Meet the Nuclear Cowboyz Riders
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2014 Nuclear Cowboyz® Rider Bios Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg Taka Higashino Matt Buyten Mike Mason Ronnie Faisst Brody Wilson Jimmy Fitzpatrick James Carter Derek Garland Nick Dunne Specialty Riders Colten Moore - ATV Marco Picado - ATV Geoff Aaron - Trials Phil Smage - Trials MEET THE NUCLEAR COWBOYZ RIDERS JEREMY “TWITCH” STENBERG Hometown: San Diego, CA Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: September 27, 1981 Riding Experience: 30 years Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg is one of the most decorated athletes in the sport of freestyle motocross (FMX). Stenberg, considered one of the founding fathers in the sport of FMX, began riding dirt bikes at the tender age of two. Stenberg earned the nickname “Twitch” after being diagnosed with Tourette’s at eight years old. Stenberg stands at the top of his class, having earned a remarkable 16 X Games medals in multiple disciplines. Competing since the early ‘90s, Stenberg has participated in hundreds of FMX events, earning titles and high honors in popular competitions such as X Games, Red Bull X Fighters, Dew Tour, Vans Triple Crown FMX Tour, LG FMX Championship, and many others. When he’s not on two wheels, Stenberg has dominated on four wheels, racing in the largest, nationally sanctioned short course off-road racing series where he has one Super Lite truck title, multiple wins, and in 2010, “Rookie of the Year” honors. TAKA HIGASHINO Hometown: Osaka, Japan Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: March 13, 1985 Riding Experience: 17 years Takayuki “Taka” Higashino, son of a Japanese firefighter from Osaka, began riding dirt bikes at eight years old. He has since progressed into one of the sport’s most identifiable figures. In 2006, Higashino left Osaka for Temecula, CA, immersing himself in a completely new language and culture with one goal in mind, dominate the sport of freestyle motocross (FMX). Higashino linked up with freestyle legends and fellow Nuclear Cowboyz teammates Ronnie Faisst and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg to get his footing in the sport. Eight years later and at 28 years old, Higashino has established himself as an FMX powerhouse, adding three gold, one silver and one bronze X Games medals to his credentials, making him the only FMX athlete from Japan to do so. To date, Higashino has competed in eight X Games events. In 2013, he won his first Red Bull X Fighters competition at his hometown event in Osaka, and just two years earlier, won the ASA World Championship of Freestyle. Higashino is renowned for his double-seat grab indy and rock solid back flips. Those who are close to Higashino can attest that he thinks about FMX 24/7. When he is not practicing, he is studying videos of himself on how to improve an extension or better a new trick. MATT BUYTEN Hometown: Minden, NV Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: February 2, 1980 Riding Experience: 21 years Growing up near South Lake Tahoe, Matt Buyten, who is now 33, started riding dirt bikes at age 11. Buyten gives a lot of credit to his dad, who encouraged him to cross over from bicycle motocross (BMX) to freestyle motocross (FMX). The transition proved to be successful. Buyten has competed and earned medals in multiple X Games events, winning four gold, three silver, and three bronze medals in the Step Up competition. In 2013, Buyten’s accomplishments drew attention from FMX’s leading brand Metal Mulisha, and he soon inked a deal to become their newest member. When he’s not on the track, Buyten can be found playing golf. MIKE MASON Hometown: Carson City, NV Current Residence: Carson City, NV Date of Birth: August 27, 1981 Riding Experience: 25 years Mike Mason, a freestyle heavyweight, was given his first-dirt bike as a birthday present from his dad and he has been hooked ever since. Mason has competed professionally in both racing and freestyle, dating back to his early days dominating the arenacross circuit. Mason’s experience has since paid dividends, and now at 32 years old, he is known in the freestyle industry for his articulated trick inventory and clean style. Since competing at the professional level, Mason has locked in seven X Games medals, including his most recent gold medal victories during the 2013 X Games. Mason is also a two-time ASA World Champion of FMX and has earned many additional victories throughout his career. When he’s not investing time on his dirt bike, Mason likes to focus on playing the guitar. RONNIE FAISST Hometown: Mays Landing, NJ Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: June 22, 1977 Riding Experience: 25 years Growing up in Mays Landing, NJ, Ronnie “Kung Fu” Faisst started riding dirt bikes when he was eight years old, and by the