by: Jared Bolton
Tuesday, April 8, 2014 | 11:25 AM
Not to be confused with the Hunter Williams running up front in the Youth ranks, the other Hunter Williams currently leads the ultra-competitive Open-A class points after 3 rounds. Having finished 3rd in the final points in 2012, Hunter took a break from national competition in 2013 but has returned to GNCC Racing for 2014. We caught up with Hunter to chat about his 2014 season and more.
GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?
Hunter Williams: It’s going great! Just got in from the shop from getting the new Husky ready to break in this week.
So you're no stranger to GNCC Racing but you skipped the 2013 season. What were you up to?
Yeah, last year we took a break from the national series to get a break from the rush that two national series can put on you. I raced the SORCS series for 2013 and had a blast! That series has come a long ways over the past 5 or so years. It's such a fun series to run.
How did it feel to take the SORCS Overall Championship last season?
It felt great! It's always fun to run a series that is close to home where you know a lot of lifelong racing buddies are there to cheer you on.
So now you're back to GNCC Racing, tell us how it’s been going.
I was super excited for round one this season. It had been too long since I rode a GNCC. Now that a few rounds are behind us we have all the kinks worked out and we’re looking forward to the rest of the remaining 10 races.
Now, you're actually leading the Open-A class points. How crazy has that class been so far this season?
It’s been a crazy first three rounds for the points shake down. Nobody in the class could seem to be consistent, but with the way the weather has treated us it’s a wonder anyone can. I’m excited to be leading the points coming into Big Buck.
What about the mud? How have you liked that?
I tend to like the mud. This year I made a switch to a Husqvarna TC 450. The power of the 450 has really helped in the mud when it comes to needing to get out of bad situations quick. But after three rounds in the mud, I'm ready for a race with primo conditions. (Laughs)
So what do you hope to accomplish through the rest of the 2014 season?
My goal for the rest of the season is to move into the overall amateur spot. It’ll be tough. Some of the boys in other classes have already laid down some good overall finishes. But I think I can do it!
What will it take to come away with the class championship?
It’s going to take more consistent finishes along with wins to come out with the class win. And of course determination is always a big key.
Open-A is always one of the tougher classes too, tell us what the competition is like.
Yeah, past years the Open A class has had some fast dudes come out of it. Adam Bonneur and Justin Sode are two that come to mind, and they’ve both moved into the pro ranks. Even after three rounds we’re still not 100% sure who the competition is. The tough conditions of the races have caused some riders to finish fairly inconsistent.
What about beyond 2014? What do you hope to accomplish in the future.
After this season I still plan on racing and going after championships. I don't think I will ever lose the desire to stop wanting the number one plate.
Now, you actually have a pretty cool day job. Tell everyone what you do.
Well, 6 hours every morning I spend hanging off the back of a garbage truck. I start working early in the morning and I’m usually at the gym or headed riding around two in the afternoon. You just had to pick on me there, huh Bolt-On? (Laughs) Nah, it’s a really fun job and a great workout as well. Picking up five thousand pounds a day is a workout!
And it's actually not as bad as people think, is it?
In the summer time it can be rough at times when it’s hot, but for the most part it’s definitely not what people think.
Do you ever find anything cool?
Uh, well, occasionally you will find some cool things. More often you find things on the unusual side. You can use your own imagination there. (Laughs)
Alright, before we wrap this up, who do you want to thank?
Most importantly The Lord for blessing me in all that I do. My parents have played the biggest role in my racing career; they give up so much to take me racing every weekend. Thank you to all of my sponsors helping me out this year, Bart Hayes at Ride PG Powersports, Powersport Grafx, FMF, and Moose Racing. Thank you to all of my fans on and off the track that are cheering me on! I also want to give a special thanks to Woody Bramlett for taking care of my race bike this year and keeping it in top shape. I could not do it without everyone! Thank you all.