by: Jared Bolton
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 | 2:50 PM
Brent Sturdivant is no stranger to the front row in GNCC Racing. After taking the last few years off to devote more time to work and his family, Brent is making a full-time return to racing in 2014. We caught up with Brent to talk about his plans for 2014, what he’s been staying busy with, and more.
GNCCRacing.com: How's everything going today?
Brent Sturdivant: It's going great! Doing a little work waiting for the closing time.
So, word on the street is you're looking to make a return to racing for 2014.
That's correct. I wasn't going to let the cat out of the bag this early, but things fell into place and if everything goes the way I want it tom I’ll be full time XC1. I’ll be on a Honda with ATV Four-play components.
We've seen you race a little here and there the last couple of years but you haven't really contested a full season since 2009, correct?
Yeah, sort of. I had planned to run full time in 2010 but broke my ankle and heel at Steele Creek that year. I came back from that at Millfield [John Penton], led that muddy race, and led some at Snowshoe too. During the summer break in 2010 I got married to my wonderful wife, Angie, but got ill right before the end of summer break. I ended up having my appendix rupture on me and fill my body with infection. It was a pretty nasty mess and that took me out for the rest of the season and took a huge toll on my body. So other than marriage, 2010 was horrible to me.
That’s rough! So what made you decide to come back?
The love of the sport and I feel that I’m still in my prime. I want to show people that I still have what it takes to be on the front line. I also have a lot of support here at home and I miss just being around at the track. I’ve had a podium and numerous top fives but fell like I can still get on the box.
What are the biggest differences in your eyes between when you last raced full-time and now?
The pace. This pace is nuts. Full blown wide open from start to finish. I remember just having a good time sometimes with those guys back in the day at the start of the race. Now it is all or nothing. If you’re not training, so long top 10 overall. We ran this pace a few years ago but not until the last part of the race, so that is a change for sure.
What will it take for you to get used to that?
Just time in the saddle racing. I’ll get used to it, just a few races and I should be fine, hopefully (laughs). Honestly, if I can get the starts and stay with some guys, I’ll be fine. It’s like riding a bike, it will come back… Eventually.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career?
The Can-Am support and Team Warnert. I mean, I think it’s a dream to have a ride like that for a factory team. I had some ups and downs, sure, but Can-Am has helped this sport a ton. It was really a dream come true in that aspect. I should have more podiums and was in the contention to win some races but I have always felt my best finishes were yet to come.
How have you been spending your time away from full-time racing?
I was a Deputy Sheriff for a while here in Randolph County [West Virginia]. Now, I own my own used car lot. I love cars, always have, so it’s a lot of fun to do. I spend a lot of time on the road searching for cars to buy. My dad is retired and he goes with me most of the time, so it is good for me. Also, I have a 2-year-old daughter, Macie that is my pride and joy. She loves races, motors, cars, ATVs, mud, all that stuff. Gasoline runs through her veins which is a shock to my wife but I love it. She is an absolute joy to have around.
Wow. Definitely staying busy! So how has all of that been going for you?
I’m very blessed in my life. My family is healthy and business is going good. My wife is a RN but she takes care of a lot of things for us and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be racing at all. Brownie points for me on that one (laughs). I graduated college with a degree in Criminology but it just didn't work out that way. That’s how life goes. I bought a house, had a child, got married, and have just been through a lot since my last full season, just have been plain busy.
Have you been doing much training to get yourself back into the swing of things on the racing side?
Actually I’ve been doing more than I ever have in my career. Most guys say that to mess with competitors, but honestly I was 220 pounds when I hit some races last year. Woke up this morning to 194 so 26 pounds should make a difference. I still haven't got to ride as much as I want but hopefully in the next couple of weeks I’ll be at it. Cardio and strength are much better, just need some good ole seat time to polish it off.
What do you hope to accomplish in 2014?
Finish. I’ve had some crap luck in the past so I want to finish. I know I still have top 5 speed, just putting it altogether is what I’m after. I want some podiums, plain and simple. From there, we’ll see. I’m in the best shape of my life, at 29 years old I feel I still have it. I have the drive back better than ever hopefully the results will show.
What about beyond 2014, what do you hope to accomplish down the road?
I really want to help bring some riders up in this sport. I want to show some younger guys the ropes. I have some boys in mind that I’ve been trying to help already. That's the key in this sport, the younger generation is what keeps it alive. I don't want all the time, sweat, tears, and money to go to waste.
Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
Well I don't really have too many sponsors this year. I didn't feel right coming back in and saying ‘hey, I’m back, older, but give me stuff.’ (Laughs) So, I want to thank my wife Angie first. Without her I wouldn't make it through the day. My parents; my dad is my biggest fan but also the drive behind what I do. The rest of my family for their support. The local shops here in town, Elza Cycle and RG Honda. Ken Hill for awesome powder coating and pictures, he’s been a big supporter of mine from day one in this sport. Winners Circle designs for sick graphics. The quad is going to be off the chain this year, WV style! Tom at ATV Four-Play who’s been a huge supporter of mine throughout my career. Precision stabilizers, and also Teixeira Tech. Rob Teter and Teter Automotive for a place to train and ride. Also, to all those people who have supported me throughout my career in the past, thank you. Ellen Pritchard, I love you! I know she will read this. What a great person she is, and always so positive. I want to also send my thoughts and prayers to the McGuire Family for their recent loss of LP. The racing nation is one big family so loss is always a hard time.Thank you guys for the time, see you soon!