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Pound for Pound the TCCRA's Fastest Rider
Shannon McKamy Interview
How long have you been racing TCCRA?
I've been racing the T.C.C.R.A circuit for 5 years now. Although this year is proving to be the most difficult. So far this year I've re-injured my shoulder, broken my hand and had my only bike stolen.
What year-end finishes have you had, and in what classes?
In the last 5 years I've seen alot of racing. In 1998 and 1999 I received first place in the Ladies Expert year-end points. I've raced a few different classes, but the ladies class is the only one I've raced all year.
Do you eat or drink anything
special before a race?
My diet before a race actually begins a week
prior to the event. I drink as much H2O that I can possibly swallow. I eat carbs and protein and fruit. Saturday I try to drink Gatorade and stay pretty
energized, which means not over doing practice. Sunday I eat a good breakfast, usually a concoction of
eggs, tomatoes, hot sauce, and onion. Yum! I always carry a bottle of water around with me until I race,
and I always eat something light like a sandwich about an hour before I race.
What do you think about during a race?
During a race I try to concentrate mostly on being smooth and riding hard.
How is riding with the guys different from riding in the ladies class?
Racing with the guys is a lot more fun. There is a lot more competition than in the ladies class. It's more fast paced and exciting. Plus the fact that some guys would rather almost kill themselves than be pasted by a girl is always entertaining. But also the guys don't just let you by like a lot of the women, so you really have to commit. Although most people would say that 1st is the best that you can do, sometimes that's not entirely true. When I raced Pro and finished 10th, I was really pleased. I was only about 3 minutes from a money place and I really didn't feel that I tried my very hardest. I more or less rode to have fun. I think that it was funny, so many of the Pros acted surprised or maybe offended that I was on the line with them. And even though I got to examine the dirt on the start a little more than I had intended, I've got an awesome picture of me and Hoenshell going into the first corner together.
What is your favorite TCCRA race site, and why?
I think my favorite T.C.C.R.A race site would have to be Lake Whitney. The track was awesome and the concession stand was really nice not to mention the restrooms and the cool river flowing behind it. I really like the step-up and the hill climb. I had a lot of fun at that race.
When did you start racing
motorcycles?
I first was interested in riding at about age 12 although I didn't actually
start racing until age 13, after hearing my dad talk about when he used to race street bikes.
It sounded like an awesome thing to do. My dad thought that I should learn in the dirt first and I've had so much
fun that my street racing career hasn't really taken off.
Have you ever had any racing injuries?
I've had my share of racing injuries. I slightly dislocated my shoulder in practice at Pecan Flats about 2 years ago. And I've been knocked out a few times, but I think that the worst I've been hurt was about 2 months ago when I broke my clutch hand, making it very painful to race at Pittsburg, TX. That's why I sat out at the Bonita race.
What was the first motorcycle you ever owned?
The first motorcycle I ever owned was a 1991 CR 125, which was the one I won the 1998 Ladies Expert title on. But in the beginning it was a little much, so I rode an XR 200.
Talk about your first race.
My first race was an enduro. I really had no idea at the time as to what the "true" meaning of enduro meant. But my dad and I loaded up and went to the Nacogdoches Trail Riders Enduro. My dad had planned on racing my CR 125 and I'd race the XR200, but I didn't want to start on the 200, so I pleaded with him to let me start on the 125. After about 10 miles and a fouled plug, I was plenty ready for my nice, comfortable, easy going XR. At the end of the 50 miles I was pretty tired, but not as tired as my dad. He couldn't even open his hands all the way. They would just sit there and start cramping, so I got to drive home! I think out of about 65 riders we finished like 64th and 65th. But it was fun and that's where it all started.
Who is your favorite motorcycle racer?
My favorite racer would have to be Danny Oznick Jr. (P82). Even though he is just getting started I really admire his devotion and concentration. He always has a good attitude no matter how his race comes out and I think that he is extremely talented and a joy to watch in action.
Who are your sponsors for 2000?
In the race season of 2000 I have a few sponsors, Moose Offroad, Smith goggles, Pro-Action Suspension, and Two Wheel World in Garland.
What do you like best about cross country racing?
What I like best about cross country is that the people are so nice and friendly. Plus I like the tracks being longer than motocross.
What do you like least about cross country racing?
I don't really like the fact that some of the races are in 150 degree weather, but if it wasn't hard everybody would do it!
What are your future racing plans?
My future racing plans include: racing at Loretta Lynn's Amateur Qualifiers, and attending as many national events as I can. I may not become anyone famous, but I'd like to see the sites and race with the best. You can't get any better unless you challenge yourself to ride with the best.
Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions Shannon, and good luck with the remainder of the 2000 season!
