The 2006 SX series proves to be keeping the fans on the edge of theirs seats. With a sold out crowd of over 70,000 people, the night show gave us all another awesome dose of excellent racing. In the east, Supercross is gaining momentum and the race action just keeps getting better. The pits were again indoors which I was thankful for. It was not as cold in Atlanta but we did get some rain.  I had such a great time in Atlanta meeting so many new people. Each week, I’m feeling more and more comfortable with my job as Miss Supercross. Not only do I get to view the races from one of the best spots in the stadium and meet so many interesting people, I’m learning so much!

I’ve been asked many times about what it’s like to be on the podium and what all I do throughout my day.  I’d like to share what a typical Supercross day is like for me.  I start my Saturdays at 10:00am at the stadium for the morning meeting. We talk about the details of the day and what is going to happen during the night show. Then, it is off to the track walk. I love the track walk. All of the teams and riders walk the track and get a feel for what they will be competing on in the night show. The track view from the top is kind of deceiving in the fact that the doubles, triples and whoops are steeper up close. Every track is prepared with different dirt and obstacles. It’s crazy how even the slightest changes in the compaction of the dirt can alter a rider’s strategy for the race. Atlanta ’s dirt was red and mucky, not slick.  It is critical to know the details, angles and turns of each track, not only for the riders, but the mechanics, commentators and photographers as well.  Not long after the track walk everyone heads back to the pits to get ready for practice.  I go to the tower to meet up with Erv Braun and not long after I get there, we hear the motorcycles roaring through the tunnel into the stadium.  The tower provides the best view of the track. I spend the next few hours talking race talk with Erv. We go over riders, lap times, up coming events and happenings in the pits. I very much enjoy the practice sessions. It gives me chances to really get to know a riders style and I get to talk on the microphone. Ha!  Practice really sets the mood for the day by revving up the riders adrenalin and confidence for the night show and fans. We get a peak at how the rider’s performance is stacking up against the competition and they get to work on strategy for the technical spots in hopes of not making any mistakes later.  If possible, I encourage fans to go early and check out practice and qualifying. It’s a lot of fun and a way to learn more about all stars of Supercross.

Once the first half of practice is over, I go into the pits to the merchandise booth to meet and greet fans and sign autographs.  I truly love meeting the fans. Their enthusiasm is contagious and it makes me feel great to share my Supercross passion with them. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to say hello.  After my session in the pits, I take some time to get ready for the “night show.” Then I head to the tunnel and hop in the Toyota truck for the opening ceremonies.  I ride out with the announcers Erin Bell and Terry Boyd, which is such a rush. This is where we get to look up at the roaring crowd for the first time and see the packed stadium from the ground is spectacular.  After the opening interviews by Terry and Erin, the podium is our destination. I feel very at home on the podium now and I try not to miss a second of each race. It still feels a bit surreal that I’m so close the action, noise, dirt and riders.  At the blink of an eye, the whole race can change shape creating a roaring crowd.  Erin and I tend to get a bit energized as the races action heats up.  It’s a blast!

Cliff and Nick the “podium specialists” jump into action ensuring all activities around the podium run smooth.  This is such an important job.  After each race is complete and the top finishers arrive to the podium, its interview, recognition, trophy and photograph time – a well choreographed series of events to ensure the fans get the rider’s perspective of the night’s events.  I take my place right next to the riders and yes, they are winded and sweaty ha! As you all know, these guy race with all their might and at times they need a minute to just breathe.  Then at the end, it’s celebration time with the champagne spray. The fans go wild.  

Throughout the night events, Terry Boyd and I toss out souvenirs and pump up the crowed. During the last chance qualifiers I get to hand out the Asterisk Medical Card and the Racer X Gas Card to the well deserving riders who missed the main event by one spot. I present the Progressive Direct holeshot checks and trophies to the podium finishers. When the nights events are complete and all the interviews are done, the track empties and the track crew goes right to work. My adrenaline rush starts to subside and I’m usually tired with sore feet, I go to the very interesting press conference. I always reflect on the nights events and how awesome it is to be a part of the Supercross family. Then, I wrap up the night with a good meal and rest.  The next day I travel back home.

Between race weekends I attend my college classes, catch up on much needed rest and tune into current Supercross news. I read a lot! I believe it’s key to keep current and learn all I can about the industry. I take my job seriously and feel that it is so important to show that to the fans by taking part in events to promote Supercross and help worthy causes. It’s an absolute dream and I’m very happy to be part of this industry.

As for this weekend in Atlanta , the races were action packed. Both classes equally shined.  The start of the Lites class took off with Gosselaar taking the holeshot, but not much long after, privateer Chad Ward went down hard causing a red flag and restart of the race. In the second start of the Lites Main Event, Josh Grant pulled off the holeshot. Boniface and Hansen were not far behind Grant, but a hard crash from Boniface put Hanson in position to go nowhere but straight to Boniface. The crash put Millsaps in second to chase after Grant who had a strong lead. But the talented Millsaps swiftly caught up to Grant and made the pass.  Then Millsaps pulled an unexpected move; his bike washed out from him right in front of the podium.  Millsaps quickly turned the bike around to find himself in fourth place, but worked his way back up to second. He could not make the ground to pass the flawless race of Grant. Josh Grant took home not only his first win, but also the holeshot check. Millsaps took second place and the outstanding show from Martin Davalos took third. This was Davalos’s second time in a Supercross race. Nice job!

Out of the first turn in the Supercross Main Event, we only saw the color blue and the number 22. Chad Reed earned his first holeshot of the season and was on fire to maintain a strong lead.  Carmichael didn’t get the best start, but charged forward on a mission. Then number 7 James Stewart went down in the same section that others had problems with earlier. This left him way behind in a chase to the front. But this was only the beginning, after the first lap the track was jumbled with riders vying for the top spots. Carmichael blew past Fonseca, Clark, Byrne, and Tedesco to reach the second place spot behind Reed. At the same time Stewart was making up ground and working his way up. But all eyes were on Reed and Carmichael for an exciting battle that had everyone on their feet. It was great to see these two battling it out for first place. Carmichael made his final move on Reed to have a smooth ride to the finish in first place. I think the whole crowd could feel RC’s emotion of victory with honor. Reed took home second and the holeshot check. His confidence is still shining and he seemed super pleased with his performance. The rocket, Stewart made his way from the back of the pack to third place on the podium. An outstanding race once again!

Atlanta being an amazing city, it was another terrific stop for the ‘06 Supercross series. We have many more races to go and the fight for the championship is in full force creating very entertaining and awesome race action.  I am sure we will see a battle all the way to Vegas to make the ‘06 season one of the most outstanding, exceptional and memorable seasons ever.

See you at the races!

Brittney
Miss Supercross
missupercross@yahoo.com