Robbie Reynard
The motocross career of Robbie Reynard has been quite a ride. Robbie won his first National race in 1993 at Steel City on a Kawasaki KX125 and repeated again in 1994 at Delmont. On what would be his last year on a Kawasaki, he took overall wins at Gainesville, Florida and Millville, Minnesota in the 125cc class. The injury bug hit in 1996 and cost Reynard big. He was able to bounce back in 1998 once again winning the 125cc class at Steel City aboard a Suzuki. In 1999 Robbie moved up to the 250cc class with Team Suzuki. The Oklahoma native put in some solid performances in Supercross and Motocross, but never did find that elusive win while with Team Suzuki.
Unfortunately Reynard was cut from the Suzuki Semi in 2000 and went out on his own with his father Robert. They started out on Hondas, switched to Kawasakis and now in 2005 are back on Hondas. Throughout their stint as privateers, the Reynards faced numerous obstacles. Robbie was tortured with injuries constantly, often serious at times and seemingly coming one right after another. They also faced financial troubles trying to live the dream and get back to where Robbie once was.
Robbie started off the 2005 National Series in the 125cc class aboard a Honda CRF250 four stroke. Not having the resources that the top teams had as far as research and development hurt the Reynards in a class that was all about horsepower. With a best finish of fourteenth, the Reynards decided to jump up to the 250cc class at the Millville round. Figuring that they had a better shot in a class where a stock bike could compete with the factory bikes paid off. Robbie took eighth overall and backed it up at the next round in Binghamton, New York with a 6th overall. A little bad luck hit at Steel City, but Robbie still managed a fourteenth. Rolling into the final round at Glen Helen the Reynards were confident and ready for a top five finish. Things were getting to be too good to be true as he crashed in a qualifier and ended up in the hospital finishing out the season injured. Luckily though the injuries were not serious and Robbie hopes to be ready for the 2006 Supercross season.
Since the advent of the Internet, numerous privateer programs have come about to help the starving artists of motocross. Wonder Warthog is the one that you here about the most, but there are others. Cherie, Robbie’s older sister came out of the woodwork in 2005 and really went to bat for her little brother. She was always on Mototalk or Motodrive telling everyone about what Robbie was up to and giving a true insider view into what it takes to race at the National level as a privateer. She also tried to raise a little operating capitol for family’s racing effort by single handedly coming up with a t-shirt to sell to the masses. She also had an account set up for donations to help the team get to the next round. Her efforts finally paid off as Team Reynard picked up some support for the last two rounds of the Nationals from the new BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series. I recently talked with Cherie. Here is what she had to say.
How long have you been involved with Robbie’s motocross career?
I have been a part of Robbie's racing since he began. It was and has always been an entire family sport. We all have raced one time or another. My dad, my mom, me and Robbie...it is in our blood. I love motocross!
What prompted you to use the internet to try and help Robbie?
I am always on the computer. I had this crazy dream (literally) that I had a shirt made up for Robbie and I sold them to help him afford to go to the races. That is where I got the "I Believe...Do You?" concept. I made a comment and a lot of people liked the idea and encouraged me to go with it....so I did. For me being a stay at home mom and not able to go to the races...It was easiest to utilize the internet. There are a lot of generous kind people all over the world who wanted to support Robbie or his great sister's crazy idea! It was a great way for me to help Robbie and be involved in MX ....something I have always loved.
How has it gone so far?
It did really well. I think i sold around 300-350 shirts in a 2 month time frame. Robbie was shocked by how well the shirts were selling. I sold over a 100 shirts in the first 2-3 weeks. I was so pumped. I was glued to the computer and was running to the post office every day. My first shipment was 64 shirts being sent all over the US. It was really neat. I personally loved the notes people attached to it wishing Robbie and me luck.
Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank?
All my sponsors.....hmm that would be my husband for putting up with my long hours on the computer and the boxes of shirts sitting in our office. Brian at Dirt images who came up with the image I dreamed for the shirt and No Fear for printing the shirts for me. Also, everyone who believed in Robbie and me and to all the motocross fans across the world who bought a shirt, donated money or raffle items. The support has been amazing. Last, but not least to Robbie, there are not words to say thanks enough for everything he has done for me and my family...my kids idolize him and I admire him for all his hard work and dedication...I am so proud of him!
What are you plans for the future as far as Robbie goes?
My plan for Robbie's future is to be supportive in what he does and continue to be his number 1 fan! I will go to races that are close, but I will rearrange my life once again to sit at home on Saturday nights and Sunday's glued to the computer. Hopefully sell some more shirts. I have a lot and you can get them at www.reynardmodifications.com shameless plug. I sure wish I could make money being the supportive big sis...would help with the bills, but I wouldn't change anything I have done to help Robbie this year. It has been so much fun for me.
Of course, we had to talk to Robbie himself to get his take on the 2005 season. So here is how that went.
Robbie, you have faced some unbelievable challenges on your career. What keeps you going?
I have not accomplished all that I have set out to do in my career and I enjoy racing.
How is it working with your Dad?
It is just like any other rider mechanic relationship, we have our differences, but at the end of the day we make a great team.
Cherie has really gone to bat for you this year, how does that make you feel?
Grateful, the 2005 season would have been real hard without her.
Your results really improved once you moved to the 250 class. Why do you think that is?
I was too heavy for the 250F and the 450 suited me better.
What are your plans for 2006 and how much longer do you see yourself doing this?
I hope to have fun and have some good finishes in 2006. I have a great new sponsor this year www.freenissan.com. I plan on doing this until my body won't let me.
The Reynards have pretty much seen it all in this sport. They have survived the lows and cherished the highs. One thing for sure is that they are one close knit, hard working family that won’t be going away any time soon. Good luck in 2006 Robbie!
