Troy Dog
Hey Nico,
It’s been a long time since we’ve talked about you. I want to take you on a trip down memory lane.
Let’s take you back a decade ago and visit Nico Izzi at his practice track in Georgia. Oh, man where do we start with the Izzi story? This video was filmed a round or two into the 2011 Supercross season where Nico was a privateer riding for the Kilbarger Honda team that would morph into the revival Honda of Troy team the following season.
Izzi was grinding and determined to show the sport that he deserved to have a ride after being dropped by Star Racing Yamaha after the 2010 season. With minimal support, Izzi went out and put in a decent enough of a summer (after getting injured three rounds into SX) to get noticed by the Star Racing/Valli Yamaha team. He raced the final two rounds on the 450 for them before racing a 250 and 450 every round in 2012.
The 2012 season was an emergence of life in Izzi’s career. It was one of the best seasons of his career and was a top five 450 rider. I firmly believe that the base work of his 2012 season happened in 2011 on his privateer ride. Izzi had all of the fame and factory stardom throughout his last years as an amateur and when he signed onto factory Suzuki. As quickly as it came, Nico got hurt, he lost his ride, and then another ride. This was a build from scratch year that he benefited from.
When I look back on the early days of vurbmoto a few names come to mind. Nico Izzi is one of those names. Chili Dog has/had a good relationship with him from the days before Vurb. It’s been a while since I’ve heard his name pop up and I wanted to show this video some love. The throwback clips that Chili put in were even throwbacks for 2011!
I really like this video because it showcases Nico with his back against the wall. He’s trying to rebuild his career and you can see the personality shine through in this video. Bird and Chili crushed this video with their old friend here…even down to the colors and the ironic song choice. Oh, and you can’t forget the Hershey’s pies!
Wherever you might be today Nico, we wish you well.
Love your old friends,
vurbmoto
