Rider Update: Justin Thompson in the USA
14 May 2014

Published with Permission
Submitted by Trevor Thompson

At Perris MX track

On our visit to Anaheim in January, we arranged to meet with Sebastian Tortelli (2 x world MX champ) to discuss the possibility of us sending Justin over there for a short period, initially only 4 weeks. As you are aware Sebastian owns and runs a MX school called Champ Factory, they are based in California in a Town called Temecula, Southern CA, quite close to San Diego.
We decided to send him over with Debbie (Yip, I wish I was there but unfortunately somebody needs to work to pay bills) there with the main objective to get some good training and secondly to just experience what it is like in the US. I asked Sebastian if whilst we were over there if Justin could enter some of the local races during his stay. He agreed.

I managed to purchase a good second hand Yamaha YZ85 Super Mini (112cc) for him, it was a bike from a kid that has a full sponsorship from JGR Yamaha.

Practicing at Glenn Helen

Justin and Debbie arrived in the US, California on the 22nd April, that weekend they entered him into the Loretta Lynns North West Area Qualifier at Porterville OHV. Having just landed there three days before the event, not having ever ridden the bike, they headed off to Porterville on Friday for practice. Justin did a few laps and then the rear hub and sprocket broke, they arranged for a new wheel which arrived later that evening, it was fitted and bike was ready for Saturday.

Results from Saturday 26th April 2014:
Super Mini 1 (ages 12-15)
Moto 1 - 4th
Moto 2 - 8th
Overall - 5th
Entries - 19

Results from Sunday 27th April 2014:
Super Mini 2 (ages 13-16)
Moto 1 - 5th
Moto 2 - 5th
Overall - 4th
Entries - 13

Not bad for first race ever in the US, strange country, strange environment and never ridden a Super Mini before. He qualified to take part in the Loretta Lynns Regional Qualifier, which takes place on the 7/8th June.

First Race in the USA at Porterville

Daily routine at Champ Factory:
They train Tuesdays to Fridays, riding in the morning for about 2-3 hrs, then get back to house (9 kids staying in House) wash bikes and then its either off for a 30-50km cycle or 2 hours gym session. As you can imagine Justin is absolutely exhausted in the evenings.

He then raced his second race this past week end, it was a Monster Energy Road to Mammoth, round 6 at the Ranch Anza, CA

Results from Sunday 11th May 2014:
Super Mini 1 (ages 12-15)
Moto 1 - 5th
Moto 2 - 27th
Overall - 13th
Entries - 27
He had a big crash in the second heat of the Super Mini 1, cut open his elbow (needed stitches) and hurt his leg badly.

Super Mini 2 (ages 13-16)
Moto 1 - 4th
Moto 2 - DNS
Overall - 13th
Entries - 15
He could not make it to the line for Moto 2 of the Super Mini 2 race, so he managed to get a 13th overall for both classes, again he has managed to qualify for the Mammoth Event. This event takes place on the 24/25th June.
We wil keep you posted on any further updates!

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