Jason Thomas is deep in a battle for his 2^nd XC2 class title. With the season about to wind down, Thomas hopes to put in a final push to take the championship before making the move to XC1 next season. We caught up with Thomas to find out more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's everything going today?
Jason Thomas: It's going pretty good today, just been taking a day off after a two day DirtWise school in Canada. Also I had to stay home waiting for a new phone as I dropped mine down the toilet last week.

Guess it didn’t survive the swim! So what have you been up to over the summer break other than dropping phones in toilets?
I’ve been busy doing schools over the break, and also I’ve been changing my training around with my trainer Joel at JYT so I can step it up for the last 4.

What's it been like doing the DirtWise schools with Wattsy?
Well I only did a few with Wattsy, and they were very good for me to watch and learn how to run a DirtWise School. Since then though, I’ve been traveling and doing them myself.

What do you think the riders learn the most?
The riders all learn the correct technique and thus become safer riders. We are able to do demonstrations so they can see exactly what they should be doing, as well as talking them through everything. They all learn so much.

Sounds like it’s worth it! You also did the Moto Enduro event in Ohio. How’d that go?
The fair race last week went awesome! I went and purchased my own KTM 125 and on the way home pulled in to race. The track was an endurocross style layout and there were a few top riders there. I led the main and had a race long battle with Thad Duvall but ultimately got second. All was good though seeing as the bike was straight out of the AOMC dealership and I won $700 for second. Pretty good for some rinky dink fair race!

What was it like racing your new 125?
The 125 was sensational, I haven't had that much fun on a bike since I was 16. Which is the last time I rode a 125, 13 years ago!

And we also hear you'll be back on a 2-stroke for the last 4 GNCCs, what brought on the change?
Yeah, I'm switching to a 2-stroke for the last four rounds, reasons are I have maxed out my spares budget on the four stroke and after the injector going out and costing me a race I have no confidence in the bike. I also feel that my stock 250f is lacking power of the built up 250 2-stroke that Grant is on.

Do you have any plans to race the 125 too?
We’ll have to see on that. I'm having fun on it and ripping lap times. If I was in a situation where I got to the last round with a points lead and a gap for some reason, then yes I would for sure.

Coming into the final rounds, you're sitting 2nd in XC2 class points. What do you hope to accomplish in those 4 races?
I plan on winning races, and if I'm not winning then I have to at least beat Grant. That’s my only goal. I'm working hard to win and win only. Nothing else will satisfy me.

What would it take to come away with another XC2 title?
I just need to beat Grant. It's only four rounds and only one person to beat, it could be a lot worse. The pressure is on him, not me. It’s his to lose at this point and I like that.

Next year you're having to make the move to the XC1, how do you feel about making the move?
I feel like it’s going to be very difficult. I don't think the rule of kicking guys out into XC1 is a good one because only 3 guys have a ride in that class and if I'm not top 3 I’ll be doing it off my own back. As an adult with bills, the point will come when I have to make a decision. The story would be different if there were ten factory rides like the old days but the support isn't there. I'm a smaller rider and I think I should be able to stay in XC2 if I want. I feel the rule just filters out riders who can't afford to ride at a top level, but are worthy of paychecks.

Do you have any plans laid out for 2014 yet?
Let’s get through 13 first (laughs) I would like to enjoy my Christmas this year though and know I'm going racing in 14

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
I really have to say a big thank you to both Shane Watts and his wife Carrie, they stepped up when no one else would and have really helped me live a decent life this year. With the schools I have a future and working with Shane I learn something new every day. Not just in my riding but overall life skills. And also think you to the great sponsors we have on board, Maxxis, AOMC, Ktm-parts.com, Klim, Smith, Stuk MX, Highland Temp Works, Lazy Days RV, G2, Enduro Spec, Flex, FMF, TM Designs, Leatt, Balistreri Customs, Rockwell, Rescue Pegs, Asterisk, TCX, DP, and Dirt Tricks.