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Ballance Moto X Host
Bucky Covington's CMT Music Video
"It's Good to Be Us"
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| Bill
Ballance has built a reputation on dodging
trees in the GNCC series, but he is also
a pro caliber motocross racer, which is
very evident at any GNCC races that utilize
a motocross track |
Oakland, KY (10/23/2007) - Ballance
MotoX Park, operated by John Ballance, the uncle
of the seven-time GNCC champion Bill Ballance,
has become one of the premier ATV MX tracks in
the country. In 2006, the Ballance MotoX was added
to the ATVA Motocross National schedule, which
launched it into the national spotlight.
The Ballance MotoX track has been a choice location
for filming ATV videos, and recently the facility
was picked to be the backdrop for the new music
video “It’s Good To Be Us”.
The song is the second single released from the
debut album of country music artist, and former
American Idol contestant, Bucky Covington. The
video features Bucky and friends spending a day
at the track riding and racing and also contains
some FMX, including a backflip, courtesy of “Cowboy”
Kenny Bartram.
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Ballance
Moto X Motocross Track |
When Picture Vision (production company) first
presented Covington with the concept for his new
video, it was to be based on NASCAR, which didn’t
fly with Covington. Bucky and his twin brother
Rocky are avid motocrossers, and it was at Bucky’s
request that the video be centered around motocross.
Picture Vision looked at several national tracks
before they were steered in the direction of Ballance
MotoX. “They came out to check out the track,
and a week later they were out here shooting the
video.” Stated John Ballance, the man in
charge at the track.
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| Bill
Ballance running the Dozer at the Ballance
Moto X Track |
Ballance and the track staff had their work cut
out for them in preparation for the shoot. “We
had a race out here September 22-23rd, and they
were coming out here to do the video on the 25th.
Said John. “It was pretty hectic.” John,
who had a 1 ½ week old baby at home was definitely
feeling the pressure, but with a little help, did
an excellent job of getting things ready. “We
had about four or five guys out here prepping the
track and getting it ready.” He said. Surprisingly
there were no special requirements from the production
company as to how the track should be set up. “The
only thing we did was make sure the track was watered
so there wouldn’t be any dust and set up the
landing ramp that Kenny was using.” John Concluded.
The production company hired several actors and
actresses for the video, but also put out an open
casting call at the races the weekend prior to
filming. There were about 200 people that showed
up in hopes of being caught on camera and just
to watch what was going on. The film crew finished
setting up and filming began around 11:00am. “It
was a very large production. They had all kinds
of equipment and staff, it was a really neat experience
to be a part of.” John Said.
According to Ballance, everything went smoothly,
except for the fact that it was quite windy, which
was a concern for Kenny Bartram when he was hitting
the ramp. “Kenny did all kinds of tricks,
and then Bucky asked him if he would do a backflip.
Kenny was a little hesitant because of the wind,
but he agreed. He hit the ramp a couple more times
and then he went for it.” John stated. “It
was really neat to watch because it was sort of
on an uphill angle, so it looked like he was going
really big!”
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| John
Ballance - Ballance MotoX |
“Anyone who has been to or seen Ballance
MotoX in videos should be able to recognize the
track when they see Bucky’s video, but I
don’t know if it will help increase turnout
or anything like that.” Ballance said. “It
was just really great that Ballance MotoX could
be involved with something like this.”
According to Bucky Covington’s management
company, the video will be put into rotation on
CMT and also MTV with hopes that this video will
help make the song a top 10 hit for Covington.
Hopefully, it will also bring more recognition
to Ballance MotoX as well.
www.ballancemotox.com
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