Tuf Racing Team News

March 11, 2008

Toyota AMA Arenacross Series Interview: Bad Boy/TUF/Honda’s Dave Antolak

- RacerX press release -

TUF Racing’s Wisconsin native, Chad Johnson (Rhinelander), is odds-on favorite to win the overall Toyota AMA Arenacross Championship at the Resch Center

AURORA, Ill. (March 11, 2008) – This Friday and Saturday nights Bad Boy/TUF/Honda team owner Dave Antolak – and his top racer this year, Chad Johnson – are in the driver’s seat in terms of bringing home the team’s second-straight Toyota AMA Arenacross Series championship.

Johnson, who holds down a 30-point lead over Kelly Smith (428-398) for the championship points race, is going about business as usual this weekend. In typical Toyota AMA Arenacross Series all hands on deck fashion, Johnson will be up at 4 a.m. on Friday in the cold of Green Bay, Wis., at the Resch Center at 5 a.m. – booted up and ready to ride and talk to some local morning television stations before having to return at noon to get ready for pro practice.

This year one of the longest-running, most successful programs on the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series tour is Dave Antolak’s TUF Racing team.

Antolak’s TUF Racing program won its first Toyota AMA Arenacross Series titles in 1996 and ’97 (Jimmy Gaddis and Buddy Antunez). Antolak’s TUF Racing program has long been synonymous with excellence in arenacross racing. Based out of DeKalb, Ill., with his TUF Powersports retail business and his nearby indoor WIR (Waterman International Raceway) MX track – the racers on the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series tour will be practicing this week (and many have throughout the season) - Antolak plays a key role in the overall success of the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series.

These days you’ll also find Antolak trucking his son, Chris, around to races from several AMA districts, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa – honing his motocross skills and competing for a spot on the amateur national championship stage at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Tennessee.

This weekend, though, is what it’s all about on the pro side of the equation. The math is pretty simple: Chad Johnson stays out of major trouble and keeps his bike on two wheels and he’s the champ. The victory would be the second in as many years for Antolak’s TUF Racing team and fourth in the past dozen years of Toyota AMA Arenacross Series racing – which would definitely rank them as one of the dynasty teams of the sport.

Arenacross.com: Chad Johnson - what a story. He had deal fall through on him late and is fortunate enough to get picked back up by Bad Boy/TUF/Honda here to start the 2007-’08 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series season. You’ve known Chad for some time. Talk about your relationship.

Antolak: “Chad started riding for me when he was on 85s so I’ve pretty much seen him grow. Chad was always one of those riders who worked hard to get where he got. Being from Rhinelander (Wis.) probably slowed his career down at the beginning, as his riding season was shorter than most. But I always admired his drive and desire and that’s why we took him with us in 2000 on the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series before anyone knew who he was. I remember our team manager Chris Hunter thinking I was crazy taking this no name rider from the north with us. I love to remind Chris about that any time I can.”

Arenacross.com: You almost didn’t have Chad on your roster this year. Tell us what happened with that.

Antolak: “This year we were lucky to have everything fall together with Chad. His deal with Suzuki fell through, and he called me to see if we had some room. We already had an offer out to another rider, but he had one more day to give me an answer. When the other rider said he wanted to change the contract, I said thanks but no thanks and told Chad he was back. With Chad I didn’t even need a contract because we both trust each other and that relationship will make this championship even seem better than the others.”

Arenacross.com: You had to know from the 2007-’08 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series opener in Des Moines (Iowa) that Chad had a good a shot as anybody to win this. At what point or points in the season do you think Chad really grabbed the upper hand on the rest of the field, namely Kelly Smith and Brock Sellards?

Antolak: “Actually I knew that before he even agreed to ride for us. I thought he would be our biggest competition. Funny how thing seem to have a way of working out.”

Arenacross.com: You guys entered the 2007-’08 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series season as the defending champs with Danny Smith. Has the TUF Racing program ever won back-to-back Toyota AMA Arenacross Series titles?

Antolak: “We won our first two championships back to back in 1996 and 1997 with Jimmy Gaddis and Buddy Antunez. After those first two wins we thought it was easy and that we couldn’t lose. We didn’t win again until last year. It didn’t take us long to realize that you need good luck as well as the best program.”

Arenacross.com: It’s gotta be cool for your team finishing up this action-packed Toyota AMA Arenacross Series season just north of your backyard in Green Bay. Talk about the fan contingent TUF Racing is bringing up, along with Chad’s backers coming in from Rhinelander.

Antolak: “Chad’s excited about it being in Green Bay, but I don’t think it matters where you win a championship as long as you win it.”

