Interview: John Natalie Jr - Honda Factory ATV Motocross Racer - Continued

You won the championship this year on a Honda. How involved has Honda been with your race program?
They haven’t been involved at all in the race program. They gave me support with bikes, the monetary stuff and some bonuses, but the program itself, there was no support, I had to take care of everything myself and of course my side sponsors helped out a ton…Maxxis, Elka, Streamline, RPM, Rage ATV, Shift, Pro Armor, Hiper Racing and Hinson. Those are all the guys that made it happen for me this year.

Rage ATV’s Dee Manshack has been out here every race working and wrenching for you, it was a really emotional win for him as well. How big of a part has Dee been in this championship?
Dee has been a big part! With guys like him it makes it a lot easier to come off the line and be in front and not have to pass guys. I think the worst Holeshot I got this year was 4th or 5th so that’s pretty good. That helps out a ton and of course Dee has been like a father figure to me and treating me like his little boy and keeping my head on straight and he’s been great.

Rage ATV's Dee Manshack was all business before the start of the final Main Event, and it was obvious as he kept an eye on John during the parade lap, but once John crossed the finish line ahead of Wimmer, Dee was the first one to congratulate John on a great season and the celebrating began as Dee was all smiles

John Natalie Jr last GNCC race was at the 2007 opening round in Florida

Now that the season is wrapped up, what do you have planned for this winter?
I’m going to start training next week for next year already. No rest for the wicked so to speak. I’m going home and start training and working on some new things. I’ll be on a new bike next year. I can’t say what it is yet, but I can say it definitely isn’t going to be red. We’re going to come out a lot stronger next year than we did this year.

Do you plan on racing any GNCC races over the winter?
Yeah, I definitely want to. I’m working on a GNCC bike right now. I’m going to try and at least make the “Ironman” and the 12-hour race, plus I’d like to make a couple more of the GNCC races just for fun. They are really fun races for me because there’s no pressure, if I want to just go out there and ride around that’s fine, and if I want to go out and try to win, that’s fine to.

Michelle Natalie held on to win her first race of the year against Angela Butler at Daniel Boone in London, KY

Your wife, Michelle Natalie, finished in the runners-up spot in the Women’s A Class this year, so what is her plans for next year?
She really wants to race this coming year. Her heart really wasn’t into it the last couple of years, but she’s ready to train this winter and get her strength up. I think she’s going to come out and win the Women’s championship next year.

You’ve been working with Greg Gee and Bobby Ross, how’s that going for you?
It’s going good, I have a lot of good protégé’s under me. Greg is coming along, he’s got a lot of speed, his head’s on straight, and I’m working with Bobby and trying to bring him up also. It’s really fun, I want to get a lot more people under me and do some schools.

John Natalie Jr wrapped up the championship, and headed to the infield to cheer on Greg Gee (left) and Bobby Ross (right) during the Super Quad ProAm Race

Is this some insight to a possible team or is there a chance of you having several riders on the team with you next year?
I’m definitely looking forward to a team. I’m kind of hoping that something comes through for a team. If not next year, I’m definitely looking for it in the next couple of years to have my own full-blown team and riding with them and teaching them how to do what we do to make a living at doing something that they love.

Congratulations on your championship John, it was great watching you this year and we wish you the best of luck for next season.
Thank you! I can use all the luck in the world, I appreciate it!