SPOTLIGHT: Colt Nichols

24Motor Action Media: Colt, could you tell me how you got into racing dirt bikes? Did you ever imagine it would take you this far?

My dad raced back in the day and he got me a bike when I was 3, its all pretty much history after that. I always knew I wanted to race Supercross, so I’m blessed to have the opportunity to do that. I have so many things I want to accomplish in this sport so we will keep grinding away until we can achieve them.

 

MAM: I had the pleasure of meeting you at Tulsa Arenacross last year, what was the Arenacross experience like for you?

Arenacross was a really good thing for me to race last year. I learned a lot and gained so much experience with some very good guys to learn from. It gave me a year to mature as a racer and i think that was much needed.

 

60MAM: How has the transition into Supercross been? What have you changed to prepare yourself?

The transition has been good so far, just a much bigger scale compared to Arenacross. I have been training in Oklahoma with Robbie Reynard and he is helping me to be as prepared as possible coming into this year. I had an injury that really put me behind but we did what we could and came into Dallas really trying to just gain some experience and get through the night. It’s been going pretty well as a whole. A few things I wish I could’ve done better but that’s just how it goes. Had a few bad starts, crashes and overall I have just been working on a few things on myself with riding technique and some things like that. I want to be doing better overall, just gotta keep building and keep working on my weaknesses and improving on the track.

 

MAM: You’ve been doing some cool stuff lately, I saw some photos of you hanging with Travis Pastrana and Ronnie Mac. How was that experience?

Yeah! Here at Reynard Raceway we had the Oklahoma State 2-stroke world championship race and it was awesome. I had a buddy that let me borrow a 125 the morning of the race so i decided to race it. Travis is such an awesome guy, so for him to come down here and hangout with the fans and race was amazing. Ronnie Mac came out to race so it is always good to see that old drunk. But overall it was such a fun race and I hope it will continue to grow and everybody can come out and race some 2-strokes.

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MAM:  I understand that you have switched from a Kawi to a Honda, what do you think of your new ride?

I am loving my Motosport/GPI/Honda, the bike itself is great. It was definitely a little different of a transition for me but I feel as though I have adapted very well to it. With the help of Showa, Matt Jory at Proven engines, and Marshall Plum we have really got the bike dialed for me.

 

11MAM: What’s it like being a part of a big factory team? What advice to you have for young riders who want to make it there some day?

Being a part of a factory team was my dream when I was a little guy, so getting that opportunity is a blessing. Getting to work with Guy Cooper and just the whole team has been great. They all work so hard and that honestly motivates me to work harder and harder.

 

MAM: I saw your awesome new gear that you wore at Arlington. I heard this is a 465 Prototype, could you tell me about it?

Brett Cue and Dayton Daft are the ones behind all of the gear. The Ride 365 gear is still in the prototype stage so we are really trying to get the fit and design of the gear dialed before we take it to the public. I am super excited getting to be so involved with the gear and design and fit of the overall gear. It is something I have always wanted to do so it’s cool getting to work with those guys.

 

MAM: What are your goals for the rest of the season?

The goal for the rest of the season is just to get through all of the races. I want to be in the top 10 at every round and we can do that I would be very happy. Just need to keep building and I think by the end of the season we will be right where we want to be.

 

58MAM: What do you love the most about racing dirtbikes? What keeps you in it?

The adrenaline and enjoyment of doing well honestly. Knowing that all of the work I have put in is all worth it, that always keeps me going. Racing is just such a thrill and something that I will always love well after I retire from the sport.

 

MAM: Have you ever considered trying stand-up Jetskis as a cross training tool?

I actually have never tried a stand up Jet Ski! I have heard of a lot of people who have been doing that. I want to try it so bad but I’ve never gotten the opportunity to try it. I definitely want to one of these days!

MAM: Is there anyone you would like to thank?

The whole Motorsport.com/GPI/Honda racing team, Peer Brother MX, ODI, Bell, Ride 365, Eks Brand, FMF, Proven, Dubya, Excel, Sunstar, Dunlop, Works Connection, Factory Effex, Kicker, Rekluse, Marshall Plum, and Robbie Reynard.