Carbon, 1st Endurance, DT-1 Filters, Sunstar Sprockets, D.I.D Chains, Nova Racing Gears, Galfer USA, Rath Racing, Renthal, Works Connection, 4Arm Strong, Don Straus, Pro-Tec, Energy Release, Precision PowderCoat, Goldspeed, Jeremy Edwards at Edwards Auctioneering, Corey Garrison at Parts Unlimited, Kay Gunn PT, Frank Vallone/Vallone Racing and family, Dream Chaser Designs, CV4, Xceldyne, Amped Apparel, Dominic Sumpolec’s The Program, CP-Carrillo, Motion Pro, Pro Moto Billet, his phenomenal mechanics (Joel Janssen, Haley Davis, Dan Binder, and Tom Culshaw), Ken Hill for the photos, and everyone else that supports him. Cody will be on the hunt for another holeshot and a podium finish in Buchanon, Michigan at Red Bud on July 29-30. “It was an honor running you’re #13, Kyler.”