1. the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
You'll
find it in every professional motocross racer. From one extreme to
another this sport comes down to one man for himself once the gate
drops.
Walking
through the pits of a Monster Energy Supercross it doesn't take long to
see the true character of a privateer. Work ethic, determination and
drive. Many privateers make the long drives from round to round either
solo or with another racer. They often don't get any practice time
between rounds and instead use the down time for travel, bike
maintenance, work and school.
From
the stands you never really know what goes on in any given riders day.
Dealing with family issues, delayed flights, bike problems or any number
of personal issues we just expect riders to put on the show. There is
so much we don't see that happens before the fireworks of the opening
ceremonies.
I
have constantly crossed paths with a rider who never really stood out
due to his humble ways. A never give up attitude and a guy who has a
full plate, but not one complaint. Belleville, Illinois' Mark Weishaar.
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| Photo: Kyle Pesci |
The
number 619 has spent a majority of the season following the series, but
he's done something only few have done. Mark has qualified in both
classes this season. Using the west coast rounds to compete in the 450
class and making the switch to the 250 for the east coast championship.
23
years old and having fun racing his dirt bike. His title sponsor is
2DIAT which stands for Two Dudes in a Tundra. "It all started as a joke
when I was racing Arenacross in 2010." A team name that signifies a
privateer on the road. It relates to the everyday struggles a privateer
like Mark faces while juggling everything from finances to how your even
getting to the track.
In
Toronto we spotted Mark headed to the line, pushing his Yamaha and with
a backpack on. His plans of having a buddy mechanic for him fell apart
at the border and Mark took on a do it all weekend. He'd head to the
line, drop off his backpack, set his own holeshot device and race in
front of a packed stadium before returning to grab his bag and head
back to the pits to make any tweaks his machine needed. The kid has the
motivation and heart to do what it takes to go racing.
This
season Mark's best result came from that Toronto race where he'd fail
to make the main event but it was an impressive heat race from last to
13th that even he considers his most impressive ride of the season. When
it comes to career highlights Mark reflects on the Houston round in
2014. The stop on the series where He'd make his first career main
event.
Watching
Mark ride you can see his natural talent. He has never used a training
facility but credits some time he spent with former factory rider Billy
Laninovich out in California as a good learning curve. Mark feels his
style makes him a better supercross rider. "Supercross is something
that I've always enjoyed." He feels that it just comes easier to him
than the outdoors. Admittedly lacking some intensity, he knows he could
go faster if he ride on the edge. "I'm always riding in my comfort
zone."
In
his down time...who am I kidding, there is no down time. When he's off
the bike Mark is a student at Southern Illinois University, where he is
studying kinesiology. A major that may have him around the sport even
when his racing days are over. He used his internship time working at
ICHOR Sports Medicine with Eddie who is also a key part in the Asterisk
Medical Crew.
Mark
couldn't do it without a list of great sponsors: 2 Dudes In A Tundra
Racing, Big St. Charles Motorsports, Contegra Construction, Dover Dave,
St. Louis Tattoo Company, Mom, Dad, Motor Medic Racing, The Sign Source,
Archview MX Park, Scott, Ryno Power, Vortex, Mika Metals, Moto Seat,
Maxima, Dunlop, Moto-Hose, Hinson, Boyesen, DT-1 Filters, Works
Connection, Shift, Fox and Razor Image.
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| Photo: Jenny Ludowese | JL Photography |
His
eyes are set on putting himself in some main events before this season
is over and he is a rider we know is capable. Keep your eye out for the
619 and #cheerprivateer for Mark Weishaar.
"Just a college student who is trying to race supercross."
For more info on Mark's program check out:
Or follow him on Instagram @markw619
-Kyle Pesci
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