GNCC Racing: Let’s begin where it all started. When did you start riding? What was your first bike/ATV? When did you start racing? What was your first GNCC? 

Hannah Hunter: I started riding when I was 7 in the backyard on a Kawasaki 50. I started racing in 2009 at the locals called District 6 in Pennsylvania. My first GNCC was 2010 River Ranch in Florida, where I finished 8th in the 70 CVT youth class, and I was hooked ever since. My first GNCC win was in 2011 John Penton in Ohio. Then my first full GNCC season was in 2012, when I won my first national championship in the 70 CVT class.  

So far this season, you’ve earned a podium finish at every round. How do you feel about your consistency and overall performance in 2026 so far?

So far, this season has been a little bit of a struggle for me. But I’m grateful to be able to be consistent and stay on the podium every race this year. I’ve been working hard this season and been figuring out small bike problems, but I am ready to give it my all and finish the season strong.  

Every race is different, but which type of track do you feel most comfortable on? Is there a specific race that you really look forward to each season?

I really like the more technical and tighter tracks. The more you think, the better I feel I do when I race. Mud races are also a strong suit for me. 

The WXC class continues to get more competitive each season. How does racing against that level of talent push you to improve?

You can’t improve if you don’t have any competition, is my mindset. But also, at the same time I only worry about myself because I am the one racing. It’s just me racing against the woods nobody else. 

Let’s talk ATV setup. From throttle and braking to suspension and steering, what does your setup look like to make sure you’re ready to compete on Saturdays?

On ATV setup, I am a little different than most women racers. I build and prep my ATV every race by myself. I do everything but the motors and the suspension, which I am very thankful to have BNR take care of that part of my program.  I run a twist throttle, which most people just use a thumb throttle. Also, I wouldn’t be able to know how to prep without the help of my dad when I was younger, teaching me everything I know today. 

What’s the biggest lesson racing has taught you so far, and how has it shaped the way you approach your career?

The biggest lesson I learned that has shaped the way I approach my career has to be an easy one. “Never give up”. Coming from a young kid that just wanted to be able to be a WXC pro like my idol Traci Pickens. To being a WXC pro at 16, winning my first WXC race at 17, then having almost an undefeated season at 18, winning 12 out of 13 races, and winning my first pro championship. To win three back-to-back championships 2020-2022. Changing brands to a Yamaha, I have been going through a learning curve for three years, but I am still pushing, and I still believe I can do it.  

As the season continues, what goals are you working toward?

Some goals I have for the rest of the season are easy. “To have fun and ride my atv”. No stress and just go out and do what I know I can do. Also, to just get more comfortable on my setup and put in as many laps as I can to be as ready as I can each remaining round.

What’s your favorite part about being at the races each weekend?

My favorite part at the track is to race, obviously, and learn new things after every race. But I also love watching the Pro ATV class with my boyfriend Steven in the Pro class, it makes a bad day into a good day watching him compete and watch all his hard work get put onto the track. You will usually see me in the pits after my race, still fully geared up during the whole pro race, watching him and pitting him, giving him gas is usually my job, sometimes yelling at him lol.