2008 was not exactly a good year for the economy. The Unites States has sunk into a recession, and all walks of life are affected by the hard times that we are experiencing. When the money isn’t flowing in like normal, it affects companies of every shape and size, and individuals alike. The motocross industry has seen a great drop in sales, which ultimately resulted in lower industry budgets, among other things. A handful of the top motocross racers were riding aboard team Rockstar Suzuki, which dropped their amateur support program towards the end of 2008. When Suzuki made their announcement that they would significantly drop their support, riders onboard the team were left with some big decisions to make. Would they go search for another amateur backed support team? Would they try to go at it alone in this ultra expensive sport? Those are just a few questions that many motocross racers and their supportive families were faced with heading into this season. One family that experienced all of this first hand is the Pearson family. Connor and Alexah Pearson have been chasing their motocross dreams for as long as they can remember, and they weren’t exactly looking to hang up their boots just yet. Both Connor and Alexah were riding for team Suzuki’s amateur program when they decided to make all of their cutbacks. In this economy, going it alone would be near impossible. The Pearson’s needed some sort of support to keep there program running strong. They reached out to team Rock River Yamaha and, bam, the good old shop ride is back! We sit down with Connor and Alexah Pearson to see what they have to say.

Vurbmoto: How did the both of you feel when you heard the news about Suzuki cutting its amateur program and dropping some riders?
CP: I was very surprised that Suzuki couldn’t fund it's program, but our family was already considering Yamaha.
AP: I didn't know the team was being cut till after Mini O's, but I was pretty sure I was going blue anyways.

What were your thoughts on finding another ride for 2009? Did you think you would have a ride or were you thinking that you would be racing with no support?
CP:Yes, I thought I might be without support because the team was dropped so late in the year, and the Kawi team was already signed and closed months before.
AP: My thoughts of finding another ride were a little sketchy, but Yamaha pulled through for me and I am happier than could ever be! I'm so excided about starting fresh.

Once you knew that you needed to find a ride, what did you do?
CP: We made tons of calls and did a lot of research. (my mom did) haha.
AP: I actually wasn't too worried about it. I knew I would have something to ride and I would be happy.

Do you feel that you are at any disadvantage because of the bike switch this close to the upcoming Texas nationals?
CP: Heck no. I think this year is going to be a lot more fun!
AP: No, I feel super confident about my switch to Yamaha and Rock River has been very supportive with our transition.

Have you ridden the new Yamaha's yet?
CP: No I haven't ridden them yet, but we will be testing them this weekend.
AP: I haven’t ridden the Yamaha's yet but I'm looking forward to riding them this weekend.

What are each of you doing to prepare yourself for Lake Whitney and Oak Hill?
CP: I'm going to be training with Chris Brennen out in TX during the next month.

AP: I have been training hard at the gym and I will start training on my bikes this weekend.

And what are your expectations for Lake Whitney and Oak Hill?
CP: I just want to win some titles, but my goal is to podium.
AP: Dido! I want to do good this year and make Yamaha happy for choosing me.

What are you plans for the 2009 season? What classes will you race? What nationals will you attend?
CP: My plan is to race most of the nationals in the 12-13 stock and mod, open, and supermini classes.
AP: I will be at most of the nationals as well as the WMA races. I will be racing the Women 99cc and up, and Open.

You've spent a lot of time over the last year in between Texas and California. How much time will you spend between the two states in 2009?
CP: We will be splitting our time between the two states.
AP: Yes, we had a house in TX but I don’t go there much, so I am going to do most of my training in California.

Will you be switching gear sponsors as well this year?
CP: No, I will be sticking with Thor!
AP: No! I LOVE THOR! I LOVE JAMMI! It's great to have Dave on board as well!