Memorial Day Weekend. The time to remember and be thankful for all those that have served, and are serving, to protect our country. It is also one of the best weekends on the Flat Track schedule, the Springfield Doubleheader. As most of you all ready know I changed things up a bit this season and moved to a new team, so going into this weekend there were a lot of questions up in the air left to be answered.
Saturday was the T.T. which is always fun race for me. I headed out for the first round of practice on my new Honda tuned by Mike Hacker. The first round of practice is always a “free” round so the times don’t count, you mainly just go out and get a feel for the bike and the track. I was feeling pretty good but we needed to make a few adjustments before the next round. I went back out for the first round of qualifying and I put down some decent times and ended up 8th. For the second and final qualifying round I wanted to make sure that I put down some good times to finish strong in qualifying.
I ended up qualifying eleventh overall, putting me in the second heat race. I lined up with Kenny Coolbeth, Rob Pearson, Chris Carr, Sammy Halbert, Shuan Russell, Mike Rush, and Jesse Janish. I got a decent start of the line and was leading coming around to the jump for the first time. Carr and I were running a close first and second for a few laps. After the half way flags I made a break and kept charging, with Carr in second and Halbert making a run for that second position. The white flag came out and I still had the lead, with Halbert getting around Carr and making a charge. I would end up winning the heat race and was heading to the Dash for Cash and directly to the Main Event.
The Dash for Cash is a four lap race that awards cash and also points. The riders that are in the Dash are the first two finishers from each heat. This Dash was made up of myself, Sammy Halbert, Jethro Halbert, Joe Kopp, Henry Wiles, and JR Schnabel. I ended up not getting the best start and was third coming around for the first lap. The laps went fast, and before I knew it the checkered was out and had to settle for third.
After the Dash it was time to get ready for the main. My win in the heat race placed me on the front row along with Wiles, Kopp, Sammy Halbert, Jethro Halbert, and JR Schnabel. As the light went green all nineteen of us headed into turn one. I got an okay start but not really where I wanted to be. We came around for the green flag and I was in third. A few laps later I went into turn one and Sammy Halbert got underneath of me and took over third. I tried a few moves to get third back but couldn’t make anything happen. The laps dwindled down and as the white flag came out I was still in the fourth position. Nothing would change as we made our final few turns and I would finish in fourth. But after Schnabel did not pass post race tech we ended up with third. Not bad for our first time out as a new team. We know there are things we need to work on but overall we were pretty satisfied with our results.
Our late night at the T.T. meant for an early morning at the Mile on Sunday. Practice started at 10:15 and everyone was eager to get out on the famous Springfield Mile. Its been a while since I’ve ridden a Harley XR750 so I could not wait to get the feel for it again. Johnny Goad had the bike tuned and ready to go and I was feeling pretty good after the first round of practice. We made a few changes and went back out for round two and laid down some times that kept us in the top ten. The track began to really change as the third round of practice continued, so the times from the third round of practice weren’t as good as the previous round. As qualifying came to an end, I would have to settle for fifteenth overall, putting me in a stacked heat race with Joe Kopp, Kenny Coolbeth, and Bryan Smith.
Even though I was not completely happy with my times from qualifying, they were good enough to put me on the front row of the heat race. The light went green and I got an “OK” start and was second coming around for the green flag. There was a good group of fast riders all together for this heat race so I was going to have to ride smart. We ended up second behind Smith after a great drafting battle.
My second place in the heat landed me in the Dash for Cash. This time the Dash was made up of Nick Cummings, Willie McCoy, Brandon Robinson, Bryan Smith, and JR Schnabel. As the light went green I came off the line in third and headed into the first turn with the group. The Dash was only four laps and I would finish in third, earning us some extra cash and more important points.
The main event lined up and I was on the front row once again. The light went green and I got a good start. With the first lap down I was in second behind Smith and going strong. I would hold onto second for a few laps but on about the fifth lap I started to have brake problems and settled into fourth. The lead pack was made up of myself, Carr, Smith, Kopp, Cummings, and McCoy. Smith would take over the lead with the rest of us battling it out for the next few positions. With about nine laps down the red flag came out. It had began to rain and we all came to a stop. The rain eventually passed and we lined up in a single-file line.
Again the light went green and we were off. I got a terrible start and would move from fourth to tenth and have to work my way back up. I was on the move and back up to fourth when I had a mechanical. The bike came to a stop and my day was done; I would have to settle for a disappointing seventeenth position. Before that I was feeling great and in a very good position to win.
