R450: I know that you haven’t been able to run but just a couple of the TT’s, but the ones that you have raced, how has the Yamaha been working out for you?
Shane: I thought that it was set up pretty good for the last race and I got there and it didn’t’ work out. We made a lot of changes for this race and it is pretty good. I’m very happy with it right now. I really think that I have something good under me now. I’ve ridden a two-stroke for fifteen years and everything with the four-strokes is new to me. A lot of guys went out and bought the Honda because Timmy won a couple of races on it, but I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got so I’m going to run it.
R450: Did your sponsors take good care of you even after you got hurt?
Shane: Yeah, for the most part they did, most of my sponsors have been really great. There were a few that sort of washed me out, but that is the name of the sport. Sometimes you have good luck and sometimes not.
R450: Are you racing for Yamaha of Troy or directly for Yamaha?
Shane: I deal directly with Yamaha. I ride for a Yamaha dealer at home, but I am actually sponsored directly by Yamaha.
R450: Does Yamaha treat you pretty well
Shane: I really can’t say, I’ve been hurt all year. They have helped me when I needed it, but I really haven’t needed much this year. We don’t know what’s going to happen for next year.
R450: Is there anything that you would like to see out of the ATVA as far as the circuit goes?
Shane: I would like to see them change the scheduling of the events. Like the Motocross, the pros have to show up on Friday and race on Sunday. Here we have to show up on Friday and race on Saturday. There is no reason that we should have to do that. This whole Friday practice thing is just another way for them to make money off of the riders. You take 300 bikes at 20 dollars for Friday practice and all you’re doing is pulling in extra money. That just isn’t quite right to me.
/ Well Shane, thanks for talking with us and good luck with the rest of the season. I hope that your ankle heals up good, and you can do all of the races you want next year. /
