Nico Izzi, origionally from Rochester MI and now residing in Southern California, jumped into the pro ranks late in the 2007 AMA outdoor nationals as a member of one of the most anticipated graduate classes to debut in recent history. With over 100 titles, some of which included wins at the Loretta Lynn Air Nautiques Amateur National Championships. He quietly rode to tenth overall in his first pro appearance at Millville and backed that up the next week with solid 7-7 moto scores to grab a top-five finish. Although he finished in the top-ten in three of the four races he entered, Izzi’s success was seemingly overshadowed by the triumphs of fellow amateur standouts Trey Canard and Austin Stroupe.
When the 2008 Monster Energy/AMA Supercross Lites East series ramped up in Atlanta, it quickly became apparent that Izzi had spent his off-season honing his skills in the unique art of Supercross. Showcasing those skills, he landed on the podium next to Ryan Villopoto and amateur rival Trey Canard at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Though only the second Supercross of his career, Izzi quickly started turning heads. Nico had flashes of brilliance throughout the series but it was his ability to be consistent - a trait few rookies enjoy - that led him to an impressive third place overall in the 2008 championship. He walked away from his rookie season with two top-five finishes and an AMA Rookie of the Year Award. Fueled by the success of this rookie 2008 SX season, Izzi came into the nationals poised to battle for the championship. When the gate dropped at Glen Helen, though, he struggled and only managed to score points in two of the first four motos of the season.
Then came Thunder Valley, and Nico found his stride. The race came down to the final turn in moto one, in the end Nico found himself spraying champagne in celebration of his first outdoor national podium. The consistency that defined his outdoor season was back and a blazing fire was set inside of him. The final round at Steel City was upon him and he faced it with an aggressiveness that hadn’t previously been seen. He clawed his way to a career-best second place overall. Like most rookie seasons, Izzi’s first full year as a pro yielded some highs and lows. He walked away with two top-five championship finishes, the AMA Rookie of the Year award, and left us all with great anticipation of what his next season will bring. In 2009 Izzi rode strong through another season of SX Lites, having podium finishes in the first four rounds and taking third overall in the series, dispite a season ending crash at the final round. With severly injured feet and alkles Nico was not able to race any AMA outdoor Nationals in 2009 and began focusing on 2010. However, 2010 was a season to forget after injuries and illness severely affected his performance. While racing with DNA Shred Stix Star Racing Yamaha, Izzi fractured a bone in his foot and he wasn't able to finish the season. He took 17th overall in East Coast Supercross and 15th overall in AMA motocross - far from his best result to date. Hoping for better luck in 2011, Izzi started the year racing aboard the Honda of Troy/Kilbarger team, then switching late in the season to the AMA motocross series aboard a VMS Yamaha YZF450. The 2012 season brings the talented, still young rider, to the newly formed Star Valli Factory backed Yamaha Team with great anticipation. Izzi will contest the West Coast Supercross aboard and YZ250F, before moving to the 450 machine for the remainder of the year.
| Current Residence: |
Sun City, CA |
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| Date of Birth: |
07/17/1990 |
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| Height / Weight: |
5’7” / 155 lbs |
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| Year Turned Pro: |
2007 |
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| Goals: |
WSX Championship |
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| Bike: |
YZ250F & YZ450F |
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| Mechanic: |
Eddie Laret |
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| Class: |
Supercross 250 West & Motocross 450 |
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| Race Number: |
# 50 |
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| Favorite Track: |
Red Bud MI |
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| Favorite Obstacle: |
Corners |
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| Training: |
Swim/Gym/Cardio |
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| Favorite Food: |
Italian |
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| Music: |
Rap Hits |
RACING HIGHLIGHTS
2011: 25th (ESX), 20th (250 MX)
2010: 17th (ESX), 15th (250 MX)
2009: 3rd (ESX)
2008: 3rd (ESX), 5th (250 MX)
2007: 23rd (250 MX)
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