By:
Corry Weller
A
FEW MINUTES WITH WORCS PRO RACER – JOSH FREDERICK
A Pro race at the WORCS races just wouldn’t
be a truly great Pro battle without Josh Frederick
at the line, waiting for the chance to battle it
out yet again with the likes of Doug Eichner and
Logan Holladay and the other WORCS Pro racers who
have committed to another great season of anything-is-possible
racing action! While Josh is more reserved than
many of his fellow competitors on the line and around
the pits, his quiet demeanor is quickly a thing
of the past once Josh is on the track and hammering
through the laps at a blistering pace, no matter
how rough the course may be. Always accompanied
by a dedicated pit crew, Josh has a terrific support
system built around him that is apparent to even
a casual observer, and it’s obvious that Josh
Frederick is a force to be reckoned with in 2006
I was fortunate to find the time to
talk to Josh for a few minutes and find out a bit
more about this talented rider from Nevada.
| |
| Josh
Frederick - 10 Quick Facts |
| Birth
Date: |
04/08/78 |
| Weight: |
165 |
| Hometown: |
Moapa, NV |
| ATV: |
Epic Honda 450 &
Bombardier Outlaw 800 |
| First Race Location,
Year, & ATV: |
Caliente, NV; 1996 on
a 250R |
| First National
Event & ATV: |
Macon, GA, Honda TRX250R |
| Occupation: |
Heavy Machine Operator |
| 1st ATC/ATV &
Age: |
Yamaha 200 3-wheeler;
8 years old |
| Turned Pro: |
1998 |
| Hobbies: |
Riding, fishing, hunting |
|
When
did you first start riding ATVs, and how did it come
about?
I've always been around ATV's since I was very little.
I lived in the middle of the desert and there wasn’t
much else to do.
What made you decide to start racing?
It's fun…. I like to ride and I was good at
it.
How many years have you been racing ATVs?
Ten years
What was the first event you entered as a
Pro Racer and how did it go? Other than local
races, it was probably the PACE stadium series in
1998. I actually qualified for the Main.
What different events have you competed in
other the years? I raced the Nationals in
2001-2002; the Stadium Series from 1998-2004 where
I finished in the top 10; The 12 hours of America;
The Baja 1000; The 12 hours of Ponte De Voux in France.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
Winning the SCORE & BITD championships
last year.
What was your scariest moment as a racer?
Breaking my femur in 2003 or that split second,
anytime you are about to crash hard.
What were your most memorable events from
last year and what makes them so memorable?
Any time I win it's memorable, but probably the Baja
500 because it's a huge event.
Is
there any one individual who has influenced you the
most in your life and helped you get to the point
you are at right now, career wise? My dad.
He has been there from the beginning. He has been
to almost every single race from France to the Baja.
He has sacrificed alot for me to get me where I am
today.
Do
you have any pre-race rituals, or anything you do at
the gate or the start of a race to help you with your
races? I
say a prayer for me and my family.
What
is it like competing against an ATV racing Legend,
Doug Eichner? Very intimidating. He has won
so many races and championships. He's a great competitor.
What
drives you to compete in the WORCS Series over the
other racing events? I like that there are
so many things involved…..like pit strategy,
bike prep, endurance, MX & Grand Prix. I love
it!
What
do you like best about competing in the WORCS Series?
It's very challenging.
What
is your favorite track from last year on schedule
for 2006 & why? The Payette, Idaho is
a fun track with lots of elevation changes; and Havasu
is good because it is rough, but I really don't have
a favorite.
How
would you describe a WORCS event compared to a cross
country, desert, or motocross events? In
WORCS you have to ride all out for 90 min - not much
time to rest. With desert racing there is more time
to rest.
Which
aspect of the track do you feel you a faster at than
any one else? MX - but I need to work on
corner speed.
What
type of preparation (training, riding, exercise) do
you do between events? I try to ride as much
as possible, but that doesn't always work. I'm usually
lucky if I get 2 days a week in, but I make up for
it by lifting weights and road biking.
Do
you practice with anyone? If so, where and how often?
No, not usually because of my work schedule
- it is easier to just ride when I have a chance.
Have
you ever competed in a GNCC event, and if so how was
it, when and where? If not, would you ever
consider it? No I haven't. I did the GNC's for 2 yrs
but it is just too hard to travel back and forth and
keep a full time job, so to do the GNCC's just isn't
feasible… but I would really love to try one.
That’s where all the big dogs are.
Any changes in your race program/sponsorship
for 2006? Yes this year
I am racing for Golden West Cycle/ Epic/ Bombardier.
I will ride the Bomb Outlander 800 in the desert and
utility class - and the Honda 450r in the WORCS/MX Pro
class. I am very excited to have these guys behind me
this year.
Sponsor List? Golden West Cycle, Epic,
BRP, Elka, Maxxis, AC, Big Gun, Fly, Scott, Tag, One,
Douglas, Quad Tech, Maxima, Avina Prep, Precision, Maier,
IMS, Powermadd. Do
you race with Tire Balls? Why or Why Not?
No, not this year….. most tracks you don't need
them - but it's a great product.
Do
you have any career goals or achievements that you
are aiming for in your career? It would be
really nice to race for a living.
Have
you ever thought of quitting this sport at any point?
Why or why not? Yeah, at the start of every
year….. trying to get sponsorships buttoned
up and credit card bills paid off - it is a real nightmare.
Are
you married, and how does your wife
feel about you still racing ATVs?
Yes,
I've been married for almost 6 years. It is hard on
| |
| **Thanks,
Josh, for taking the time to talk with us –
and congrats to you and your family on your
up and coming bundle of joy! Good luck this
season and we will be sure to keep track of
all the racing action this year in the WORCS
Pro class!** |
her because I do spend a lot of time training, getting
ready, and going to the races - but she is very supportive
and sees that it makes me happy.
What
do you see yourself doing 5 years from now?
Probably still driving heavy equipment and coaching
my kid's soccer team?
How
many more years do you plan on racing at the Pro Level?
Until it's not fun any more or I just lose
that drive.
Besides
your family and racing, is there anything else that
you enjoy spending time on? I like to hunt
and fish but I don't get much time to do it.
Any
exciting news to share outside of ATV racing?
We are expecting our second child!
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