Toyota AMA Arenacross Series Tuesday Interview: Albany, N.Y.
Arenacross Class Winner Tyler Bright
AURORA, Ill. (Nov. 13, 2007) -- North Carolina's Tyler Bright
(Foremost Insurance/Carolina Xpress/Suzuki) burst onto the national stage
of the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series this past weekend at the Times Union
Center in Albany, N.Y., winning his first-ever AMA Arenacross class main
event.
The win came as a bit of a surprise to some in the industry, including
those close to the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series. Bright is fast and
proved that last year with a number of podium finishes in AMA Arenacross
Lites class racing. However, at 17-years-old and with not-so-resounding
amateur racing accolades, many felt Bright was still a ways off before he
could challenge the likes of defending Toyota AMA Arenacross Series
champion Danny Smith, along with former champions Chad Johnson and Robbie
Reynard.
Sentiments shared by most, but not Bright's teammate/team owner and
mentor, Jim Neese.
"Tyler and I were watching practice at Des Moines and he was like
'I can't believe how fast these guys are,'" said
Neese, adding that Bright, who had raced AMA Arenacross Lites up to that
point, seemed a bit intimidated. "I told him Tyler, 'Thing
is, you don't get to see yourself practice. And these guys
you're watching now? They're saying the same thing about
you.'"
Neese's MX equivalent of a Lombardi football speech didn't
quite sink in right away as Bright failed to qualify -- even failed
to get out of the afternoon program's pre-qualifiers -- for
the Des Moines stop. But on the flight home to North Carolina, and during
the subsequent practice sessions that week -- something clicked.
Bright came into Albany this past Saturday and uncorked a great start in
the main event, rode fast and smart enough to take the checkers, then
uncorked some non-alcoholic champagne with his first-ever AMA Arenacross
class win.
"I have to admit I felt a little pride with him there up on the
podium," said Neese, who ran in 2nd place for much of the race,
before winding up on the podium as well in 3rd.
We caught up with the talkative Bright on his way to the gym Monday
night, still glowing from his first-ever Toyota AMA Arenacross Series
Arenacross class win.
Question: Tyler, you came into Toyota AMA Arenacross Aeries last year
somewhat under the radar for people who don't know you. Tell us a
bit about your amateur racing background.
Bright: "I raced Loretta's from '99 to 2002, and again
in 2004. I never had any outstanding results there. I got 9th in the 250
B class at the Mini O's in 2005. But I won't lie - I
didn't train that hard back then. It wasn't until I turned
pro last year that I started taking training seriously."
Question: Discuss your first year racing pro on the Toyota AMA Arenacross
Series tour.
Bright: "I did like half the Toyota Arenacross Series last year.
Had a couple Lites highlights, but not much. Arenacross kept me going
during the winter months, getting me ready for supercross east.
Arenacross is a good thing to get you prepared for supercross. It's
competitive and aggressive and that's what I like the most. After
arenacross Bad Boy Power Drink got me to some supercross events, and then
I raced eight Nationals -- making the main event in six of them. It
was during that time that I really started to train outdoors hard.
We've got an arenacross track here that I'd ride every day
getting ready for this season. And if it rained I'd ride our MX
track. Every day."
Question: You pulled off a bit of a Toyota AMA Arenacross Series
'shocker' win this past Saturday in Albany. Talk about that.
Bright: "Up to this point my parents, my close friends --
everybody I know - was telling me 'You can do it!' Gavin
Gracyk, who I train with a lot, was saying the same thing. So at Albany I
just put my head down and was able to beat everybody out front. When I
was there (leading) I just kept telling myself to breath. Then I went to
lap Brock (Sellards) and he wouldn't get out of my way, which was a
little intimidating. When I finally won it was the greatest feeling ever.
I know I can win now. I've won once, which means I can do it
again."
Question: One key aspect to your victory is your relationship with Jim
Neese. How important has Neese been to your motocross career?
Bright: "Oh man, ever since I was a kid racing the local races I
always stood along the fence and watched Jim race. Him and guys like
Kevin Walker. I always looked up to Jim knowing he's won and done
real well. So when we started to work together he was able to show me
where you make up time in arenacross -- whoops and corners. And in
10th of seconds. Jim's taught me where to make up time and where to
relax. He's definitely been a big part of my success."
Question: What goals have you set for yourself this season, Tyler?
Bright: "Well, me and my mechanic, Isaiah Murth, have known each
other since we were kids growing up in Lexington (N.C.). We've
always had a great bond, which is real important between a racer and his
mechanic. We sat down before the season started and he said, 'Dude,
if you get a good start, you can win. I'm not lyin', you can
win.' So my goal was that I knew I could get in the top five, but
to win was going to be crazy -- which makes Albany that much more
amazing."
Tickets for the Nov. 16-17 Toyota AMA Arenacross at the Reno Livestock
Events Center are available through www.arenacross.com, at the Reno
Livestock Events Center box office, Silver Legacy Casino, any
Ticketmaster location, including www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone
at (775) 787-TIXS. Fees and handling may apply. Show times are Friday and
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday (amateurs) at 12:00. Doors open Friday and
Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday advance
tickets are $20 for adults, $7 for kids ages 2-12. Sunday's tickets
are $12 for adults, $6 for kids. All seats are $2 more day of show. Note:
Tickets for the 2008 Reno Toyota AMA Arenacross round will go on sale
11/18 at 6 p.m.
-credit: ama
