Brad Bakken is one another one of the names you hear as a threat in the XC2 class. With success in both the GNCC and National Enduro Series, Brad picked up a ride with the Obermeyer/Raines Racing/OffroadViking.com team this year. We caught up with Brad to hear about his 2012 season, and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?
Brad Bakken: It’s pretty good, just about to head to work and then load up the trailer to go to a VCHSS race this weekend.

Can you believe there are only 3 rounds of GNCC racing left?
Yeah it’s pretty crazy, I feel like the season just started.

How have you done at these final tracks in the past?
Well, I’ve never actually been to Power Line Park. Just from looking at videos from there, one of my goals is just to make it through that mud hole every lap! The other two races I’ve only done once back in 2009 and I won them both in 250A, so I feel good about going back to them. 

What are your hopes for these rounds this year?
I really want to be back on the podium. Top 5’s for sure, but anything less than that, I won’t be happy.

How do you hope to finish the season out?
One of my goals from the beginning of the year has been to make sure to been in the top 5 in points at the end of the year.

You've had some solid top 5's this season, what is it going to take to jump up on the podium more?
I think me switching to the 250F is going to help me get back up there. Unadilla was my first race on the bike and I played it a little conservative because I didn’t exactly know what to expect. But with a race under my belt I feel I can push harder to the beginning of the race to stay up with those front guys.

How has the transition to the 250F treated you so far?
It’s been great! I’ve never ridden four strokes before, so I was a little nervous about switching over. But, I’m happy with the switch, everything besides getting the holeshots! YZ 250 2-strokes are holeshot machines!

Obviously both have their advantages but is the 4-stroke suiting you even better now?
It’s for sure suiting me better, it’s a blast to ride and it is always fun to ride something different.

What brought that switch about?
I just never felt 100% comfortable on the 250 2 stroke. I could never get it to handle the way I wanted it to. It had the strongest motor I’ve ever ridden, but without it handling the way I wanted it to I couldn’t ride it to its potential. So I opted to lose a little power with the 250F but, feel more comfortable on the bike.

So how has the rest of your 2012 season been going?
It’s been going pretty well, I am currently in 6th in points in the National Enduro series with 3 races to go. I’ve raced all of the Virginia races that I can, along with the TKO, FTR races, and a couple others. 

Do you have any plans for 2013 yet?
The plan is to be doing the same thing as I have been doing this season. The GNCC’s and National Enduros for the Obermeyer Yamaha, Raines Riding University, and Offroadviking.com Team.

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank Obermeyer Yamaha, Raines Riding University, Offroadviking.com, Fly Racing, Factory Connection, HBD Graphics, Kenda, X Brand, FTDs, FMF, Accelerade, Fastway, Rekluse, IMS, GPR, Sunstar, EBC, Unibiker, Zip-Ty, Wiesco, Gaerne, TM Designs, Pro Taper, GE, Am-Pro Yamaha, and a huge thanks to my parents, and girlfriend Desiree.