Tuesday Toolbox: Keaton Henderson

GNCC Racing: Let’s start from the beginning. How did you first get into racing, and how long have you been competing in GNCC?

Keaton Henderson: Well, my racing career stemmed from someone who’s been in the game a lot longer than I have. My Dad, Brian Henderson, had been racing GNCC since back when he was my age. He worked his way up to the Pro Class, held the #5 plate in the early 90s, and was also featured on the very last plaque and t-shirt of the Blackwater 100. So when I was around 5 years old, I started to get my hands on things ATV-related, and now it’s like the rest is history. We started racing GNCC in 2014 (on an Eton 50) and haven’t missed a single race since. Some would say we’re crazy for playing in this game for that long, but obviously the benefits that come from our amazing sport are worth it.  

You’ve put together a really consistent season so far, finishing inside the top seven in the XC2 class at almost every round. How would you describe your season up to this point?  

I’d say up to this point my season has gone extremely well. There are a few races where I believe I could have done things differently to further aid my finishes, but I personally have had a much more consistent and well-maintained year so far on and off the track compared to last year. I’ve always believed that consistency is key, and sometimes being there to capitalize when others may fall short can really start to add up in the long run.

You’re currently 18th overall with five rounds remaining. Is moving further up the Top 20 something you pay attention to, or are you more focused on your results within the XC2 class?  

For me, moving further up in the Top 20 is what I’m most focused on right now. I do pay attention to where I am and where I could be as far as class points, but I think that for anyone, being inside that top 20 is a big deal. Everyone there is extremely talented, determined, and competitive. So just being within that group and climbing that ladder is a big accomplishment for me right now, especially after racing for so many years.  

At Powerline Park, you earned your best finish of the season with a third in the XC2 class. What was that race like for you, and what did it mean to finally get on the podium this season?

Powerline Park has always been one of my favorite tracks along with others but this year it was definitely one to remember. With the rain that hit later in the day before our race it completely changed the track over time. Going from super slick to tacky and heavy throughout the day I focused to keep moving forward and staying on the bike which allowed me to be in the right spot at the right time to put myself into a top 3 position. Landing a spot on the podium for me is a sign that I’m making progress in my career, that my hard work in the garage is paying off and most importantly it tells sponsors, other riders and myself that I’m capable of competing with the best of the best every time that flag is thrown. 

The XC2 class has been really competitive this year. What has it been like racing against that group every weekend, and has anyone in particular been fun to battle with?  

The XC2 class is crazy competitive this year. We have been averaging 16-20+ riders each race, and I believe every one of them has the ability to make a name for themselves. So it’s been very demanding each race in a good way. I have to give 100% for 2 hours straight to fight for that next-best spot, just like everyone else. James Glauda and I have had multiple great battles this season that have been the difference of < 1 second at the finish, and I always enjoy battling with my good friend Daulton Keyes because whenever we get together we create a killer pace off one another.  

GNCC courses can be completely different from one round to the next. What type of terrain or conditions do you feel suit your riding style the best? Which track is your favorite?   

 I would say my go-to for conditions and terrain has always been muddy, slick, tight, and technical tracks. I think I’m a very smart and patient rider when it comes to those types of tracks, and I can really excel when the conditions are normally less optimal for others.

That being said, I wouldn’t say I have one singular favorite track, but the John Penton, Powerline Park, Watkins Glen, and Old Gray are definitely favorites.   

With summer break coming to a close, we’re heading into the final stretch of the season. What have you been working on during the break to prepare for the remaining rounds?

While on summer break, I try to stay healthy. I have a full-time job that I work 5 days a week, so I do my best to juggle the essentials. I get myself to the gym at least 3 times a week, even on days I don’t want to. I maintain a clean diet and try to focus on important foods, which can ultimately be more important than gym time. I'm also in the garage every day with my dad working hard to make sure each bike is well cared for and 100% race-ready.  Lastly, I stay fresh on the bike by racing our local series, AWRCS, which is always a great way for me to get seat time that closely equals a GNCC race. 

With four rounds remaining, what would make you feel like you had a successful end to the season? Are there any specific results or goals you’re chasing? 

Personally, my goals for the remainder of the season would be to finish in the top 5 in class each round along with finishing within the top 20. I’m in a comfortable spot, so if I can stay consistent, then I have the chance to even further my current standings. At the end of the day, I’m racing to have fun, and I think that’s what it’s truly all about, so if I can accomplish that, then success is guaranteed!

Looking beyond this season, what are some of your longer-term goals with racing? 

As far as long-term goals with racing, I cannot say I have anything particular in mind. But I want to keep pushing myself to become a better, faster, and more proficient rider and continue to climb up the ranks with these other great racers. I’ll do so for as long as I can or am able, but I also know our sport is a hobby and won’t pay the bills, so on and so forth. With that said, I try to keep an open mind every year now as things change in my life along with other personal goals so that one doesn’t outweigh the other. I really enjoy what I do, and I’ll continue to do so until I decide it’s time for a change. 

When you’re not racing or training, what do you like to do for fun away from the track?

Away from the track, I’d say I have lots of different hobbies and fun pastimes. I’m a “gun guy,” so I do a fair amount of sport shooting and collecting along with playing Amateur Paintball every so often on Sundays and jumping out of planes from time to time lol. In the winter, I really enjoy freestyle skiing and riding snowmobiles to rip up the trails. Any extreme sport or vehicle I can get my hands on, I'm pretty much game for the most part. But I’d say I enjoy spending time or having fun with family and friends; that's always my favorite because with racing comes a lot of responsibility and time-consuming hours away from regular life, so it’s always nice to slow down once in a while..haha. 

Finally, who do you all want to thank for helping you out this season?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing people and businesses that support me year after year, and I’m truly grateful for my Mom, Dad, and Brother, Horsepowerinc, Shopactionoffroad, Renen_usa, Gdavis3rd, Baldwin_motors, gbctires, Motowoz_official, Houser.racing, Offroaderie, Officialleatt, Scottmotosports, Sengegraphics, Asvinventions, P3carbon, Odigrips, Rickcecco, Imsproducts, Guts_racing_inc, Gopro, Allballsracinggroup, GoKo Trucking, Linda Kopetsky. Grandparents, close friends, and to those we have lost along the way, thank you!