by: Jared Bolton
Tuesday, February 11, 2014 | 3:00 PM
Adam Bonneur claimed back-to-back Open-A championships in 2011 and 2012 before making the move to the XC1 class for 2013. With his rookie XC1 season in the books, and riding aboard a new brand for 2014, Bonneur is looking forward to a successful 2014 season. We caught up with Adam to find out more.
GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?
Adam Bonneur: Oh just wonderful. A casual -25 F degrees here in Morrison IL. Still have over 2 feet of snow everywhere and I've had 2 flat tires in the past week (laughs). Other than that, I'm beyond ready to head south!
How have you been spending your winter break?
Shoveling... Great work out! My girlfriend Kayleigh moved 2 hours north to my hometown so she's been a great work out buddy until recently. She had surgery to correct a joint in her foot, but she's on the mend and all is well. I just took a trip to Wisconsin to try my hand at ice racing on a lake. The great Jeff Ferdette does quite a bit of it around these parts, as well as other good friends of mine, so when the opportunity and a bike to race arose, I jumped at the chance. It was a 3 hour team race and after an hour and a half on the ice, I was happy it was a team event. I also took a trip to Ray's Mountain Bike Park in Milwaukee with my good friends Tyson Emery, Duell Murphy and Derrik Allen. If you ever get a chance to go to that place. Do NOT hesitate! You won't be sorry. There’s a second location in Cleveland that I've heard is even bigger but I had an absolute blast at that place. They have everything. And it was 60 degrees inside, so that was an awesome bonus (laughs).
Sounds like a fun off-season! But, are you ready to get back to the swing of things?
Very much. Being normal for those 3 months is a blessing and a curse. Mainly lets my bank account balance back out.
So tell us about your new ride.
Woodstock KTM has more than stepped up for me in 2014. A good friend of mine, Ryan Moss, has been working with Woodstock for a year or so now I believe, and recommended we get together and see what we could do for each other. Originally the motorcycle shop in Woodstock Illinois is a Harley Davidson dealer and have just recently dipped their toes into KTM. But after my first trip up there I found out that they all ride, or are motocross or off-road enthusiasts. Doug Jackson has been so welcoming and supportive it's been a huge help in keeping me racing in 2014. Also Sam Shafer has been so helpful in getting things lined up and helping me get things together.
You've been on the Kawasaki for several years, what's it been like making the switch?
This is actually my first orange bike. So, it's a lot to get used to. 13mm and 6mm bolts, torx heads. My shop is all backwards now (laughs). My orange buddies phones have been buzzing off the hook with questions! Otherwise, it’s still got 2 wheels and a throttle, so I'm finding the switch pretty easy on the riding end.
What are the biggest differences between the bikes?
I haven't gotten to spend much time on the KTM yet. All of November Woodstock let me borrow a brand new 350 to try out, and I borrowed a 2013 KTM 450 from my good friend Greg Breat. I rode them all back to back. Did all the lap time research and all that. I ended up liking the 350 the best and it showed. It took the longest time to get used to the hydraulic clutch though. Otherwise, the 350 isn't far off from what I’m used to. A little bit of tuning and it already feels like my KX. I'm just missing my kick starter!
Do you feel like you'll be more competitive now?
I think the biggest factor for me next year will be working and testing with the Ride PG guys. I've heard a lot of good things about their methods and I'm excited to be on board. Pair that with the support and eagerness from Woodstock KTM I think it's going to benefit everyone.
So 2013 was your first year in XC1, how did it go for you?
2013 was a learning year no matter what way the results went. They may not have been what I wanted them to be. But they weren't terrible by any means and I'm healthy. I have knowledge I'm planning to apply in 2014 and hope to chip away at more single digit finishes.
What was the biggest highlight of the season for you?
One that comes to memory has to be Kentucky. Finishing that race was an accomplishment in itself for both man and machine. Not to mention it was my best finish in 2013. But also the Limestone GNCC was a good ride for me. Not my favorite track but I felt solid and confident with an 11th overall.
So with your rookie XC1 season under your belt, how do you feel coming into 2014?
I'm on the confident side of the fence. There’s some big names finally moving out of the XC2 class and I think that’ll help me. More familiar faces and competition to push myself.
What are your goals for 2014?
Single digits. Overalls and class. My biggest goal will be a top 5 finish, and building a good relationship with the people supporting me.
What will it take to accomplish that?
Being a bit more aggressive without the mistakes on my end. Hopefully the 350 allows me to be a bit smoother and I think with a little bit of luck and preparation I can achieve it. I know the top 5 speed is unreal right now but I don't think it's impossible for me. We all know with racing anything can happen.
Alright, before we wrap it up, who would you like to thank?
Woodstock KTM, Fly Racing, Ride PG, Maxxis, Sidi, EKS Brand, Nytro, Dirt Tricks, TM Designs, G2, FMF, IMS, Ogio, my parents, Ryan Moss, Kevin Weirsema, Kayleigh and the GM! And to anyone else I left out. Thanks again!