GNCC Racing: Take us back to the beginning. When did you first start riding ATVs, and what got you into racing? When was your first GNCC?

Kaden Wharff: I started racing quads in 2019 when I was 15 years old. I began on a sport quad without really knowing what I was getting into. After moving from a bigger city out to the country, many of the friends I met at school were racing quads, so I decided I wanted to give it a try. I was hooked right away. We started by racing local events to get familiar with the sport. My first GNCC race was at the end of 2019, and that next year I won the 4x4 C Championship.

You compete in the 4x4 Pro class, one of the premier divisions in GNCC Racing. What originally drew you to racing 4x4 machines?

I found riding a 4x4 to be more comfortable than a sport quad. My dad started racing them, so I decided I wanted to try it too. We had a really good time racing against each other at our local series. I also have a sport quad and a dirt bike that I ride for fun whenever I have free time. However, I get up for work every day at 5:30/6:00 a.m. and sometimes don’t get home until 7:00–8:00 p.m., so I don’t have much time to practice.

It seems like you and several of the other top racers in the 4x4 Pro class have the ability to win on any given weekend. How does that level of competition push you as a rider?

The competition in the 4x4 Pro class pushes me to work harder every weekend. Knowing that several riders can win keeps me motivated to improve my skills, stay focused, and be as prepared as possible each time I line up. It also makes racing more exciting, because you know you must give it everything you have to come out on top. Racing against and with the best will only help improve my riding skills. I would rather have to work hard every race to earn my spot on that podium. 

When you’re battling with other racers on the track, what’s your mindset in those moments?

My mindset is to stay focused, stay calm, and ride smart. I try to be patient, hit my lines, and look for the right opportunity to make a move. In those moments, it’s all about staying confident, avoiding mistakes, and giving everything I have until the checkered flag.

Racing a 4x4 is different from a sport ATV. What are some of the biggest challenges that come with racing those bigger machines for two hours?

One of the biggest challenges is how physically demanding it is to handle the extra weight of the machine for two hours. You must work harder to move it through tight sections, rough terrain, and deep ruts. Endurance is a huge factor because the race can wear you down quickly, especially if you lose power steering. You have to ride smart, conserve energy, and stay consistent since mistakes can be harder to recover from on a bigger machine. Flipping these 800-900lb quads back over by yourself is almost impossible.

Before racing ATVs, you raced go-karts. Do you think racing karts helped develop skills that you use today in ATV racing?

Yes, I do. It taught me how to be competitive, focus under pressure, width perception, understand racing lines, and passing opportunities. It also helped me learn how to stay calm in close battles and make quick decisions. Even though the vehicles are very different, the mindset and race craft from karting have carried over into ATV racing.

 Racing takes a lot of dedication and travel, especially at the National level. What keeps you motivated to keep chasing results?

I want that championship and to rep that #1 plate. I’ve been close a few times, but my first goal is to obtain my first national win. Last year, I came close a couple times. I wrecked with a lapped rider just one mile before the checkered flag, and I had a very close battle with Brandon at The Hoosier. Seeing progress, chasing results, and reaching goals make all the hard work and travel worth it. I also appreciate the support from my family, team, and sponsors, which gives me even more motivation to keep pushing for success.

What goals have you set for yourself for this season?

My goals for this season are to finish in the top two in points, earn my first National Pro win, and get as many holeshots and podium finishes as possible. Always making my family, friends, and sponsors proud.