As I look back on the weekend I would say that it definitely had its ups and its downs, but for our first time out as a new team, that was thrown together in a month, I thought we had a good weekend. I just want to give a special thanks to Mike Hacker, Johnny & Sarah Goad, Mike Boughner, Rich Hanson, and “Flash” for all of their hard work over the weekend and of course thanks to all of our sponsors. See ya’ in Tennessee!
AMA Singles Champion Jake Johnson Shakes Up Flat Track
Winter Garden, Florida ( May 7, 2009)-- Just when the industry thought the silly season was over and the riders were set for the season, “Jersey” Jake Johnson is stirring things up.
Earning two championship titles under the singles platform aboard American Suzuki; Johnson’s famed number one will be planted on Mike Hacker’s prepped CRF450 Honda machines for the rest of the season.
Johnson a versatile racer made the switch during the long hiatus after the seasons opener in Daytona. Currently, after two rounds of competition Johnson sits in ninth position.
At the same time of his parting with his previous team, Jake will now be a threat in the AMA Pro Grand National Twins Series. Highly recognizable and noted for building competitive machines, the legendary tuner Johnny Goad will field Johnson on Harley-Davidsons XR750’s. Johnny and his wife Sarah have been affiliated with some high profile riders over the course of their careers including Ricky Graham, Bryan Bigelow, Kevin Varnes, Mike Hacker and Jared Mees.
The team was formed within the last two weeks. Mike Hacker's SuperTrapp backed program will now feature Johnson as rider and Mike Hacker, team manager.
"Having a dog in this fight for the championship series for both the singles and the twins is pretty incredible. Long time sponsor, SuperTrapp, is equally stoked about Jake joining the team. Jake is a hard and aggressive racer, he rides everything well and seeks strong results. I am looking forward to the rest of the season, notes team manager, Mike Hacker.
Johnson is no stranger on the Harley-Davidson XR 750’s. At the start of his career, Jake earned a few wins and podium results.
Turning pro in 2000, Johnson has adapted well in both the twins and singles series. He looks to prove that no matter what brand bike he throws a leg over, he can still dice it up and bring home wins and championship titles.
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Photo by: Jim Grant
Right Place At The Right Time; An Unexpected Team Forms In The South
Grand National Flat Track Racer Mike Hacker uncertain About Gig for the Nationals; Still Pleased with Daytona Events
Two unlikely Grand National Flat Track racers join together at Daytona and bring back two impressive top ten finishes.
Mike Hacker announced earlier this year that he would be back racing a portion of the series, however the small bike program wasn’t part of this declaration. He still owns a Suzuki, he prepared it for the Daytona events and now was looking for a rider to race them. Nichole Cheza (#15) had a go at the Sunday amateur feature and was a likely candidate for the back to back nationals. During sign-up Canadian Racer Don Taylor approached Hacker for the opportunity.
“ My bike was uncomfortable during the Sunday race, I actually didn’t even make the program and knew I had come all this way, it wasn’t a good sign for the nationals. I tried to come with little as possible and it failed me. I did fair well at the testing day in Savannah and thought things would work out for Daytona. The Honda was fast but it just wasn’t hooking up for the Daytona short track. I needed to go to plan B; that was asking Mike for a ride. I was pretty nervous asking Mike for the ride but in the end we reached an agreement and I was ready to blast around the Nationals,” explained Canadian National Champion , Don Taylor #53.
“ I didn’t really follow Taylor at all, I knew of him and such but never really knew his riding style. I had no expectations , I really just wanted to see the Suzuki I built this winter take some competitive laps around the track. Don had never been on my bike, so I knew we would have to get a lot of work in during the two days of racing and a lot of communication,” adds Mike Hacker.
Last year Mike Hacker added another accomplishment to his resume, serving as a team manager/ coach and tuner for the 2008 Rookie of the Year. Hacker obviously enjoys to be on the track racing, he also enjoys giving back to the sport he loves by giving opportunities to those who need it.
Daytona in a nut shell got better and better by every lap. The Suzuki was fast and only needed minimal changes during the two days of competition.
“ I was put at ease after I saw him pitching it sideways the first practice session
Still not putting any expectations on the whole deal. We talked after qualifying and only added a tooth before the main, I was pretty stoked after he finished 9th that night,” Hacker recalls.
“Being a pretty shy guy, my nerves got the best of me from practice to the main, Mike shared some similar nerve racking stories, and after that we just clicked. The more I listened to him the more I had things figured out, pretty pumped up after securing a good finish. The next day should now be a lot easier,” adds Taylor.
