About

When Ivan turned pro in 1999, he was about to embark on a journey that has since been overlooked. He started as a full-fledged privateer and slowly worked his way towards the top of his class. He scored his first satellite team ride with Plano Honda for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. His speed indoors got him an impressive fifth overall in the ’01 125 West Coast Supercross series as well as some much-needed attention.

In 2002 - 2003 Ivan signed a ride with the Boost Mobile/Yamaha of Troy team. He finished a strong 3rd place in the 125 West Supercross series. In his last year with the Boost Mobile team, he did win a race on a YZ125 two-stroke, made it through the grueling 125 outdoor series with a solid 8th overall, proving that he was a legitimate threat outdoors as well as in the stadiums. His these results he caught the eye of Pro Circuit Kawasaki boss Mitch Payton.

The Pro Circuit Kawasaki team was exactly where Ivan needed to be in 2004. He adapted well to the green machines and absolutely dominated the West Coast Supercross series. He lost only one main event, to Honda’s Nathan Ramsey, and finally earned an AMA number-one plate with his name on it. He had some ups and downs during the outdoor season but ended 2004 with a AMA 125 Supercross championship and a sixth place finish in the AMA Motocross Nationals.

“Hot Sauce” owned 2005 in the 125 class. He rode his Monster Energy Kawasaki, with a giant number-one plate on it, to successfully defend his West Coast Supercross Championship. He didn’t enjoy the same dominating performance as the previous season, but instead showed his consistency to take the title from Nathan Ramsey once again. Ivan also came into the ’05 outdoor season more prepared than ever. With a late-season charge, he put himself in a position to take the title at the last round at Glen Helen. He wrapped up a stellar season of motocross by playing a major role in Team USA’s victory at the Motocross des Nations in France that fall. As if that weren’t enough for one season, he also signed on to be Ricky Carmichael’s wingman under the Makita Suzuki tent for 2006.

The 2007 Supercross Series was supposed to be the season where Ivan stepped up and filled the oversized shoes of his teammate, the GOAT. Even though Ivan rode consistent during the supercross season once again, he just didn’t show the same brilliance that won him two 125 supercross championships. In 2008 he moved to the coveted Factory Honda squad, and unfortunately had to pull out of that series early due to injury.

If there is one thing that being a privateer has taught Ivan, it's that if you put in the hard work and you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Once Ivan is healthy you will find him where he belongs... at the front of the pack.  

Career Highlights
2003: 8th AMA 125cc Chevrolet Motocross Championship/ 10th AMA 125cc East Supercross Series.
2004: 8th AMA 125cc Chevrolet Motocross Championship/ AMA 125cc West Supercross Series Champion.
2005: AMA 125cc Motocross Champion/ THQ AMA 125cc West Supercross Series Champion.
2006: 4th Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Championship.