September 10, 2009
Well, for MDR, the 2009 season is over. We had a great season, we worked together with Matt Weidman for the season and definitely made some progress over the months. We also got a chance to do two races with Stevie Bonsey and that also was quite successful. I feel fortunate to have been able to have two very talented young riders on my bikes. We qualified for the Daytona ST both nights with Matt at our first races together, and then we got to watch Stevie make his first ever GNC main at the Springfield TT, in his first attempt as a GNC Rookie. So, for working with two young, ultra-talented young riders, I am super pleased and feel very accomplished.
What can I say about Matt Weidman? This young man is special. Matt is easy going, and stays completely unphased by what is going on around him. Matt turned 18 years old in May and has the composure and maturity of a much older person, and the riding ability that very few have. I truely believe that Matt will be a champion in this sport, and I am certain he will win a National in 2010. There is not any other rider that I would pick to put on my bikes, and off the track Matt is alot of fun too. This young man is a great package, and I know he is pursuing a twins ride with a new team for 2010 and he would be a huge attribute to any GNC Team, this kid can ride to win and is a great representative/spokesman off the track as well.
MDR got hooked up with Stevie Bonsey through Ray Abrams at A&A Racing and Rod Lake. Both of these guys called and asked me to build a 450 for Stevie and promised he would do us all proud. And right they were. Stevie only raced four Nationals, all at Springfield, and qualified for 3 of 4. Only because he lost a chain at the Fall Mile, while running second in his heat, did he not go 4 for 4. Stevie still has his eyes on MotoGP racing, and is trying to return to Europe in 2010, but I feel that if he committed to dirt track, he would be a top contender right away. Stevie is so talented! I am very proud to say that Stevie made his first GNC Main on an MDR bike, and that we helped him earn his National number.
MDR also helped Ion Stear with his 450 program, helping build a 2009 Honda CRF for him. Ion is a local racer that I have watched for a few years, and much to my pleasant surprise, Ion is really turning into quite the racer. He made a couple Nationals this year, riding his own Suzuki SV 650, and shows alot of promise with his aggressive riding style. I am confident that with some more time and experience, Ion will shine at the GNC level. Ion is a great young man, very driven and focused, and is just at the beginning of his carreer and learning curve.
The season started with new rules and new people steering the ship. Some things they did I agreed with and some things I still don't like. But we made it through the season and I feel like MDR had a good run. I believe that Matt and MDR will continue to have a relationship and race together, and I will continue to learn and improve my bikes and my skills at building and tuning race bikes. Matt Weidman and MDR built a solid foundation this season, and I look forward to more and higher successes with this young man.
I have to talk about Henry Wiles. Henry won the 2009 Singles Championship by flat out killing everybody. I have watched Henry ride for 7 years now, and knew from the very first time I watched him race, he would be a Champion. Henry is so talented, focused, and gifted that he is on a level that very few riders have ever or could ever achieve. People have alot of varying opinions of Henry Wiles, but however you feel about him, this young man is a racer. When he shows up at a race he gives 110% all the time. You never have to prompt Henry about his riding, just give him a good, solid motorcycle and he'll give you the best ride he can, every time! You really have to work with Henry to get to know him, but as you are working with him, you can't help but be amazed at his talents. We took him Road Racing and Supermoto Racing and watched him excel at both, in very short time on the race track. We would go play riding and ice riding and Henry would do things that not too many other people could do or get away wwith. And Henry is still improving! When he figures the XR 750's out the way he has the 450's, look out, because there will be a new Champion there real quick too! Henry, my hat is off to you! I am very proud of you, not at all surprised by your successes, and know that there is much, much more ahead for you. Congratulations Champ! You earned it and deserve it!
I want to thank a few people, without whom MDR could not have functioned this season. Rob Williams, whose tireless efforts keep our team moving and pits working. Guy and Rachel Weidman, who lent me their son to go racing with, and also taught me alot of things this year too. You guys are awesome! Ron Hamp for help and the best engines, always! Ed Hilton, Dennis Mahan, Rod Lake, Schaumburg Honda/Suzuki, CHM Exhausts, Pro Honda Oils, JE Pistons, Motion Pro, G2 Ergos, for the best products, support, knowledge and believing in our little team and effort. There are many others who have helped this season too, and if I left you out, sorry, but know that MDR appreciates each and every one of our supporters!
Last but not least, I want to thank my father, George Mack Sr., for taking me to the races for as long as I can remember and introducing me to the sport that we all so love! My Dad comes to all the races with us, and still loves every second of it.
Until later, Peace!
George