Another impressive thing about these race teams is just how many mechanical issues they deal with every day. I saw mufflers repacked, clutches torn apart, complete bikes "framed" to a hundred pieces, cam shaft journal modifications done on the bike with a rotary tool, seat covers installed, radiators replaced, aluminum gas tanks installed and locking gas caps rigged up. The mechanics were almost constantly tweaking their machines, and while that was happening, lunch was being cooked by Trucker; Southwell was running around helping all the mechanics; the riders were cleaning off their boots, bodies and helmets; and I was busy looking for something to sweep or fending off the free-stuff predators who constantly ask for goggles, plastic, tires, motors, handlebars and anything else they see not directly attached to a running bike. The pits are a hive of activity, and they're always buzzing.
After the motos were finished, the crew went directly back to work at the truck. The mechanics had their hand's full tearing down the bikes for the weekly maintenance (see sidebar at left), and after everyone had the bikes where they could put them away for the night, we all pitched in and tore the whole pit down. The final motos finished at 5:15 p.m. We didn't get back to the hotel until 8:30. The race team had just put in a 13-hour day of work, and when we all went to dinner, it was nice to be able to relax and let loose a little. Nothing's better than finishing a day of hard work with a night of laughter. The Motoworldracing.com race crew is an entertaining bunch. Here's a big thanks to the entire team for letting DR aboard.
Being on a professional motocross team is a dream job to many, but it's definitely work. As you watch the next motocross race, whether in person or on TV, take a closer look at the guys in the pits. I know it's hard to get past the 30-second girl and her spandex one-piece, but these are the guys who keep our sport running and they deserve a great big pat on the back.
Right on ScheduleBeing a race mechanic isn't a weekend job. It's full time. And when the tracks empty on Sunday, the boys on the Motoworldracing.com/PPG/Yamaha team are just getting started. Check out their regular work schedule and see how your job compares.
Friday: Fly into race location and start prepping bikes for Saturday.Saturday: Finish prepping bike, set up the pit area, go through Saturday practice and qualifiers.
Sunday: Race day (consisting of two practices, possible qualifiers and two motos of wear and tear on the race machines), tear down the pit area and reload the truck.
Monday: Perform bike maintenance out of truck at hotel parking lot.
Tuesday: Fly back to California race shop.
Wednesday: Day off/work at race shop.
Thursday: Day off/work at race shop.
Friday: Fly to race location.
Bike MaintenanceEvery three races: Complete rebuild of motor including splitting the cases, replacing all bottom end bearings and seals, and rebuilding the top end. Bike is framed and every piece is inspected, cleaned, maintained and, if necessary, replaced.
Every race: New top end. Some mechanics even tear down the bikes to the frame just to get everything cleaned and perfectly looked over.
Between motos: If it's broke, they fix it. If it's dirty, they clean it. And no matter what, the bike is ready to go when the gate drops.