Coming into the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA National MotocrossChampionship, Mike Alessi was no doubt marked to be a series contender. When his rival, Ryan Villopoto, went down at Hangtown , Alessi became the front runner. Let's be honest, Mike was just flat out flying and with Villopoto undergoing knee surgery there really hadn't been anyone that stepped up to the lap times Mike was throwing down. Going into High Point, it looked like Mike was going to possibly run away with the series, but that wasn't meant to be.The week of High Point Mike suffered a knee injury, fracturing his left patella cup (knee cap). We caught up with Mike right after his surgery to get his perspective on things.

BB: I first learned that you had a strong faith when I heard you giving thanks to Jesus Christ during a podium interview. Is your faith something that came about through sharing with a friend or fellow racer, or did you grow up in a family with a strong Christian lifestyle?
Mike Alessi: I was raised by my mom to always trust in the lord and he will guideyou. Everything happens for a reason and GOD has a greater plan for everyone.

BB: Do you get many opportunities to share your faith with others?
MA: I try to share my faith as much as I can. When I am not racing, I goto church.

BB: Is your faith more of a motivating factor on race day, or in preparing for a new season?
MA: I feel my faith is more of a knowing if I give praise and thanks tothe Lord he will guide me and give me the strength to conquer all things, to keep me safe.

BB: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, why that one?
MA: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

BB: I'm sure you've been asked this a million times, but after that horrific crash at Red Bud and then the injury while practicing for your "come back," how did you use your faith to overcome such adversity?
MA: For me, I believe everything happens for a reason and even thoughboth crashes may have been bad, something was telling me to either slow down orto save myself for something bigger that was to come.

BB: You and Jeff both race professionally. As brothers on different teams, do you get the chance to share a moment of prayer together before races when you're racing the same class?
MA: Jeff and I don't really see much of each other on race day, but we doboth pray before we go out and ride.

After we conducted this interview Mike Alessi returned to the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Nationals at Thurndervalley, CO. He only missed oneround and made the quick return with a hunger to win a National Championship. His return, however, was short lived and he and Josh Grant came together after a half lap into the first moto. Alessi hit the ground and reinjuried his knee.He had to have surgery on his knee again and will most likely be done for the rest of the summer. Heal up Mike, you are in our prayers.