Motor Action Media interview’s Team Faith’s talented young team member, Dawson Newby.
Motor Action Media: Dawson, how did you get involved in dirtbike racing?
I got started racing when I was 4 years old. No one in my family ever raced motocross before and so it was kinda a new thing to our family. I have been doing it now ever since and it has unfolded into part of my lifestyle. My life consist of using the talents God has given me to share the gospel and have a platform to help get Jesus’s name out there. I hope one day I can make a living doing it as well as helping the Team Faith ministry by racing and ministering.
MAM: I understand you are a part of Team Faith, could you explain to me how that came about?
I got involved with Team Faith through Arenacross. I first met Kevin Johnson at a Arenacross race 10 years ago and he showed me it is possible to race and share your faith with others. Ever since I made it my goal to be apart of Team Faith and now I am blessed enough to be apart of it.
MAM: What’s it like being a part of the team?
Being apart of the Team is awesome. I have had many opportunities to speak and I have only been apart for 6 months now. I enjoy the racing aspect as well but the whole reason Team Faith and myself go to the races is to share the love of Jesus by presenting the gospel and sharing God’s word.
MAM: How do you apply your faith to your racing?
Throughout my racing I try my best to give all the glory to him and to set a good example for those who do not have a relationship with the lord. Although it is very difficult God has given me these blessings so I can be used by him. The whole reason God has given me the talent to race dirt bikes and all the blessings is to use it as a platform and so I try my best to be encouraging and loving to all the other riders. As well as having a good attitude on even my worst days.
MAM: How has your season been going so far?
This season has been tough. Everyone in the series will tell you it’s the most competitive season yet. My plans and my goals for each week and the season are just to improve every time I get on the track. If this is happening I am satisfied.
MAM: What is your training regiment like?
My training regiment had gotten more intense the older and the faster I get. Now that I am racing with the pro class I try to train 8 times a week in the off season most times working out morning then at night after riding during the day and I try to eat pretty clean. A zone Palio diet is what I am on. I try to get as much cardio into my workouts as I can.
MAM: It must be tough racing every weekend, how is your time spent in between races?
It is difficult to race 15 times in 17 weeks but I have grown to love it and get into a routine. At first it caught me off guard only being home 3 days a week but those days are spent getting some good sleep in the evenings as well as good cardio workouts. I also enjoy spending time with the close ones in my life. I have completed school and am graduating high school a year early so I no longer come back to a full day of school.
MAM: I understand that you have come extremely close to making it to the main, that must be tough. How do you keep your cool and stay positive even when you may be frustrated? Do you have a Bible verse for when you’re feeling that way?
Yes twice now this year I have come within one or two spots of making the main and it is very frustrating but also encouraging knowing that I am that close. One verse I can always turn to in these times is a verse that my mother always says. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, and are called according to his purpose.
Dawson recently celebrated qualifying for both the Lites class main event and the Arenacross main event.
MAM: Now, my most important question, what do you love most about dirtbike racing?
I honestly love any kind of racing. Dirt Bikes because it is the sport I have always done and improved at. I have done it my whole life and I absolutely love the competitive aspect. The moment when you are gaining time on the rider in front of you and you know you can make the pass. Then you execute. These are the fulfilling moments that I love about the sport. God has also given me the talent and platform for it and so I love the fact that he would be so loving and willing to use me for his purpose and plan.
MAM: Do you have anyone you’d like to thank?
The Lord Jesus Christ, Team Faith, Fly Racing, WPS Pirelli Mx, Pilot, KTM, Amsoil, Wiseco, SSiDecals, JetLift, IndustrialMachine&Tool, K&NFilters, RADMfg, ProWatercraftRacing, PerformanceSupercycle, FMF, Dragon, Cycra, JetDynamics, shadesofgray, GUTSRacing, Sunstar, LiteCellularSales, RenegadeFuel, Rhaas Products, Tubliss, LiquidPerformance, M&M Marine.