ATV Exposed Magazine - Your Only All Amatuer ATV Riders Spot! Living the Road Life By Jennifer Albright

Living the Road Life By Jennifer Albright

My season ended abruptly with only two races left in the 06 GNCC series. In New York my quad overheated which destroyed just about every inch of my motor and to make things worse I had mangled the shifter so bad that it damaged the transmission and cracked the case. Let’s just say our drive home from New York was a long one.

Jennifer Albright

My husband Phil and I had talks of finances, motor damage, and of course the fate of the 06 season. I had established a goal for myself before I rolled to the line in Florida and was determined to make that goal my reality. The goal was nothing that was out of reach or unrealistic but it was something to shoot for. As the season rolled on I was within reach of my goal. I had a few bad races this year and knew that the last four races were very important. Knowing that after New York I may not be ale to complete what I started and never know if the goal would have or could have been reached was one of the toughest realities I had to deal with.

It is not the way anyone would want their season to end. It was a tough situation and a hard decision for both me and my husband to make. We put everything we had into this year, like all riders, but at some point we had to face reality. ATV racing does not pay the bills. Let’s face it, this sport is crazy expensive, even if you stay and race at your respective local series. As you get more and more involved the costs get greater and greater and unless you are lucky enough to have the talent to move to the front row of the afternoon race, you are still racing for a plaque. After the race is over you head home, go to work Monday, and your daily life continues on.

Just like most racers, my life is a busy one. I work full time, work a second job part time, and go to college full time. Racing is a large piece of my ambitions but at this point in my life graduating college and building a solid career have to take precedence. In reality the GNCC and ATV racing will be there whether I go back next race, next season or years from now. Sure, the equipment may have changed and some of the people, but it will still be something I do as “fun”. ATV racing is a passion and something I would like to continue to do for some time to come. But my career is just that – “my career” and it has to come first in my life right now.

"My husband Phil and I had talks of finances, motor damage, and of course the fate of the 06 season..."

With all that said not being able to “finish” this year was still a hard blow to withstand especially after all of the hard work, time, money, and effort. It just all seemed lost…but it wasn’t. My husband and I gained much needed experience in every aspect of racing. This year has opened many doors for us and has given me the opportunity to grow on and off the track. Even better, my husband Phil and I made some great memories, met some wonderful people, and most of all we had “fun” traveling and seeing different parts of the United States.

“Fun” That is why we race right? Sometimes it can be hard to remember why we got started in this sport to begin with. Face it, it is easy to get caught up in the moment and push so hard for something that may or may not be obtainable. Sometimes it works out in your favor and other times you are left discouraged. It is important to remain positive and know that there will be another race and in the bigger picture the GNCC will be back again next year. It is a chance for all racers to start over with a clean slate and again work towards their goals.

Phil Albright

I am looking forward to that fresh start in 07 and plan to continue to race the GNCC series. My outlook will remain positive and I will keep enjoying the time traveling, the great competition, and the friends that I have made. After all, that is why I began this sport to begin with and it is important not lose that focus. Even more important is that racing does not become a “job”.

As racers it is essential for all of us to continue to grow, meet new people and enjoy this chance we are given in life. I feel we are all a distinct breed of individuals who love this sport and we should hold close what ATV racing truly is in our lives. It may not pay the bills but the experiences, friendships and thrill are irreplaceable.

Phil Albright (photo by Glenn Gardner)

-- Jennifer Albright

Jennifer is a Florida native who races year round and placed in the top 10 of the morning class of the GNCC series in 2006. She also runs in tops classes on the local level and is an advid follower of ATV riding everywhere.