Motor Action Media: Steve, could you tell me how you got involved in dirtbike racing?
Well at age 6 I raced Go karts with my dad. Before my 2nd year, my dad asked me if I wanted to get a new kart or a dirt bike. I decided on a bike and me and my dad started riding together and became a family fun thing. We would go camping and hit local tracks.
MAM: What has been the most important part of becoming a competitive force in Arenacross racing?
Arenacross is extremely strategic. It takes a lot of experience in racing to be able to plan a pass it stay out of trouble racing on such a tight and technical track. I feel I’ve matured a lot over the past few years and have learned a lot.
MAM: What is your training regiment like?
I work full time Monday though Friday, 8-5:30 at a auto body collision shop. So before the season started, since I didn’t have much free time, I put a lot of time in on the bike and sharpening my skill on the bike. Once season started, I work during the week and get parts ordered and my bike ready with my dad and mechanic.
MAM: I understand that you had an injury last year? How did you come back from that?
After my injury last season I came back mid summer, not wanting to push it, I just did local outdoors. I just eased back in and trained local riders at my track.
MAM: You really had an awesome ride last weekend in Kansas City, what did it take to get that win? How do you plan to keep that momentum going?
Getting good starts are key and having a good mindset and knowing your bike and you are comfy with the track. I plan on keeping it going the same way, good starts and positive vibes.
MAM: Can you tell me about your bike?
This season I love my KTM. WP suspension has it getting trough the whoops good. My mechanic has it dialed in for each track and is there to make the necessary changes to make lap times faster. Can’t complain about it at all this year.
MAM: What do you think is the most important aspect to becoming a successful dirtbike racer?
The past few years I’ve worked on figuring that out and I believe it’s different for everyone. Personally for me, it was the mental aspect of racing. A lot of riders crush under pressure. After the past few years I’ve matured and have been able to decrease mistakes made in the track and able to think ahead. Maturity and consistency is probably what I think makes a solid rider.
MAM: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
I plan to get to the restart of the points in the top ten. Once the points restart its a different ball game. I’m going to be shooting for podium finishes. There’s no better time than now to make things happen.
MAM: What do you love most about racing dirt bikes?
It never gets old. No race is the same as the last. The fans, the traveling, and the people you meet, my family, it’s such a great sport to be apart of. Being where I am now in the sport is have to say it’s been a dream come true. Some may want to be a top Supercross rider like Stewart, but where I am now and doing what I’m doing now, is a dream come true. I am surely blessed and thankful.
MAM: Do you have anyone you need to thank?
I’d like to thank the Lord and all my sponsors that are making it possible, KTM USA, Custom Powersports, Slaka Wear, FMF Bell, Alias, Mika, Oakley, Metals, Motorex, Link Mx Graphics, Leatt, Evs, Rad Wheels, DT1 filters, Acerbis, Motoseat, WP Suspension, Works connections, Reckluse Clutches, MX stands, Moto extremes, Team Faith, Dunlop, Nihilo Concepts, Tom Zont Racing, My parents and mechanic, Ian House.