by: Allie Spurgeon
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 12:10 PM
The female athlete lineup of GNCC doesn't end with the rockstars of the WXC classes, there are dozens of girls crushing it with their eyes set on that top spot for the future. Avery Collins is one of those hungry young racers eager to show her talent in the WXC ATV class one day. Avery, at just 13 years old, is currently racing against the boys in the YXC2 class. But she's not just racing them, she's already taken 3 wins and is in the championship fight! With three Florida Trail Rider championships, a GNCC Girls Jr and Schoolgirl Jr championship, Avery Collins is well on her way to being a tough one to beat in WXC one day. We had the chance to chat with her about racing and more, here's what she had to say!
When and how did you first get started riding?!
I started riding when I was 3, my dad used to race dirt bikes. I would go to Croom and ride with him on the weekends. I started riding a quad because my mom wanted me on 4 wheels instead of 2.
When did you know you wanted to race?
I grew up at the track watching my dad race and saw other kids racing, I wanted to try it too. I raced my 1st race when I was 4 yrs. on an Arctic Cat 50 at The Florida Trail Riders Series.
What are your goals with racing? What drives you to chase after them?
My short-term goal is to try and win my first youth overall. My longer-term goal is to be competitive in the WXC and help design women’s race gear.
After winning the Schoolgirl Jr class, what made you decide to go race against the boys in YXC2?
I wanted to push myself to get faster. My goal was to try and make my first overall podium. Moving up to YXC2 gave me my best chance to accomplish that goal.
What goes on behind the scenes to prepare for racing YXC2?
In the winter I train with Adam McGill and Hunter Hart while they are in Florida, luckily, they live about 10 minutes from my house. Also, I attend Action Offroad Camp in July, it is a great opportunity to work with some of the best pros in our sport.
What do you consider your strengths as a racer?
I am a very competitive person; I always try to run a smart race by staying calm and never looking back.
What's your favorite GNCC track or terrain?
My favorite track is the Buckwheat 100 because it was fast and technical. My favorite Terrain is the woods.
Who do you look up to as your racing hero and why?
I admire Adam McGill for his straight to the point teaching, his toughness on me and straight forward pep talks. His honesty even if it is not easy to hear. I have been training with Adam since I was 8 years old.
What advice would you give to a younger racer that aspires to be where you are one day?
Never give up, keep pushing, work hard and do not listen to the negative.
What do you enjoy most about racing?
Winning!!!! Accomplishing my goals, traveling with my family, seeing all the new places and the friends I’ve made along the way.
What else do you like to do besides racing?! Do you have any other hobbies?
I play school volleyball and basketball. I love to play with my dog Coco Rose and race TRX90’s with my brother at our house.
Lastly, we know it takes a team for a racer to have the accomplishments you do, who would you like to thank?
God for keeping safe, My Family, Shupp’s Offroad, Adam McGill, Hunter Hart, Cecco Racing, Axis Shocks, Action Offroad, Actions Offroad Training Camp, Obor Tires, Quadtech, Pro Graph-X, Gold Speed, Fasst Company, Bad Plastics and Scott Motorsports.
We wish the best of luck to Avery Collins at the Mason Dixon GNCC this weekend and look forward to watching her racing career continue to blossom!