Arenacross.com: What do you guys have planned once the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series concludes? Will you be doing some racing with your son?

Antolak: “I think I have one week off and then it’s off to do some Loretta Lynn’s qualifiers with my son, Chris. It’s his last year in the youth classes and he wants to qualify for Tennessee this time. We went to Las Vegas for the Amateur Arenacross World Finals at the MGM Grand last year, and I think he’s caught the bug of going to the bigger races and the better competition. I haven’t pushed him much, because I didn’t want to be a mini bike dad, but now he’s pushing me to go. I have a great time taking him so will be going for it this year. One thing for sure we have those CRF250 Hondas running well, so most of my work is already done.”

Arenacross.com: Thanks, Dave. And good luck this weekend.

Antolak: “Thank you.”

2007-’08 AMA Arenacross Class Point Standings

1.       Chad Johnson, Hon, 428

2.       Kelly Smith, Kaw, 398

3.       Brock Sellards, Kaw, 372

4.       Teddy Maier, Hon, 342

5.       Kevin Johnson, Yam, 333

6.       Keith Johnson, Yam, 319

7.       Tom Hofmaster, Yam, 267

8.       Jim Neese, Suz, 259

9.       Gray Davenport, Kaw, 240

10.   Robbie Reynard, Suz, 222

Advance tickets for the March 14-16 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series round at Green Bay’s Resch Center are available through www.arenacross.com, at the Resch Center Box Office, www.ticketstaronline.com, www.pmiwi.com, at the Oneida Casino or call (800) 895-0071 or (920) 494-3401. Show times are Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday (amateurs) at 12:00. Doors open Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m.. Friday, Saturday and Sunday advance tickets are $20 (all seats), $7 for kids ages 2-12. All seats $2 more day of show.

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What is your name, age, and whom do you ride for?
Chad Johnson, 25 years old, and I ride for Thor/Honda/Tuf Racing.

First time you were on a motorcycle?
I was 10 years old.

How many years have you been racing?
15 years.

Why do you like racing so much?
The competition.

Best race you’ve ever seen?
When, Stewart and RC battled to the last lap in Orlando this year.

Your greatest accomplishment so far?
Winning the AX Championship two years ago.

Favorite racer of all-time?
Doug Henry.

Tell us something about your hometown?
I’m from a small town and we all hang at the lake.

One thing you take with you when you travel?
A picture of my little girls.

What do you eat before a race?
Pasta.

What kind of music do you listen to?
Rock.

Favorite TV show?
Family Guy.

Favorite magazine?
Racer X.

Most annoying thing about you?
My wife says, she has to yell at me as much as the kids (laughs).

Married, girlfriend, or single?
My wife’s name is Annie and we have two daughters, Isabella and Jaeda.

Favorite actor or actress?
Johnny Depp.

Hottest chick on earth?
My wife, of course!

Favorite meal?
Chicken Fajitas.

When you’re done racing, what would you like to do?
I’m going to work for my dad’s concrete business.

Do you have a website address?
www.chadjohnsonracing.com

CHAD JOHNSON STEALS WIN IN BALTIMORE

FromArenacross Media www.arenacross.com

AURORA, Ill. (January 12, 2008) – Honda’s Chad Johnson and Yamaha’s Kevin Johnson kept the near capacity crowd on the edge of their seat for the Toyota AMA Arenacross main event in the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, MD.

Kevin Johnson out sprinted his brother Keith to win the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle hole shot award and went on to lead the next 24 laps before getting tangled in a tuff block. That is where Chad Johnson was able to pass for the lead and earn his valuable series points. Last night’s winner, Kelly Smith was able to stay on two wheels for the duration and claim his second podium spot of the weekend. Keith Johnson battled with Brock Sellards for most of the event only to finish third.

Chad Johnson said after the race, “its consistency that wins championships and tonight’s consistency paid off. I am thankful to be going to Dayton, Ohio next week with the point lead.”

The Toyota AMA Lights East class was equally as exciting as Tyler Bright rocketed off to a great start but tangled with Babbitt’s/Monster Kawasaki rider Patrick Boyle early on. Boyle passed Bright and led for a lap before Bright regained the lead. In the final lap Shane Sewell passed Bright for the win.

Arenacross Main Event Results

1. Chad Johnson, Honda

2. Kelly Smith, Honda

3. Keith Johnson, Yamaha

4. Kevin Johnson, Yamaha

5. Brock Sellards, Kawasaki

6. Travis Sewell, Suzuki

7. Shane Sewell, Kawasaki

8. Cory Green, Suzuki

9. Codi Adams, Yamaha

10. Gray Davenport, Kawasaki

 Team Thor Honda Tuf Racing 2007 - 2008 Sponsorship Proposal
To join the team with a record of success click here to Contact Us now.

