SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: RACE TECH SUSPENSIONS AND ENGINES

Paul Thede founded Race Tech 40 years ago after completing his engineering degree at California Polytechnic University. The former professional motocross racer has also won the Pike's Peak Hillclimb, holds over 15 land speed records, and was the first person to go over 200mph on an electric motorcycle. While his accomplishments on two wheels are impressive; his greatest impact on the industry has been pioneering advancement in motorcycle suspension technology with his inventions. As if that wasn't enough, he's educated and mentored many of the industry's leading factory and OEM suspension tuners and most of his fellow suspension company founders.

Race Tech is the World's largest aftermarket motorcycle suspension modification company. With their Digital Valving Search, Technical Support, and Gold Valve technology racers can get the benefits of a big company's resources and data locally with a tuner they can see at their local tracks. Get the same proven settings, services, and products you'd get at the Race Tech HQ from guys you see trackside like Minnesota's local Race Tech Center, PDR Performance, or through established dealers like MVR Suspension and Vaith's. Race Tech has a global network of Race Tech Centers to do quality installations but also provides tools, online instructions, tech support, seminars, and Race Tech’s Motorcycle Suspension Bible (authored by their founder, Paul Thede) as support resources for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Coincidentally, Race Tech’s Director of Marketing resides in Minnesota and has frequented D23 races for years. He can often be found trackside (and even on the track sometimes) with his family at events throughout the season. D23 roots run deep and its especially evident when folks far and wide (like Race Tech that’s headquartered out of California) continue to support the District. Plus, we’re pretty special, even Race Tech thinks so as a brand that’s built by motorcycle enthusiasts and racers. “We feel it is important to stay involved and in-touch with grassroots racing and Minnesota's D23 is one of the strongest and best run districts in the country. When that’s combined with having a great Minnesota Race Tech Service Center and some very established dealers, providing support for District 23 is a very important piece of our grassroots support efforts.”

For over 40 years, Race Tech Suspension has been creating hi-performance suspension solutions for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles. Race Tech specializes in revalving stock suspension components using proven Gold Valve Kits that can be user or dealer installed. Race Tech can rebuild most stock and aftermarket suspension components. For many models Race Tech manufactures complete replacement Custom G3-S Shocks and G6 Forks that utilize Gold Valve technology.

Race Tech Engines offer state-of-the-art, precision engine services and parts to all engine builders. Race Tech specializes in optimizing flow and velocity by utilizing flow bench, dyno, and track testing. Their staff has over 65 years of championship-winning engine development experience formally educated by the world’s most renowned engineers.

Race Tech is focused on being involved in the events they partner with and are committed to helping support and grow D23 and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them as a district sponsor for the 2024 season! If you are in need of suspension service or tuning support, stop by and see one of their partners trackside at your next D23 event or drop them a note. Visit them online at racetech.com and follow them on social media, @racetechinc on Instagram and Race Tech Suspension on Facebook. Race Tech is here to help make your ride smoother, faster, and more enjoyable!

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 07/17/24

Member of the Week: Gage Fuller

What discipline(s) do you participate in? 

Quad motocross, I race in the quad youth open class.

When did you begin riding and/or racing? 

I've been riding since I was about 3 years old.

Why do you continue to be a member of District 23 ARMCA? What do you think the benefits are? 

Racing is a huge passion of mine and I enjoy seeing all of my friends and family at the track.

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career? 

My greatest accomplishment in D23 has been winning three state championships

What are your goals for 2024? Beyond? 

My goal for 2024 is to work on endurance/stamina and faster lap times. Next year I'll be racing against my dad (and hopefully I'll win).. I also plan to race some nationals!

What is your favorite track, course, trail, or event and why? 

Echo Valley - it's such a fun, fast paced track with huge jumps!

What is the significance of your riding number? Was it given to you or did you pick it for a specific reason? 

It's my dads number... I'm proud to have it.

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself (or your racing/riding)? 

Motivated, sportsmanship, fearless, hard working, and outgoing.

If you're into music, what’s a song you're currently listening to that everyone needs to hear? 

I usually just listen to whatever my dad has playing in the garage.

