Joe Byrd #7
2006 and 2007 ATVA MX champion. 2nd overall 2008 and 2009 AMA Pro ATV Motocross
One Amateur title, 3 stadium wins, over 20 national wins.
Joe, you have been out most of the season to this point with a serious injury. Can you tell us what happened?
I crashed by hitting a huge rain rut and fell off the front of the atv but as I landed my elbow went into my ribs and broke my ribs and severely bruised my Liver.
You have been one of the most durable, consistent, top level pros for a long time now. Have you ever had an injury that has kept you from competition for such a long period of time and if so how does this injury compare?
In 1996 I crashed while leading the points series and broke both my ankles and shattered my right heel. It was way worse than this one. I was out for a while then too.
Knowing what a competitor you are it had to be eating you up that you were unable to get out and mix it up on the track. With that being said what was your game plan for the weekend at Pleasure Valley Raceway for your return from injury?
Yes I was on the phone and computer every race seeing what was going on. IT SUCKED. For the Pleasure Valley race I just wanted to get back into the groove and see what I needed to work on. I was expecting a top 5 but didn't want to get in the way or overdo it. I feel like I accomplished that even though we had bike issues the 2nd motto and I didn't get top 5 overall. At least I got 5th the 1st moto.
What were you feeling when you lined up on the gate for the first time back?
I was excited when I got on the gate as I love trying to get the holeshot with my DASA power ha-ha
You finished 10th. Was this better or worse than you expected?
10th place was WAY worse than expected but we were using an old bike and testing some new things out so sometimes you have problems when you try new things. We are basically testing for 2011.
What should your fans be expecting from you for the remainder of the 2010 season?
I am going to try for a win before the season is over. I hate to go through a season without a win. I don't race to lose ha-ha.
It is hard to believe that it has been 16 years already that you created the Joe Byrd Quad Riding School. I imagine you have seen some very good racers come thru your school. Do you have any in particular that come to mind that you would like to share a story about?
Actually most of the Pro class has been through my school ha-ha. Including the National Champ Dustin Wimmer and 2007 runner-up Jeremy Lawson. There are only a few that have not. That is really cool for me.
Joe, Thanks for taking time with us here at Outerwears to share your thoughts. Is there anything else that you would like to let your fans know about?
Thanks for everything and I want my fans to know that I have been down but not out. I will be back and 100% before the end of the season and I will be gearing up for a strong 2011 Championship Title run.
Thanks Joe Byrd #7
