Photography: Swanberg/Stallo

With thousands of entries at each national, and more fast regional riders than you could shake a stick at, often times riders with unbelievable talent and the ability get overlooked. It’s just the way it is. With promoters trying to find ways to add even more classes to each event it’s not uncommon to watch 30 or 40 motos drop from the gate during an afternoon at an amateur national, and that’s just half the running order!

Any way you slice it there are always going to be certain riders who never seem to nudge their way into the limelight. Well, let that be the case no longer for Michigan’s Mitchell Harrison. With a best overall finish of 6th at Loretta’s, and one more year of eligibility in the 9-11 class, Harrison is fast becoming a potential title contender.

Give us the ultimate introduction about Mitchell Harrison! Name, age, how long you’ve been competitively racing, what you like to do for fun aside from riding, school, your riding goals, your favorite rider, girls?! Etc…

My name is Mitchell Harrison.  I live in Brighton, Michigan, and I am 11 years old.  I have been competitively racing motocross since I was 6 years old.  I currently compete in the 85 9-11 class aboard a Kawasaki 85, and I will continue competing in that class next year.

I am in 6th grade, and I am home schooled with a GPA of 3.0.  Other than motocross, I like to hang out with friends, play football, skateboard, snowboard, BMX, and swim.  My favorite pro riders are Ryan Villopoto and Justin Barcia.  I don’t have a girlfriend right now; but, I am looking!!!

Already a promising contender, you raced Loretta’s this year and walked away with a 6th and a 13th. Very impressive! How were you feeling coming into the race and do you plan on qualifying for 2010?

I felt very prepared going into Loretta’s this year; although  I was a bit nervous being that it was my first year.   I trained really hard both at the gym and riding almost every day with my trainer. Also, I spent the  week prior to Loretta’s at GPF getting used to the heat because Michigan just doesn’t get as hot as Loretta’s.  In the end, I was extremely happy with my results.

I can’t wait until next year for Loretta’s - I feel that with my current training program, I will be a contender for a championship in the 85 9-11 class.

Tell us about your successes in previous years racing the AMA Toyota Arenacross and the Rockstar US Open?

The AMA Amateur National Arenacross Series has always been one of my favorite series. On Friday and Saturday nights you get to race in front of thousands of fans!

I have won two Championships in that series, and I have been winning most of my races since my first Championship; however, I have had some great battles with one of best friends, Ashton Hayes.

When I first started racing motocross, I spent a lot of time riding on indoor tracks in Michigan during the winter which has helped me to excel indoors.  Although I still love indoor motocross, I have been steadily trying to train to be competitive in both indoor and outdoor motocross.

Vegas is a pretty crazy town! Will you be going for a third win at the US Open this October?

 

What can I say - I love Vegas!!!  I am hoping to get another Championship which will be very exciting.

What is it about the US Open that brings you back every year?

Well, the US Open is a fun track, and as I said, I love arenacross.  I really like the rhythm and whoops sections.  Vegas is an exciting place, and I love the fans.  When you are on the podium holding the Number 1 Plate in your hands it’s a great feeling.

You killed it at the Baja Brawl this year, sweeping the 85 9-11 class with a 1-1-1, and competing with riders such as Tristan Charbaneu, Kyler West, Jeremey Hand, and Stephen Gretchen.  What other racing has the 2009 season consisted of and will you be attending the Mini Os?

At the Brawl this year, the competition was stiff, as expected; however, I got great starts and just rode my race.  Baja is a great track, and has a lot of fun things to do when you’re not racing.

Other than Baja, and the other nationals, I have tried to concentrate on my training, while attending some local and regional events.  I do plan to race at the Mini Os, and I am looking forward to some great results.

Now is the time to get a kickstart to be in top shape. What does your training consist of between racing and in the off-season to stay up on your game?

For me, as well as most motocross racers, there really is no “off season.”  My trainer, Jonathan Blain, takes me riding almost every day when we work on fundamentals, as well as endurance.  We also go to the gym to work on cardio and strength.   This winter I plan to go south to train at places like GPF and MTF.

What do you think it takes to be a successful motocross racer like Stewart or Pourcel?

I think it takes a lot of hard work and dedication in any sport to be a successful.  I know that Stewart and Pourcel worked real hard to get where they are, and I think I have the same drive as they do.

To the best of your knowledge, let us in on your plans for 2010 regarding racing, sponsors and goals?

I am expecting 2010 to be a big year for me.  I am hoping to land some level of factory sponsorship (hint: I currently ride Kawasaki!!!), land some new industry sponsors, and keep my existing sponsors.   I plan to attend most of the Amateur Nationals again including Lake Whitney, Oakhill, Loretta’s, and Mini Os, as well as many regional events including the Kawasaki Race of Champions and the Baja Brawl, and hopefully bring home some Championships!

Any shout outs?!

I would like to thank my mom and dad, Tim & Marty at Panic Rev Powersports of Kalamazoo; Kurt & Ryan at Pantsaggin.com; Josh & Jake at Pirelli; Shawn at Tag Metals; Matt at System Six Graphics; Chris at PR2 Suspension; Scott USA;  Ogio, Jonathan Blain my trainer,  and especially God for watching over me…..