Adam Bonneur stepped up to the XC1 ranks in 2013 after successful seasons in 2011 and 2012 taking home the Open-A championship both years. We caught up with Bonneur to hear about his 2013 season, making the transition to the front row and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today? 
Adam Bonneur: Pretty good! Got most of my things washed up by now and slumping back into the work week, planning for next weekend already (laughs)

So are you all recovered from The Gusher?
Yeah for the most part. Did some riding last night with my buddies at a GP style track. So I'm starting to loosen back up but I was really stiff on Monday (laughs). I spent a few brief moments on my head Sunday. 

How did it go for you? 
Some good, some bad. I just seem to make small mistakes here and there that are very costly in the XC1 class. Every time I would push myself, my front end would dive in a corner or wash out. But this is my 3rd race I've gotten to finish without problems since Snowshoe, so I was just happy to see the checkers.

Is there anything you would've liked to have done different throughout the race?
Well, other than keeping it up right, I had a solid day. I hate losing the lead group so quickly too but I put some solid laps in with XC2 rock stars Scotty Grills and Chris Douglas. I’m good friends with those guys so it makes it fun having buddies to ride with. 

What about the rest of your 2013 season, how's it been?
I feel like my results are just off par from what I expected. I didn't expect to have some break away result in XC1 but I am content with some of my overall numbers. I had some unfortunate luck in Unadilla where my fork leg unthreaded from my axle clamp. No clue as to why it happened other than this is the second season on those forks, so maybe the amount of time racing GNCC's has caused them to work loose? No idea. But if it can be broken, I seem to get the job done here as of lately. 

What was it like to make the transition out of the Open-A class straight to XC1?
The biggest change has probably been with lappers. You absolutely do not wait for them! Now granted, I thought I never did much waiting before. But I've found out that you pick a different line, any line, even if it means riding out to Iowa and back to get around them (laughs) There’s so much certainty in their riding style it's very impressive. Its little things like that I'm trying to learn as quick as possible. The rest of the transition was fairly easy and it's made things easier even to race GNCC's. Sign up line, picking a starting spot, all have been easier. So, it's been good!

What kind of advice would you give to other upcoming A riders about to make the jump to the pro classes?
Make sure you’re prepared. You’re out-numbered and out prepped in every aspect 100 to 1. Do your best. Do ask much as you can. Get your rest. Get your exercise. A quote from a great philosopher comes to mind who said ‘luck is when preparation meets opportunity’. And even then. Every dog has their day. So don't get too down on yourself when things don't go your way, and always try to better yourself. 

What is the toughest part of making that transition?
It's very hard to just watch the lead group just check out. I keep a few guys around me for a few laps. As well as a few from lead XC2 group. But it's easy to get discouraged and in a slump. But you learn to keep focused, your attention on the matters at hand. 

What all have you learned this season?
I’ve learned a lot, but the most important thing I've learned is surrounding yourself with people who want to achieve the same goals as yourself. People that want to see you succeed as bad, or worse than yourself. It's not about better people, it's about people that make a better you. 

So what would you like to accomplish in the final two rounds?
Top 10 overalls is within reach. Maybe even a top 5 if things go well enough! 

Do you have any plans for next season yet?
Nothing so far. I've had great people supporting me the past few years and am very grateful. I'm looking at different colors. I'm open to different sizes, strokes. No holds barred. I stuck with what I know for 2013 and it's been a great learning year but the funds are running low and reality is setting in. I'm in need of some support and hopefully I can find some good backing in 2014. 

You heard him folks, let’s get the guy some help! Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
Mom, Dad and my whole family. My girlfriend Kayleigh. My mechanic Kevin Weirsema. Fly Racing and everyone at Western Powersports! RidePG, Maxxis, Sidi and everyone at Motonation. EKS Brand goggles, Nytro Handguards, Velocity Suspension, Dirt Tricks Sprockets, G2 Ergonomics, and anyone else along the way that has been there to help, a thousand thank you’s go out to all of you.