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I remember first meeting Seth Downs while attending the first round of the Eastern 4-Stroke
National Motocross series at the Red Budd Track N' Trail in Buchanan, Michigan, September 1998. That was 5 years and 5 months ago. I had
flown out of Portland, Oregon to attend the event in order to assist the track
promoters in providing the same rider rules and regulations that we held in the
Western 4-Stroke Nationals, West of the Mississippi. Since there was not going
to be a prior representative, Duke Finch in attendance because of commitments
to be in Europe with the United States Trophy Des Nations Motocross Team, I made
the journey in order to give my support to the riders. You see, I also have been
working with a publishing company that provided printed programs to the promoters
in order to use as good exposure. Royal Publishing, Peoria, Illinois asked me
in advance if I would help get them rider profiles to place in the programs. Seemed
like a nice thing to do. So, I flew out there and I met several riders and family
members on that weekend. I recall, walking up to this Box Van that a Professional
rider was inside. I introduced myself since he was racing the 4-Stroke Pro Class.
These riders were the ones I was in search of helping get into the programs. I
asked if Todd had some
time to talk about doing a rider profile and take a photo with him. Todd was all
smiles, as he is always and agreed. All this time, I watched two men (Seth and David) cleaning
up a muddy Yamaha YZ400F motorcycle. I also watch as a lady (Carrie) was
cleaning a helmet. What I will never forget is that this looked like a family
that was in total support of Todd. During
that time frame, Todd introduced his family to me. This is where the start of
a GREAT friendship started. From there on, this family and I stayed in constant
contact. Whether it came in the form of a telephone call or an Email, we always
have been there for each other. I am witness to say, that the family element was
at it's closest form when these people went to the motocross
races together. I will never forget the days that Seth and Todd flew into attend a race weekend, with their motorcycle torn
down into many containers. Those containers would be opened up at either a hotel
or at a track that there was going to be a 4-Stroke National Motocross race and
Seth and Todd would work diligently at putting the bike together in time
for sign up and practice. This went one at so many races thousands of miles away
from Texas, their home! For all the support that Seth, Carrie, Todd,
David, Angela have given the motorcycle industry as well as to myself, my family
and friends - There is not enough words or feelings that I can express to celebrate
the life of Mr. Seth Downs himself. To me, he was and is a MAN amoung
Men that will stand out from all of us. I will miss him with all my heart. I wish
his family the best of days ahead and know that you can always count on me to
stand beside you. |