time he was 10, he knew the pro ranks is where he belonged. As Faisst’s career progressed, he decided to move west to capitalize on the ideal riding conditions year-round. Faisst linked up with Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg and eventually the two teamed up with several others to become the true pioneers of the freestyle motocross (FMX) movement. The Nuclear Cowboyz veteran is a four-time X Games medalist, having competed in 14 X Games events. He has also earned one silver medal and two bronze medals in the Gravity Games. Faisst is known for introducing the shaolin and indian air bar hops to the sport. Outside of the contest role, Faisst has played a major part in nearly every action sports tour across the world. When not on tour with Nuclear Cowboyz or participating in other FMX events, Faisst trains at his freestyle compound behind his house, in Temecula, CA, which is complete with multiple ramps and a motocross (MX) track. Faisst is also an accomplished martial artist, which is how he earned the nickname “Kung Fu Faisst”. He has been involved in martial arts since age five after being inspired by a Bruce Lee film. BRODY WILSON Hometown: Templeton, MA Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: August 12, 1985 Riding Experience: 12 years Originally from Templeton, MA, Brody Wilson began riding dirt bikes at the age of 14. After racing locally for five years, Wilson transitioned over to freestyle motocross (FMX) where he would find his wings. Wilson quickly progressed in the world of FMX, traveling across the globe to participate in FMX competitions and events. In 2010, Wilson’s long hours paid off as he received invites to both Red Bull X Fighters to battle for a wildcard spot and to the X Games. Wilson is most recognized in the FMX world for his aggressive extensions. The 2014 tour marks his fourth year with the Nuclear Cowboyz tour. Whether he is on the road or taking time off in between events, Wilson stays in shape by working out on a regular basis particularly by lifting weights, mountain biking, cross- country riding and skateboarding. Wilson now resides full-time in Temecula, CA and trains on his property, which is equipped with a foam pit and dirt ramps. JIMMY FITZPATRICK Hometown: Temecula, CA Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: January 22, 1984 Riding Experience: 22 years Jimmy Fitzpatrick was just five years old when he first rode a dirt bike. Now, at 29, he is recognized in the freestyle motocross (FMX) community for his smooth back flip combos and was one of the first riders on the Nuclear Cowboyz tour to back flip while on fire. Fitzpatrick has been on the freestyle scene for over 16 years and during this time, he has locked in five first-place IFMA Championship finishes. He also finished first during the 2007 Geneva Freestyle Championships, IFMXF Night of the Jumps Italy event, and the 2007 X Pilots competition. In addition, Fitzpatrick placed second-overall during the Asian X Games. Growing up, Fitzpatrick was a skilled athlete. He spent six years training as a Junior Olympic diver, followed by a stint playing high school football, before reaching the professional ranks in FMX. Fitzpatrick currently lives on his family’s 53-acre vineyard in Temecula, CA, which houses his state-of-the-art training compound where the globe’s top FMX riders frequent, including his Nuclear Cowboyz colleagues. Fitzpatrick one day hopes to expand the family business with his brothers by opening a brewery as part of the vineyard. JAMES CARTER Hometown: Lancaster, CA Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: September 4, 1989 Riding Experience: 14 years James Carter has been frequenting the freestyle motocross (FMX) scene for over 14 years. Carter began riding dirt bikes at age 10 and by the age of 18 joined the pro ranks competing on the International Freestyle Motocross Association (IFMA) FMX tour and a handful of other freestyle events across the globe. Carter has earned first place at the ASA World Championships, X Pilots and IFMXF event. In 2012, Carter’s career was taken to the next level after receiving an invite to the Red Bull X Fighters competition. Unfortunately, an injury during practice placed his debut on hold. The 2014 Nuclear Cowboyz tour marks Carter’s first year riding with the show. DEREK GARLAND Hometown: San Clemente, CA Current Residence: Temecula, CA Date of Birth: June 5, 1985 Riding Experience: 17 years Growing up in San Clemente, CA, Derek Garland began riding dirt bikes at eight years old. He and his dad would frequently take trips out to the desert and let loose. Garland competed in his first freestyle motocross (FMX) show when he was 16 in Costa Mesa, CA. Those close to Garland know him as a silent, yet exceptionally talented FMX rider with a knack for smooth style and an inventory of difficult tricks.