GNCC Racing

Tuesday Toolbox: Cole Mattison

Tuesday Toolbox: Cole Mattison

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | 3:00 PM
by:
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | 3:00 PM

Cole Mattison wrapped up the 2014 Youth Bike Overall championship at The Ironman. After coming up a little short of the title in 2013, Mattison put in a stellar 2014 season and was able to bounce back to take the title. We caught up with Cole to talk about his 2014 season, plans for the future and more.

GNCCRacing.com: How's it going today?
Cole Mattison: It's going great! Just hanging out at the shop.

So can you believe that the 2014 season has already come to a close?
Not really. It seems like we just started the season yesterday and now it's already over, but I guess time flies when you're having fun.

Cole Mattison had a great 2014 GNCC season
Cole Mattison had a great 2014 GNCC season Photo: Ken Hill

And your season went awesome. Tell us about it.
It was great. I was able to pull off the Youth Overall title. Last year it came down to the last round between Braxton McGee and myself. Braxton edged me out last year but luckily this year I was able to make it happen.

After coming up a little short last year, you claimed the title this year, how does it feel?
It definitely feels pretty awesome. Coming into the season that was definitely my main goal, and to be able to accomplish that is great.

Were you pretty confident coming into the season that you could make it happen?
A bit, yes. There's a lot of fast riders in the Super Mini ranks though, so it definitely wasn't a walk in the park. I had my work cut out for me but I'm glad I could take the title.

Mattison took home the number one plate for the 2014 Bike Youth Championship
Mattison took home the number one plate for the 2014 Bike Youth Championship Photo: Ken Hill

So I guess we'll be seeing you on a big bike next season?
Yeah, that's my plan. I've been riding one a bit at some local races to help get me ready, so hopefully it'll be a smooth transition.

Do you have any plans in mind for 2015?
I'm planning on running 200 A or 200 B. I'm not 100% sure just yet though.

What do you hope to accomplish in 2015?
Well I hope I can end up with a class championship. To be able to do that my first year on a big bike would be awesome.

In 2015 look for Cole Mattison to race the 200 A or 200 B class
In 2015 look for Cole Mattison to race the 200 A or 200 B class Photo: Ken Hill

What about beyond 2015? What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
Hopefully some A class titles before making my way in XC2 and then XC1. It's definitely going to take a lot of hard work and dedication but I believe I can make it happen.

Now you're not the first fast racer in your family either, tell us about that.
Yeah, my grandpa, Robby Neeley, was a pretty good rider in his day. He won a few class championships at Loretta Lynn's and also had some really good results on the off-road side too.

So that kind of support has definitely been good for you?
Oh for sure. He's been a big help and inspiration to me my whole life and I definitely wouldn't be where I am now without him.

Cole Mattison hopes to win some A class titles before making his way to the XC2 and XC1 class in the future
Cole Mattison hopes to win some A class titles before making his way to the XC2 and XC1 class in the future Photo: Ken Hill

Alright, before we wrap this up, who would you like to thank?
I'd like to thank my family for supporting me in what I love to do, KTM, Neeley Racing, FMF, Fly Racing, WPS, PG, 100% goggles, Bell helmets, Bob Ledford's Adventure Motorhomes, Moto Hose, Monster Energy, EVS, Clean Werkz, Ohlins Suspension and all my fans and supporters!!