Sponsorship Objective
  At the highest level of our sport we continue to develop as a team, bringing professionalism to the next level through an active sponsorship program that mutually benefits the marketing goals of your organization through a partnership with Tuf Racing’s 2007 AMA Arenacross Series National Championship team, as well as implementing a branding program that will co-exist with the rapidly growing presence of Tuf Racing in Arenacross today.

Sponsorship Implementation
Our sponsorship program is designed to meet the goals of your company and those of Tuf Racing and the Arenacross team. We are willing to work with you to customize this program to meet your goals and budget for the coming season. While defending the national title, our team naturally enjoys strong media presence. By joining Tuf Racing you will be open to excellent exposure opportunities for your company and or products.

Future Goals :
As well as setting our sites on a successful defense of our national title, we strive to maintain the most professional and well-organized team on the Arenacross circuit today. Through our journey in defense of our next national title we hope to add your company’s support to our team for the coming season of Arenacross.

Summary:
With the help of all our returning sponsors we will present a professional and competitive team for the AMA National Arenacross series. Our returning Sponsors include Cernics Honda, Fulmer Helmets, KG Clutches, NGK, Smith Optics, Sunline, Sunstar, UFO, Engine Ice, Motorsport products, Motion Pro, Hinson, FMF, Factory Connection and Wiseco.

Thank You for Your Consideration:
We have dedicated our lives to the sport and will continue to strive for excellence both on and off the track. We would like to thank you for the opportunity to present our sponsorship proposal to you in what could be a winning business relationship which would help to improve your visibility to your customers who are already our race fans.

Thank You
 Dave Antolak & Team

Bad Boy Power Drink Is Psyched About 2008 Bad Boy Power Drink Media After the first four rounds, Bad Boy Chad Johnson is the points leader in the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series. Johnson, riding # 10 for the Bad Boy Power Drink Honda TUF Racing Team, has a narrow lead in the AX division heading in to the 2nd set of events in 2008. Johnson, the 2006 Arenacross Champion, has 130 points, giving him a 3 point lead over Josh Demuth. Johnson has 2 wins in main events so far this year; one on Saturday, November 3rd in Des Moines at the Wells Fargo Arena, and the second on Friday, November 11th in Rockford, Il. at the Metrocentre. Team manager Chris Hunter said, “Chad’s point lead would be bigger but we had some mechanical problems at the event in Reno on Friday night and he didn’t make the main. Chad did come roaring back the next night in Reno and ended up on the podium in 2nd place.” Chad Johnson and his Bad Boy Power Drink Honda TUF Racing teammate, AX defending champion # 1 Danny Smith, ride factory supported Honda CRF250R’s with additional assistance from Cernic’s. Smith is currently 7th in points. # 74 Ivo Steinbergs, the number one rider from Latvia, making his debut this year in the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series, is also on the team. Tyler Bright, sponsored in part by Bad Boy Power Drink, rode his # 23 Formost Insurance / Carolina Xpress Suzuki to the AMA Arenacross Lites main on Saturday, December 1st, in the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY. Bright, with a Bad Boy Power Drink sticker prominently displayed on his helmet said, “I just wanted to find a good line through the whoops and stay smooth up front.” Bright found the line, and later found his way to the podium. The Toyota AMA Arenacross Series is currently on hiatus, and returns to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Kansas City, Missouri, the 2nd weekend in January, 2008. Team Bad Boy, sponsored by Bad Boy Power Drink, is busy preparing for the 2008 AMA Supercross Series. Team Bad Boy is one of the few teams that builds their own motors and develops their own suspensions. Jeff Alessi # 801 from Victorville, CA, and Jake Marsack # 66 from Flint, Michigan, will both compete in the Supercross class aboard their Bad Boy Power Drink Honda 450 machines in the 2008 AMA SX series. “2008 is going to be an exciting year for Bad Boy Power Drink,” said VP of Sales Mike Healy. ” We’ve got some incredible riders in the AMA AX and SX series. We’re launching a new product line, Bad Boy Turbo Shots, an instant energy boost in a 2 ounce bottle, and we’ve got some other impressive announcements planned for the new year. 2008 is going to be great!”

