With the 2007 GNCC season approaching riders across the country are preparing themselves as well as their quads. Team Cardio Stack rider Scott Wilson of Berea Kentucky is no different, with a rocky start in 2006 he has higher hopes and expectations for the upcoming season.

Scott tell us about the 2006 season
I had a tough time at the beginning of the season starting it off with a broken foot. I think that kind of set the tone for the rest of the year. I fought hard & finished a respectable 16th in the Junior class of GNCC.

And what classes are you planning on racing in this year?
GNCC- Vet B
D10 Kentucky Series- A

What other hobbies do you have, other than ATV racing of course?
I own & operate Sound Sessions Studio (a recording studio). I guess my other obsession/hobby is music. I also work (if you want to call it that) at another studio where I do session’s .I play guitar, drums, bass and trumpet. Studio work is great because I get to play all types of music.

Wow…that is great! What does a normal day consist of Scott?
I roll out of the sack about 6:30a.m. and prepare myself to enter the wonderful world of insurance claims. I live about an hour away from my office where I am an insurance appraiser for a local independent appraisal service. I usually get home about 5:00 and hit the gym for about an hour. Sometimes I have a recording session after that, but otherwise I do what every quad racer loves to do.........work on my quad. After a long week I try to ride or race on the weekends & of coarse spend as much time as I can with my wonderful wife Renee. Sometimes finding the balance between working, racing and family is tough.

Are your wife Renee and/or other family members into racing as much as you are? Do they ride?
My wife loves it and enjoys going to as many races as she can. My parents of course want to see me do well in whatever I do.......but they fear for my safety. I grew up riding dirt bikes with my older brother. Some of the best times of my life were riding with my bro, but he no longer rides…

Who does the majority of work on your quad?
Laz & the gang at GT THUNDER as well as my chief mechanic....ME

What do you feel is the first modification that should be done to a quad and why?
I would have to say I would slap on a set of Maxxis Tires. Today’s quads come with mostly two-ply tires that can't take the beating of XC racing or hard core trail riding. There is nothing that ruins a great day of riding faster than a flat tire!

Tell us about a typical trip to and from a GNCC
Lots -o- fun... I have a great gang of guys that I travel with .We try to head out Friday morning so we can get a good pit spot .We shoot the bull like guys do the entire way and usually only stop for fuel and some grub. All the guys ride me because I will sniff out a Wendy's no matter where we are. What can I say; I like their grilled chicken sandwich!

Once we reach the race we will walk the track as much as we have time for then register. We also find time to track down our friends and catch up on what’s going on. Afterwards we settle in the trailer for a decent nights sleep (which everyone who has ever raced knows is tough to do at a GNCC race). Some of our crew races the a.m. race so we get up early & help them get ready .Then it’s off to the morning start and then to the pits to play pit crew. Around 11:30 I make the final pre-race check on my quad and start getting myself prepared for my race.

After the race the guys usually have the EZ- up loaded and we change and head out for home. Sometimes the trip home is one of the best parts of the trip.

Tell us something interesting about yourself, something that people may not know about you
My name is Scott Wilson and I am a cell phone addict. I have two cell phones, one for work and one for personal use. I have been known to rack up over 5000 minutes in one month on my personal phone. My wife says I am like some old woman sitting around gabbing to all my riding buddies. Oh gosh, now everyone knows...

Scott, tell us how you prepare for a race mentally
I try to not think about it until it's time for the flag to drop. I socialize as much as I can to keep myself from getting too excited. Once I am on the line I put my head down on my bars say a little prayer & clear my mind. It helps but I still get an uneasy feeling down in the pit of my stomach when I hear the announcer yell, "ten seconds!"

Physically?
This year I stepped up my training program .When I heard Phil Cole was going to design a ten week pre-season workout program I was one of the first people in line ! I workout for about an hour a day, six days a week. Everything from strength training, cardio training and stretching. I also take Cardio Stack (the pre race supplement) not only the day of the race but everyday to optimize my workout energy. I know I have to step up my fitness program if I want to take my racing to the next level. Through Phil's personalized workout program I have already achieved many of my fitness goals.

Do you race anything besides cross country or have you experienced another form of ATV racing?
Last year Lexington Motosports my local dealership asked me to represent them in an ice race. That was a unique feeling to ride your quad out into an arena full of screaming people. With the fog and the light show it was like being a rock star for a weekend.. Lots of fun.

Who is it that you look up to in life?
I look up to my father. He seems to always have the right answer & the right plan. He has been the guy I turn to when I need good advice.

What is the driving force behind you and your racing goals?
When I was younger I had a friend that raced AMA nationals. He and his mom traveled all over racing. I used to go with them quite often. Through the years I grew close to his mother and learned allot about racing. When I was eighteen my friends mother passed away unexpectedly, he stopped racing. I guess at times I think about her cheering him on and how I am sure he wishes his mom was still around. That taught me to treat each day like it was my last and race each race as hard as I can.

Is there anyone one person that you would say is your greatest competition on race weekend?
Myself, I try to run my own race and push myself harder each corner. That is what I love about XC racing, sure you are racing other people, but you can set goals for lap times and try to improve yourself .When I am out there racing sometimes I am all alone. I have to keep reminding my self to push it but not too hard and crash.

Scott, by the sound of things, you are ready for 2007!
I am really excited about the 2007 season. I am part of a new team that will be starting up this year, TEAM CARDIO STACK. We have lots of big plans for the year. So keep your eye out for the big orange tent on vender row! I will be chasing the championship in Vet –B of GNCC as well as the # 1 plate in the local D-10 races.

Scott who due you owe thanks to?
I couldn’t do it without these guys…… …Cardio Stack, GT Thunder, Ohlin suspension, Rated – X, FLY Racing, Scott USA, Maxxis, HiPer Wheels, HMF, IMS, Lexington Motosports, RPM, Spider Grips, Precision Racing Products , Tire Balls, Division 4, H-Bomb Films, PowerMadd , Chainstitch Embrodery, Outerwares, Flexx Handlebars systems, Adapt Graphics, Cometic Gaskets, Signature Powder Coating, Osirus Shoes, EVS ,ASV,ATV EXPOSED MAGAZINE, B K Performance,Sponsorhouse.com ,Quadzone.com. Last but not least, my wife and the guys that travel with me Spence, Luke & Jesse....

Scott, it was a pleasure doing this interview, I as well s the AEM staff wish you the best of luck this season!!