Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127821
The 1997 .A.I~l.A. Supercross Series i s ready l'Or _ Sheak in 1996, the situation was no different. Even though there was a moto win and a number of stunning podium results, there were a few weeks during the season where Sheak was completely absent from the results page. What type of challenges does the privateer face in fighting to stay in front of the heavily supported factory riders? "There's a few things," Sheak explains. "I was trying really hard and really preparing myself. However, it was hard with the privateer schedule I was on. I was really up and down. It is real hard to be a privateer and be able to com, pete with the factory guys every weekend. Obviously, that is the advantage that they have on everyone else. They are on top of everything each and every race. "It is real hard to do that as a privateer. It takes a lot of years and effort to figure that out. As a privateer rider, it is hard to get all of tha t down. I did the best I could, but yeah, I >yas inconsistent at times. There is so much to be said for being prepared for every race." Now that he has arrived and set up shop in the opulent new Honda 18wheel race transporter, Scott Sheak has to face the music and pull the results the factory expects of him. While Sheak will face new pressures, and be held totally' accountable for his actions, it isn't like he hasn't had to earn his keep'before. "I want to be the champion in every class I ride," proclaims Sheak, who will ride on his own in the AMA 12Scc Supercross Series, and in tandem with defending AMA 12Scc National Champion Steve Lamson in the Nationals. "I want to win. I want to win races and I want to be a champion. This team is going to help tum me into a champion. Tha t is where I am setting my goals. I have always been good at motocross and not so good at supercross, so I am trying to improve my supercross skills and keep my outdoor motocross skills sharp. I want to be right up front with $teve Lamson in the 12Scc Nationals. "They haven't come out and said it," Sheak continues, "but I would imagine ~hose are probably Honda's goals as well. They want to see me win in supercross and be right up there with Steve in the Nationals." Scott Sheak won't be alone ~s he charges toward his 'factory destiny. Riding along with him will be the thousands of fans who cheered on the hardcharging privateer in 1996. It is no great secret that American race fans enjoy seeing the underdog succeed, and now that Sheak has landed at Team Honda, he is getting a well-deserved taste of the fame and attention that go with it. "I'm starting to get used to the attention a little bit more," Sheak says. "Of course, people come up to me a lot more and I'm getting a lot more popular. That's a lot different to me because I usually just keep to myself. But I'm dealing with all of it pretty well. People really seem to be pulling for me. It makes me feel real good. I like that." So will the newest member of the most powerful and prestigious factory effort in worldwide motorcycle racing take his place among the immortals of the sport? Only time will tell. However, ,until that question is answered, Scott Sheak is going to do everything it takes to make the very best of the opportunity. "I'm really fortunate to be where I am, so I want to make the best of it," Sheak declares. "It's a feeling that I can't .explain - it's just really cool. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity and chance wi.th Team Honda. I'm very proud of that." (N 1-900-PRO RACE gravity"-de:t.Ying motorcycle rac:i..ng that pushes riders to th~ and fans LA. Memorial mafHllad~t~ with 75' jumps, Coliseum ha.:irpi::n" turnS "vV~p·de. Each and JBl:itraightowoys! 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D caD M For ticke~, call your 7ii::Utii~_ local Ticketmasler charge-by-phone number. 1JHp://_.lfc ~://-...,..,e--. .- - Now Available Through Cycle News Video Theater 11THIS IS MOTOCROSS A Comprehensive It Entertaining Guide to a Spectaculr SportI (116) Packed fields, fast & funous competition, flying mud, sand, noise, jumps, bumps, and bone-jarring action..,just a tew of the elements that have made motocross one of the most spectacular and popular off-road motorsports. So how do you 'get started and what does it take to get to the top? Just load this tape into your video player and find out 85 we unravel the many facets of this exciting and challenging sport! HISTORY: In the 50's and 60's motocross was known as scrambling and we take a quick look back at ·some of the events and riders who Iypified this great era. TIPS: If you're completely new to motocross we can help you get started, with plenly of tips on the gear YOU'll need, hints on buying a bike and setting it up, joining a club, etc. INTERVIEWS: .Hear from some of Ihose riders, inclUding '95 Wond 250 MX Champion Stefan Everts, 6-t/me British Champion Rob Herring, and 125 aces Paul Malin (UK) and Bob Moore (USA). Find out what it takes to reach the top. SUPERCROSS: Check out the unique atmosphere and spectacle of Supercross - the crazy big cousin of motocross in which the action takes place on man-made indoor tracks of awesome proportions. 55 minutes from Duke Video USA. To Order Videos, Call (310) 427·7433 - Charge to !