by: Rachel Gutish
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 | 4:05 PM
Mike Witkowski is off to a promising start in the XC2 class. The 21-year old was signed by Am/Pro Yamaha this season, and it is clear the faith they put in him was not misplaced. Though originally from Indiana, he has since moved to South Carolina to be closer to his new team’s headquarters. His first XC2 win was a long time coming – he’s been racing XC2 since 2013 (he moved up right from the Youth ranks) and had some promising finishes, but Big Buck was the first time he’s been able to put everything together. We expect XC2 to be a very competitive class this year, and we look forward to seeing what Witkowski can do this season.
GNCCRacing.com: So, Mike, how did it feel to finally get that elusive XC2 win? I know you’ve been chasing it for a while now…
Mike Witkowski: It was incredible to finally win my first XC2 race! It’s been a long time coming and I knew this year I needed to make it happen.
Why did you feel that you needed to make it happen this year in particular?
After being in the class for some time now, I just felt personally I needed to make it happen. I knew Am/Pro Yamaha would give me the tools to win. So, it was either sink or swim for me.
It does look like the new bike and team are agreeing with you! I take it you’re glad that you made the switch?
Yes, definitely! I knew right away when I started riding this new YZ 250-FX that I would be a contender for race wins. I’m very happy I made the decision to come to Am/Pro Yamaha.
Describe the race itself for us.
I got off to a great start and went into the woods second. Then shortly after I took the lead. I led for half the lap before making some mistakes and getting passed. I decided to play it smart and let the race come to me. I sat around a podium spot for the beginning of the race and learned all the good lines from the other guys I was battling with. About the fourth lap is when I decided that I needed to hammer down and break away. And I did just that. I was able to lead the last three laps and end the race with a minute-plus win, which I was stoked with!
Did you expect to be gunning for a win this early into the season, or did you go into it with the mindset of just getting a solid podium and some points in, given that your program has changed quite a bit?
Honestly, I had one goal and it was to win. I knew that if I left Big Buck with anything short of that I would be disappointed. The whole team believed in me and I also had a lot of faith in myself to get the job done. So ultimately, I put pressure on myself to win and I was able to achieve that goal.
What were some of the thing you did over the off-season to help you get ready?
Just steady consistent training helped. I also rode more than I ever have in an off-season, no matter the weather conditions. I remember one day it snowed and I still did my motos! I also linked up with Josh Strang a good bit and we rode together, I enjoy trying to learn from people like him and my teammate Layne. They have a bit more experience than me and its good to soak up as much knowledge as I can. I picked up on some small things this winter and it made a big impact in my race strategy.
I know you recently relocated to South Carolina to be closer to the team headquarters. How has that been so far?
It’s been great! I literally have all of my resources withing five miles of my house basically. The whole team is great to be around and it made moving here to Traveler’s Rest a lot easier.
What are your goals for this season and for your career as a whole?
This year the goal is to win the XC2 championship. In 2021 the goal would be to defend the title, assuming we accomplish this year’s goal. Then in 2022 we would move to XC1.
Tell us something we probably don’t know about you.
I’m a huge fan of Chipotle! I usually eat there seven days a week (laughs)
And who would you like to thank?
I would like to give a big thanks to the whole AmPro Yamaha team for picking me up and believing in me. Also, my mom and dad for all the support and helping me get to where I am now. My girlfriend Makayla and her family for everything they do. I am very thankful to have a good circle of people around me that support me through highs and lows. Along with the many team and personal sponsors that support my program, thank you!