by: Rachel Gutish
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 | 4:15 PM
Traci Pickens is arguably the most successful female ATV racer ever. She has over a decade’s worth of titles; her 2018 GNCC title marks her ELEVENTH championship in the premier women’s class, something that I feel can only be properly represented in all-caps. I chatted with Pickens about championship and her past and future in the sport.
GNCCRacing.com: Congrats Traci, it looks like you had a killer season this year! Can you tell me a bit about it?
Traci Pickens: This season was a ton of fun! I had some really good wheel-to-wheel battles with Kate. The track crew created fun and technical, but still passable alternate line tracks which made for great racing.
How did you get started riding in the first place?
My father got me started riding ATVs. He and his three brothers started a local race track called The Line Mountain 7-miler where you could race jeeps, buggies, and ATVs over rough, rocky terrain. My first race was there on a utility Honda foreman when I was 16... unfortunately my father passed and never got to see me race or experience the 111 GNCC career wins. Every win and championship is for him!
I’m sure he would be very proud of everything you have accomplished! What drew you to GNCC racing in the first place?
The GNCCs remind me so much of the track I grew up at. The family atmosphere, tough terrain and competition.... just supersized (laughs).
It seems like despite that high level of competition, you still really dominated this season. Do you anticipate that anyone will be able to challenge you next year?
It may have seemed that way... but the competition is really intense in the WXC class. I may not be the fastest on the track at times but my years of experience really helps. I’m really looking forward to Alicia being fully healed for next season. I’m also looking forward to seeing what speed Kate, Megan, Sadiee, Kara and Jaida are able to gain over winter break.
From a personal standpoint, what do you consider some of your own personal strengths and weaknesses?
My biggest strength would be the never quit attitude that my mother and father instilled in me. My biggest weakness is my size - we have to modify the ATV to fit me and my riding style.
Which of your many championships was the hardest to win?
Actually, the four championships I lost were the hardest on me. I still beat myself up over it sometimes (laughs) but in return it is also what drives me to be the racer I am today.
How much longer do you plan on racing WXC?
I just turned 43 yesterday....so I take it year-by-year. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to mentor youth female racers and one of those will be making her WXC debut in 2019. I’m so happy I will still be out there and get to compete with Hurricane Hannah!
Speaking of youth racing, I’ve seen your son up on the podium with you a number of times. Is he interested in racing?
JP is addicted to the GNCC Racing atmosphere. He loves every aspect, from the ten seconds call, to the champagne podium showers, to hanging with his friends at the track. He did his first micro race this year. He enjoyed himself but was a little sad after the race because he “didn’t like getting passed” (laughs). He says he wants to race again, so it looks like we will be hauling 3 ATVs to the GNCCs in 2019.
On another related note, do you have any words of advice for kids who would like to start racing?
Work hard, get good grades, never quit and respect your parents!
Sounds like good advice for any kid, not just the racers out there! I always like asking this last question - what is one interesting, non-racing related thing about you?
I love home remodeling. I’m a huge fan of Fixer Upper. We are in the process of remodeling our home .. we just added a back patio. It’s amazing all the planning, time and hard work that goes into it. On TV it happens in an hour right?? (laughs) Jeff says I make his back hurt .
And finally, who would you like to thank for their support this season?
Thank you to the entire GNCC crew for all their hard work so these events can happen. Thank you to Jeff for all his hard work and dedication to our family, JP for making “brumm brumm“ racing great again, Mom for the homemade cookies for the road trips and family. Also thank you to our great friends .. the Wise family, the Livengood family, the McCormicks, Todd Moskala, the Hunter family, Johnny Gallagher, Cheyenne Shadron, Jesi Stracham, Sadie Welch and Haley Zink! Thank you to Ken Hill and Harlen Foley for capturing those special moments. Last but not least a Huge thank you to my Sponsors: GBC Motorsports, Fly Racing, Yamaha Motor-corporation, Hiper Wheels by Weld, HMF, Powermadd, Pierce Performance, Rekluse, Precision, Scott Goggles, DP Brakes, Quad Tech, Pro-graphics and Waynesburg Yamaha.