Namura Technologies Member of the Week 11/29/23

Member of the Week: Zachary Brown

What discipline(s) do you participate in? Class(es)?

Hare Scramble 200A


When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23 ARMCA member?

I began riding at 4 years old and became an ARMCA member at 6.

 

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?

Winning the ARMCA Hare Scramble and Enduro Championship on my 65 and Premier and Junior Championship last year.

 

What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?

In 2023 and beyond, I’d like to become a AA rider and hope to represent the District well at races across the country.

 

Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?

It’s an awesome community with great competition! I enjoy both the racing and the fun time I have with everyone.

 

Who inspires you in racing?

I look up to Logan Kittok because of how he influences younger riders. He is determined and hardworking and you can see how much that pays off!

 

How has motorcycling impacted your life? 

I know it’s something I can always look forward to! It also gives me the adrenaline and rush that nothing else gives me.

 

What is your favorite food to eat on race day?

My favorite food on race day is a chocolate Ryno power protein shake in the morning and about 2–3 hours before my race, I will eat rice, chicken, and green beans.

 

How do you get pumped up to ride/race? Music? Pep talks? Maybe quiet time is more your style?

I have a hard time getting psyched up before a race, but when those last-minute nerves set it.. that when I really get pumped.

 

What else do you like to do for fun?

I’ve started playing disc golf and other games. I love playing card games and doing things with my family. One thing that comes with racing is the traveling which can be boring but is also a good time to spend with family.

 

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?

I used to be terrible at eating on race day and I would crash about an hour and half into my race. But once Logan Kittok got on me for not eating, I started to be better about it and it has really helped me improve.

 

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?

Hydrate and eat are the two big things for preparations. For the rest, I would say get comfortable with your bike and gear even if someone says that a certain item or part is the best. Everyone's riding style is different so something might work for you that might not work for them.

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 11/22/23

Member of the Week: Sophie Johnson

What discipline(s) do you participate in? Class(es)?

Motocross, Arenacross, Supercross. I race women’s and sometimes 250 B or 25+


When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23 ARMCA member?

I started riding when I was 3 years old and racing when I was 5! I became a D23 member right away!

 

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?

Making Loretta Lynn’s in 2015!

 

What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?

Racing and riding more! I’d love to hit more nationals.. I race in the amateur day for Daytona Supercross every year and it’s a blast!

 

Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?

I love the people and the tracks! I’ve been riding these tracks for as long as I can remember and I love seeing the moto family grow and evolve!

 

Who inspires you in racing?

My dad got me into riding and racing so definitely him but both of my parents inspire me to achieve all my goals and dreams.. I don’t know what I’d do without them! Ashley Fiolek has also had a huge impact on me growing up and still does to this day.

 

How has motorcycling impacted your life? 

It has become my whole life! The people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve made within the community are ones that I’ll never forget!

 

What is your favorite food to eat on race day?

Bananas and water

 

How do you get pumped up to ride/race? Music? Pep talks? Maybe quiet time is more your style?

I love listening to my music! But definitely doing some warm ups and positive reinforcement!

 

What else do you like to do for fun?

I love to workout! I also like to dance, sing.. I’m really down for anything all the time!

 

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?

Don’t give up when it’s all you think and dream about.

 

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?

Don’t lose the love for the sport! I know dirtbikes can be brutal at times.. whether it’s losing or crashing or just not performing as well as you’d like. But we all do this for a reason! So don’t forget that, even when the times get tough!

 

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Again, I’d love to thank my parents for everything they’ve ever done for me. They are the reason I am where I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’d also like to thank all my sponsors that also help get me through it all! A little support goes a long way and it’s so appreciated!

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 11/15/23

Member of the Week: Cooper Mindiola

What discipline(s) do you participate in? Class(es)?

Flat Track - 50cc Peewee, 50cc DTX Jr 4-8, 50cc shaft

When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23 ARMCA member?

I began riding my PW at 3 years old with training wheels and then at 4, I broke one of the wheels off riding too fast! It was at this point I began riding without them and started racing later that year.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?

This year was my first year of racing and I won my first heat and main event race in 50cc DTX Jr at Cedar Lake Arena to start off the season, and I ended up finishing 2nd overall in 50cc DTX Jr 4-8 points.

What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?

My goals next year are to build off where I left off this year… continue to hit my marks entering and exiting corners, and learn to carry more speed overall. I also want to continue traveling to new tracks so I can learn how to become a faster and smoother rider on all types of track conditions.

Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?

The D23 Flat Track family is like none other, the support from all the riders is what makes racing so much fun and enjoyable!

Who inspires you in racing?

My family have been huge supporters with my come up in flat track racing. Dan and Amanda Jacobson, along with Cole Fealy, have been my riding coaches and trainers, teaching me new riding techniques and how to carry the most speed on new tracks. Mac McGrew has been a huge supporter with bike set-up and also sharing track knowledge.

How has motorcycling impacted your life?

