34 year old Josh Fronckowiak of Venice Florida is Husband and Father before a racer and is doing what he can for his family during the day and trying to get to the races by night. He owns his own Framing Company: Fronckowiak & Company Construction Inc. where 40 hours a week is not the norm. And in addition he helps his brother and his business for several hours a week. Both of these jobs can total a whopping 80-90 hours a week of work, this does not include time he tries to spend with his wife and two young girls. With such a busy schedule we asked how Josh even found the time to get started in ATV racing (he laughs) “Jet skis…we were out shopping around for jet skis and instead we decided to buy an ATV, with no intention of racing. With lack of legal riding areas in Florida we decided to try the Palatka GNCC 3 years ago. I didn’t even own a jersey but bought one so I could feel like I fit in (he laughs). It was a muddy mess but I had a blast! The family and I were hooked and we started racing Florida Trail Riders (FTR) full time.”
The GNCC can be a huge jump from a local or state event. Josh shares his feelings “Although there are differences in each series they have their similarities. The GNCC is more of a mind race. You think of racing the best riders in the Nation, and honestly you do not want to mess up your race or anyone else’s. It is hard to keep grounded but important to stay focused. FTR is smaller in numbers but the friendships we have made are the best.” Josh also spoke of his wife Amanda and her support. “Amanda races and is also the Chairperson of the new Quad Scrambles Series here in Florida. Sometimes I must stick with Amanda and her commitments to the sport here in Florida which can prevent me from getting to a GNCC. It is ok though, I have fun no matter where I race!”
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In the four years of his racing Josh has switched quads a few times to try to find the machine he could be most comfortable on. At 6’3” some sport quads seemed small and under powered. But when FTR made a utility class Josh knew he had found his calling, this is when he began racing his Suzuki Twin Peaks. Josh spoke of the handling of the utility compared to a sport quad and hands down Josh prefers the handling, speed, and the ability he has on his Suzuki Utility. Josh says “The utility quad just suites me and my personal riding style better”. Josh is so comfortable on his utility that he has even raced it against sport quads in the Open B class of FTR and although amazing, he was top 4 into the first corner a couple weeks ago. |
Josh does have plans for the future and they include FTR, the GNCC, and he has hopes of making to a WPSA race or two. As always FTR will take precedence, after all his entire family is now involved. Amanda is continuing to race and his oldest daughter Carly is moving into the sport and is beginning her second season. So, as a father and racer he graciously will support his Family. Josh mentioned a few important people in his life who deserve a “Thank You”: “I have to first thank my wife Amanda for her support and none of this would be possible without her Mom, Myrtle, she is the best “Pit Mom” and helps us with our children when it is race time. All the support of family and friends is great; we have had a blast over the past few years!
As Josh’s story unfolds it is easy to notice that in almost every notion, conversation, or thought Josh is thinking of his family. One story I am unable to leave out shows the thoughtful side of Josh that so many of his family and friends know. Quite often Josh will get up before the sun and head out to job sites and on his way home he likes to bring the family donuts. So often that his youngest daughter Jayna believes that Josh’s occupation is no other than a “full time doughnut maker”! There are many more stories and laughs that were shared such as Josh wanting to thank Wal-Mart for their overnight parking and Sonny’s for their fine eating establishments that are conveniently placed along the Eastern United States (always on route to a GNCC).
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Josh is one of the most approachable – fun people at the track!! He is always joking, laughing, and ready to grab a net and catch butterflies with his daughters. As a rider Josh is strong willed and competitive but willing to stop his race to help a fellow rider “out of the trees”. When I did the interview with Josh, his family was also near by and the laughs that we all shared were great. It is wonderful to see “close” families sharing experiences and loving the sport. The ATV world is full of great people just like the Fronckowiak’s and we at AEM want to wish Josh and his family safety and luck in their future of racing!
