GNCC Racing: Let’s go back to the beginning. How did you first get into racing? When and where was your first race? When was your first GNCC?

Danielle McDonald: My Dad did a bit of racing and absolutely loved it, he eventually bought me a little peewee 50 at the age of 2yrs I fell in love with the sport since day one and would ride around our backyard every day.  My first race was at our local MX club in Condobolin, back home in Australia. I was 5 years old when I first started racing.  My first GNCC was back in 2024 at Powerline Park.  

You are a highly decorated rider in Australia, earning five Australian Championships, five Hattah Desert titles, and competing with the Australian ISDE Team three times. Can you tell us more about your racing career in Australia and the journey that led to those accomplishments?

At a young age, I started racing at Local Clubs across regional NSW. Then I eventually progressed to state competition, winning a few state titles. It was not long after that I was competing at national level with a mix of MX and Enduro racing.  When this happened Jess Gardiner was starting a junior girl program on her race team (Yamaha MXstore ballards off road team) at the age of 12 I joined Jess and her team this really kick started my racing career under the wing of Jess I travelled all over Australia with my family and team competing at the (AEC) (Pro MX) ( Hattah desert race) winning 4 Australian Enduro championships, 1 Jr Mx championship, and 5 Hattah desert race championships. I then followed my mentor Jess over to the Enduro GPs watching 3 of the rounds, then made my first international appearance at the last round of the GPs in Portugal in 2023, where I won a few tests in the women’s class. This then led to my first debut at the 2023 ISDE in Argentina on the Australian world woman’s trophy team at just 16 years old. Where the team and I placed 2nd as a team, and I placed 2nd for the individual standings. I then went on to race the last 2 years of the ISDE where the team and I would claim another 2 silver medals.

What inspired you to make the move to race in the United States and compete in GNCC?

It has always been a big dream of mine to race overseas and compete at the highest level of racing. The US is definitely the place to be more competition/opportunities, especially for women in Motorcycling. When I got the offer to ride for AmPro at the GNCCs, my family and I knew moving to the US was going to be the best place for my professional career.

What has been the biggest adjustment to racing internationally compared to racing in Australia?

I’d say the cultural differences and competition.

Congratulations on your first WXC win at Big Buck! Walk us through your race and how everything came together. 

I had a really good start, running 2nd into the woods, and most of the first lap, all of us girls switched positions constantly throughout the race my goal was to stay close to the lead rider and not make any costly mistakes. When it all came down to the last lap, Brandy and I were wheel-to-wheel coming into the last few miles of the race. I was able to make a quick late race pass for the lead and claim my first GNCC victory! 

With rain pouring down for most of your race, Big Buck delivered technical, slick and muddy conditions. How did you manage those challenges, and do you enjoy riding in those types of conditions?

“Slow and steady wins the race” was my go-to strategy. Minimize the mistakes and find a nice flow. Wet conditions definitely aren’t my favorite style of racing. I really despised the wet conditions when I first started racing GNCC. But I’ve had to get used to it with how many mud races we’ve had. I honestly don’t mind the muddy conditions anymore! 

Now that you’ve secured your first WXC win, what goals have you set for the rest of the season? 

My goal is to stay consistently on the podium every round and just build a strong points lead; it’s a long championship.

What’s something you miss most about Australia while racing in the U.S.?

I definitely miss my family & friends and the good ole Aussie culture. 

What advice would you give to young girls, especially international riders, who hope to follow a racing path similar to yours?

I'd say trust your potential. Never give up towards your goals & dreams, you work hard enough, opportunities will fall into place.