Who inspires you in racing or riding? And how has motorcycling impacted your life? 

My dad. He's taught me everything I know on and off the track. He does all of our four-wheeler builds, maintenance.. you name it, he does it. He's raced for over twenty years so the amount of knowledge he has in this sport is incredible.

What has been your favorite machine to race/ride and why? 

Yfz 250 hybrid

What else do you like to do for fun? 

Ride my pit quad, fishing, and taking the boat out on the river.

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow? 

Take different lines on the track and don't look back during a race.

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members? 

Don't give up, take chances and have fun!

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: BASIC MOTO COMPANY

Your mom’s picked her favorite and it’s Basic Moto Company. Rooted in Motocross with big dreams, Basic Moto Co. is a premium apparel brand and the original creators of the 'I Love Moto Moms' t-shirts and collection.

Basic Moto Co. is just a Basic family on a mission to make moto T’s great again. Nate and Michelle, the dynamic duo behind BMC, wanted to share these kind words; “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts… to everyone who supports Basic Moto Co., we see you! We look forward to see where the future takes us serving within the moto community.” We also asked Nate why they’re so passionate about supporting motorcycling in Minnesota, and his answer did not disappoint; “Because D23 kicks ass! Despite living in Wisconsin, I grew up riding and racing in Minnesota so I consider it home. It's the perfect trifecta—awesome tracks, strong competition, and a very engaged moto community!”

Rooted in Moto, Basic Moto Co. offers apparel collections inspired by dirt bikes and Motocross.

What can we expect from Basic Moto Co. in the future? Simple, an inevitable implosion of awesome! Even Ryan Dungey knows this (who recently slid into their DMs)! Make sure you stay connected with Basic Moto Co. track side and on social media so you too can be awesome! Basic Moto Co on Facebook and @basicmotoco on Instagram.

MN D23 ARMCA is thrilled to have Basic Moto Company as a district sponsor for the 2024 season. If you, (or your mom) have any questions or concerns, send Basic Moto Co. an email at Shopbasicmoto@outlook.com and check them out online at basicmoto.co. They look forward to hearing from you!

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: SPRING CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK

Hosting over 16 off-road events a year, Spring Creek Motocross Park is a well-known name across Minnesota and nationwide—being one of the premier motocross facilities in the Midwest. Just last year (2023) they hosted their 40th Pro National MX event in addition to it being the 23rd year of their Super Series.

Located on 500 acres in southeast Minnesota, Spring Creek boasts challenging terrain for riders with track features such as the sandwash, collarbone, and MT Martin. Beyond their awesome track, Spring Creek is proud to be a safe, fun, family-friendly space for motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to enjoy. With these goals in mind, they strive to create an environment that everyone can make happy, long-lasting memories at by also offering live bands, entertainment, activities like laser tag, tug-o-war, kid’s activities, and camping!

Located in Millville, MN the beautiful, picturesque track spans almost 500 acres and Spring Creek MX Park has developed into one of the premier motocross facilities in the world.

All of these events would not be possible without the great people who make it all happen, like the dedicated family that runs the facility, the Martin’s (John, Greta, Alex, Jennifer, and Jeremy). To name a few more folks helping out at Spring Creek; the Quinn’s, the Schellhammer’s, the Meehan’s, the Kidd’s, the Cripp’s, the Rumpca’s, the Janosky’s, the Smith’s, Joel, Danny, Guberuds, Fullers, and Woody. While this isn’t a complete list, Spring Creek is thankful to all of those who take time out of their busy schedules to support Spring Creek!

Spring Creek MX Park is excited to continue to grow and maintain their premiere motocross facility for the 2024 season and beyond! They hope everyone has a chance to make it to one of their events this summer and hope everyone gets the opportunity to create some fun family memories in Millville! Their biggest event of the year, the FXR Spring Creek Pro National, will be held on Saturday, July 13—this would be an excellent event to attend (with District races on Sunday) as it’s always an action-packed weekend highlighted by the best motocross racers in the world battling it out for the SMX championship points!