Daytona is often referred to as a crap shoot, anyone can win it . The track is noted as changing from start to finish. The riders who qualified on the previous night were the ones practicing first, claiming that the track was very slow. By qualifying , Taylor felt as if he had lost his boost and was pretty upset when the times showed him in position 33rd . The next time out Hacker took him aside and explained “To go fast your mind frame must slow down”. Taylor did just that and moved up his position to third.
“Holy cow he was fast, he made some mistakes but he is learning, I know that if he didn’t slip the groove, we would have set the fastest time,” says Hacker.
The first night in the heats he finished fourth and had the direct transfer, the second night he missed the opening and went to a semi to get into the show. Taylor took the win in the semi and positioned on the third row for the main event. The crowd was going wild as the show was thrilling on all levels. Taylor had a good run and did get opportunities to pass some at the checkers he came out 10th.
Both Mike Hacker and Don Taylor made an unlikely team work despite no seat time or testing. No concrete plans whether the two will continue as a team for the remainder of the season.
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She Is Here.. Riley Marie Hacker Born 1/11/2009 6:29 pm Weighing in at 5 pounds 11 oz and 18 inches long The family is doing well
Congrats.. We Love You!
It's almost time for Baby Hacker...
Image:
This may be the silly season in racers time
Make no doubt about it, pink is not a crime
Baby Hacker due in January, growing like a weed
Makes Mommy and Daddy Hacker that much in need.
Daddy trades in the wrenches and paints the room
No 67’s, Jerseys, or muddy boots will loom
Baby time will be here soon, still much to do
Trade in the leathers, plates and gear
Rattles, diapers and bottles will soon appear
Pink, Ruffles and Lace it will be
Certainly, what every racer shall need
A beautiful little girl to call your own
Love and spoil her for years unknown
Enjoying this special journey in rhyme
Will make you forget about your own nap time
I can see Hacker with baby on lap
Showing her how Daddy goes fast around the track
With a stack of diapers close in reach
Tina will so happily teach
Baby shower was just here
Getting the essentials was made so clear
What does every racer’s little girl need?
To grow up and fulfill Daddy’s dream.
photo by: Jim Grant
My exclusive interview with one of my favorite riders…. Mike Hacker
Mike, it’s been awhile since the flat track community has heard from you, and more importantly me for that matter, what gives?
I am sure the fans and sponsors know of my get off late in the season last year, which forced me out of the championship in 2007. It was really a bad deal for me, I was pretty upset about it. I took this year to heal, to the point of taking the whole season off to regroup and not rush back into something just because it’s in my blood. I made a promise to myself that I would listen to my trainers, doctors and my body before throwing a leg over in competition.
So you are not throwing a leg over this year but we do see you at the track, would it be safe to say you are a racer turned tuner?
That would be safe to say. I had an opportunity present itself in early January. The 2007 Basic Expert Champion , Matthew Weidman was looking for some help with his existing team. After careful considerations, I truly believed it would keep my mental state in the sport, provide marketing means to my sponsor base and ultimately groom the rider in the professional ranks. I agreed to help out rider Matthew Weidman (73B). SuperTrapp was gracious enough to stay on board with the team during this transition.
Earlier you mentioned to me about you new found appreciation of the Tuners in the sport, can you explain?
You know, I have always worked on my bikes, a little bit here a little there. You know when we find the time. I didn’t ever really need to work on bikes, it was just making sure those little things that we are used to gets done. Big difference in wanting to work on them and needing to work on them. I am responsible for maintaining my bikes that he rides and a few of his personal bikes. Lots of pressure to get them done and race ready for a promising finish. As a rider, I do recall getting a bit uptight on race day when certain things were not done, now a realize you can’t do it all and sometimes changes need to be made right at the track rather than in the garage. Yes I do have a brand new appreciation for the tuners out there… Many big thanks to you all!
So your race program goals have changed a bit because you are not actually racing, but I am assuming you had some personal goals set forth?
Well of course, for starters, personally, is to get healthy and work and train to the utmost of my ability. On a tuners standpoint, to provide well maintain and fast bikes suitable for Matthew’s riding skill set. My goal to the sport is to groom the rider and make his presence known on the circuit as a professional. Quiet honestly, our goal was to progress each and every weekend and help prepare this young rider to win races.
Have you had any struggles thus far with the team or your coaching methods?
