Defending Toyota AMA National Arenacross champion Chad Johnson is making a bike switch to Suzuki’s for the 2006/7 season, and he is back with his tuner Junior Jackson, on a new team called Junior Jackson Racing.
If you look at any arenacross podium, you are probably going to find a rider riding a Junior Jackson tuned bike. Jackson has been an arenacross specialist for years. He knows how to make a bike work in a stadium.
We wanted to know what Jackson was thinking right now, so we asked. Here's our first interview with Junior Jackson Racing!
Q: According to your web site, www.juniorjacksonracing.com, you are ready to race Toyota AMA Arenacross Series on Suzuki's. Is this an all-new team and how did it come together?
A: We are 100% on track for the Arenacross opener at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines , IA. Some may consider the team new since we are factory backed by Suzuki this year, but we have been building this foundation since Chad and I were reunited in 2005.
Q: Suzuki is having a great time with RC doing so well in supercross and nationals, why do you think they need to prove themselves in arenacross too?
A: No proof is needed. Suzuki has been a strong supporter of Toyota AMA Arenacross Series ever since their partnership with Buddy Antunez. His 5 arenacross titles won with Suzuki’s support says it all. I think we have assembled a winning team to take the arenacross championship again this year and Suzuki is a big part of that team.
Q: It's pretty significant that you got the defending champion Chad Johnson to make a team switch, how did you do it?
A: It was very easy, considering Chad and I have worked together for many years. Chad is at a point in his career where he wants to move forward and take his racing career to the next level. We both agree that the RMZ450 F partnered with my program, suspension, and motors, can take him to the next level.
Q: What is it about arenacross that interests you as a tech guy/tuner? Is getting an arenacross bike ready uniquely challenging in any way?
A: AX, SX, MX, it all is the same to me. You take what you have available and figure out how to win with it. This is definitely something that I am particularly good at. There are several things that come into play that are key to our program. Since I am the mechanic/motor builder/suspension guy all in one, we are not waiting on other people and their busy schedules. This also helps when the weather doesn’t cooperate. If we can’t test, then we are working in the shop getting ready for the weather to break so we can get back out and continue testing. The riders also know that I have raced for years and that my suggestions to them are based on experience. When we are out working together, we are all on the same level. I think the most challenging part of getting an arenacross bike ready, is creating the bottom-end torque needed, but still having the over-rev so the bike doesn't rev out too quickly.
Q: Would you like Junior Jackson Racing to migrate to supercross too, or do you want to focus on staying ahead in arenacross?
A: The Junior Jackson Racing Team is very interested in moving in to SX someday. But for now, we have an arenacross title to defend and that is what we are focused on.
Q: In the past, arenacross teams were known for showing up at round one in Des Moines with stock bikes in crates, lots of parts, and hopefully new stickers. Then after a race or two they settle in. Are those days behind us and everyone is getting ready earlier?
A: Yes, everyone involved is taking arenacross more serious than in the past, as a result, each team works harder to be ready earlier. We were 100% ready at the opener last year and our goal is to do the same for the upcoming season.
Q: What is the best bike for the premier AX class? Aren't 450s a bit much for the smaller stadiums?
A: If you would have asked me this a year ago, I would have said the 250 2 stroke. But tracks are changing; the dirt is dry, hard packed and slick. The bank turns seem to be shrinking into flat slick corners, and the 4 strokes have a lot of torque and can go through the corner in a higher gear and hook up. The rutty, sticky tracks of arenacross seem to be disappearing into the past.
Q: If you had to chose between being able to modify only the engine, or only the suspension, and leave the other stock out of the crate, which would you modify and which would you run stock?
A: Without question I would change the suspension, especially with a 450. The 250 F is a different story. From a mechanics point of view, it is very hard to setup a 250 F to go through the whoops in 5th gear when you are struggling for power. To compensate, you either have to put a bigger sprocket on the rear or go through in 4th. Either solution is just a band-aid for not having an adequate motor for the Lites class.
Q: How do supercross veterans like Greg Schnell mix in with arenacross guys?
A: Greg fits in very well. He definitely showed his strength last year with his 5th place overall finish and that was with starting the season injured. It is tough to start any series at 75%. Greg will be flying to Illinois to train and test right after we return from the U.S. OPEN. We have full confidence that Greg will be a title contender this year.
Q: Do you offer engine and suspension support to other teams or riders, like Pro Circuit does in supercross?
A: During the season, I focus my efforts on the team. That's what it takes to win! But, during the off-season and when there are breaks during the season, I do motor and suspension work for amateur and pro riders.
Q: Do you think all the OEMs are making arenacross a priority right now?
A: It is a great way to get your feet wet for SX. Up and coming riders have the opportunity to race an indoor series on a miniature SX track. It gives them a chance to learn the ropes a little bit before entering into the world of SX. In my opinion it is a perfect stepping-stone to SX.
Q: What race did you enjoy the most last season and why?
A: My favorite race would have to be the opener in Albany last year. All the interviews for the race were focused on teams other than us. We were on our own, had a bike with no decals on it, but swept the weekend. It was a great feeling!
