AEM took a trip to Joe’s facilities in November and had the opportunity to review what his establishment looked like. Joe has taken great pride to make a top-notch training area and is rumored to be very serious about making sure every attendee leaves learning something. We wanted to offer a basic view of Joe and what he offers at his school with a quick Q&A:

Joe you are the ATVA GNC 2006 MX Champion, can you tell our amateurs what kind of work and dedication that takes?
You can't really put into words the amount of time, effort, sweat and tears that go into trying to win a national championship. This is my life. I am very fortunate to be able to have a job doing something that I love. Also I have the best of both worlds, my wife loves racing as well. The Good Lord has blessed me in so many ways. Through good times and bad you have to stay strong and remember those that have gotten you where you are. You can't do something this great without a lot of great people behind you.

How long have you actually been racing and riding?
I started out riding a three-wheeler at age 13. I have been riding and racing for a little over 2 decades.

Has your passion to race turned into a lifestyle you love?
I think that my first answer sums up this question as well.

What are some of the areas you really try to concentrate on?
I really try to get my students to focus on safety. We devote a large portion of the school to quad setup. I want my students to leave the school with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

What kind of improvement do you expect out of your students?
I know that by pointing out small things to my students that they will each improve in there own way. If they’re full blown racers or just ride for fun on the weekends I want them all to have a great time and learn as much as possible. Nothing beats getting e-mails, cards and letters from past students letting me know how well they are doing since attending the school. There is not one national event that goes by that I can't watch one of my former students strut there stuff on the race track. I'm very proud of all of you.

Do most decent riders need some kind of extra input or training?
I don't think you’re ever to good to learn.

Where do you feel the most common weakness is in amateurs?
I think that a common weakness for all riders is training. It is very hard to keep yourself motivated all season long.

Is racing for everyone?
Racing is not for everyone. Some people don't have that competitive edge needed for racing, and that is just fine. Just as long as they are having fun riding that 4-wheeler.

Recently you and Doug Gust held a special class to raise money for JJ. How did that go?
I thought that the school for JJ went very well. We were able to raise around $7500 and we all had a really good time. JJ and his family were able to attend the end of the school on Sunday, which was really great for all the students and there families. Everyone was really very surprised to see him and was glad to meet him.

We spoke of dedication earlier, give us the scoop – just how important is that?
Without the heart and dedication you’re not a trueborn racer. That is what it takes. If you don't have the heart and desire you could never fight back from an injury or overcome a bad weekend. We have all had these things happen but some of us are still fighting and others have faded away from the sport.

How do you feel the amateurs of today are doing in the overall status of the sport?
The youth and amateur riders are the wave of the future. There is a lot of young talent out there, they just have to stay focused and realize that they must put in the time. Nothing is more important then seat time. The more hours you put in the stronger you will be.

Your wife is a four time national Women’s champ does she train with you?
My wife is a 4x national champion and she trains with me everyday. Heather and I motivate each other. It wasn't until this year that we were able to share and celebrate a win on the same weekend. That is a feeling unlike any other. There aren't to many people in this world that can say they have competed in a national caliber event along side there spouse and both walked away winners. We enjoy racing and are very proud to be able to do it along side one another.

Red – brother you love the color red. Is it Honda bias?
I have always like the color red. I have ridden Honda since the start, so I'm sure it played a part in it somewhere down the line.

Anyone you want to thank?
I would like to thank my wife Heather and all my family. The Joe Byrd Quad Riding School and all the students that have attended over the last decade. I also have a list of important sponsors that have helped me through the years. Please take time to look at my website for a complete list! www.joebyrd.com