How has your life changed since getting a factory ride?
It hasn't changed as much as you might think. I am still the same person with all the same goals in life, except now one of my biggest goals is under my belt. The most noticeable difference in being a factory-sponsored rider is the respect you receive from everyone including other sponsors, friends, fans and even the occasional online gangster.
Have the demands increased since going "corporate?"
The only big thing is that my bikes must look good. Also, my R6 must be painted like the stock 2009 orange and black model. Really nothing else has changed as far as what Yamaha expects from me. Everything they want me to do I have already planned on doing anyways.
Yamaha and I want to win the XDL series this year-that is our main goal for 2009. Yamaha is the best company I have ever worked for and is way more down to earth than most people might think.
How long have you been working on getting a factory ride from Yamaha?
I have worked many angles since 2005, but the best one was to actually go to Yamaha and sit down with the main guys. With my resume in hand, I went to Yamaha's office in California and told them what I do. That's how our relationship started.
You have always ridden Yamahas. Why?
My first bike as a three-year-old kid was a Yamaha. My first sportbike was a Yamaha. I have shopped around and used other brands, but the truth is I never felt at home like I did on a Yamaha. They look the best and out perform the rest!
What bikes will you be competing on? Maybe the FJR1300?
Ha ha, no. I will be riding a 2009 R1 and R6. The R6 is super cool and tricked out with a machined subframe, foot pegs, fairing stay, sprocket, chain guard and a few other pieces-all designed by myself and Bob Runman. I couldn't have built this bike without Bob.
It is safe to say this is the hottest looking functional stunt bike out there. Keep in mind this bike is function before fashion, yet it looks like a show bike at the same time.
But what about the new R1? Is it "all that?"
The R1 is so sweet. I love the sound of the crossplane crankshaft through the FMF exhaust. The bike has tons of power and the suspension is awesome. This bike will be a very competitive stunt bike and I'm stoked to have one in my arsenal.
Now that you are a factory rider, does that mean you can't ride any other brands?
No. Yamaha isn't the jealous type. I own an Aprilia that I won at XDL and they don't mind if I ride that. I would never want to ride anything else in competition because nothing compares to my Yamahas though.
What advice would you give to other stunt riders looking for a factory ride?
Don't give up your dream. Also, stay positive, work hard and be humble about your riding. Some people have been known to "fake it till you make it," but the bottom line is you can't fake your riding abilities. Never stop practicing to become a better rider. It's much better to under promise and over deliver, so don't promise things you know won't happen or you can't do!