MIA: KILLY RUSK
Author: Rachel Bellwood	Features | Thursday, 24 September 2009 09:07

When Killy Rusk showed up in Ponca City, Oklahoma for the Grand National back in July he did so relatively under the radar. Top fives were expected, but anything above and beyond was doubtful. Well, at least that’s what we thought. Rusk, however, quickly proved us wrong when he spent the week rubbing plastic with Eli Tomac, Justin Bogle and Brad Frace, proving on many occasions to be the fastest of the bunch. Our excitement grew to watch Rusk race Loretta’s but his week ended abruptly when he went down with a broken wrist. Broken yes, but not before proving himself as one of the top intermediate prospects heading into 2010. We recently caught word of Rusk’s return to the track and couldn’t wait to get him on the line for a little section we like to call Missing In Action.

 

Hey Killy, Now that you’ve been back on the bike for the past two weeks, how are you feeling these days? Is your wrist completely healed?

I feel great. The wrist is almost fully healed but its strength isn’t what it used to be yet. But I'm working it a lot and I’m going to come back stronger than ever.

 

What bones did you break? Did it require surgery?

I broke the ends of both my ulna and radius. Luckily it didn’t need surgery, they just had to manipulate it a bit, nothing too serious.

 

How is your mindset now since your crash at Ponca City? Are you meeting or exceeding your own expectations?

I was meeting my expectations before my crash. I was in good positions coming out of my heat races. Being back on the track, my wrist is great! It feels as if it was never broke. Since this is only the second bone I’ve broken, I’ve exceeded my goals and I am surprised at how fast it's healing.

 

Did you feel you were a lot more consistent this year leading up to your last race?

Well, I was on and off. I had a third at Oak Hill and another third at World Mini. I have been having trouble keeping it on two wheels. I’ve been falling over a lot. I guess that is what comes when finding more speed. Now it's just a matter of getting stronger so I can save those little tip-overs.

 

In the past couple months prior to your injury, you were blowing everyone away! There was a definite change in speed. What did you do in order to step up your game and take things to the next level?

I think that switching to KTM helped a lot; I feel very comfortable on the bike. My trainer, Brandon Beabout, worked with me a lot. He has been a big help. This year I really wanted to do well, so I just worked harder, pushed myself and tried my hardest.

 

What are your goals for this coming year on and off the track?

I just want to be as fit as I can. I’m going to get ready for nationals and be ready for the switch to the A class after the Amateur Open. On the track I want to ride my best, put in decent results and win a title or two!

Do you have any mentors or is there any person that has made a strong influence in your life especially in attaining your goals?

My uncle Troy was a big influence to me. He was a great rider; he won a couple amateur nationals when he raced as a kid. Unfortunately he passed away in November of 2007.

 

I’m sorry to hear that. It’s great that you keep his memory alive.

 

Are you planning to race the Amateur Open in Phoenix? If so, who do you think your main competition will be?

I think we are going to do it but not for sure yet, it's either there or Florida. I don't think we can afford to go all the way to Florida with Phoenix being a whole lot closer. We are going to Branson in a few weeks. Hopefully I'll pick up a B title there. If we do go, I don’t really know who my competition will be, a bunch of main guys have moved to the A class.

 

What type of support has KTM provided you with this past year?

They just gave us a good discount on bikes. Their budget was all used up for the year but I’m hoping that they are going to help me again next year. I’m just going to keep my fingers crossed because I really like the bike!

 

What are your plans for sponsors next year?

I'm hoping to stay with the same people but everybody is cutting back so it's getting harder to get help. Troy Lee Designs has been fantastic! No Toil has been there since 50's. Leo Vince Exhaust was a huge help this year. Being on the Tag Factory 8 squad was a real honor and privilege, I hope to stay there.  Stealthworks was awesome getting my KTM's dialed in and Wiseco, Motorex, Scott and EVS were all a big help as well. And of course my Dad's graphics company Rusk Racing Decals!

 

Thanks Killy for taking the time to meet with me, and letting us all know that you’re healed and back on your bike again! Best of luck to you this coming season!

Yeah, thank you. I'll be back and stronger than ever for Branson!