GNCCRacing.com: Daulton, thanks for joining me today. You’re currently leading the College A class with one win and several top three finishes. Before we dive into the season you’re having, give us some back story. What got you started into riding and eventually racing GNCC?

Daulton Keyes: Well, I’ve rode quads about my whole life growing up either around the house or at our county fair flat drags, but what really got me into racing was that my grandparents Don and Brenda Gunter host an IXCR race at their property and I finally tried one and I ended up winning and it took off from there!

Tell us about the season you’re having. Obviously going well with the class points lead. What’s been making the difference for you this year?

My 2021 season has been going great so far, I have been trying to be consistent as best as I can, and it seems to be working out. As far as what has made a difference this season would have to be how much more confidence, I have each and every race and my drive to never stop until I see the checkered flag.

What do you do to financially support racing GNCC?

I am fortunate enough to have very supportive parents that pay for most of it. My dad's trenching business and my mom's boutique and tanning salon play big roles in paying for this sport I love. I also have my own lawn care business that helps me pay for more of my local races.

Saw on social media you’re planning to run the Vegas to Reno race. Looks like you did that last year too. What was that like?

Just wow is all I got to say. The Vegas to Reno is something totally different than what I am used to, but it is a blast! From going speeds of 80+ mph through the desert to racing to the next pit in the pit vehicle is just an awesome experience. My partner Dylan Walraven and I have done this race 2 other times before and won our first year in the quad amateur class and last year while winning the quad pro class we had a mechanical failure 30 miles from the finish which was a bummer but we’re back and ready for this year!

I was running in first place from pit 1-6. Then I got passed shortly after and ran in second place the rest of the day. The last 25 miles it poured down rain, which was super weird in the desert. But I had a blast!

To date, what are some of your favorite memories of racing GNCC over the years?

My favorite memory of GNCC  would have to be my first College A win which was in the 2020 season at Big Buck opening round. This is a great memory to me because it let me know how well I can do with some fast guys in the class. 

What are you goals with GNCC? Just having fun with it, or would you like to reach the XC1 level someday?

I would love to be able to make it to the XC1 class one day but only time will tell, and I will keep pushing each race season to do better.

What do you do to train for racing GNCC?

Training isn’t a big thing for me. My fitness training is done while working 40+ hours a week with my lawncare business and also working on the family farm and with my dad’s business. Most of my ride time is only at my local races on my dirtbike and atv. Brad and Garrett Mundy got me into riding dirt bikes for cross training and I really enjoy it!