2014 Root River Racing ATV Motocross Team Report
Team Root River Racing is ready for another action packed year of racing in 2014! As one of the biggest “factory” efforts at the AMA ATV Motocross Nationals, the 2014 team is made up of eight talented riders who are all looking to capture their respective class championships. From the Pro Class to the Supermini class and numerous classes in between, Root River Racing will most definitely be a force to be reckoned with at the Mtn. Dew sponsored AMA ATV Motocross Championship.
To recap on the history of Root River Racing, we have to go back to the “glory” days of the Motocross Nationals. In 2006, as Root River Racing team owner Rich Gillette was sponsoring riders at the Minnesota Quad Motocross District 23 Series, the AMA MX Nationals was growing at an extremely rapid rate. Several different full factory teams were involved, there were full gates for many classes including the Pros, and Loretta Lynn’s saw about 1,000 entries. Although there seemed to be no end in sight for our booming sport, the recession took a toll on the industry and we saw manufacturer’s back out, less entries at the races, and riders were racing the same quads from the year before. Just as it seemed there was no major support left, Root River Racing stepped up.
Making their way into the MX Nationals in 2008, Root River Racing limited their race appearances to three AMA events per season. Fast-forward two years, and Root River had several riders running the full AMA ATV MX series. Continuously growing each year thereafter, Root River Racing is now preparing for their biggest year yet. With several championships, dozens of race wins, and countless podium finishes, the eight rider RRR lineup is prepared to make Team owner Rich Gillete proud as they get fired up for the nine race long season.
With several 2013 championships and numerous season podium finishes, the RRR team of Sean Taylor, Bubba Hicks, Dylan Tremellen, Sam Rowe, Megan Manshack, Alex Gillette, Haedyn Mickelson, and Noah Mickelson will all be front runners this year. Keeping a positive attitude both on and off the track, the maturity and professionalism instilled in each and every rider is what maintains the outstanding reputation of Root River Racing.
As Rich Gillette is responsible for major series sponsor Mt. Dew coming on board, he is also the leader of the biggest and one of the most respected teams at the races. With team manager Rod Mickelson, trainer and engine builder Dee Manshack (Rage ATV), mechanics Tony Subjek and Jim Keough, and the talented racers they have chosen to be on the team, Root River Racing is a true powerhouse in the sport of ATV Motocross.
The #39 rider Sean Taylor has been racing competitively for thirteen years. After three years on the team and a 3rd place season overall finish in the Pro Am Class in 2013, the twenty five year old will undoubtedly make a splash as a competitor in the prestigious Pro Class in 2014.
After five years on the RRR team, Bubba Hicks is returning to the team for another year after a successful 2013 season in which he won the 450A Class Championship and finished 4th in Production A. At only twenty-two years old, The Iowa native is looking to return to the Production A and Open A class podium again this season.
With four national championships since 2010, Dylan Tremellen looks to capture yet another title for the team. After finishing 2nd in both the Production A and 4-Stroke A class in 2013, he is an experienced front-runner with exceptional talent. With his incredible consistency and race winning skills, the six-year team veteran is hoping he can keep his #940 machine on the Production A & 450 A Class podium for most of the season.
Although he is one of the youngest riders on the team, “Factory Sam” Rowe has certainly earned his share of championships. Winning the 90 modified class, Supermini class, Schoolboy Jr. class, and the College class between 2010 and 2013, the #38 rider is a favorite to capture the Open A and 450 A Class Championships in 2014.
Team rider Alex Gillette is looking to do big things in the Production B and 450 B class. Since being with the team since day one, he has had a hand in helping it grow and become what it is today. After racing competitively for seven years, he has gained a lot of knowledge through his time on the track. Finishing 2nd in the Production C class in 2013, Gillette will be up front battling for the win in each moto this year.
Brothers Haedyn and Noah Mickelson of Eyota, MN have also been on the team since the start. Beginning their careers at the local races in Minnesota, the boys have excelled since attending the nationals in 2010. At only fifteen years old, Noah had an impressive 2nd place overall finish in both the 90 Mod and Supermini Class. Stepping up to the Schoolboy Jr Open Class in 2014, he will definitely be challenging for the title. Sixteen-year-old Haedyn also had a successful 2013 season. Finishing 2nd in the Schoolboy Jr Open Class and the Schoolboy Sr Class, the ten-year veteran will be lined up on the gate for Open B and 450 B.
As the only female on the team, #11 Megan Manshack will be a familiar face on the podium in the Women’s Class. Although she has a long flowing ponytail beneath her helmet, she is just as aggressive and determined as the men. With eleven years of racing under her belt, she is no stranger to the podium as she took 2nd overall in 2013.
Looking to capture her first Women’s Class National Championship, this will be her first full season with Root River Racing. As a veteran in the Women’s class, Manshack’s experience and skill will make her a big contender for the 2014 title.
With a championship winning team, top-notch sponsors, and the support of family and friends, Root River Racing will be turning heads at the 2014 Mt. Dew AMA ATVA Nationals. Visit the Root River Racing pit on vendor row, and be sure to watch the races to catch the riders in action. Good luck to the entire Root River Racing team in their upcoming 2014 season!
Sponsors
Gillette Group of Pepsi-Cola, FTR, Stream Line, Motowoz, Rod’s Ride On Powersports, Trimbles Cycle Center, Works Connects, RPM, Yoshimura, C & L Powder Coating, Rath Racing, FourWerx, Race Day Pix, Fly Racing, Garnae Boot, MotoHose, PowerMadd, PT Welding, Severson Oil, JB Racing, Rage ATV, 100% Goggles, and La Crescent Wine & Spirit.