This space is reserved for your personal stories about Rocket Rex you would like to donate to the Fan Page. You may have seen him at the races and something about his style or an incident you witnessed may come to mind. Or maybe you were a co-racer / mechanic with Rex and just want to share your experience. Track and pit reports are greatly appreciated here. Whatever it is, Rex and his fans want to hear from you.
How do you submit your story?
Option 1 - Email me at nas50th@yahoo.com
Option 2 - Submit your stories in the comment box below. You will need to create a GOOGLE account to post.
Click here to create an account.
Click here to create an account.
What should it include?
- Everything! All the gory and fun details.
- Include your first name (last name optional).
- Date and place of your story as best as you can remember.
- Photos allowed through the email address above.
- No words or entry limit. Let it rip!
Stories submitted will be posted within 24 hours of receipt. If you have the need to edit your story, just send me a note and I will take care of it.
Thanks everyone... Eric
Welcome race and Rocket Rex fans alike. Tell us your favorite remembrance and encounter you have had with Mr. Staten over the years. Don't be shy, its all in fun and sharing the many unique and extraordinary racing encounters we have had while watching this Ironman of motocross over the years. Remember your either a Hero or a Zero according to the Rockets philosophy. And whatever you think, this space Is all in fun...E
ReplyDeleteHere is just one of many memories of young Rex Staten:
ReplyDeleteHave you ever raced with freshly broken fingers? Staten did it regularly. I remember when he was still racing the 250 OSSA at age 16-17 when i was in the 100/125 junior ranks. His race took off and a guy took his front wheel out and slammed Rex to the ground real hard. Rex got up jumping around grabbing his left hand if I remember correctly, and we all gasped because he had already won moto-1 and this was moto-2, so for him to get the overall looked like he was doomed. His Dad and the starter along with Rescue 3 personnel ran over there and looked him over. I think 2 laps went by (we ran 8-10 laps on a short coarse, another pet peeve I have with today’s so called VMX that likes these plus 1 mile tracks and 4-5 laps), and do you know, that kid decided to have his 2, yes 2 broken fingers wrapped up with gauze and duct tape, and by lap 3 was out there hauling ass as usual! He finished last of course but he actually passed guys like nothing happened. He got back to the pits and his old man was seen yelling at Rex for getting a bad start and blowing the day. Here's the kicker, he won the 3rd moto by half a lap! Now that’s a racer surpassed by no other in my book. Rex has always been noted for his on-track tough guy riding style, never won the favor of his peers but I’ll tell you, he was the most flashy and daring guy in MX history I think. Do you know he holds the record second to Jeff Ward for the most seat time in MX history?
If you talk to Rocket today, he still has that cowboy attitude and one had better watch out. He had to fight his way to the top without his families support or decent sponsorship deals partly due to his own undoing and he knows that. But he will tell you he never regrets his stance on and off the track, he's still very proud of his reputation, he says somebody has to be that way and it worked for him.
This story copied from 2007 files.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Torrance, CA. near ASCOT and raced the Wednesday night races in the late 70s and early 80s.
I would hit Corona on Friday nights, and Saddleback or Indian Dunes on the weekends. I would get to the
races early and always see Rex. Rex was never too busy to talk to me and give me pointers. Rex would ask
me to fill out his entry forms for him which I gladly did. I remember he was doing some plumbing work back
then. I hated to see him go to South Africa, but I understand he did kick a lot of butt down there. I remember when he would crash, people would call him "Wreck-it Rex" instead of Rocket Rex. I've lost track of him but I hope he's doing well.
Chris Mac Kay
This story copied from 2007 files.
ReplyDeleteThe first motorcycle ride I ever took in my life was when Rex gave me a ride on an old BSA I believe. I was about 7 yrs old and my mother was dating Rex's uncle Al Staten. Slim made him give me a ride. He has been my hero since then, I wanted to be just like him. He was a few years older than me and I idolized him as did his cousin Rusty who I lived with.
I tried to race Motocross at several points in my life but never had what it takes to win. When I was in my teens I used to go to East ave in north Fontana Calif., and watch Rex practice. He showed the same intensity at practice that he did on the track. That Kind of heart is something that you are born with and either you have it or you don't, he was absolutely fearless. Rex flew over the jumps at speeds that made me cringe even thinking about it.
The memories of those days will always be with me for the rest of my life. I think of Rex every time I see a dirt bike of any type and sometimes remember that ride with him at his house on Arrow Hwy when we were kids.
Kind regards, Mike Carter
Rex Staten- Deadman's Point MX
ReplyDeleteI was a banker and learned I could not read the desert and so began racing at the fledgling Deadmans Point promoted by Bob Dresslar. I rode a bright orange Montesa 250GP. In those days late 60's early 70's, we started races with our bikes in neutral and our clutch hand on our helmets. I never got beat to the first corner because of the steel clutch, you just jammed it into gear and held on. I led most races because of my great starts and won quit a few too. I remember both Rex and his sister when they first showed up at Deadman's Point. I was drawn to Rex because he was riding an Ossa, another Spanish made bike like my Montesa. He wasn't much for conversation but seemed an OK guy. Over the next few months, as usual I would get great starts and usually finish in the top three positions in each heat. As time went on, this white and green Ossa would pass me like I was standing still. I was running competitive winning speeds but this guy would blow by me. Early on he would crash and I would beat him but very soon he was waiting at the finish line. He was a diamond in the rough....more determination than experience. Soon that talent gained experience and he was very tough to beat, never happy with anything but first place.
My wife, Kathy Martin, also rode powder puff, as did Rex's sister, and she would comment about Rex.....He has a Rocket up his butt!
I do not know where or when Rex was crowned ROCKET REX, but I remember at the first Superbowl of Motocross, the LA Times in a promo picture during practice, showed Rex flying high over the big jump and the caption read ROCKET REX STATEN flying over the jump.
I was a weekend warrior, as were most riders in those days, but Rex followed his passion, in spite of poor or non existent financial aid from dealers, factories, auto manufacturers, energy drink companies. A huge sacrifice to follow his dream. A pioneer in the industry without whom todays riders would not enjoy the sponsorships afforded todays young talent......Great going Rex. I hope to someday meet you again and listen to your stories.
Bob Martin