by: Rachel Gutish
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 | 4:05 PM
Every so often, when I run low on ideas for Tuesday Toolbox interviews, I put out what is basically an open casting call on Facebook. Riders contact me and explain why they believe they should be featured in a Toolbox, and if they are compelling enough, we set up an interview. Austin Sentell, a sixteen-year old from Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina is racing 200 C Schoolboy this year. He pointed out that it’s been awhile since we featured any C riders in a toolbox, and that he would be an especially good one to talk to since it is his first full year racing the GNCC series.
GNCC Racing: So, Austin … why do you think I should do a Tuesday Toolbox interview with you?
Austin Sentell: Well, I race in 200 C Schoolboy, and this is my first full year racing GNCC. I don’t feel like anyone really looks into the C class races, even though we have some really good battles and we work and train just as hard as many of other riders, even if we aren’t as fast yet. I think every so often you guys should highlight one of us.
You make a good point! Why don’t you start off by telling me a little bit about yourself?
I’m 16 years old, from Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. I work as a heavy equipment operator for a local grading company. I ride a 2015 KTM 150sx, I started racing in 2014 when I was 12 years old, and like I said before, this is my first full year racing the GNCC series.
How did you get started racing?
My dad and some friends of his are the ones who got me into riding. I just rode trails with them for a couple of years, then wanted to start racing. I went and watched a local hare scramble and have been hooked ever since!
And what made you decide to switch from racing local hare scrambles to running the GNCC series?
The competition is harder here at GNCC than it is at the locals. The tracks get tougher too, and it really shows who can go the distance. Plus, you get to travel the country and meet new people. Last year I ran some of the closer races to get a feel for it, and this year I decided to run the full series and see how I would do.
Have you enjoyed running the series?
Yeah, it’s been a blast so far!
Has your season gone pretty well then?
Yes and no. I started out pretty slow, but then about round 4 everything started clicking. I worked my way up to 4th in points. Unfortunately, I had bike troubles at the Penton, lost my brakes at Tomahawk, then broke a shifter at Snowshoe. All that dropped me back down to sixth place in points, but my goal for the rest of the season is to ride smart and try and catch back up as much as possible at the last three rounds.
Have you learned anything in your first full year of GNCC racing?
I know racing GNCC has made me faster. I had to learn to pace myself more and how to deal with the rougher tracks. I also learned that the spending time at the gym, bicycling, and putting in seat time on the bike all pay off.
For sure! What are your plans for next season?
During the off-season I will be switching to a 250f and moving into the three-hour race. I don’t know for sure what class I will race, it’ll either be 250 B or 4-Stroke B Lites. We’ll see how things go at the first couple of rounds.
I wish you the best of luck, both with this season and next! Who would you like to thank for helping you out this year.
First, my parents and grandparents for all that they do for me. Thanks also to Promotion Suspension, moto-works, IMS, Dunlop Tires, Nitro Mousse, Troy Lee Designs, Teddy Rhoney and Mackenzie Tricker.