Scott Samuel 8-20-07
- Updated: August 20, 2007
How many times have you competed in the Maxxis 6 Hours of ATV America Ironman?
This was my second time competing in the Ironman class. It wont be the last. These races are really fun to compete in.
You really impressed us last year finishing 6th overall out of 21 teams, (most teams of three we might add). How did this one compare to your last one in New Hampshire?
Overall the event was good. Last year’s course in New Hampshire was way too easy as far as I was concerned. Even after six hours of racing it never really got rough and demanding. This track in New York was much better. It was a freeway early but as time went on it changed and got a little choppy later in the race — that made it a lot of fun.
Working hand in hand with Elka Suspension and racing nearly every ATV racing discipline possible, you certainly are qualified to tell us what kind of changes, if any, would you make to the 6 and 12 Hours of America events.
Okay I’ll be honest with you. I think the courses that I’ve seen cater too much to motocross machines – as the woods’ sections were not technical. I also think the officials need to be told to better monitor the scabs that were cheating and have the authority to do something about it right on the spot. A few more officials wouldn’t hurt either. I saw a few teams pitting outside the designated area and others that sent out “helpers” that were towing the broken machines back with Dad’s utility machines. I don’t like cheaters. I think you need to make an example out of someone to make sure it never gets too out of hand before it’s too late.
How did your race go at this NY event?
My start was lousy as always but I got into second in my class early and was just pacing myself, having a good time when at the 1:45 hour mark I had a big mechanical failure. The axle carrier pretty much exploded so I basically needed a whole new rear end if I were to continue. I limped back to the pits where I figured my day was over since my spare stuff was at home in my shop. Anyway, I snooped around the pits eyeing up equipment. Turns out Rob Hertz from the winning team ended up letting me take apart his brand new race bike that was in his trailer and I cannot thank him enough. He’s yet another example of why I love this sport so much.
My pit man Dennis and others pitched in and worked magic replacing the entire rear end of my machine. I got back onto the course at the 3 hour mark in 9th and almost 4 laps down from the class leader whom I know from my NEATV-MX days to be a great rider. I put my head down and rode as hard as I could and finished 3rd in class and less than 1 lap down from eventual winner, Pomeroy. Like I always say, You win some, you lose some, some you end up on the ground.
Would you like to see the event return to New England?
Hell Yeah! Bring more than one here next year.
Any advice for riders interested in running the Maxxis 6 or 12 Hours of ATV America? And any specific Ironman class suggestions?
Bring it on!!! Just joking :) Drink up and plan your training well in advance so you can spend the three days leading up to the event relaxing to let your body completely rest. For more training advice check out my website thequadbuilder.com. Overhaul your machine before and after the event, replacing anything that is questionable. I made the mistake this year of not replacing a certain piece of equipment that was only slightly worn and had a massive mechanical failure in the middle of the race. Lastly, be prepared to have a complete blast. These races aren’t like any race you’ve raced before. You’ll be hooked for sure.
Who would you like to thank?
Definitely my pit man Dennis, Steve, and Rob Hertz from Team XCBob.com. Especially my girlfriend Cheryl for just about everything! Leumas Enterprises, Nac’s Racing, Elka Suspension, Pompton Honda, Dagon Motorsports, Laeger’s, AC Racing, the FAH-Q Motorcycle Club, DA Concrete, Tire Balls, ODI Grips, Big Gun Exhaust, O’Neal gear, RPM, HiPer wheels, Clarke gas tanks, thequadbuilder.com, atvscne.com and everyone that makes these events happen.