GNCC Racing: Let's start from the beginning. When did you first start riding, and what made you get into racing? When was your first GNCC event?

Hannalyn Venesky: I started riding when I was around six years old on a little Suzuki 70, and eventually moved up to a Polaris 200. Every summer felt like my riding debut — I would beg my older cousin to take me riding every chance I got. I was exposed to racetracks at a young age because my dad raced dirt bikes almost every weekend.

For a long time, I didn’t think racing was something I could do. I grew up thinking it was a “boys’ sport,” so it didn’t seem like an option. That changed in 2021 when my dad surprised me with my first race quad — a Raptor 250. I wasn’t expecting it at all, but I was excited to give it a shot. I rode it in my first youth race and instantly fell in love with racing.

My first two years were spent in local series like AWRCS and EROC. I didn’t feel ready for nationals yet, even though I had attended many as a spectator. Finally, in my third year of racing — 2023 — I raced a few GNCC events in the Youth Girls Class, and that’s when everything really started to come together.

You’re newer to racing than most of the girls who compete at your level. How have you managed to catch up so quickly, and what steps did you take to get to this point in such a short amount of time?

It was definitely challenging at first. I started in the youth division, not Pee Wee like a lot of others. I already knew how to ride, but racing brought a whole new level — the competitiveness, the endurance, and especially the mental side of it. Learning how to manage those aspects and incorporate them into my routine took time.

One of the biggest things that helped me improve was learning from my mistakes. I’ve had races where it felt like nothing went right — bad starts, rough pit stops, or just an off day overall. As tough as those moments are, they’ve been my greatest teachers. I treated every race as a learning experience, and over time, those lessons added up.

My dad has also played a huge role in my progress. He’s been racing his whole life, so when I started, I had someone in my corner who really knew the sport. He studies my races, makes notes on what went well and what didn’t, and helps me improve for the next round. Having that kind of experience and support has been incredibly valuable.

You won the Women's class at the season opener and at Talladega. Explain how those wins came together for you.

For the season opener, I came in with one goal: to win. I was hungry for it. I pulled the hole shot and led for two laps. Even after making a few small mistakes, I stayed focused, fought back, and reclaimed the lead. It felt incredible to start the season with a win — the perfect confidence boost.

At Talladega, I didn’t get the best start, but I quickly made my way through the pack and into the lead. Once I was out front, I kept my head down and focused on minimizing mistakes. That mindset helped me stay consistent and take the win.

What are your goals for the rest of the 2025 season?

My main goals are to stay consistent and stay safe. I recently had a bad crash that injured my shoulder, so right now I’m focused on healing while continuing to race smart. I’m hoping to be fully recovered by the Snowshoe round and get back to 100%.

On top of that, I’m working hard toward placing in the top 3 overall and racking up more wins this season. Every race is a chance to push myself and improve — I want to keep that momentum going and finish the season strong.

What does being a woman in a male-dominated sport like ATV racing mean to you?

To me, it’s all about proving that women belong in this sport — and that we can not only participate, but thrive. It’s an amazing feeling to succeed in something that’s traditionally considered male-dominated.

I also think there’s so much to learn from racing against the guys. Sometimes during a race, I’ll pace off of them — not just seeing them as competitors, but as examples to grow from. We can learn just as much as we compete.

As a female racer, what advice would you give any younger girls looking to get into racing?

Never let anyone bring you down. Stay true to yourself and always believe in what you’re capable of. Racing has its ups and downs — and bad races are going to happen. The key is not to let those moments put you in a negative mindset. Learn from them, grow from them, and never lose hope. If you stay determined, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.

And most importantly — don’t ever let someone make fun of you or count you out just because you’re a woman in this sport. That doesn’t just go for racing — that goes for everything in life. You are just as capable, just as strong, and just as deserving. Own your space, be confident in who you are, and never stop chasing your goals

Not only do you race, but your boyfriend, Joe, also races and is an A-class bike rider. What’s it like being on both sides of the racing world, being a racer and a part of a pit crew?

Honestly, it’s a huge benefit. Since I race on Saturdays and he races on Sundays, I already know the course — which makes it easier to help him during his race. I can plan out good pit spots, hand off water, and get videos.

We each get our own day to race, and we also get to fully support each other. That balance means a lot to me, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Outside of racing, what else do you like to do for fun?

Outside of racing, you’ll usually find me at the gym or studying. I love working out — it keeps me in top shape for racing and helps me feel my best. I also dedicate a lot of time to community service. I volunteer at my local hospital and at a therapeutic riding center. Giving back is something I’m passionate about, and I’m building up my service hours with the goal of going to grad school.