That’s a pretty neat connection! How did that first race go?
Well, I was scared! I managed to get the holeshot, but didn’t really know what I was doing. I did the best I could and ended 3rd. I had a lot of fun! That was at the John Penton race. We did another one later that year and I decided I wanted to do more of them. So this will be my third full year doing the GNCCs.

You mentioned motocross, so let’s back up for a second. When did you actually start riding?
When I turned five, I begged my dad for an electric dirt bike. I thought it was the coolest thing! I outgrew it quickly and we moved on to a Honda 50. I started riding with Fred Andrews’s boys and just kind of took off after that.

There are a lot of people in the racing world that wish they had good, pro level friends! How did the connection with the Andrews family come about?
I went to school with his boys. We were in preschool together and have just grown up together. I’m 14 now and they’re my best friends!

So as things progressed, I guess you started riding motocross?
Yes, we went to a local track and gave it a try. I feel like I learned pretty quickly. By the time I hit the 85s I was getting faster. This is my 4th trip to Loretta Lynn’s. I have an 11th, 6th and a 3rd two years ago. I broke my shoulder at the regional last year and wasn’t able to come out. So this year, I’m looking for that win!

You’re on a roll! If I have my history correct, you’ve won the Girls Jr GNCC class two years in a row and are now competing in the Supermini 12-14 class?
Yes, that’s right. After my first race that Fred took me to, I won all the remaining ones. I have two championships and so this year, my family and I decided to give the Supermini a try. I’ve struggled, honestly. But at John Penton, I did get that win and that was a boost to my confidence. I wish could have backed it up at Snowshoe. I went from 9th to 2nd and then crashed and DNFed. But now I’ve changed my focus and am in motocross mode.

Yes! From what I’ve heard, you’ve been spending a little time down south?
That’s true! I’ve spent a month at the Millsaps Training Facility. They’ve been reinforcing the fundamentals and putting me through the whole program: training, nutrition, bike setup, more training…it’s been great!

Do you know a guy named Gavin Gracyk? Former supercross racer turned arenacross racer turned MTF instructor?
[Laughs] Yes! He’s awesome!

You don’t have to just say that! I was his mechanic a couple years ago, so you can tell me the truth. I’ll print it!
He’s really awesome! I like his approach to training. And honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the whole MTF crew! I crashed really hard a couple weeks ago and got a concussion. Their medical staff is first class. I’ve been working with Scott Burkhart at Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic and it’s really helped to recover.

So are you cleared for this week?
Of course! Both Scott and the vision doctor have cleared me to race. Their only advice is to not crash!

That’s probably good advice for anytime! So here you are, at the Ranch…do you see any familiar faces?
Oh yeah! It’s like a GNCC reunion. I see all the GNCC equipment and track crew. I recognize a lot faces. Many of the sponsors are the same. Fred Andrews is here. I talked to Rodney, our announcer. He’s also announcing here at Loretta’s. Mega Watt Matt Watson is here, too. You and Team Faith.

Yep! Charlie Mullins is here, too. But – you are the only GNCC racer who is racing this year! That puts you in the same boat as people like Aaron Plessinger! How does that make you feel?
Pretty good! Would be great to put three motos together and win a championship!

You’ve been on the track already. How does it look?
There’s a lot of sand in the dirt and so it’s rutting up quick. After practice, I heard some of my competitors talking about how rough it was. I just smiled because really, it’s nothing I haven’t seen! I felt really good. The only trick is coming into corners. The back wants to step out. But once the bike settles into a rut, I know what to do.

Yes. GNCC has plenty of ruts and a variety of track conditions. So that experience is favorable, you think? Or do you have bad habits?
No – it’s definitely good! I’m excited to ride here. I turned 14 this year, so it’s my last chance in this class. I’m going to go put my GNCC skills to work and hope to come home with a championship.