Another name in the long list of contenders in the Open-A class is Ohios Justin Sode. The Beta mounted rider took the Open-A class win at Powerline Park and looks to have 2^nd place in Open-A points all sealed up for the season. We caught up with Justin to find out about his 2012 season and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's everything going today? 
Justin Sode: It's going great! Got the camper unloaded and my bike washed, now I'm just relaxing enjoying the rest of the night.

How did you get into racing? 
I began riding at age 3, and began racing motocross when I turned 6. At age 11 I made the conversion to off-road. 

What brought you into the off-road world?
I got hurt a few times during my motocross career. Then my dad had me race a GNCC because he felt they were safer, and needless to say I fell in love with off-road racing. 

How did Power Line Park go for you?
Everything went perfect. Powerline Park is only 30 minutes from my house, so it’s basically in my backyard. I got a great start and ended up pulling the holeshot. I led the first lap then fell to 2nd, but by the end of the race I made my way back into 1st ending the day with the win and 21st overall. 

How did it feel to get that win?
It felt awesome! After I grabbed the win at Big Buck I have been in striking distance but just haven't been able to pull it off.

What is it going to take to get more of those in the final rounds?
I know I have what it takes to pull off wins at the final 2 rounds. I just need to stay smooth, make minimal mistakes and stay focused and charge during the whole 3 hours.

How has the rest of your 2012 season been going?
My season has been going great. I have been consistently inside the top 5 all season.

Sounds awesome! What has been the best part of your 2012 season?
Getting two class wins and breaking into the top 20 overall is definitely the highlight of my season.

What do you hope to accomplish in the final two rounds?
I'd love to win the final 2 rounds, but mainly I'd just like to finish in the top 20 overall.

What are your expectations for the final Open-A points standings?
I believe that I have 2nd place wrapped up in the GNCC and the National Enduro series’.

How tough has the competition in the Open-A class been this year?
It's ridiculous! In 11 rounds there have been 6 different winners. Adam Bonneur, Hunter Williams, Ryan Belue, Chris Douglas, Ted Mullins, Corey Macdonald”¦ You never know who you'll be racing with.

It’s definitely one of the more interesting classes to watch! So do you have any plans for 2013 yet?
Yeah, for 2013 I will be riding for American Beta aboard a 250RR in the XC2 class.

What's it like racing with those guys?
The racing is unreal! Even though each race we are all trying to win, we are all friends off of the track. I've gained memories this year that I'll never forget.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
A main goal I'd like to accomplish in the future is to win the XC2 championship and eventually move to the premier XC1 class.

What will it take to get there?
Well, there are a lot of other racer's that have the same goal, but it all comes down to who wants it more. Training will have to be turned up to another level, more testing on the bikes, and when it comes down to race day, no matter what happens or what obstacles you encounter you have to overcome and give it 110%

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
First off I'd like to thank my parents for everything they do for me, without them I wouldn't be where I am today. American Beta for all of the support, MX Motorsport's, FMF, Tucker Rocky, MSR, HBD Motografx, Kal-Gard, Scott, Enduro Engineering, CV4, Formation Cementing, Napa, and Polks.