While the focus of the race it typically on those running at the front of their respective class, there’s also many riders battling for the rest of the top 5 and top 10 finishes. In his first season of racing, Michael Shaffer landed a solid 7^th place finish in the 90 Open class. We caught up with Michael to talk about his 2012 season, plans for 2013 and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's everything going today?
Michael Shaffer: Pretty good, just getting the race quad ready for River Ranch which is right around the corner.

Yeah, speaking of that, we're really close to getting back to racing action, are you ready to go? 
Most definitely! I have been training and practicing a lot in my free time. But on the other hand my race quad is slowly getting there!

Alright, tell everyone a little about yourself.
My name is Michael Shaffer, but most of my friends and family call me Bubba.  I’m 14 years old, I live in Port Orange Florida, and attend Creekside Middle School. During the off season I’m a typical kid that likes to hang out with my friends, but when it comes to racing there's nothing else I would rather do.

So what's it like for you balancing school work with racing?
I’m not going to lie it is a bit difficult at times, but I push through school so that I can continue to race because racing is in my blood for sure. My Dad and Mom says bad grades equals no racing.

That’s how it was for me as a kid! Which is tougher for you?
They both are hard but in their own ways, but obviously school is more mentally tough and racing is more physical.  School is something I have to do and racing is what I live for.

Great comparison! How did your 2012 season go?
I was pretty excited just to hear that I would be able to race River Ranch.  Then my dad asked me if I wanted to try and race the rest of the series. I wasn't really prepared but definitely tried my best and hoped for everything to work out.  I wasn't really picturing myself doing very well for my first ever year of racing, but I tried hard and gave it my best shot. Once we figured out I was defiantly overpowered we had to try some new things which led to problems with the quad. All around though, I’m pretty happy with how I did.

What would you like to have done differently?
I would have definitely of liked to have had more time on the quad to work out all of its problems, but it is what it is. Also, I would have like to practiced more and be more prepared for all of the races.

How did it feel to put together a pretty good season your first year racing?
I was pretty happy with how I ended up. Getting 7th in my class and 10th overall, I never thought I could even get close to that, but I continued to keep running strong.  I couldn't believe when I finished 5th at the Mountaineer Run. After that I felt like I was getting somewhere, so it felt great. Overall, for the whole series I can’t complain at all.

What do you hope to accomplish in 2013?
I hope to get on the podium every race and to keep a consistent finish in each event. Also, I would like to get a win at some point, but I know that will be very hard with all the fast competition. Bring it on though, I'm ready!

How have your off-season races with FTR been going?
They’ve been going pretty good lately. It’s been different racing a 300, but I think it is definitely making me faster and a better rider. First FTR I ended up first on the 125 against the 300's (Laughs). Now I’m sitting second in points trying to work my way to first before the season ends. So, it’s been going pretty great.

How much of a help do you feel the FTR races have made for you?
The FTR has helped a lot in my opinion. Considering that 2012 was my first season racing, I need to do all I can to keep up with all these youth racers, but I guess I will see at River Ranch.

Are you going to be on top of your game at River Ranch now?
Yeah, I'm really determined and prepared for River Ranch. On the other hand, I just don't know if the quad is ready for River Ranch. It’s coming up pretty fast. I’m definitely ready though, really hoping all this hard work will pay off and I can pull off a top finish.

With all the racing you’ve been doing now, what do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope to work my way up to become a pro and be successful in my racing career. Also, I want get as fast as possible and be able to dominate. Of course, all of this is something that takes a lot of work and commitment, but I'm willing to do it if that's what it takes to make it as far as possible in racing!

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
First of all I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for sacrificing a lot to get me to each and every one of these races and all their support they give me. Also my Mei-Mei and Pop-Pop for everything they do for me, they are a huge help too.  Also J.R. for helping us on all of our last minute things, and being there when I need you! Thanks to Matt/Beaver for helping us out on everything you can! Big thanks to Seminole Powersports, Cycle Gear, Black Ops Moto, Leatt, Smith Optics, Fox Racing Shox, ATV Fourplay, JT Racing and Spider Graphix.  Also thank you to all my family and friends for all the ongoing support I get from everyone!