Posted at Arenacross.com
http://www.arenacross.com/news/Article.2007-12-10.1117

Chad Johnson Wins Toyota AMA Arenacross Series in Rockford, IL

AURORA, Ill. (November 30, 2007) – The Toyota AMA Arenacross tour rolled into the MetroCentre for round four here in Rockford, Ill. Honda’s Chad Johnson and Kawasaki’s Kelly Smith won their respective heat races to set the stage for the 25 lap main event that featured four past national champions. Last years champion Danny Smith joined Josh Demuth, Chad Johnson and Robbie Reynard on the starting grid.

Keith Johnson’s Fiberwise Pasta Yamaha launched off the line to win the Toyota Certified Used Hole Shot paying him $750. Johnson led the first six laps before yielding to Chad Johnson’s Bad Boy Power Drink Honda. Chad went on to lead the rest of the laps to win the main event.

On lap three Danny Smith was running fourth when he crashed in the whoops dropping him to 15th. Smith would only recover to 11th. Josh Demuth, perhaps the most feared rider in the field, was running fourth when his Honda’s front end washed out from under him dropping him to 6th position on lap thirteen. Demuth mounted a come back that fell just short of a podium. Demuth said in a post race interview. “I’m going to be ready tomorrow; I don’t like to leave a city without a win.”

In the AMA Arenacross Lites class Travis Sewell outlasted Cory Green to win his first main event of the year.

The Toyota AMA Arenacross Series continues tomorrow night here at the MetroCentre.

Arenacross Main Event Results

1. Chad Johnson, Honda
2. Kelly Smith, Kawasaki
3. Josh Demuth, Honda
4. Keith Johnson, Yamaha
5. Teddy Maier, Honda
6. Tommy Hofmaster, Yamaha
7. Travis Sewell, Suzuki
8. Kevin Johnson, Yamaha
9. Kyle Calderini, Honda
10. Robbie Reynard, Suzuki

Posted at Arenacross.com
http://www.arenacross.com/recap/Article.2007-11-30.1108

Chad Johnson Wins Saturday Des Moines Toyota AMA Arenacross Series Round
Nathan Skaggs takes the Toyota Arenacross Lites class in front of huge crowd @ Wells Fargo Arena!

DES MOINES, IOWA (Nov. 3, 2007) – Capitalizing off a Brock Sellards (Kawasaki) mistake early in the race, Honda racer Chad Johnson – the 2005-’06 Toyota AMA Arenacross champion – took control of the Arenacross class main event at Wells Fargo Arena and won the contest by six seconds over second place Danny Smith (Honda).

Johnson’s smooth and error-free riding style kept him seemingly at ease for the 25-lap main event, staying out of trouble on several occasions and leading 22 of the 25 laps to the checkers.

“I’m pumped to be up here,” said Johnson. “I figured I could charge early on, Brock made a mistake and it helped I’d put myself in a better position to win than last night (Johnson started in 12th on Friday, second place on Saturday). Once I was up front I rode pretty well.”

Sellards’ sketch came on lap three when he went down – briefly – coming out of the bowl turn prior to the catapult jump. He was able to right himself and move back into third place, where he remained for the rest of the race - even shutting the door on a charging Josh Demuth in the same place where Demuth made an aggressive pass on Danny Smith to win Friday’s race in Des Moines.

“I made some changes to the bike and pulled two holeshots – one in my heat and one in the main,” said Sellards, who was rewarded with Saturday’s $750 Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Holeshot award. “Chad made his move early and I crashed and had to get back up. But I’m content where I ended up (third) because these first couple of rounds are crazy.”

In second place overall in the Arenacross class was Danny Smith, who rode a pretty flawless race, although he couldn’t seem to gain on his teammate Johnson. “I’ve got some things to work on,” said Smith. “This was a motivating weekend for sure.”

Next up for the Toyota AMA Arenacross series is round two, Nov. 10th, at Albany’s (N.Y.) Times Union Center. Note: The Albany round is a Saturday night only round (one race).

AMA Arenacross Lites Class Results: Saturday

1. Nathan Skaggs, Honda
2. Cory Green, Suzuki
3. Tanner Reidman, Suzuki
4. Shane Sewell, Kawasaki
5. Tyler Bright, Suzuki 

AMA Arenacross Class Results: Saturday

1. Chad Johnson, Honda
2. Danny Smith, Honda
3. Brock Sellards, Kawasaki
4. Kelly Smith, Kawasaki
5. Josh Demuth, Honda 

AMA Arenacross Class Season Points Standings

1. Chad Johnson, Honda, 47
2. Josh Demuth, Honda, 41
3. Danny Smith, Honda, 40
4. Kelly Smith, Kawasaki, 38
5. Brock Sellards, Kawasaki, 36

Posted By Arenacross.com
http://www.arenacross.com/recap/Article.2007-11-03.0427