by Chase Stallo
The Only Life They Know
Thursday, July 19, 2012 | 1:30 PM
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There’s an old adage in motocross that echoes the sentiment “You’re only as good as your last race.” For a second, imagine if the opportunity was no longer available. With the economy still at a standstill, factory and satellite rides are becoming more and more exclusive, but does it stop the dreams of those that have, for a variety of reasons, fallen by the wayside?
“It will come around. When I get an opportunity I’ll be able to prove I have what it takes. And when that time comes, I’m ready for it,” explained two-time Loretta Lynn Champion, and former J-Star JDR KTM fill-in rider Chris Plouffe. Plouffe couldn’t find a deal for the Nationals, so he waits.
The key component of that sentiment is, “I’m ready for it.” Although Plouffe has yet to secure a ride for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships—after an injury riddled Western Region Lites Supercross rookie season with the 51 Fifty Energy Drink team—he continues to train and race at an elite level, patiently waiting for his next opportunity.
After graduating from the amateur ranks last year, Chris Plouffe raced the last two rounds of the Nationals with J-Star JDR KTM.
Andrew Fredrickson photo
“I recently won a title at Mammoth, and there were a couple of pros there, so it was good to get a win,” explained Plouffe, who won the Open Pro Main title at Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross.
The competitive drive that seems to engulf every racer, whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next rising star, can make life tough when you have nowhere to go. In a “what have you done for me lately sport”, the sometimes smothering expectations—that racers force upon themselves—can cause riders to rush back from injury prematurely. For Nick Paluzzi, who rose through the ranks with Star Racing Yamaha and Rockstar Energy Suzuki during his rookie campaign last year, injuries have derailed his 2012 season.
“I ended up breaking my scapula and it has been pretty hard to come back from. About a month ago it was finally 100 percent and since then I have been training and getting ready for a replacement ride or something for next year,” remarked Paluzzi on his recent rash of injuries.
It’s hard to imagine, but sometimes an injury can be a blessing in disguise, as Paluzzi explained.
“Not being able to race has sucked, but it has allowed me to rest up on the weekends so that I am able to train as hard as I can during the week. In the long run I think it will be better for me.”
In 2011, his rookie season, Nick Paluzzi rode for Star Yamaha and Rockstar Energy Suzuki.
Simon Cudby photo
Staying in the spotlight
It’s not easy to stay relevant when you’re not at the races. For Weston Peick, who filled-in for Star-Valli Rockstar Yamaha during Monster Energy Supercross, having the advantage of living in the SoCal area—the Mecca of motocross—has provided him the opportunity to be seen by teams while searching for his next opportunity.
“I have been going out there [Glen Helen, Competitive Edge, etc.] every day that all the teams go to practice,” explained Peick.
“I’ve just been trying to go anywhere a team may be so that I can try to get noticed. That is definitely what I have been trying to do the most,” echoed Paluzzi, who also resides in the SoCal area.
As for Plouffe, well, he’s following the common trend. Riding anywhere and everywhere a team may take notice.
“I’m from SoCal, so I ride all the tracks that the teams ride in hopes of getting noticed,” he says.
Weston Peick was a fill-in rider for Star Valli Rockstar Yamaha during Monster Energy Supercross.
Simon Cudby photo
Going Abroad
In the National Football League, players that have been cut from a team may get an opportunity to stay with the team on the practice squad. There’s also the option of the Arena Football League and the Canadian Football League. Major League Baseball players can dwell in the minor leagues for years, sometimes an entire career, before being called up to the big leagues.
In 2001 the National Basketball Association opened the doors of the NBA Development League; a minor league system they hoped would rival Major League Baseball’s, in hopes of keeping budding young stars from heading to Europe and Asia in search of more lucrative contracts.
In motocross, the opportunity for young stars and veterans alike, to compete in Europe, Canada and Australia can prove tempting and very beneficial. Just ask Zach Osborne, who spent the better part of his early pro career racing Grands Prix, and now has a GEICO Honda deal for 2013. Or Matt Goerke, whose stock has risen to new heights thanks in part to his domination in the Canadian Nationals. Or Bobby Kiniry, who’s also made Canada a second home the past few seasons. Or young stars Michael Leib (Europe), Gavin Faith (Australia) Austin Politelli (Canada and Australia), Teddy Maier (Canada) and Topher Ingalls (Canada) among others, who have used their time abroad as a means of gaining valuable racing experience.
No stranger to racing in Europe, after spending last off-season racing supercross everywhere from Greece to Germany to Finland, the opportunity is enticing for Peick.
“If it gets to the point where I need money I may go back to Europe [for off-season supercrosses],” says Peick. “I may go back to Greece this year; their pay outs were pretty good last year.”
Yet, Peick still has reservations about going back. “It’s hard going over there, especially when you’re by yourself and don’t know anyone.”
Plouffe raced in Finland last off-season, and had a deal to race the Australian Super X series with Serco Yamaha. But he later had to pull out of that deal when his deal to race supercross here in the U.S. finally came together. He would welcome the chance of going back to Europe to race supercross this off-season.
