GNCC Racing

Tuesday Toolbox: Craig DeLong

Tuesday Toolbox: Craig DeLong

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 | 12:05 PM
by:
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 | 12:05 PM

Craig Delong, younger brother of XC1 contender Andrew Delong, has been had an impressive 2014 season thus far, with 3 250-A class wins in a row. With his eyes on the 250-A championship, we caught up with Craig to talk about his 2014 season and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?
Craig Delong: It's going good! Just got home from school and getting ready to go ride.

So are you all recovered from Loretta's?
Yeah,  I'm feeling much better than after race.  Monday was a little rough but now I'm feeling good.

How did the race go for you?
The race went good.  I got off to a great start and worked my way through the other A riders that started in front of me .  When Mike [Witkowski], Austin [Lee] and myself got around everyone it was a three way battle for most of the race.  Heading into to the last lap I was able to pull a small lead and bring it into the finish.

Craig DeLong has had 3 consecutive wins in the 250 A class
Craig DeLong has had 3 consecutive wins in the 250 A class Photo: Ken Hill

That's 3 wins in a row for you too, how's that feel?
It feels awesome.  All my training has been starting to pay off.

The 250-A class is pretty competitive this season. What's it like racing with those guys?
Racing with the 250 A Class is fun.   You never know who is going to be at the top of their game and challenging for the win.  So far this year Mike, Austin and I have had great battles and makes racing more interesting.

So you've definitely got to be on top of your game the whole race!
Oh yeah, no doubt! With the way these guys are all riding this season, you definitely have to be on top of your game and make as few mistakes as possible.

DeLong is determined to win the 250 A Championship this year
DeLong is determined to win the 250 A Championship this year Photo: Ken Hill

What will it take to keep getting wins?
Keep working hard during the week and not making mistakes that will throw your day away.

And what about that illusive Top Amateur spot? That's always a big goal for all of you guys.
Yeah, the Top Amateur spot has always been a goal of mine ever since I started racing in the main event. To be able to win my first one this year at the first round was a big confidence booster in my racing.

What do you hope to accomplish throughout the rest of the 2014 season?
I hope to continue winning races and Top Amateur's and hopefully win the 250 A class and be the Top Amateur of 2014.

Do you have any plans in mind for 2015 yet?
My plans for 2015 are to move up and compete in the XC2 class.

Winning the Top Amateur Award was a confidence booster for DeLong
Winning the Top Amateur Award was a confidence booster for DeLong Photo: photographer

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope to win an XC2 championship first, and after that I hope to be lining up on the front line with the rest of the XC1 class!

What will it take to make that happen?
Lots of dedication and hard work to build yourself into a championship contender.

Before we wrap this up, who do you want to thank?
I'd like to thank  my mom, dad , Andrew for all their support , Husqvarna North America, Andy Jefferson, Maxxis Tires, Moose Racing, Enduro Engineering, Motorcycle Superstore, Jay Hall from Hall's Cycle, Powersport Grafx, All Balls Racing, Solid Performance, G2 Throttle Tubes, FMF, DeLong's Exxon, Friends and Family.