The Roots MX August 2014 | Page 62

FMF Unsung Hero In motocross, no accomplishment is achieved without help from unsung heroes who dedicate time and energy to getting their riders on the podium. This year at Mammoth MX, The Roots MX presents the first annual FMF Unsung Hero Award to Tristen Travalini. Known to many as T2, Tristen received prizes from FMF, Dirt Digits, and AmericoreSMX for his dedication to his craft and to his rider, Derek Drake. It’s 8 PM at the FMF California Classic at Glen Helen, and we’re headed to a barbeque in the pits. Music plays, the smell of ribs tantalizes, and we’re already four drinks behind. We’re having trouble locating the spot when someone calls out, “Hey Jason!” We turn around and Tristen is standing in the bed of a toy hauler, wrench in one hand, waiving with the other. His outline is framed by the flurouescent glow of the trailer lights behind him. “Hey T2. Whatcha doing?” I ask. “Oh I’m just, cleaning out the air filter. Getting the bike prepped for tomorrow,” he says cheerfully. “Nice.” We nod. “Where is everyone else?” Jason asks. “I don’t know,” he shrugs. “I think they might be over at Mosimans.” As we head out I ask Jason, “How old is he?” WATCH 62 theROOTSMX • ISSUE 3 2014