Spring Creek Motocross Park will be hosting the FXR Pro National MX Race Presented by Frescados on Saturday, July 13.

MN D23 ARMCA is thrilled to have Spring Creek MX Park as a district sponsor for the 2024 season. If you are looking for more information on Spring Creek Motocross Park, please visit: www.springcreekmx.com, and follow them on social media @springcreekmx on Instagram and Spring Creek Motocross Park on Facebook

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 07/03/24

Member of the Week: Kaylee Raymond

What discipline(s) do you participate in? 

Motocross

When did you begin riding and/or racing? 

2022

Why do you continue to be a member of District 23 ARMCA? What do you think the benefits are? 

I think it’s so much fun and races to attend benefits are awesome!

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career? 

I got 3rd in BBR gold cup series, which was the first series I participated in! I also took 3rd in the mid Minnesota challenge at BCMX!

What are your goals for 2024? Beyond? 

I hope to take 1st in the District in Girls Jr.! I want to continue to build my confidence as a racer and participate in as many races in D23 to one day reach and qualify for the Loretta Lynn’s! I’m also training with my new coach to stay focussed, but most importantly, my goal for 2024 is to have fun!

What is your favorite track, course, trail, or event and why? 

BBR gold cup series is such a fun track with great people! I especially love their end year banquet because it’s is so fun! I’ve met many new friends at BBR!

What is the significance of your riding number? Was it given to you or did you pick it for a specific reason? 

18 is my lucky number! It’s my birthday, hockey jersey number and my mom’s favorite number! I know it’s a bit different to only race with 2 numbers (instead of 3) but its ok, I love #18.

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself (or your racing/riding)? 

Motivated, high drive, quick learner (in my short 2 seasons in Minnesota, I’m excited, dedicated, and speed junkie!)

Who inspires you in racing or riding? And how has motorcycling impacted your life? 

All the female riders, Haiden Deegan, and my friends at the track… I learn a lot from them and they push me to keep going.

What has been your favorite machine to race/ride and why? 

My ‘85 Yamaha

What else do you like to do for fun? 

I play hockey for the Forest Lake girls and like to ride my e-bike.

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow? 

Follow your dreams, keep looking forward, and eat lots of bananas (ha ha). Never worry about who’s behind you but about who’s in front of you.

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members? 

If you fall, get back up keep loving what you do!

Anything else you’d like to mention? 

Joining District 23 has given me many opportunities!

Namura Technologies Member of the Week 06/19/24

Member of the Week: Ethan Leabch

What discipline(s) do you participate in? 

I race Quad MX—I race the supermini class and I am racing the new class 125 4-stroke class. I am also going to try Hare Scramble this year with my dirt bike.

When did you begin riding and/or racing? 

I started racing when I was 5 years old on a 50cc quad but I starting riding at the age of 3.

Why do you continue to be a member of District 23 ARMCA? What do you think the benefits are? 

I continue to be a member for D23 because I enjoy it!

What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career? 

My greatest accomplishment is getting the championship in the supermini class the first year I was on my new quad in 2022!

What are your goals for 2024? Beyond? 

My goals for the 2024 year is to push myself to ride better and try for the championship in the new class 125 4-stroke class.

What is your favorite track, course, trail, or event and why? 

My favorite track is in Brookston, MN which is Echo Valley!

What is the significance of your riding number? Was it given to you or did you pick it for a specific reason? 

My number, 84, was taken from my dad as that was his demolition derby number which is the year my dad was born.

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself (or your racing/riding)? 

Caring, inspiring, kind, respectful, cheerful

If you're into music, what’s a song you're currently listening to that everyone needs to hear? 

The Champion by Carrie Underwood

Who inspires you in racing or riding? And how has motorcycling impacted your life? 

My parents inspire me to ride and racing has made me have better valuable life skills.

What has been your favorite machine to race/ride and why? 

My favorite machine is Yamaha raptor 125.

What else do you like to do for fun? 

Play golf, shoot archery, sporting clays

What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow? 

Follow your dreams.

What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members? 

Ride hard and have fun! Make new friends.

Anything else you’d like to mention? 

I am racing for the fun!