GNCC Racing

Tuesday Toolbox: Korie Steede

Tuesday Toolbox: Korie Steede

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 2:40 PM
by:
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 2:40 PM

GNCCRacing.com: First of all, welcome back to the states and a HUGE congratulations on becoming World Champs at the ISDE. How does it feel, has it sank in yet?

Korie Steede: Thank you so much! It still feels like a dream! I have thought about becoming World Champions at ISDE for years and now it has finally come true; I think reality still has not set in! I couldn’t be more stoked for my team and myself!

Steede after helping the USA Women's World Trophy Team win in Argentina.
Steede after helping the USA Women's World Trophy Team win in Argentina. Future7 Media/Pole Position Communications

What was it like competing for the USA alongside Rachel Gutish and Brandy Richards?

This being our second ISDE together as a team was super special. We all knew how to work together, and it really paid off for us.

What were some of the challenges you and the team faced in your pursuit for gold?

Day one we faced the brutal heat, reaching over 100 degrees. I struggled with the last few tests that day because of dehydration and luckily enough was able to rehydrate for the next five days to follow. Little did we know that day one was just the start of the challenges we were going to face. Gutish ended up tearing something in her shoulder and the next day Richards hurt her shoulder as well. All week I was dealing with a pinched nerve and couldn’t feel one of my arms by the end of the day every day. It was ROUGH to say the least.

Argentina is on my personal bucket list. Hopefully you had a little time to check out the sights. What was your favorite part about the visit?

My favorite part about visiting was seeing the different cultures and ways people live! It was super interesting to see the different building styles and ways of life.

Steede would start out last season, earning the Big Buck WXC win.
Steede would start out last season, earning the Big Buck WXC win. Ken Hill

How did the terrain compare to racing here in the states? What’s a track you’d compared it to that we race in GNCC?

The terrain was nothing like I have ever raced before. It was quite a learning curve, but I got the hang of it and was learning every day.

You’ve been on the fast track the last few years. Exploding on the scene with success in the WXC, racing some national moto events, hanging with Travis Pastrana and the boys. What’s next for you?

Everyone’s always asking what's next and I like to focus on the now. Tomorrows not always guaranteed! I’d love to win a few championships and see where that takes me!

You’re out in California for a photo shoot. Have you been able to take a breathe from all the travel yet?

Yes, I am in Cali now for a photoshoot but, I got to spend about a week in CT before heading here. I have been just laying low and relaxing where I can.

Steede on her way to her third win in 2023 at the Mason-Dixon GNCC.
Steede on her way to her third win in 2023 at the Mason-Dixon GNCC. Ken Hill

The 2024 GNCC season will be here before you know it. We didn’t get to talk on the podiums last year, but I know how passionate you are about winning, and coming up short when you know what you’re capable of doing. I think the goal is obvious, a WXC Championship. How are you approaching the 2024 season and how do you keep up with the defending champ, Rachael Archer?

I am looking forward to the start of the season, but I am ready to work this off season! I am focusing on staying healthy this year on and off the bike. I never got a chance to feel 100% this past year so I am doing everything I can in this off season to feel like a champ.

I know how much racing under the Trail Jesters KTM team meant for you and your success. Can you summarize your experience with the team of the last couple seasons?

Now that is super hard to summarize because I could go on and on about how amazing the Trail Jesters team was to me! Ross made sure we always had everything we needed to be at the top in everything we did! I’ve never met anyone that loves the sport how Ross does! I’m so grateful for the opportunity Trail Jesters gave me to get me to the next level 🙌

It’s officially public, you’ll be riding with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna next season. We already know what your goals are, how are you feeling with the new team?

Excited is an understatement, Anthony brings such a good family dynamic to the table and I couldn’t be anymore proud to be apart of the team.

Korie Steede - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Korie Steede - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Simon Cudby

So we are in the “off-season” outside of racing, do you have any fun things planned?

I plan on spending time with my friends and family. The holidays are always my favorite time of year, I get to be surrounded by the people I love.

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

I’d like to give a big shoutout and thank you to Trail Jesters. Without Ross and the team support I wouldn't be where I am today. The last 2 years with the KTM/Trail Jesters was absolutely amazing, I can’t thank them enough for believing in me and giving me all the tools to chase my dreams! We had a great run! Massive shoutout to Moose racing / Parts Unlimited for giving me such amazing support the last couple years, they treated me like family and I’m very thankful for them! Pitviper has been a mega supporter in my corner, and I’m so stoked to continue our relationship! Lastly, I want to send a huge thank you to Steve & Denise Hatch for being such a big part of my program, you guys are absolutely amazing! Big things coming for 2024, really looking forward to it! Our program couldn’t have happened without all these amazing sponsors listed below! Thank you all!