Surprisingly enough, no., we haven’t had to climb over hurdles. He has been very motivated from the start, so it’s been rather easy for me to talk and guide him on certain skill sets and abilities. Further, changes made to the bikes we talk about why and how and he easily adapts. He gets it and it’s working.
In my opinion, Mike Hacker has always been one of the most approachable riders on the circuit. Your fan base has really emerged over the years and your sponsors really take to you to deliver their messages. How is that support now?
I believe that my sponsors really want me to get healed the right way so I can come back and make a splash again on the championship. My fans come down and see me at the track and appreciate my effort in helping another rider achieve their goals. I appreciate the support then and now.
We all worry about the strength of the sport and now that DMG and Mike Kidd have announced their plans for 2009; how do you feel as racer and now a tuner about that direction?
This could be great, what we needed to stay in the limelight or it could go virtually astray. It’s a roll of the dice sort of speak. Everyone involved should stay positive, we need to all work together ( DMG, Mike Kidd, The racers, Team owners, sponsors, tuners and fans) for a favorable outcome. If people involved refuse to change, we will be in trouble. We can’t afford to take any steps backwards, not now. One step ahead is ok as long as it doesn’t take us back 5.
You know Mike, I have known you for quite sometime and I have no problem asking you tough questions.. So I do need to ask the million dollar question that I am sure the flat track community is dying to know….Will you be back as a racer in 2009?
I am planning on that. As previously mentioned, I do want to get the clean bill of health from my trainers and doctors before making an official announcement. But yes, I have every intention to be back in Flat Track in 2009. Jennifer, you know me, I am full of surprises, I may be back earlier than expected. I am pretty pumped up just thinking about it.
Thanks Mike for your time, I am glad we got caught up on things, I am sure your fans will be equally happy to know your plans. Good luck!
From the Other Side... By Mike Hacker
From the Other Side….by: Mike Hacker
All the getting ready preparations for Daytona was still there, the nerves were still there, but the only difference was, I wasn’t going to be throwing a leg over and competing on the track. I got over the what if’s early and my focus was on Matthew and the SuperTrapp racing team.
We spent two days testing at Savannah. This would be the first time I would witness Matthew’s riding style. We tried several set ups and we communicated very well. At the time for the night race, the track looked really good and I felt confident in Matthews capabilities. He qualified for both the 450 and 750 events. Matthew went out for the 750 Heat race and qualified but I heard a knocking noise when he returned back to the pit, Ms Jackson needed some help. So we had to use the back up bike for the main. I briefed him on starting from the 3rd row and to ride smart and smooth for a better result. I missed watching the 450 main to get the back up 750 working like a charm. I so have a new appreciation for all the mechanics out there. It is hard work but in the end very rewarding. I was happy with the first night of racing, and I see where we need to improve upon.
Day 1 at Volusia.. The track was rough and we struggle right out of the gate with the set up of the bike because of that. We qualified for the 450 main by placing second in the heat but it was a no go for the 750’s.
Day 2 at Volusia, a day race. We knew we would have some traction problems that would need to be sorted out quickly. The starts were not great and we struggled. He had the 450 heat squared away by placing a second and in the main came thru the pack in 9th. He missed qualifying for the 750 by one transfer position.
Monday The following day, I gave him his orders to make both main events. I felt that pushing him in that competitive mode would swing momentum for Daytona when it really counted. I changed the bike once again and coached him on his skill set and throttle control. The track conditions were much better and hoped that would be to our advantage. He ran some effective lines and did fulfill his orders by having a really good finish in the 750 class by passing the most people and landing in 4th and in the 450 class finish 8th. Because of the numerous red flags at the 450 main, Matt overcame and his finish was impressive. I was happy with his progress thus far from Savannah.
Daytona Singles Event #1- At last the crap shoot is finally here. It was nervy to say the least, I have always had a love hate relationship on this track. The pressure to qualify for the program is enormous and draining at the same time. It’s any ones’ race and pretty much the luck of the draw. He qualified 19th, but when the night came that would not matter much, as now it was a new track to get used to. We chatted a bit about how to handle the bike and the starts. Unfortunately the starts were just not there and it all went down hill from there. We would have to try again on day two. Struggling with the set up and seemed to mimic my Daytona’s in the pass we came up short.
Day two.. We set out with a plan, I wasn’t as nervous as I believe we learned quite a lot the night before. I changed the set up a bit and he the qualified 43rd. UGH. The heat race finished 6th and it was off to the semi’s. Matthew did well considering his inexperience at Daytona. He passed and rode hard but fell short by two for the program.
