How's it going today?
It's going good. I just started my job at KTMWorld doing MXGP track maintenance today. I am learning to operate a dozer which is pretty darn cool. It's kind of my dream job since I always like playing in the dirt with heavy equipment. It's been a wild year though. I have been racing every weekend, graduated this past Saturday and did a mountain bike team race the same day, then started working today.

For those who don't know you, tell us about yourself.
Well I have been juggling high school, racing, and training. When we are not racing I like to mountain bike or jet ski. There is not much time for "normal" stuff except for our cool youth group at church and a little hanging out with friends at home, but I love racing and would not trade it for anything else.

How did you get started in the off-road world?
Well I started just riding around on our farm when I was 6. Then I did my first hare scramble when I was 12 and have been racing pretty much since then.

What has been the biggest accomplishment of your racing career?
It would have to be winning the Open A class in the NEPG National Enduros last year and earning a Pro ranking for that series. I have not done more than 3 or 4 GNCC's a year the past few years, but they are killer fun and glad we decided to give it a go this year.

Where do you hope to take your racing in the future?
I really want to be competitive with the faster guys in the Nationals and the GNCC's. Russell Bobbitt and Stew Baylor come from my neck of the woods so along with them and the other fast guys I have some serious work to do.

What's it like transitioning between the Enduros and GNCC?
It's not too bad really. This year the Nationals have been pretty open and fast, and the GNCC's have been more technical, so the courses are a little more similar.

What is the hardest part about making that transition each week?
I think it is figuring out the right strategy for the 3-hour endurance versus the sprint of the National tests. We have played around with a couple 3-hour strategies and think we have hit on a good combo right now.

How has your 2012 season gone so far?
I feel good about the GNCC's. Winning Florida boosted my confidence and I have felt pretty good about them. We had a mechanical at Georgia which was our first in a couple of years, but otherwise I have had consistent runs. I am a little disappointed with the National results but I will keep plugging away. The competition is stiffer every year.

What are your goals for the rest of the season?
I would like to win a few more GNCC's and challenge for the title. Adam is very consistent and it will be tough, especially with the depth of fast guys in our class. In the Enduros I really want to crack the Top 10 a race or two.

What do you think about the competition in the Open-A class?
Well of course Adam Bonneur is the defending champ and contends each race. Ryan Belue is very consistent and will always challenge. But there are 5 or 6 other guys that can win any given race. In 6 races we have had 5 winners. Justin Sode, Corey McDonald, and Chris Douglas are right there, among others. The class is pretty darn deep.

How are you feeling heading into another round of GNCC Racing this weekend?
I am very excited. I am always ready to go racing. 

What are your expectations for this event?
I loved the Kentucky race because it was more technical. And Adam and I went back and forth for 3 laps with close racing until the end. It was the most fun I have ever had for a 2nd place! I am hoping for a similar technical course this weekend, and really expect to contend for the win.

How are you preparing for the event, not really knowing a lot about what to expect out of the course?
I am just conditioning like I always do and preparing for rocks and roots. We have places like that in north Georgia - the terrain here is pretty diverse so I usually have no problem finding stuff to ride.

Who would you like to thank?
Definitely KTMWorld and Paul Wright. He helps us out a ton, and he gave me a killer job! Also all the folks there at KTMWorld - they are very supportive (special shout out to Barry - he reads my mind on suspension set-up). Also Mom and Dad, Sandy Coker, and M1L. And of course KlimUSA, Powersport Grafx, Enduro Engineering, FMF, and Scott. All the KTM mechanics and the support crew - they always come through if there is an issue at the race. And finally all the people that we go racing with that pitch in when there is a need. You know who you are. The off-road community is awesome to be a part of.