“I don’t mind going abroad for racing,” he says. “I went to Finland last year and that was a great experience.”
While the chance of broadening their horizons by racing supercross in Europe and Australia has been alluring, all three riders are determined to remain in the States, chasing their dreams of competing at the highest level of racing again.
“I want to be racing supercross and outdoors here in the States, even if it’s on my own I will at least do West Coast only in the Supercross Class next year,” said Plouffe.
On the horizon
With the last leg of the Nationals on the horizon, and the prospect of securing a fill-in ride becoming increasingly marginal, the steadfast Peick continues to chase every opportunity.
“I went out and bought two 450 Suzukis and am getting everything together right now and plan on racing Washougal and Lake Elsinore,” commented Peick on his plans for the remainder of 2012. “I think I have the speed right now to run top ten outdoors, so I’m definitely ready.”
Chris Plouffe had an injury riddled rookie supercross campaign.
Simon Cudby photo
“It’s painful to watch. But this is my first year of racing and I have plenty of years left,” proclaimed an optimistic Plouffe.
“Having to sit at home and watch the races just wishing you were there is the hardest part. But it’s something that I think drives me the most and makes me want even more,” continued Paluzzi.
While the prospect of not being able to race every weekend is excruciating for this young group of riders, the dream of living to line the gate one more time continues to push them—push them just as hard as the riders who are actually racing. After all, this is the only life they know.
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Good insight.
Great article. This is such a tough sport to make it to the top... and stay there. I grew up both racing against and watching guys with such blazing speed... those that never quite made it, and also watched those that were there, but weren't able to sustain it. Guys like Mike Jones, Branden Jesseman, Broc Hepler, just to name a few. Just rode with Broc and his dad not long ago. Too many concussions and too much risk. He still loves to ride... and is still amazing fast. Darryn Durham lives just a few miles away as well and I hope he is one that stays at the top.
I used to race against Westons dad Louie on 500's in the 90's in So.Cal.Big boy and fast.
Anyone know what start up money is worth in Europe? I remember back in the 80's when I was racing an 80, some of the local pro's who were privateers racing nationals were invited to race European supercrosses, they would make like $2K and all expenses were paid too.
I give it up to all the guys who bust their ass to live the dream!! I know your not getting rich, so your doing it for the love of the sport
To all the guys who make the gate at a national, Helmets off to all of you,..You may get lapped, but your riding with the best in the world, and living the dream!!
Most every one of us key boards, have wanted to be in your boots, lined up behind the gate, ready to moto down, but our talent only got us lined up behind these key boards, but through you we are still able to live the dream!!!
Those aren't "wannabe" racers either! Those guys are fast and have got noticed in motocross. Paluzzi was a name I heard alot on the Star team. Thats why this sport needs to pay attention to the privateers, you have to have them on the line. Without them racing would get boring with only 5 or 6 factory guys racing each other. Change the rules so privateers bikes can be more competitive and give more money payout to those who are privateers so they can travel to the next race. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that out AMA.. You guys need the privateers or you will have races that consist of 10 pro racers and 30 local yahoos at each race that will be lapped several times and probably end up hurting all the factory guys !
Peick needs to learn what the blue flag means.
@Blue445
I think adopting the AMA amateur displacement rules with a true 250 class and an open class would help the privateers. The 2 strokes are cheaper to purchase and alot cheaper to maintain over the course of a season.
@ HandlebarDragger
I've always been a motor guy or a human guy like when all you had was yourself individual sport ie; Triathlon you only have yourself against the competition and yourself, you only get out what you are willing to put into it.. after Mx finished 3rd in Nation early 90's so I would say I'm a bad ass Mf 'r, in my hay day......Motor wise I would race a hospital bed if I could retro-fit a 2 stroke motor to it. I love speed and wheel sports everything!
Football I get the drift today’s bunch............But if you were the guy getting the check you wouldn’t say that!!! I’m betting. All ball sports are ridiculous, most blow it or they are in it like Mx very short window of time........... Out on the street……Even better if you’re the agent, enough said.....
My Grandpa was from Canton, Ohio Pro football Hall of fame, so was I growing up..........I got pictures of him from early 1915 champion team Canton Bulldogs played with Jim Thorpe . These guys that pig skin you talk about was used as a helmet on there F'ing head none to very little padding, and they hit hard, my grandpa was 6'6 and only 220lbs lean and mean no fat back then, Mickey D's or that shit.. Got paid a couple of bucks no insurance and were real bad asses ! Real MEN ! Unlike today’s crowd. So I guess I get your point !!!!!!!!!! to a point ! Do you see mine at any level!
Thanks........... Mr-Mx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canton_Bulldogs
@ HandlebarDragger
Get real close to the computer so know one can here! Pst…pst…pst…..Real close.