We do need to get some training in before the next venue. The set up will need to be dialed in and coaching methods expressed. However, I was pretty excited about Bike Week and how it all came together quickly and effectively. He has a lot of heart and drive to be successful. We clicked from the start, but have a lot of work to do. I am optimistic that the season will be successful.
Special thanks to Kevin Berger from SuperTrapp for celebrating our Bike Week successes and for being the strong force in our program.
The SuperTrapp/ Mike Hacker race team thanks the long time sponsors that also agree in our purpose. Without your support, the road to success wouldn’t happen.
Our next venue will be here soon, we have a lot of work to do between now and then.. So let me get back to that…
Hacker #67
SuperTrapp Industries Titles Mike Hacker for Sixth Season
Colonial Heights, VA ( January 20, 2008)--AMA Grand National Flat Tracker Mike Hacker will receive title sponsorship backing From SuperTrapp for the 2008 season. The long time partnership established in 2003 will remain strong for the twenty-one events of the championship series.
SuperTrapp’s proven performance on the track has made it a standard in the racing world for decades. SuperTrapp Industries, Inc. has grown to be a leading manufacturer of aftermarket performance exhaust systems for a variety of motor vehicle applications, including motorcycle, ATV and automotive. The SuperTrapp brand has long been recognized as the performance standard, combining added power with innovative styling, quality, and versatile sound.
Most of the riders (70 percent) competing in the AMA Flat Track Series, including Mike Hacker, 2001 National Champion Joe Kopp, 2003 FUSA Champion Bryan Smith, Bryan Bigelow and Willie McCoy use the stock SuperTrapp 750 Megaphone Series. Retired flat trackers Steve Morehead, Jay Springsteen and Scott Parker also used SuperTrapp products during their legendary racing careers.
Mike Hacker’s 2007 race season had prematurely ended due to a rather nasty crash at I-96 Raceway at Lake Odessa, Michigan. Several months were spent in extensive physical therapy and strength training to get back to this seasons schedule.
“ I am feeling good, still ache in some spots but all is healing the way it should. The schedule is packed this year and new venues are in place. It’s shaping up to be an outstanding series, and that is what I am excited about,” notes Hacker.
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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (December 10, 2007) – AMA Racing has announced the tentative schedule for the 2008 AMA Flat Track Championship. 2008 season highlights include a return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds’ legendary Indy Mile on Sept. 13 for an event to be held in conjunction with the 2008 Red Bull Indianapolis GP at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Additionally, visits to the mile track at Vernon Downs in Vernon, N.Y., on May 31 and Bedford Speedway’s half-mile oval in Bedford, Pa., on June 27 are also planned.
The schedule features 23 total events, 14 of which are GNC Twins races and seven GNC Singles events. Two events are classified as TBD at this time and will be announced later.
The 2008 season will kick off during Bike Week at Daytona Beach, Florida’s Municipal Stadium for a two-night GNC Singles double header on March 5 and 6. The series then moves out West to USA Race Park in Tucson, Ariz., on Apr. 5 before crisscrossing the United States towards the season finale which will take place on an all-new purpose-built half-mile track at Topeka, Kansas’ Heartland Park Topeka on Oct. 4.
Last year Harley-Davidson factory rider Ken Coolbeth became the first to capture both the AMA Grand National Singles and Twins title in the same year. Coolbeth is expected to return to defend his dual championships and be joined by such series standouts as Jake Johnson, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Chris Carr, among others.
2008 AMA Flat Track Championship Schedule
(Tentative)
Date: Location; Type; Series
Mar 5: Municipal Stadium, Daytona Beach, Fla.; ST; GNC Singles
Mar 6: Municipal Stadium, Daytona Beach, Fla.; ST; GNC Singles
Apr 5: USA Race Park, Tucson, Ariz.; Half-mile; GNC Twins
May 24: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.; TT; GNC Singles
May 25: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.; Mile; GNC Twins
May 31: Vernon Downs, Vernon, N.Y.; Mile; GNC Twins
Jun 7: Volunteer Speedway, Bulls Gap, Tenn.; Half-mile; GNC Twins
Jun 21: Mountain Raceway Park, Maryville, Tenn.; Half-mile; GNC Twins
Jun 27: Bedford Speedway, Bedford, Pa.; Half-mile; GNC Twins
Jun 28: Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio; Half-mile; GNC Twins
Jul 4: Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kan.; Half-mile; GNC Twins
Jul 12: TBD
Jul 19: Darke County Fairgrounds, Greenville, Ohio; Half-mile; GNC Twins