Racing Flat Track has shown me that hard work and dedication can pay off! It has helped me become more confident on and off the track, along with meeting so many new friends.

What is your favorite food to eat on race day?

Pizza Rolls!

How do you get pumped up to ride/race? Music? Pep talks? Maybe quiet time is more your style?

Jamming out to music with my dad and pep talks! I just love being out on the track and always look forward to race weekends!

What else do you like to do for fun?

I am in Jiujitsu, I go hunting with my Dad, going out on the boat and waterskiing, and I love going to the skate park to ride my bike and scooter!

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?

Keep your feet up on your foot pegs in the corners and go fast!

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?

Treat everyone like family, twist your throttle, and have fun!

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Thank you Mom, Dad, Kaylee, and everyone else who has supported me through racing! You guys are the best!

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 11/6/23

Member of the Week: Joseph Goth

When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23 ARMCA member?

I started riding at 3 years old and my first race was when I was 6.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?

Making AA in enduro when I was 14.

What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?

To continue to have fun and to ride all over the country.

Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?

I love the sport, the camaraderie in the district, and the great trails.

Who inspires you in racing?

My dad because he taught me how to ride and take care of my bike.

How has motorcycling impacted your life? 

The people I have met, and what it’s taught me about not giving up and pushing myself as hard as I can.

What is your favorite food to eat on race day?

Pre-race eggs and post-race chocolate milk.

How do you get pumped up to ride/race? Music? Pep talks? Maybe quiet time is more your style?

Relaxing, going over my bike and gear, and thinking about the race ahead.

What else do you like to do for fun?

Hanging out with friends, woodworking, and spending time outside. 

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?

Can’t win in the first corner, but you sure can lose.

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?

Enjoy riding and most importantly, have fun.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

I want to thank all the people who put on the enduros for their hard work and great trails.

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 10/30/23

Member of the Week: Justin Nikkola

What discipline(s) do you participate in? Class(es)?

Flat Track, Harescramble, Enduro, Ice & Road

When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23
ARMCA member?
Some experience as a kid but when I turned 30 in 2018 I went all in and never looked back! The first year on my Dirtbike I tried a Harescramble and was instantly hooked.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?

I feel Finishing the A/B loop at the Huntersville Enduro in 2021 is when ive felt the most accomplished. 100+ degrees and over 3 hours of riding was insane. Many times I wanted to pull off but I made it. I finished it.

What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?

For racing: simply just to get a year end award,
Im chasing points in Flat Track this season! Currently 3rd in Vet +30 and 6th in Open B.

For road:
I just took my first out-of-state motorcycle trip to the UP of Michigan on my Indian FTR Rally!

I would like to travel by bike as far as Alaska while in my 30s.

Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?

Once you pop the fun dont stop! I have thoroughly enjoyed racing all 3 disciplines, trial riding and Ice riding that Minnesota and D23 has to offer.

The amount of work people have to do to keep our state trails open and growing is inspiring

Heck, I like it so much im a board member for Flat Track!

Who inspires you in racing?

My friends truly inspire me the most! Without the help, support, advice and push from them racing just wouldn't be the same.

How has motorcycling impacted your life?

The People ive met alone through motorcycling has changed my life for the better in multiple ways. Its truly hard to put into words what being on two wheels does for me and my soul.

From the peaceful in your head trail rides through the fall forest. Down to the fast pace sprint style "Give it your all." racing. I cant enough.

What is your favorite food to eat on race day?

Rob's famous Peanut Butter, Butter and Honey sandwiches! My whole race day is off without them.

How do you get pumped up to ride/race? Music? Pep talks? Maybe quiet time is more your style?

Leading up to the race its definitely blaring whatever music I'm into that day on the way to the track.
Once I'm in staging, its eyes closed and controlled breathing. A type of meditation before the "we gotta go!" Hits.

What else do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy Ice Riding, Ice Fishing, Trap shooting, Mountain Biking, motorcycle shows, camp fires hanging out with my pups, friends and trying new places to eat!

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?

Dont look behind you!

My first Harescramble i was told that and its always stuck with me.
Ive carried that over into dirt track racing as well.
People will get around you when or if they can, just focus on your own race.

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?

Give new disciplines a try! I think the best part about motorcycles is all the different types of riding and racing you can do!

Even in Flat Track im quick to hop on a Vintage bike or Hooligan to try out something new.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

Thanks for having me as a member of the week!

Meadow Valley Buck Run Cancelled

From Straight Arrow Enduro Riders:

Meadow Valley Buck Run Hare Scramble Cancelled.

Despite the excellent weather prediction for Sunday, we simply cannot get out today or tomorrow to arrow and ribbon the 9 miles of trail.

It's impossible to get ATV's and dirt bikes up hills with tools, even on the easiest of trails. We are sliding everywhere.

This sucks and we have been delaying hoping for a sudden change in the forecast and then today for the rain to stop so we can get to work. Delaying a decision longer is unfair to all the volunteers and racers. Ugh.

Please share and text your friends.