It's the dream of every fan/racer of the sport to land a job in the industry, but for very few does that dream actually come true. After recently graduating college, Jen Kenyon has gotten to experience what the other side of racing is all about as the new Media Manager for Racer Productions. We caught up with Jen to hear about the beginning of her journey with the GNCC family.
GNCCRacing.com: Hey Jen how's it going today?
Jen Kenyon: Not too bad, we actually just left the Laundromat, had to restock the clothing situation for the week (laughs). We're staying down in Suwanee, Georgia for a couple days before heading to Pell City, Alabama for the ATVMX series this weekend. Things have been pretty hectic with race season kicking off just a couple weeks ago.
Wow. It really looks like you have dove right into the GNCC Racing world headfirst! So how was your first GNCC Opener experience?
It was amazing! I really had no idea what went on at a GNCC race until I actually experienced it first hand. The people here are so wonderful and I'm really diggin' the family atmosphere. And as far as the racing goes, I'm really getting into it! I spent some time out in the woods in Georgia and caught some of the most exciting racing I've seen in a while. I'm definitely looking forward to the season progressing and what's to come.
Jen is an MXer but may try her cards in a GNCC this year
Yeah, I had the opportunity to hop on an RM-Z250 thanks to the guys at Suzuki as I tagged along in their dealer demo on Wednesday after the race. I'm not going to lie, I haven't been on a bike in about 3 months so it was a pretty tiring ride but I enjoyed every minute of it! I felt right at home in the deep sandy stuff, but the trees and palmettos were pretty gnarly! I may have to try my luck in something a little woodsier later in the year...
I saw you were doing a lot of tweeting during the races. Is this something we can expect to see more of? I thought it was cool enough that I let you set me up an account on my phone. (Laughing) So tell me how the twitter thing works, how can people follow?
Yeah, I think tweeting is huge in our sport because not everyone can be at every race and even though they may follow live timing and things like that, there's no way to know what's actually happening on the track. Like, if a rider goes down or their bike breaks, fans at home may never know what actually happened. It's also a great tool to get the fans involved with what's going on as well. Follow us @GNCCRacing to get info and live updates on racedays and throughout the week.
So where does "Jen Kenyon" come from, can you tell us a little about you?
Well, I come from a small town in Northern Illinois - yep I'm a Midwestern girl :) My family has always been very involved in motocross, both my brothers raced growing up and I spent a good amount of my childhood at the dirtbike track, much like all the GNCC families here. My dad didn't really want me to race dirtbikes because I was really involved in soccer and basketball he thought I would just hurt myself riding. So, I started riding competitively at age 18 and have been taking myself racing ever since. I recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Corporate Communication and now I'm working for Racer full-time.
Photo By: Anthony Sansotta
Jen is familiarizing herself with the "other side" of racing
I definitely think it's a possibility. Once it warms up in West Virginia I'm going to get on the bike as much as possible to prepare and hopefully be able to race one by the time summer comes around.
It looks like you have a love for racing and you are going to get your fill of that for sure. GNCC has been a new experience for you and I understand there is more coming up, are you looking forward to your first ATV Motocross National Championship by DWT?
Yeah I'm actually headed to Millcreek for my first ATVMX race this weekend. ATV motocross is pretty similar to the kind of racing I'm used to so I think it will be an easy transition and I'm excited to meet everyone involved! I think we actually have some riders that do both GNCC and ATVMX so that will be cool to see for sure.
Can anyone talk you into racing an ATV in MX or GNCC? (Laughs)
Uhhh, I've actually never considered it before. I think I have my hands full with the dirtbike!
Photo By: Catheriya Goedeking
Racing is in this girl's blood
I would have to say just meeting the riders and their families has been the most memorable. Talking to the young kids about their race and seeing the parents cheering and helping their riders from all over the course is really something special and unique about GNCC.
Jen it has been great to finally meet with you and I really look forward to working with you in the future. It looks like you are fitting right into the GNCC Racing Nation and I say welcome to the Tribe!
Thanks, Rodney, same to you! I'm having a blast so far, looking forward to the rest of the season!
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