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Talk to McFresh
Mike Quay Interview
Wheels-Off: How did you get into riding motorcycles?
Mike Quay: I would always spend the summers at my grandparents ranch in San Jon, New Mexico. When I was eight years old my Uncle Jeff Quay (E686) bought me my first motorcycle, (Yamaha PW80). I would always ride up and down the dirt roads near my grandparents' house terrorizing all of the laid back country folks. Ever since then I have been interested in riding and racing.
How long have you been racing in the TCCRA?
I raced the last five races of the 1999 season ending up with three DNF's and a 14th and 15th place. I guess you could say I was the Ricky Carmichael of the Mini Amateur class. But for the 2000 season I have focused on being patient and in control. The 2000 season will be my first full season with TCCRA.
What's it like to have to squeeze into a tight first turn with 30 other
crazed youngsters?
It is a little bit scary at some times because you don't know what the guy
next to you intends on doing. Luckily I have not been involved in any first turn major
incidents.
What's your favorite TCCRA race site, and why?
I would have to say that Prairie Creek in Pittsburg, TX is my favorite because it is a great track and Tracy Crouch always puts a lot of hard work into working on the track and promoting the race.
What's this KawiPimp and McFresh nonsense all about?
Me and Nathan Price (J98) made up those names for me because I ride a Kawasaki and I gots da mad pimpsta skillz.
You darned kooky youngsters...When are you planning on moving up to a 125? I need to know when to start making retirement plans.
I am planning on riding the Mini Amateur class for the remainder of this season and moving up to Intermediate next season. In the 2002 season I am planning on moving up to a 125. I wouldn't turn in your resignation just yet.
You just be sure and tell me when you're going to move up, OK? What other things do you like to do besides racing?
When I'm not spending my time on working on my bike or preparing myself for the races I like to play basketball and go out with my friends.
You gettin' good grades in school?
A's and high B's.
Good job. We can't be having the next generation of racing stars turn out to be dunderheads. What do you like best about cross-country racing?
The long races, you always have time to come back from bad starts.
What do you like least about cross-country racing?
The hot dusty races.
You're one smart guy, although the dust doesn't bother me that much. But the heat definitely sucks. Besides that Nathan Price hooligan, who are your favorite TCCRA racers?
I am good friends with Nathan Price (J98), Caleb Coleman (J354), Brad Walker (N316), Ben Norell (J602), Adam Little (J327), Jarrod Cooner (M362), Matt Crouch (M626), Curtis Pace (J8), and all the other members of McFresh's Posse.
I hear you've gotten some sponsors for this season. Who are they?
My 2000 sponsors are Sidewinder, Race-Tech, O'Neal, and Bell.
Do you ever wish you could race more than 25 miles, or is that enough for now?
I think that the races are a good length right now. It is nice not having to pit every race.
How many practice laps do you usually take on Saturday?
I normally take between 2-4 laps on Saturday. I take a slow first lap to look at the track. After that I will ride it and try to find the best lines to take during the race. I also take a lap on Sunday morning if it rains on Saturday night.
Have you ever done any racing besides TCCRA?
Yes, I normally race the Buddy Races at Prairie Creek in Pittsburg, TX. That's about it.
What's this Kawasaki nonsense all about? What happened to that cool-looking Yamaha you had with that great looking number?
Kawasaki was kind of actually a last resort for me. Although I am glad that I chose it because I have grown to like it. I was getting kind of big for my YZ80 but was not quite big enough to step up to a 125 and Kawasaki was the only one offering a 100 so we decided to give it a shot and I have enjoyed my 2000 KX100 very much. I changed my number from M619 to M665 in honor of my good friend Brandon Holmes who recently passed away.
Who are your closest competitors in the mini amateur class?
Since Jonathan Bentley and Jarrod Cooner have been bumped to the Intermediate class I would have to say my competitors are the top 10 in the class.
Do you impress all the girls at school when you tell them you race motorcycles?
Yeah. It's also good since I have no competition because I am the only one in our school that races.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Working security for Eddie Murphy!! Really what I would like to be is an orthopedic surgeon. I became really interested in bones and the skeletal system when I broke my femur riding in 1998. Also, if I get hurt racing I can tell all the other doctors exactly what to do.
Who is your favorite motorcycle racer of all time?
My favorite racer would have to be the one and only Jeremy McGrath, his domination has brought the sport to where it is today. I also really admire Travis Pastrana, he seems really nice, he has a good riding style, and he's fast as hell.
All right now, watch the cussing, Mister. What are your future racing plans?
I hope to trophy overall for this year and finish in the top three next year in the Intermediate class. After that I hope to ride 125 and 250 Intermediate and Expert class and race the Pro class within ten years.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to conduct this interview Mike, I appreciate it! Good luck with the rest of the 2000 racing season, and good luck to the rest of McFresh's Posse...
