GNCCRacing.com: When did you start racing and what was your first bike? 

Sawyer Carratura: I got my first dirtbike on my sixth birthday in 2012. It was a Yamaha PW50. As for my first race, it was on my KX65 in 2016 at my local series.

Coming off last season, you finished 3rd in the Overall for Youth Bikes. What's next for you in 2023?

I moved up to the three-hour in the afternoon on my Kibuks Cycle YZ125! Going to run in the FMF XC3 125 class.

You grabbed your first XC1 win in round 12 of last season at the Buckwheat 100. What was that like?

It was surreal! I always dreamt of being the kid that won their class at GNCC, and I was happy I could finally pull off a win in YXC1.

You closed out the season in the 150 Schoolboy B/C class which runs in the morning. What was that transition like to be running with some of the big dawgs?

I enjoyed it a lot more because I could ride my 125. As you know, there were a ton of people in that race, but it proved to be a fun challenge and gave me some experience on what to expect for this year! 

We heard from Bo Hamlet that you've been involved with the Steel City Men's Clinic. They're a new sponsor for GNCC in the upcoming season. Talk about your relationship with them.

I’ve known Bo for a while before he helped me out. He’s very personal and genuine and always showed his support. I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to ride for him and Steel City Men’s Clinic and can’t wait for the rest of the season with them! 

What's the rest of your race program look like for 2023?

I will be racing a 2023 Kibuks Cycle YZ125 in XC3. I’ve done a ton of training leading up to this season and will continue training throughout. There’s always more to learn! 

What did training look like for you over the off-season?

A lot of high heart rate cardio and time spent in the gym. Riding wise, I took a few trips down south to get seat time in and consistently practiced at local motocross tracks. 

Let's jump outside the world of racing. When you're not at the track, or training, what do you like to do for hobbies and to pass the time?

I spend a lot of time helping my trainer, Josh Lojak, with teaching his classes. I also love hitting the trails on my mountain bike whenever I’m not riding my dirtbike. 

Who's your favorite Pro Rider or someone you look up to as a role model for your racing career?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite, but I respect and look up to a lot of them. I’ve ridden with quite a few and have learned something from each one. 

What are your goals with racing this year and beyond?

I want to win XC3 this year and then go on to break the all-time overall championship record.  

Who are the sponsors and people you'd like to thank?

I’d like to thank Kibuk Cycle, Steel City Men’s Clinic, Josh Lojak’s House of Speed, Fast Track Moto, Troy Lee, Podium Works, Funnel Web Filters, GPR Stabilizers, FMF, Tucker, IMS, Tamer, Acerbis, Fastway, Scott, Sunstar, ASV, BluCru, and Guts Racing for all they do to help and support me. I’m beyond excited for the 2023 season!