Interview: USMGP Junior Champion Mario Alvarez II
Jul 16, 2006, By Michael Lenz, Copyright 2006, MiniGPX
We recently caught up with USMGP's 2005 Junior Champion Mario 'Little Mario' Alvarez II over e-mail. You can keep up with 'Little Mario' at www.younggunracer.com.
Name: Mario Alvarez II
Age: 9
Birthplace: Montana, USA
Bikes: 2005 Thumpstar MiniMotard Racer, 2006 Giannini Production 6.2,
2006 Giannini SuperProduction
How long have you been racing?
I've been racing since the age of 4, so 5 years.
Has your riding style or approach to racing changed over the years?
Yes, moving from dirtbikes to road bikes was a bit tough but fun.
How did you get into bikes?
My dad had been racing since I was born and I grew up going to the races. My dad got me my first bike at the age of three and I have been riding ever since then.
Do ride bikes other an pocketbikes?
Yes, motard and dirt track.
Why do you race?
Because I love riding bikes and getting lots of trophies.
Did anyone inspire you to race?
My dad.
What is your favorite track?
BeaveRun for pocketbikes and Laguna Seca for big bikes cause I got to go last year to the MotoGP race.
What team are you on?
Giannini Racing.
How did you end up on that team?
Frank Giannini saw me ride in Arizona (Bob Bondurant) and approached my dad and asked us to join his team.
How do your teammates help you?
Jimmy D helps me out with lines to get me faster at all of the track we race at. Robert helps me get my head in the game and to concentrate on the races.
Who are your sponsors?
Adrenaline Freaks Track Days
Giannini Racing
Studio819 Photography
Who's Calling, Inc.
Roofing Specialists NW
HJC Helmets USA
Cycle Gear
TGS - Salinas, CA
Xtreme Signs and Graphix
TyxSox Tyre Warmers
Alien Motors
DMD Racing
Desmo NorthWest
Fluid Suspension Science
What clubs do you race with?
USMGP, SMRRC, and OMRRA.
What are your hobbies outside of riding?
video games, reading, playing football with my friends, and drawing.
Does you family support your riding?
Yes they do.
How did the 2005 season go?
Very good, I won three different National Championships with USMGP. I won the National #1 Plate in the 4.2, 6.2, and SuperProduction classes.
How have been things going so far in 2006?
Good, we are not racing as much locally as we are concentrating on defending the USMGP Championships. I'm doing very well in the classes I'm racing in and leading the points in all three classes I'm racing in.
Have you started thinking about what you are going to do in 2007?
Yeah, I won't be racing pocketbikes. I'll be racing a MetraKit bike if all goes well in the USMGP championship and a second bike that we are working on and can't say anything else until we get everything worked out.
Of all the riders you race with who do you have the most fun with or who do you look forward to racing?
I like racing against Hunter Coffin, TJ, and Robert Linse.
Who is your strongest competitor?
Hunter Coffin, he pushes me to ride hard and we have a blast while racing.
Do you have plans to ride big bikes when you are old enough?
Yes, I would like to ride SuperBikes and maybe MotoGP.
