ATV Racing Interview - Todd Macke Tackles Maxxis 12 Hours of ATV America Despite Cerebral Palsy Disability (Page 3)

ATV Scene: Any special setups to help you?
Macke: Having raced and finished two prior 12 Hours of America events with a three member team, I know what it takes to finish. I need a special clutch that would eliminate the need to pull in the clutch lever over the long haul to reduce hand fatigue. We are installing a special clutch perch and lever that will help with hand fatigue. I'm also using FLEXX bars. They greatly help reduce hand fatigue as well. A soft cushy seat will be needed as well. Of course TCS aftermarket shocks will help with the rough stuff and jump landings. I will use an electric start instead of kick because I don’t have enough weight to kick start the big fourstroke motors. I will utilize the stock headlight for night, and add additional lighting to the handlebars and my helmet.

ATV Scene: What kind of training have you done to prepare for this event?
Macke: Everyday is a challenge for a person with a disability. I feel like I have trained for this my whole life. I have been racing the WPSA series in the 35+ class. My job duties with my employer require me to walk a lot and climb stairs on a daily basis. I ride bicycles with my two sons Adam, and Max at a local skate park with ramps. I have also ran a few 5K races a few times this year. This really helps build up my endurance and cardio.

ATV Scene: Who has agreed to help you so far?
Macke: I posted a flier at the Taylorville, IL WPSA and Keith Little read it and found me in the pits. Keith is providing me with new gear from a few of his sponsors. He's hooking me up with much needed new boots from Sidi. I'll be wearing some of his FLY race gear and Scott Goggles. Also Keith Little is donating a large check to cover my travel expenses to the 12 Hours and any miscellaneous items I need. I think his QUAD Magazine holeshots this year helped make this happen for me. I can't tell you how appreciative I am to Keith! Also ATV Scene signed up for $10 per lap and has helped get this thing going. A fellow friend of mine Steve Tyriver is signed up for a per lap donation (we work together to help a young man in Chicago that has Cerebral Palsy). My long time mentor and friend Tom Stone is signed up for a per lap donation. Several people on the ATV Scene forums have also offered to help. Jorge Cuartas of Suzuki/Tucker Rocky Media All Stars has offered to assist with anything I may need as well.

Todd seen here with sons Adam and Max in the Suzuki pits.

ATV Scene: Who makes up your pit crew?
Macke: Craig and Cody Suggs will be my pit crew along with several members of their race team. Dakota (Cody) Shelton and his pit crew will be a member of my pit as well.

ATV Scene: What are some items you still need?
Macke: With a short amount of time left, I plan to get some riding time at Craig Suggs local track and determine what missing pieces we need. Lighting and tires will be two things we will need to acquire. I will need a hydration backpack too, but what I need most are pledges to help this mission.

ATV Scene: Want to name some sponsors?
Macke: Sure, maybe with this they'll help the cause and pledge some cash per lap. Regardless, I'm forever grateful for their support of me over the years. They include:
ALBA Action Sports
Streamline Braking
Rath Racing
Total Control Suspension
ROX Speed FX
ATP Racing
GT Thunder
Hetrick Racing
Outerwears
Daniel Boone MX
IMS
Durablue
DG
ITP
Blaster Boy Motorsports
BigDaddy Motorsports
STAR Silkscreen
MXSQUID.com

ATV Scene: How does someone go about making a pledge toward helping you help others?
Macke: They can just post it in this forum area. They can also tell announcer Mark Straubinger at the race. He will have a list on his clipboard and plans to cover my race all day at the event and live on ATV Scene.

ATV Scene: Closing words?
Macke: This year the 12 Hour event happens to be on my birthday. It marks 28 years that I have been riding and racing ATVs! I hope this effort will not only help kids like Dakota Shelton, but inspire all people with disabilities to overcome some of their challenges (hint hint Trey!) I have been challenged my entire life, endured hidden discrimination and have been told that I don’t have any skills. A person once told me that I would never win a race. I've proved them all wrong and more! It comes down to this, if you’re not challenging yourself, then you’re not progressing in life. I have the right tools in place for this task, the right attitude and experience to accomplish the goal. I will succeed! See you at the finish line!

Todd's 2004 12 Hrs Mission was featured in his hometown newspaper

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