by: Jared Bolton
Tuesday, December 30, 2014 | 3:15 PM
Austin Lee is a familiar name having claimed multiple Overall Amateur finishes over the past few seasons. For 2015 Austin will have a new look on a new machine in a new class. The Indiana native joins the Raines Riding University/Atlas Yamaha/Offroadviking.com team in the XC2 class. We caught up with Austin to find out more.
GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?
Austin Lee: Pretty good! Just going to try to do some testing on the new Kenda tires today, so should be a pretty fun day.
So you've got a new ride for 2015! Tell us about it.
Yeah, I'm riding for Raines Riding University/Atlas Yamaha/Offroadviking.com team for 2015. Ricky Russell and me will be riding the XC2 Pro Lites aboard the all new YZ250FX.
What's it like to be riding with such a strong team?
I'm thrilled to have this opportunity and work with such great people. I like working with Jason [Raines] and Dwayne [Leonard] from Atlas Yamaha. Also being able to go to Randy Hawkins’ place to test and ride will be nice too. I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out!
And what about the bike? How's the new yz250fx?
The new YZ250FX is phenomenal. It’s got really smooth power and turns on a dime. I definitely feel more comfortable on it already. I really can't wait to start really dialing this bike in and get back to GNCC Racing because I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.
You've been on KTM, Husaberg and Husqvarna for quite a while, all of which are pretty similar. What's it like making the switch to the Yamaha?
Yeah, you’re right I’ve never ridden anything else, so I didn't really know what to expect as far as how the Yamaha was going to feel. But, the first day I rode the YZ250FX I felt like I’d been on the Yamaha for years. I'm pretty satisfied with how fast I’ve adapted to the bike already and I can’t wait to put some more time on it and see just how much further I can progress on it.
What are the biggest differences between the Yamaha and the Husky?
They’re both great bikes for sure but the Yamaha seems to start a little bit faster and it turns on a dime which is always pretty nice.
Now you made the switch to a 4-stroke at the end of 2014, so did that help with the change to the Yamaha?
Yeah, I'm sure it didn't hurt (laughs). I’ve always rode a 2-stroke so when I first jumped on the Husqvarna 250F I had a lot of work to do to say the least. But within a few months of riding the 4-stroke I ended up finishing in the top 10 overall. So, I definitely feel comfortable on one and hopefully it’s exactly what I need to make it to the next level.
How do you feel making the jump to XC2?
I can't wait! It's going to be an exciting year for sure. I'm in better shape than I have been in years past and staying with Grant Baylor down in South Carolina is helping also. Hopefully we can come out in Florida swinging.
What do you hope to accomplish in 2015?
Well obviously everyone wants the championship, so that’s the ultimate goal but I’ll be happy with being in podium contention and staying consistent all season. It’s a tough class with a lot of tough competition but I feel like I can be a contender with the right amount of work.
What about beyond 2015?
Beyond 2015, I hope I'm defending the XC2 number one plate in 2016. I really don't want to be in XC2 very long but we’ll see how it goes. I want to go up to XC1 and compete for the championship in the premier class.
Alright, before we wrap it up, who would you like to thank?
First off, thanks for having me today. My mom, dad and sister for making this all possible, without them I wouldn't be where I'm at today. Raines Riding University/Atlas Yamaha/Offroadviking.com, Kenda, GYTR, Yamalube, DP Brakes, Enduro Engineering, FMF, IMS, Rekluse, Gaerne, Scott goggles, CV4, Fasst Flex bars, Stickman Graphics, Factory Connection, Leatt, Galfer USA, Unabiker, Flight School, Andy Koontz, Brett Busick, Robert and Scarlett Williams, and everyone else that helps out, thanks a lot!