It seems like you have been on the series for a while, but that’s actually not true. You hail from Washington state and only recently came to the east coast?
That’s right. I came over here in 2013. I had been racing in Washington and met Jason Raines since he’s from there. We got to talking and I really wanted to give the GNCCs a try. So I loaded up my van with everything I owned and headed out! Through Jason, I hooked up with Randy [Hawkins] and he helped me out a bit. He actually put me up at the bunkhouse in Traveler’s Rest, SC and gave me a little bit of support throughout the year. I raced XC1 that first year and my best finish was at Ironman where I got 6th. From there, Jason put together an XC2 team and pulled me in for 2014 and 2015.

So what were you doing in Washington before you came out this way?
Well, I had grown up riding dirt bikes. We used to go riding as a family up in the mountains. We would camp and ride all weekend and when I was 16, I decided to try a race. I won! After that, I was hooked. I ended up competing in the local series, NMA Off-Road. I rode pro there and every once-in-a-while, I would do a WORCS race. I loved the Washington WORCS, but not the California “deserty” wide-open stuff. And so I got to thinking that the GNCCs were “woodsy” and that’s what I wanted to try. It was right about then that I talked with Jason Raines and figured I wasn’t getting any younger, so I better get to it!

You’ve put together some impressive rides, but also had some bad luck.
That first year was tough. I had a few bike issues, a few personal issues and just the overall adapting to being away from home. And then the past couple years I’ve had some good rides and then injuries. So this year, I’m focused on staying together and finishing the season strong!

So during the off-season, you went home to Washington, right?
Yes, and once we got the team together, I loaded up the van and came back out here. I don’t really have a home. I’m pretty mobile! I’ve been staying south just because the weather has been good for riding and training. I’ve hung out with the Baylor’s and even stayed at the bunkhouse over at Randy’s.

Did you just tell them your yellow bike was an anniversary edition of their brand?
[laughs] That’s what we ended the year on last year. It was Yamaha’s 60th anniversary so we rode yellow at Ironman. Now I’m on a Suzuki – which is a great bike and I’m getting along great with it! And I think that’s a real testament to how we off-roaders get along. It’s not like this in the moto community. But in off-road, everyone helps everyone. Ultimately, I’ll end up in Indiana because that is where the team is. I’m sure we’ll work it out as we get there!

Your fist couple years over here, your girlfriend Jenah was with you. We haven’t seen her lately?
She’s back home working. I’d love to do well out here and get the support to bring her back with me. As we both get older, it takes a little bit more to live on. She’s doing great! She cheers me on from home!

So what prompted the move from XC2 to XC1?
Honestly, there was a rule change this year! I’m 25 now and so I aged out! I really wanted to get that XC2 championship, but I’m ok on the front row. I have the speed. 

You proved that in the opening round in Florida! You got the holeshot and led most of the 1st lap!
Yeah! I thought I had the holeshot, but no one said anything and so after the race, I didn’t go to the podium. Honestly, I was a bit confused all day. I got the holeshot and was leading, but in the back of my mind, I was wondering if I was off-course? I was looking around to see where everybody was. I wasn’t riding super-awesome! I was tight and it messed me up a bit. But now I know I belong. I have the speed. I won’t be second-guessing myself!