GNCC Racing

Tuesday Toolbox: Braxton McGee

Tuesday Toolbox: Braxton McGee

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 | 2:20 PM
by:
Tuesday, September 23, 2014 | 2:20 PM

Braxton McGee has put in a stellar 2014 season thus far and holds down the 4-Stroke B Lites points lead with just 2 rounds remaining. With his eyes set on the 4-Stroke A Lites class for the final rounds, we caught up with Braxton to talk about his 2014 season, plans for 2015 and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?

Braxton McGee: It's going good! Just hanging out getting some practice and workout time.

So are you recovered from the rocks of Mountain Ridge?

Yeah, I'm getting there (laughs) I had a blast even though the ground wasn't so kind to me. 

Braxton McGee has had some great battles throughout the 2014 season in the 4-Stroke B Lites class.
Braxton McGee has had some great battles throughout the 2014 season in the 4-Stroke B Lites class. Photo: Joyce Riddle

You had a great ride at Unadilla too. Tell us how that went.

Unadilla was a blast. I kind of wish we could've hit the sky shot but I still had a lot of fun there. The race went pretty good for me and I ended up with the 4-Stroke B Lites win and 55th overall, which put me as the top finishing B class rider.

What about the rest of your 2014 season? How's it been going?

2014 has been great to me so far, had some good battles with some tough riders. I've been lucky enough to snag several wins this season and hold down the 4-Stroke B Lites points lead.

With it being your first full season on big bikes, did you expect to do this well?

I always hope to do well but didn't expect to adapt to the 250F this fast.  I'm glad I did though and I've been enjoying my time on the big bike so far.

Since switching to the 3-hour race McGee has been training a lot more and making sure to believe in himself while racing.
Since switching to the 3-hour race McGee has been training a lot more and making sure to believe in himself while racing. Photo: David Robbins

What's it been like making the transition to the long, grueling, 3-hour race?

It's been tough and has required a lot more training but I think it's mostly a mind game. As long as you're able to believe in yourself and know that you can hang in there for the whole race, you can make it happen. 

What did you do to prepare yourself for that change?

I put in many more hours on the bike and in my training off the bike. Both of those have been a huge help to me this season. 

You've also been doing really well in the Mid-East Hare Scrambles. How's that been going this year?

Mid-East has been a blast and a good experience for me to help me with the longer and tougher tracks. I've been doing well there and I've even able to put in some good overall finishes as well.

How does it feel to be finishing so high in the overall?

I push every race to stay on the lead lap with hopes of getting a good overall and it feels great knowing my hard work has paid off.

With 2 rounds remaining, McGee is going to try out the 4-Stroke A Lites class. 
With 2 rounds remaining, McGee is going to try out the 4-Stroke A Lites class.  Photo: Joyce Riddle

What do you hope to accomplish through the rest of 2014?

From my calculations I think I have locked up the B class championship in both series, so it's time to move up to the A line for the final few races to get some experience racing tougher guys. 

Do you have any plans in mind for 2015?

My plans are to stay safe and continue riding and racing for next year in the A class. 

What do you hope to accomplish in 2015?

I would love to win the 4-Stroke A Lites class next year with more hard work. Also being able to take some Overall Amateur honors would be nice too.

McGee hopes to earn some Top Amateur Honors next year.
McGee hopes to earn some Top Amateur Honors next year. Photo: Joyce Riddle

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?

My family and sponsors have been great to me this season. My mom and dad work really hard to make sure I get to all the races, my grandparents, Stickman Graphx, Mad Man Cleaning Solutions, Kawasaki Team Green, Fly Racing, G2 Ergonomics, Atlas Cycles, Motovation Suspension, Dunlop, Ulrich Performance, Athena, Sunstar, Whaley Masonry, Kennedy Brothers INC, Beulaville Pharmacy, A&H Home Improvements, LLC, Pink Hill Chiropractor, Nate Wallace, my race families that helps with pit stops and last but no least GOD for keeping me safe and watching over me.