How's it going today?
Hello there, I’m doing well. Just on my lunch break from work. My brother and I work with my dad all summer to help contribute to the racing bill. 

For those who don't know you, tell us about yourself.
I am from Ohio, I’ve been racing for 10 years. I am a Senior at the University of Mount Union. My brother, who is my biggest fan, races XC2. I started out on Mini Quads and moved up to the Women’s Novice for a year and then Women’s class 3 years ago. 

How did you get started in the off-road world?
My dad used to race a series in Ohio and when my brother was 3 and I was 6 he bought us both mini quads. That is the day it all started and we haven’t stopped from there.

What brought you to the GNCC Series?
My brother and I were racing a local series on mini quads and many of our friends that we raced against talked about these National races so we decided to try one out and it happened to be the John Penton, my favorite track. We fell in love with the GNCC series and have been racing ever since that day. 

You've been pretty consistent in 2012, what has been the key to doing so?
I believe for me the key to staying consistent is putting in the work off the track. Being in college and living away from home I don’t get the opportunity to ride or race on the off-weekends as much as I would like, so hitting the gym is important. I’ve been working closely with one of the Exercise Science Professors at my school and we have set up a plan for me that helps me get the same workout as if I was racing. 

What will it take to continue putting in solid rides this season?
Solid rides will come from good starts and staying up with the top girls, like Angel Atwell, to continue learning and growing as a racer. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the rest of 2012?
My goals for the rest of the 2012 season are just to continue to get better each race; I want to be in the fight for a position with the girls in my class on the last lap. Also, get better in the overall and eventually get on the podium. 

How tough is the competition in the Women's class?
This class is super tough! As you can tell it goes back and forth between the top girls and they are hard to beat. But they have also put in the time and deserve to be at the top. I think once girls like Kylie Ahart and I get the experience we will give those girls a new challenge here soon. 

What kind of advice would you give to any girls who want to ultimately achieve success in the Women's class?
Never, ever give up. This class is tough. I’ve been in it for three years and I have progressively gotten better, but it always seems like it’s one step forward and two steps back. Keeping your confidence up is key. 

What is the hardest part of being a female racer in a male dominated sport?
I think the hardest part is just being taken seriously. We are a threat to be reckoned with. We put in just as much work as the guys and we also expect to go out there and beat anyone and everyone. I believe Traci, Kristen and Angel have made the way for younger female racers to be taken seriously, even for me, especially in the Women’s Novice Class, Schoolboy A/B and the Girls’ class in the youth race. 

Are you ready to check out another new race venue?
I love new tracks! I think it’s awesome that we get new venues this year. It’s a rush to pull up to a venue and not really know what to expect. 

What do you think about the new tracks this season?
So far the new tracks have been hardcore hare scramble and I think most racers will agree it’s nice to get back down to our roots and get into the woods deeper than some other tracks provide. 


Which style course suits you better, technical or open?
I hate to admit this but open tracks suit me better. I always seem to do better on the faster tracks, but I am looking forward to getting better and have been practicing on the more technical tracks. 

Who would you like to thank?
I would first like to thank my Mom, Dad and my brother Josh. Secondly I would like to thank the Fowler Family, Pat and LP McGuire and the Shadron Family. And also GT Thunder, BNR, GBC, HiPer, Leatt, IMS, AXA, TwinAir, Fasst Company, X Country Photo, Precision, Cycra, and G-4 Graphics.