Rider Of The Month | Tim Williams

Interview by Chris Cumbo #4G

Name: Tim Williams
Age: 64
Home Town: Fullerton, CA
Class: 65 Intermediate
Bike: KTM
Number: 144G

Tell us about your family.
Tim Williams: “Married to my wife of 37 years, Robin Williams. We have 4 kids, Troy Kristen, Garret and Shelly. We live in Fullerton, CA. I work about 12 hour days, come home, hang out a couple hours with Brutus (my English Bulldog), then spend the rest of the evening with Robin.”

Occupation?
“I work at a termite company and do the construction part of the job.”

When did you start riding?
“I rode my first motorcycle when was 29 or 30 years old back in 1985. My first bike was a 1983 YZ125.”

What was your first race with Over The Hill Gang?
“I believe it was around 1997 at Lemon Grove MX. I think I got around 4th place in the Novice class. I’ve been in the club going on almost 25 years. My last break not racing was for 3 years.”

What is the most memorable race you’ve been in?
“About six years ago at Racetown MX I was up against Mike Mang (77G). We had exchanged the lead like 20 times in that race. He passed me on the last lap, I thought I was done, but on the last turn before the finish he chose to take an outside line and well… I went inside and won the race by less than a half second! We both got moved up in class after that race.”

Who is your favorite pro racer?
“Eli Tomac.”

Do you prefer a 4-stroke over a 2-stroke?
“I prefer riding my 4-stroke over the 2-stroke even though the 2-stroke is lots of fun!”

What is your favorite bike that you have owned?
“Of all time, was my 2007 CRF-450. That thing was fast!”

What part of a track do you like the best?
“Jumps, even though I don’t do a lot of them.”

If you could go to one of the Outdoor Nationals to race with the pros, which track would you race at?
“Washougal.”

If you could pick any other sport besides motocross, what would it be?
“Softball is one of my breaks from motocross. I played and ran a softball team. We won Class C Worlds a couple of times.”

What is your motto in life?
“Treat people like you want to be treated.”

What is your favorite movie?
“The Hangover.”

What was your favorite subject in school?
“Math.”

What is the best reason to ride?
“My best reason to ride is to just go out, have fun, get work and stuff off my mind.”

Any shout-outs or thank-yous?
“First shout-out goes to my wife for taking care of me through all of my injuries. She is the best! Second, I’d like to give a shout-out to Steve and Shock Therapy for keeping my bike working. Moto Helmets for the killer deals they give me. Last, but not least, is my racing brother Woody Rogers, for all the years of pitting for me and the family. He was fast in the past and now Woody’s speed is really coming back!

I would like to ask Woody to tell a short story about our early racing career starting around 1985.”

Woody Rogers, could you tell us more about your early career with Tim and Tim’s late brother Kevin Bussey, number 85G?
Woody Rogers: “Yes, I moved down the street from Tim and his three brothers in the early 70s. I became friends with Tim. Tim was like a big brother and Kevin was like a little brother to me. All the brothers rode and so did I of course, so we fit in well together. Tim looked after all of us.

Tim’s three brothers and I rode 3-4 times a week, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and on the weekend. We raced at OCIR (Orange County International Raceway), Saddleback, Corona Raceway, Carlsbad, Lion Country Safari, and Ascot. Tim was like the leader; he was always getting us together and making sure bikes were maintained and cleaned, ready to go with parts and gear .

One time it was a Friday night and we arrived at Ascot. I realized I’d forgotten my helmet. Tim being the great guy he was, loaned me his brand new $300 helmet. I hit neutral going over a double jump and crashed, cracking his brand new helmet. I said, “I know that I owe you $300”. Tim said “Keep the $300. The helmet saved your life and that’s all it was meant to do!” From then on, I knew, I could always count on Tim for a ride to the races and that he would be there with a helping hand. Again, Tim was like a big brother who I looked up too.

We were like a big family or a big team. I was the mechanic for everybody. Then, Kevin Bussey (58G) passed away in a highway truck crash coming back from Las Vegas and everyone quit riding and racing. That included Tim, who gave up racing for a little while and then went back to racing after 3 years. Tim was going to the races by himself and I realized that Tim needed us back out there on the track, supporting him.

Tim always talks about how great OTHG is and that it’s like a big extended family to our family group. Tim has only missed 4 races this year and I have missed 6 races. Tim pushes hard, he came a long way. I’m very glad he was chosen to be rider of the month. Thank you for letting me give my input about Tim.”

Congratulations to Tim, from Over The Hill Gang!

Photos courtesy of Deb Ryan and Richard Hurtado. Click any of the images below to enlarge: