Phillip Nicoletti – Past and Present
When you are watching the Supercross Lites races this season be sure to keep an eye out for the #175 KTM ridden by native New Yorker Phillip Nicoletti. Phil was born in Cochecton, NY. Those of us in the New England area are no stranger to seeing him race at a local track in our area. Whether you were there at Unadilla in 2006 for the Northeast Classic to see him dominate every event he entered, or at Broome-Tioga in 2008 when he took 3 NY State MX Championships, Phil has risen to the top and never forgotten his riding roots.
His career like any motocross rider has come with his share of injuries. Maybe one of his worst crashes was at Loretta Lynns in 2007 when his collarbone was nearly poking out of his skin. That day I think we all became aware of the true warrior and competitor Phil is. Continuing to ride in severe pain Phil managed to finish 3rd in the MX Lites A Pro class that day to finish behind no other than Trey Canard and Nico Izzi. In 2008 at the Atlanta Supercross race Phil was running strong in the top 5 before crashing with Ryan Villopoto. In 2009 yet another crash yielded him to leaving with a sprained wrist.
As most riders that try to reach the upper echelon of Motocross and Supercross racing, Phil has had his ups and downs. This year just may be the year he breaks out of that funk. A more mature and experienced rider, Phil has grasped a hold of what it takes to become one of the elite riders in the sport, hard work, extensive training, and the mindset to win.
His hard work is already paying off as this year in Supercross he had a qualifying heat finish of 6th and a Main finish of 16th at Anaheim 1. In Round 2 at Phoenix he improved and impressed with a qualifying heat finish of 3rd and a Main finish of 10th.
So whether you know him as “Flyin” Phil, or “Factory” Phil, this kid has definitely put in his hard work and dedication and his time is now. We at Get Dirty MX were very proud to have Phil strap on the very first Get Dirty MX helmet created by HotHedzDesigns at Anaheim 1 Supercross this year.
Good luck this season Phil, we have faith in you and we will all be rooting for you full force!
