Jesi Stracham made a name for herself in GNCC Racing working her way through the Youth ATV ranks and into the Morning ATV race going head to head with the likes of the top Women’s class riders. After taking a few years off, Jesi has returned to GNCC Racing in 2013 and hopes to not just pick up where she left off, but improve upon that. We caught up with Jesi to find out more.

GNCCRacing.com: Hey Jesi, how's everything going today?
Jesi Stracham: Everything is going pretty good! Having some dinner with my family and working on the quad.

Sounds great! So, for those who don't know you, tell everyone a little about yourself.
I'm 20 years young, and I’m an Orthodontic Assistant studying to be an Orthodontist. I also waitress on the weekends when there isn’t a race, so that keeps me pretty busy, but, it doesn’t end there. I also go to the gym at least 5 nights per week and go to school full time online.

Wow, and I thought I was busy! You're actually a familiar name in the GNCCs but have been absent for a few years, what brought you back to GNCC Racing?
To be completely honest, I'm taking a personal health and wellness class in college, and I have to do a behavior change project. I chose to work out 3-5 days a week. I had nothing to work out for, so I told my family during one Sunday dinner, that I think I want to go back to GNCC. The decision was made the first week of February and here we are now. I’m pretty excited to be back because life is pretty boring without racing (laughs)

Before you took a break, tell us how your last full season of GNCC Racing went.
I finished out the 2009 season in fifth. My best finish was third at Snowshoe. I had a killer first full season in the morning class. 

And you were a pretty big name through the youth ranks and moving to the morning race, tell us about the earlier part of your racing career.
I was the first girl to get a youth podium, and I actually did it three times. I showed younger girls that they could do well against the boys in the modified class. Back then, there was no youth women's class, so to be someone that girls could look up to was pretty cool. 

What's been the biggest accomplishment of your career?
I had a lot of accomplishments that really mean a lot to me. I think the biggest is that it moved me from Canton, Ohio to North Carolina. You can ride almost year-round in North Carolina, so that was a pretty great decision. Also being in Pro Armor’s booth at the Indy Dealer Expo, that was such a cool event. Getting to go to California with GBC tires was great as well. GNCC racing really opened some awesome doors for me and I can explain how much they meant to me.

Now you actually showed back up at Big Buck last year. How did that race go for you?
The race didn't end well actually. At the end of the 2009 season I tore ligaments and cartilage in my collarbone and shoulder. About an hour into the race I started getting sharp shooting pains down my side and arm. I decided for my job’s sake to drop out of the race. If I went to the Orthodontist office on Monday hurt, Dr. Hanachi would be slightly upset (laughs)

This year, you're back full time. How's it gone so far?
It’s been interesting so far. We had some technical issues at the General and I didn't race River Ranch because I didn't feel I was prepared. I hope to come into Steele Creek and be on fire, it is kind of my home track. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the 2013 season?
I'm hoping to get enough momentum to get one Overall win. That's all I want. Well, and to make it through the season of course. 

You also just started riding a bike too, how's that been going?
I’ve grown a whole new respect for bike riders. It's been very interesting. I've taken one bad spill and have a few glory marks on my legs, but it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve had a pretty great teacher helping me out, so it’s getting better.

Do you have any plans of pulling double duty some this year?
I have some ideas about it, but I definitely have a lot of practice to do on the bike. I may want to also stop falling over and get over my fear of hills first (laughs)

How do you think the bike will help you with the quad?
There is so much standing on the bike, which is how I ride my quad most of the time, so that will make it easier to stand on the quad. I think the bike will make me a less lazy rider. Also, it is a great work out for my shoulders and legs. I'm having a blast cross training. Except the falling down part, that’s not too much fun.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future in GNCC Racing?
My goal is to be good enough to land a factory ride. I've always dreamed of being Traci Cecco, so hopefully I can make that dream come true. Honestly I'm just glad to be back. I missed my family and that’s what GNCC Racing is, a huge family. 

Spot on! Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
The fans that support me and cheer me on. I've been out of the sport for two long years and I still have a large following. That really means a lot to me. I also have to thank DeRisi Racing, GT Thunder, GPS Offroad Products and Seth Fargher, Holbert Truck and Trailer Service out of Charlotte, North Carolina, HMF, Klim Gear, G4 Graphics, EKS Brand, Pro Armor, and FastFlexx.My parents, sister and Zack for helping me live my dream and Rick Sosebee, anytime I need some advice on what to do next he is there. Also a special thanks to you, Jared for teaching me the whole dirt scooter thing!