My mother is a DeBartolo Youngstown Ohio, name sound familiar at all……San Francisco 49’rs anything………Chances are any strip mall, Big mall shopping, Hospital wings, or race-track horses, casino, even down to your local massage parlor, the name may be attached thru the holding company, construction, or leasing. That’s my family on moms side…………Big Money comes to mind real fast………My dad was a big shot with old Husky, Maico 60-70’s then Honda- Yamaha-thru 90’s. Flew all over the world to factories, test tracks, every Mx National Sx since time has started……I also went to every race when old enough I did race some had some gigs here or there and got out, “first time}. I did the sport of Triathlon for 10 years and was ranked 3rd nationally at one time, Retired age 32 ….. Then gave it ago in MX, cross country a little just played around and had fun …… I got into Real –estate… I was in on the family side commercial and Residential big homes out west, had licenses in 4 states to do business. When you’re an athlete you make a lot of connections that may lead you to prospective clients. When I sold my home in Ohio, I had some Mx –Cross country guys look at it because I had 104 acres and a big SX and cross country layout but non had that kind of dough…………So I sold it to a big wig that commutes to Pittsburg on the PA. turnpike about 1.25 hrs each way because he got a big property, a nine hole golf coarse and a lot of amenities that it would of cost him more to build in Pittsburg plus the taxes. House is 2.5 Mil and property taxes are $ 30,000,00 A YEAR ……I sold it in 20 days for about 300,000.00 less to unload quick all Amish craftsmanship a real doll, but I made money on the deal………And moved south……….. I’m into whatever I want to do now, except for some health issues that I had sneak in to the mix. When I was little I always had old people tell me if you don’t have health you don’t have anything, there right to a point. As to what I have told you up top, I was one of the most physically fit persons out there. I always prided myself on that…… The racing and training in all I did was to my own demise as I aged it just takes over, hereditary or just wore myself out, when you do thing at a high level for years it takes its toll. I don’t care who you are…. It doesn’t take much with back or spine issues and every other thing to take you down the ladder real fast. So enjoy what you have! For as long as you may have it……Mr-Mx …….I bid you well!!!!!! Enjoy the races…….
Understand completely !
When my nephew was little ...... He always liked Dan Marino Dolphins they were playing the Hall of fame Football game during Hall of Fame week that year. So I took him to the game we go down after the game so he could get an Autograph from Dan Marino he shoved my nephew and said kid get out of my way when he had a hat and ink pen out......Never cared for him after . I'm suprised he didnt pull a Jim Brown and charge for it........What a chump !
@Handlebardragger. I have always been a MX fan. So naturally my daughter was/is too. When she was alittle girl in school, she used Moto in a story about sports. Her teacher told her that MX isn't a sport! Really ticked me off at first but as I thought about it, I explained to my little girl that "see, even the teachers don't know everything." And gave her some pics/stories to take to the teacher, so she could prove her wrong. The teacher, gave in finally, and agreed. Reluctantly, which says a thing or two about that teacher! But, yeah, MX-not a sport? GOOD GRIEF!!
@9lives-Mr-Mx 104acres? I've got 2 acres, someone kicked me in the balls earlier. Why do you think anyone cares about your family or your life story. Nothing more annoying than someone blowing their own trumpets. Most the wealth people I know that aren't idiots don't need everyone to know.
I usually find the insights Mr Mx gives to be very enjoyable. I like to hear how the other half lives, we were all raised differently, that effects us in many ways, including how we feel about MX..It is easier to understand some one, if you know where they are coming from
Mr Mx, we've met and had a real talk many years ago. I hope your back is fine and health stays for as long as possible. Here's a tip, niacin (250 mg) once a day will help get you feeling better in about a week. Neal says hi.
@ Rrrryan, I could not agree more!!!
@ 9lives-Mr-Mx, stay humble my friend.
In defence of Mr- Mx and @ HandlebarDragger
The original post by HandlebarDragger was taken off the site do to very Derogatory comments toward Professional athletes that play ball sports versus Motocrossers not being athletes. So with that being said you are coming in after the fact !
Ridiculous on even a very basic humane level……. You obviously have no regard for anything or anybody…….. I sense a real insecurity problem on your end towards those statements. I would seek someone out for that issue
Rjstreets = I dough you ever met the person. As to Niacin and me being a Medical doctor here in Arizona, I wouldn’t be promoting or prescribing any form of treatment for any condition, leave that to the professionals.
jsking912 = If you really agree with @ Rrrryan you need so help also maybe not as much.
If the shirt you’re wearing indicates your position in life as too maybe served or are active military you are a disgrace to the country and your fellow service colleagues. For your mindset. I only have respect for those who have the upmost respect for themselves, others and there cause for freedom. My friend if you truly believe with your above poster@ Rrrryan you have never grown up! Nor will you!
You both came into that post having not seen all that has been posted, or the post was not directed towards either of you so making comments toward someone’s family who cares about yours either ! You both exhibit lack of control and very poor judgment towards people in general………. Also must have had no discipline in your lives growing up. You have a very long road ahead !
GOOD LUCK ! TO YOU 3
I agree with Rrryan as well but I might have said it a little more tactfully. The life story narrative was a little much. This a supposed to be about motocross (in the present) not about reliving the old days and how great we were in a past life or all our famous relatives. The truth is for most of us the older we get the greater we were, and no offense but if you're posting here you were probably never that great.
The only way Peick will get rides is if he quits burning bridges like the Alessi's. That father and son thing can create some really big problems for teams!