- Currently 5/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Offline 
10 Votes / 4,009 Views |
|
|
|
|
|
Maxxis 6 Hours of Missouri
As you can see I recently underwent a machine swap. I switched from my 1999 Yamaha Banshee to a 2006 YFZ 450 SE 50th Ann. Ed. I purchased the quad during the summer break and have put in some major wrench time to get it race ready. You can check out the before and after pics in my pictures section of my profile. I'm in the process getting seat time to get used to the switch so I elected to work my first race with it. I am very happy with the switch between the two but I do miss that burst of speed and the thrill that my Banshee gave me. I was able to take it to Cooperland in Stillwater, OK and get some riding time in and hopefully I will be ready to go for the next few races. What you may not know.
What inspires you to compete?
My main inspiration to compete was a tramatic experience when I was younger. I lost two very close friends in a car accedent and I swore after that day I would do everything I set my mind to. I will live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment with my family, friends, and loved ones. I believe every life is precious and everyone diserves a chance to succeed in whatever they might want to persue. I've always been a smaller than average person and since I was little I've always been told by people who do not know me that I can't do certain things only to turn around and prove them wrong. I'm out there to make friends, have a great time, and race.
Music?
The more the better. I listen to all types of music and its not unusual for me to show up at the starting line with my headphones on under my helmet. Music gets me in a rythme and keeps me smoothe. It can inspire you to push yourself and it takes your mind off of the task at hand and lets your reflexes take over.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a big kid. I want to continue to enjoy life through the eyes of a child.
Do you train? What does your schedule look like?
When I have the time, you'll see me either out at a local riding area or down on private property on my track in progress. I add new and more challenging obsticles regularly to keep my mind and body in check when I race. Schedule wise my week is full. Between college and work I don't get a huge ammount of time to ride so I utilize it when I can. There is nothing better than even just a short ride to soothe your mind from a hard day of anything.
How's Life Treating You?
Life couldn't be much better at the moment. I'm quickly approaching my graduation and degree so I'm sorting out where I want to go after and my feet are nice and wet in the racing arena so things are great. I'm taking one day at a time and thanking God for ever breath I take.
What is your favorite part of riding?
The feel of the track as you race it. When your out there, you have to remember your racing it, not your competitors. The thrill of beating the track as fast as you can is such a rush.
What is your least favorite part of riding?
Having to stop. I love every part of riding. If I could afford to, I would spend every day riding to make myself better but life calls and you have to answer the ring. I try to put in as much time as possible even if its just a quick 15-30 minute ride around.
What inspired you to try racing?
It was completely accedental. I was trying to find new places to ride because I was getting bored with a local riding area when I came across the organization (www.occra.com) I did and I met a few people that raced and they told me about how much fun it was. I finally tried it once and was hooked. I had a bad first try at it, but now my quad is more reliable than ever before and I plan on making a chase for my class title.
Why XC instead of MX?
I like to ride and to take some jumps every now and again but there is nothing more exilarating than 3rd gear in the woods. I have to go to work on monday so casing a jump is out of the question for me. Its fun every once and a while but as for racing my heart plays in the woods.
Are you happy with the switch in quads this year?
Well, since I bought the 450 this is the very question I've been ask countless times. In all honesty, there will never be a quad that can replace the smile that my Banshee would plaster on your face. But the sad reality is that for what I'm interested in doing, technology has bypassed the brute force and speed of the Banshee. So I must say that I like both of them for different reasons. The Banshee is a legend among legends in the quad family and nothing can replace that. But eventually every quad must be retired, no matter how great it is.
2007 Maxxis 6 Hours of ATV America, Greenville, Texas. |
|
|
|
|
|
|