So when did you turn pro?
I was 17, still in High School! I was able to run the #14 in 2006. And then in 2007, I became part of “The Killer Bees.” That was the term given to three of us with the last name starting with “B.” Balance, Borich and Bithell. Those were good times! The three of us would battle it out. I was still really young, finishing up High School for the first part of that year.

Was school pretty cool about letting you out to go race?
Oh yeah. There were really no problems. I could always take a Friday off to travel to a National. I raced a lot! It seemed every weekend there was something. I would race the nationals, and then a local hare scramble or a District 5 motocross. I also did High Point Motocross. I had a great group of friends. It was funny, back then, I would have to borrow motocross tires and wheels to go do some of this stuff. Nowadays, I just pick up the phone and make a call or a text and get what I need. I’ve met so many people along the way. So many good people that I call friends!

You have been in the Pro ranks for 10 seasons! That’s a good run!
For sure! And it can take over your life when you are your own mechanic! I was fortunate to ride for Can-Am for 5 of those years, 2008 to 2012. I guess that’s half my career. During that time, I had a race bike mechanic and a lot of support to do what I loved doing. I did have to take care of my practice bike and working on a DS450 can be a career in itself! But they were a good company. I know they supported the series as a title sponsor for a while. As a rider, I wished they would have put that money into product development instead of marketing, but there at the end, I had a great crew! I loved running with the Warnert Racing Team. I’d say I made friends for life through the experience.

Well, the rumors have been circulating that this might be your last year?
That’s true. I hate to say goodbye. It’s been a rewarding career, but I have responsibilities outside the racetrack. I got married last year. We have 100 acres, horses, life responsibilities! I don’t know if people understand how ragged you have to run without factory support at the pro level. My little brother, Jamie, has stepped in this year to help out some. But there has to be an end. I’m going to try to finish the season strong. At work, we are in a big project right now. I’m hoping to have a weekend available when Unadilla comes around.

Well, for a “last season,” it sure has been a good one! You’re sitting within striking distance of the top 5 AND have a win at the Limestone 100!
That was a great race! That was truthfully a little unexpected. It was so cool to get that before I retire. The rest of the season hasn’t exactly gone the way I want. It’s just tough when there’s no time to ride or even work on the bike. Like I said, it’s all I can do to load the truck up Friday night and make it to the track Saturday morning. So yeah. It was awesome to get that win!

You’ve had several wins over your career. What’s the most memorable?   
I’d have to say it was probably my first win back in 2007 at Yadkinville, NC. That was part of the Killer Bee’s days! It was a Ballance/Borich dominated year and I slipped one in there. It was a day where everything went right! My little brother won his class in the “A” division. It was tight, dusty and hot. Everything went like it should and it’s one of my greatest memories!

You’ve made many memories through the years! I was privileged to officiate your wedding last year. That was memorable! And I know Chelsea has been a big part of your program. How did you two meet?
We’ve known each other since high school days but didn’t start dating until after graduation. We dated 7 years before I popped the question, which was almost two years ago at Thanksgiving. We got married last year and just celebrated our one year anniversary a couple weeks ago! And you’re right, she is a big part of my program! She’s into horses and doing really well. We have a little farm with 100 acres. That keeps me busy between races, too! I mow grass, bale hay, work 60 hours. I look forward to retiring until I think about all the friends I have. I was at Chris Borich’s wedding and reception over the summer. Just hanging out with everyone was so comfortable. I’m going to miss all the friends I’ve made.

So is this the “End of the end” or will you make some appearances next year?
Depending on the work schedule, I’d like to come back for the UTV rounds. I really enjoy riding shotgun with Kyle Chaney. We’ve become a good team. I know what to look for, how he drives, what he’s capable of. It’s a good fit and I have a ball!