Interview: GAMRA's John Gessner
Dec 01, 2007, By Clarissa Lenz, ©Copyright 2007, MiniGPX.com
John is interviewed in this article by MiniGPX Junior Editor Clarissa Lenz.
Name: John Gessner
Age: 9
Homestate: Louisiana
Home Club: Lafayette Mini Roadracing Association, Lafayette, Louisiana
MGPX: First off, tell us about yourself.
I'm John Gessner and my dream is to be a world champion in road racing.
MGPX: What have you been up to this year?
Nothing lately. I just got done with the last race of the year.
MGPX: What classes do you ride?
I ride in Formula 2 and GP85.
MGPX: Who is your biggest competition in the F2 class?
I would pick Mookie (Keith Montgomery).
MGPX: What inspired you to start racing?
It started when I was 2 years old and I saw Nicky Hayden racing on T.V.
MGPX: When you have tough days what keeps you going?
Like when I crash really hard I never say that I want to quit racing because my dream will never come true.
MGPX: What was your worst crash?
I've never broken any bones, but my worst crash was when I scarred my elbow. I had to wear a cast for a week.
MGPX: Where did it happen?
The crash was at my home track, in Lafayette, Louisiana.
MGPX: What is your favorite and least favorite bike to ride?
My favorite bike is my KX65 and I'm not sure what my least favorite bike is.
MGPX: What clubs do you race with?
Edgewise racing, Oklahoma Superbikers and SEMRA.
MGPX: Having raced with all the different clubs, what sticks out as the biggest difference in the clubs?
Well, usually when I go to a racing club I see bikes that I've never seen in my life.
MGPX: Who is your biggest competition?
It would be Jake Barnard at Edgewise.
MGPX: You ride in the Louisiana summer heat, how do you keep cool in such hot weather?
My dad and I usually buy one or two gallons of cold water.
MGPX: Are you home schooled or do you go to a public school?
I go to public school.
MGPX: What do your friends think about you riding and racing?
They sometimes say it must be hard traveling from state to state to different clubs.
MGPX: Do you miss school often because of racing?
No. I only have practice and race on Saturday and Sundays.
MGPX: How often do you practice?
Usually two times a month.
MGPX: What do you do for training other than riding?
I practice for a triathlon.
MGPX: Its pretty obvious by your Dad's interest in racing that your dad supports you but what about the rest of your family?
My stepmom Jennifer Gessner supports me sometimes when my dad is offshore she brings me to a trackday.
MGPX: What do you enjoy most when racing?
Just only have fun and don't crash.
MGPX: What are your goals for the next couple of years racing?
I'm going to race across the U.S.
MGPX: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A famous road racer just like Nicky Hayden.
MGPX: Where do you get your hair cut?
My dad's friend Dave Munnerlyn he rides a Moto Guzzi.
MGPX: What pair of shoes are your favorite?
My brand new boots that my parents got me.
MGPX: What would you tell a person starting out in the sport?
Remember what my dad always tells me Have fun.
MGPX: Who are your sponsors?
T & J racing.
MGPX: Good luck with your racing.
Thanks. I hope my dream comes true.
