Monday, July 16, 2012

Motocross Community Comes Together to Give a Boy His Bike Back

Chad Watts of Watts Perfections, or maybe more commonly known as RC's former mechanic, is not only one of the greatest mechanics of all time but he's also a really great guy.  I received a request from the Weakley family June of 2011. It was a simple request to see if I could help get their son Jeff's bike fixed. They were VERY clear they did not want money just the bike fixed so Jeff could ride again. The Weakley's had fallen on tough financial times, they had lost their house, and could no longer afford to maintain Jeff’s bike. Jeff had been riding since age 3, he loved nothing more, and he was good. I told the Weakley's I'll find a way... I always do. I posted a plea on facebook and Chad immediately wanted to help out after hearing their specific circumstances. I had no idea what helping out meant to Chad Watts. Chad has high standards and simply repairing the bike and sending it out the door was not an option. The ball was rolling and all it took was one post and for the right guy to see it and act on it.

Twenty sponsors, $6,000 in parts and 80 hours of work later (plus a few special adjustments by Chad) the bike met the strict standards of Watts Perfections (now I see where the name comes from). The bike was better than new and presented to Jeff, now 14, who hadn't seen his bike in a year. It was covered in "sponsor" decals and according to Jeff after a lap "That thing can kick". I'm not surprised!

Please take a second to watch the videos and scroll down for the sponsor credits and some PICTURES!!

Thanks!

Gina

Please read the entire story here by the Shelby Star.  Guaranteed to make a grown man cry.


Two videos posted on youtube by SlingerRacing3



Vender list for those that helped with parts and/or money:

I think I have everyone listed, if not I am so sorry. I'll be happy to add corrections.

CV Products ... hose kit
Brett of ICW Radiators and Stands ... Repairing sub frame and donating money for KTM parts
UFO... New OEM plastics
Tucker Rockey ...  chassis parts, throttle cable, chain guide, chain slider, front and rear pads
MTA Motorcycles Tires & Accessories... tires and tubes
Eastern Dirt Magazine ... doing the story
Yamaha of Lumberton ... Large amount of KTM parts
KTM USA ... gasket kit
Throttle Jockey ... seat cover and custom graphics
Myerson Racing / Motowhips ... money for parts
FMF ... pipe and silencer
Hotrod ... crankshaft assembly
Dertex Pistons... piston kit
Renthal USA... bars, grips, sprockets and chain
Powerseal USA ... replating cylinder
Moto Tassinari ... replacement reeds
Hinson ... clutch kit
Twin Air ... filter
Newcomb Dist. ... swingarm and steering bearings
Slinger Racing... Labor
Motocandy ... Sharing the post that got all these great people in motion. They could have ignored it but they didn't. Really great people. Thank you Chad and everyone involved! Thank you Slinger Racing for keeping me in the loop!

Articles with Chad Watts by www.EasternDirt.com

Uncorking a KTM 530EXC With Chad Watts
















 



No comments:

Post a Comment