Although this is her first year in the GNCC series Kristen is no stranger. After all she has always been supportive of her family and their racing plan over the past years.  Supporting her Aunt Angel Atwell was one of the things on the top of Kristen’s list when attending GNCC events over the past few years. Things have changed and now Kristen finds herself strapping on her own helmet for the morning races.

At 16 years old Kristen is in her third year of racing, her first year of GNCC racing, and loves every minute of it.  I asked Kristen to tell AEM about herself “I live in Harrisville, PA and I also spend a lot of time at my dads in Barkeyville, PA. I am a very goofy person who just likes to have a good time. I enjoy racing because it is a great challenge and I get to meet a lot of wonderful people along the way. I live at home with my mom and I actually have a little sister who will be 2 in May. ”

Kristen has experienced up in downs in her three years of racing ATVs and she shares both the good and bad experiences she has faced. “The day I took my first win at a CRA race, I had pushed and tried for so long and I finally got my win and it was a great feeling.” What would be your worst memory? “I was at an AWRCS race and I got a really bad holeshot so I pushed all day to catch up and on the last lap I had worked my way up to 6th and my chain popped off and it took me awhile to get it back on and I ended up 13th for the day.”

Watching Kristen improve this year has been inspiring. It is evident that her family is very supportive of her and her ambitions. “I started coming to the races years ago and I loved to ride at home so I convinced my dad to let me give racing a shot and I fell in love. The whole adrenaline rush and the whole atmosphere just keeps me wanting more.”  In addition, Kristen’s Dad takes care of everything mechanical which frees up time for Kristen to go to school, adhere to her training program, and get packed for the upcoming weekend. Kristen looks up highly to her father and her Aunt Angel. It is evident the Atwell’s make a great team and will be around the GNCC scene for some time.

Kristen explains what drives her to compete and attend races “Competitiveness, I am a very competitive person and that itself pushes me to succeed in all of my racing goals.” The support of her family and following sponsors shows and I asked who it was out there that has gotten her through this first year in the Nationals “Well first I have to thank my dad because without him I would not be where I am today. He is a very dedicated to helping me be the best that I am capable of. I have to thank Buchanan Racing and the Buchanan family for all their support and all of their help throughout the years.  I have to thank Regina Chains, Gaerne Boots, Cycra, Twin Air, Motorex, Yoshimura, Scott goggles, and Progrips.”

Kristen was #518 this year and has earned the #226 plate for the 2007 season. This was no surprise after her great finishes in Yadkinville and in St. Clairsville and if not for some bad luck this year that plate could have even been higher. I am sure the ATV racing community will see an even high year end finish and plate at the close of 2007. Kristen has what it takes to get up front and we at AEM wish her the best next season!