Cody Janssen Returns to the ATV Motocross Podium on “Special” Weekend at Redbud

(Buchanan, Michigan. August 1, 2021) – RedBud Track and Trail, located in Buchanan, Michigan, is an unequivocal favorite for motocross riders, racers, and fans alike. Famously known as the American’s Motocross Track for its perfect soil, beautiful scenic views, and its’ massive (and now iconic) American flag that oversees the entire facility – it truly is the American capital of motocross racing. Each year in late July, the ATV Motocross National Championship series travels to this small bustling Southwest Michigan community. Just a few years removed from hosting motocross’ version of the Olympics, known as the Motocross of Nations (MXoN), it was the world’s fastest four-wheeled racers’ turn to take to the world class facility. 

Hailing from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, RedBud is just under a 5-hour trip around Lake Michigan for Cody Janssen and his crew – making it one of the few “home” races on the national tour. Like so many others, it also happens to be the 2-time defending 25+ National Champion’s favorite track – so it’s good vibes all around for team two-five on RedBud week. Janssen is on an abbreviated schedule this season, naturally increasing the urgency to perform when in attendance and increasing his appreciation for simply being at the races. After a great showing at Sunset Ridge where he finished in the runner up spot in 25+ and one spot off the podium in the ultra-competitive Pro Sport division, Cody Janssen has been anxiously waiting to make Redbud weekend an unforgettable memory – and that’s just what he would go on to do!

On a course as demanding as RedBud, strength and fitness are at a premium. For this reason, you can see why it would be a favorite for Janssen, as the track’s rough conditions seem to lend itself to a fit and strong rider like him. This speed and strength was apparent on Friday and carried over into the weekend of racing. The action would start off with Pro Sport, which featured a full gate of extreme talent – a combination of some hottest up-and-coming racers in the sport and a number of former AMA ATV Pro Class riders as well. As the gate got set to drop on the opening moto, Cody Janssen was one of the riders to watch – and despite having next to last gate pick, he would put himself in good position from the outset. Good starts would be a trend for Janssen, who found himself in the top 5 after a few quick passes in the early stages of Moto 1. He would soon move into 4th and, though he made a run at the top three, 4th is where he would finish. Heading into Pro Sport Moto 2, Janssen knew he had what it took to put the #25 of the podium, and he executed right from the drop of the gate by holeshotting in the top three of Pro Sport Moto 2. Like a savvy veteran, the 29-year-old Janssen battled with rising star, Zack Decker, while maintaining the spot needed to claim that coveted top three position on the Pro Sport podium. Cody Janssen had made this weekend an unforgettable one, as his crew would celebrate his third overall finish from atop the podium in front of a sea of people at legendary Redbud!

In the 25+ division, one of the most stacked classes in all of ATV motocross, 2-time defending National Champion, Cody Janssen, would finish in the overall runner up spot. He charged up to second in the opening moto and liked his chances heading into Moto 2 with a better gate pick, but he wasn’t able to execute the hotshot he needed and was forced to battle up through the pack once again. His 2-3 moto scores earned him 2nd overall in 25+ and, though everyone’s desire is to win, second is surely respectable in a class featuring a number of fellow past pros.

“WHAT A WEEKEND!” Cody Janssen posted to his official social media account following Redbud weekend. “RedBud is my favorite event of the year and 2021 did not disappoint. We made the podium with 3rd overall in Pro Sport, and a big crowd and all the cheers sure made for a special moment that I'll truly never forget. We capped the weekend with 2nd in 25+. Between the success of Digging Deep and an awesome weekend on track, we received so many compliments the last few days that it felt more like a dream than reality. Words can't describe my gratitude, but I just want to thank everyone again who made this weekend so special. Thanks to everyone who supports, believes, and cheers for this 29-year-old whose grinning ear to ear with childlike joy because of YOU. What a weekend!”

Forty-two national event wins to date, four National Championships (including back-to-back titles in 2019 & 2020) and all this joy is something unachievable alone – it’s thanks to the incredible support system that this back-to-back champ has behind him, support that has given him the opportunity to add to these totals in 2021 and beyond. 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 incredible support, continuing the pursuit of dreams and goals would never be possible. Photos courtesy of Tremellen Media House and Ken Hill.

After a one-year hiatus, the ATV Motocross National Championship makes it triumphant return to Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, on the weekend of August 14-15. Cody Janssen and company have been anxiously awaiting this trip to one of the most historic locations in all of motocross, a place that Janssen and his crew have enjoyed a great deal of success over the years. Wishing you safe travels, and we’ll see you at “The Ranch”!