It’s no doubt that GNCC Racing is truly a family sport that everyone can take part in. A few months ago, we profiled Kara Merritt from the Women’s ATV ranks. This week, we caught up with her brother, Josh Merritt of the XC2 Pro-Am class to hear his side of the racing world.

GNCCRacing.com: How's everything going today? 
Josh Merritt: Everything is going great, today is almost over. I had a good day at work and had soccer practice that wore me out.

For the people that don't know you, tell us about yourself.
My name is Joshua Merritt. I am 19 years old. I race XC2 Pro-Am. I love racing, playing soccer, hanging out with my friends and flying airplanes

So, how did you get started in the racing world?
My dad raced a lot when he was younger and he was pretty good at motocross and hare scrambles, so when my sister was old enough she started racing dirt bikes. So then I came along and my dad started me out on the old 12 volt battery quad and my sister switched to a quad.  We then started to race our local series when I was old enough, and we have been in love with it since then.

What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career?
Biggest accomplishment would have to be winning the Youth Overall and the Super Mini class in 2008. Bill Ballance handed me the Youth Rider of the Year Award. Back in those days we had six guys on Cobras that could win each race, which made it very interesting. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
In the future I hope I'm battling with Walker Fowler for the overall. When we were little he always beat me. I have so many second place plaques, it's not even funny. So hopefully one day I can win that overall in the Pro class, but Walker and I will always be friends because we grew up together. 

How has your 2012 season been going?
The 2012 season has been up and down. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the races this year and I’ve had some bike problems, but overall I'm getting faster and my fitness is up there. It's just putting it all together now.

What do you hope to accomplish in the final rounds?
In the final rounds I would love to get a Top 3. It's been my dream to get back up on the podium. I still remember when I went up there when I was little. You had the excited, scared feeling. All your friends and family were looking at you and listening to you. That's what I want, and I will do anything for it. 

What are your goals for the end of the season?
I hope to better my overall standing by going for good finishes every race and leave nothing on the table. 

How do the final rounds suit you?
The final rounds have always been good to me. I don’t know if it's the tracks or the mindset, but in the past these tracks have been good to me. 

Which of final rounds do you expect to do the best at?
Ironman is probably my favorite track because there is a lot of passing and it’s open so you can really get on the throttle. 

Do you have plans for 2013 yet?
My plans for 2013 are to stay in XC2 Pro-Am and go for the championship. I know I have it in me.

Before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my mom and dad for putting up with the big parts bills from this year and coming years, my sister for pushing me to get faster and kind of being my trainer, Portage Lakes Marine, GYTR, GT Thunder, Big Nuts Racing, Cycra, AXA Financial, IMS, WHR, and my best bud/brother Levi Coen.