MAMMOTH RIDER OF THE WEEK
Author: John Parkinson	Features | Wednesday, 01 July 2009 08:00

Timmy Weigand had a solid performance in Mammoth. At 30 years old Weigand is still able to run the same pace as the up and coming stars of our sport.  He was able to grab a title this week and also earned two 2nd’s in the pro week; he added another title and 2nd in during the vet week.  His full time career as an off-road rider has taken off over the last two years and he is considered one of the most accomplished racers in the WORCS series. Here is what Timmy had to say about his time in Mammoth.

 

Give us a little riding background?

I began racing at the tender age of 18. I was fresh into college chasing the dream of being a professional baseball player. As you can see that didn’t pan out. I began riding that year, 1997, and my first race was the CMC Golden State in January 1998 at Perris Raceway. I won the 125 Beginner class that day. From that day on I was hooked.  I turned pro in the middle of 2001. I won a few amateur championships along the way in the B class. I raced the full AMA West Coast Supercross and AMA Motocross Series as a privateer from 2003-2005. I had some great rides over that time but was never looked at for a spot on a team.  The next few years I spent living and racing in Australia as a Factory racer. It was hard living over there and racing without my wife and family. I had some success but I wanted to be home.  That brings me to where I am at now. I ride for Johnny Campbell Racing Honda. We are an off-road team that competes in the WORCS series along with the Score Baja 250, 500, and 1000. So yes, I am now a full on off-road guy. I wear a tool bag and camelback.

How long have you been coming out to Mammoth?

I have been racing at Mammoth ever since 2000. It was close to home and a chance to compete with other great amateur racers. Ever since my first time there I was hooked. Where else can you race and have temperatures in the 80’s, snow on the mountains, and breath taking views. The place is just awesome. The track is rough, the motos are long, and you have to be in shape to do good there. I have raced with some of the sports greatest riders over the years. I think for three straight years I got free lessons from McGrath. I was always right there in his roost just watching and learning from him. His lines around there are the best, so smooth and fast.

What is it about Mammoth that you like so much, you are always out front?

There are a lot of things about Mammoth that make it special. It doesn’t feel like a race. It is more a family vacation with a race on the side. It’s a place to hang out with your friends and relax. My mind is at ease when I am there.  The people that run Mammoth, Mike, Lourie, Murray, the track crew and everyone else do such a great job. They are regular people there to put on a great event. They make the race what it is. There isn’t too many other amateur races where you get your monies worth. Long motos and a great track really showcase the best up and coming racers. I like everything about the place.

How does it feel to beat up on all of these up and coming kids?

I am not sure if I beat up on them? I am just pumped to be able to compete with the future of our sport! Every time I am on the track with them I learn. Racing with them definitely keeps me pushing forward and keeping my speed up. These kids are who we are going to be watching for years to come.

Why do you still come out to all of the amateur races and whip up on the young kids?

Oh come on, beat up on them? I just want to learn from them. I just love to race! It doesn’t matter what it is; off-road, amateur, outdoors, if there is a race to be raced I am there. My thinking is, how are you supposed to be a great racer if you don’t race every chance you get? I believe there is no better practice than racing.

You are 30 years old and got your bear, when are you going to call it quits on racing with these kids?

As long as I am competitive and not a road block, I am there. As of now I will definitely be back in Mammoth next year.

I think you got all but one holeshot this week, what is it about your starts?  Have you always been a good starter?

No, I have not always been a good starter. I think in '05 I really focused on practicing starts and learning good techniques. That is the year my starts turned around.

You won Friday and got 2nd on Saturday, it looked like you had another bear in your hands wrapped up on Sunday leading the whole race up until about half a lap to go.  What happened?

Yeah, I had a great race going. Sjoberg was keeping me honest the whole race. On the last lap I made a little mistake in the back part of the track and Sjoberg got underneath me.

How does it feel to finally go up the Mt. and get a win?

It feels awesome, but winning isn’t everything. I was just pumped to go up there race, hang out with friends and family, and come home safe. I had a great two weeks and if I didn’t win I would still be just as pumped!

What do you think about beating these kids out of “rider of the week” at Mammoth?

Its pretty cool being chosen as rider of the week. I raced with a lot of great racers and future stars of the sport this weekend and it’s an honor. Thanks!

Tell us how things went in both the vet and pro weeks in your own words?

Man, Vet week and Pro week went about the same. They were both filled with a lot of emotion, drama, and great racing. It seemed like every race I had was a battle. There wasn’t one race where things went perfect for me. Whether it be Hughes, Sjoberg, Baker, Baggett, Weeck, they all made things a lot tougher and more interesting. All in all I had a great two weeks and I can’t wait for next year already.

Who would you like to thank?

I want to thank my mechanic, Eric, for busting his butt all week for me, my wife, Nicole, for being a solo parent for the week, Julian, Grayson, and Dunn Orr for all the help, Jason Aeck for the person he is, my family for the support, Johnny Campbell Racing Honda, MSR, Pro Circuit, Dunlop, Berkeley Honda, Pro Honda Oils, Truth Soul Armor, DID, IMS, BRP, Alpinestars, Renthal, Dirt Digits, VP Fuels, Hinson, Acerbis, Works Connection, Arai, Motion Pro, DVS Shoes, X Brand Goggles, Asterisk, Accelerade Sports Drink, Tagger Helmet Designs, and Panic Rev Ministries for all their prayers and great things they do.