When it's been over 2 years since your last GNCC win what motivates you? Especially when it seems that no matter how well you ride, it always seems to be jerked away in the end? Not this time! Warnert Racing/Foremost Ins. Group/ Can-Am's Adam McGill not only led the biggest portion of a race but actually took the win in the end. And he says that with the support he has this year, this first win is only the beginning.
Photo By: www.RacedayPix.com
Adam "Curt" McGill flew to a huge win at the FMF Steel Creek GNCC.
Adam McGill: I have been grocery shopping with my Momma then I am getting ready to go eat Mexican with Dad.
Wow I didn't realize West Union, West Virginia had a Mexican restaurant! (Laughing)
You're right, there aren't any Mexican restaurants in West Union but I am in Clarksburg just east of there. It's not real authentic Mexican but it is okay.
I thought the best restaurant in West Union is where I occasionally run into your Dad on my way to the office sometimes - that filling station on US 50. I have seen him come out of there with an arm load of stuff before.
(Laughing)Yeah that's where he gets his Little Debbie and Mt. Dew on. That place is about six miles from our house and so that's the last stop before he gets home. And what I wouldn't do for a Fudge Round sometimes? (Laughs)
(Laughing) I guess your training and diet does not allow for the kind of joys we fat boys have?
No it doesn't allow that but after a race about anything goes. So if you are a pastry or a dairy product of any kind you better watch out. We came back from a race this weekend and I got my fat on. We went to Ryan's and stepped up to the feeding trough and it was amazing. It is so great after a race to go and just gorge yourself. You know the feeling when you have to unbutton your pants? I like that that one. That's when you get a good belly stretching going on! (Laughs)
Congratulations on the big win at Steele Creek! I am sure it has to feel great to get that win it has been a long time since your last win at Snowshoe in 2008?
Oh it was huge confidence booster to get that win. Just to know that I am still able to win and still contending for a championship. I know it is still early but we are all real close in points and anything is possible.
Photo By: www.RacedayPix.com
McGill has more confidence than ever and the Mafia could be gunning for another win soon.
Confidence comes with winning. You can be confident and still come short, but to be the number one guy that day and to know that in the end you were the fastest guy is where you get your confidence. Granted racing is racing and whatever happens is what happens but to know you and your machine and your team finished first and that everything clicked is a huge boost.
So what was the atmosphere like in the Can-Am pits after the race?
We were popping bottles in the tent that's for sure! It was a good time. Everyone was super stoked for me and Chris to go 1-2. It has to be the best finish I imagine in off-road that Can-Am has ever had in the XC classes. With BRP and everyone being so excited it just makes you even hungrier to go out there and get more. Especially knowing that if everyone back at the factory is happy and that means that I will stay happy and if everyone is happy I will be able to continue having a job with them.
Did you do anything special to celebrate the win?
We didn't do a whole lot but I did take my Mom, Dad and Girlfriend out to Out Back. It was a good time. It was a relieving point of the day and just a peaceful feeling knowing just how well things clicked that day and to know that I am able to get another GNCC win.
Adam it really seems as though you have really found a family there with Can-Am?
I have. I can honestly say that my mechanic Todd (Sterner) is one of my best friends. Coming to the race is just like hanging out with all your buddies. I love getting up on Thursdays and going to the races and staying all weekend. I know that I am going to have fun and that regardless of the outcome I know they are going to be behind me 100%. They always told me that as long as I try my hardest and do the best I can, even if I get last that is all that they can ask from me. My Dad always told me that and it means a lot to have someone tell you that when you have only known them a short while.
Where did the "McGill Mafia" come from?
It was originally thought up when I rode with FRE/KTM. It was going to be the Curt-n-Taylor Mafia but with the budget cuts and everything with Taylor Kiser leaving the team it just kind of died. Then last year with Can-Am my mom was thinking of ideas for some shirts. You know how some people have a fan club she wanted to start that for me. I think she hit the nail on the head with that and it is certainly produced a loyal following that's for sure.
On top of that, Can-Am is behind it. That must make you feel a part of something big like that?
Yeah everybody is behind me on it. That's what it is. It's a mafia. A mafia is a family of sorts and that's what we are. Everybody is enjoying it and having fun with it and being tight knit like we are, it clicked real well.
Photo By: McGill Mafia
The Family Portrait!
No I do not have a site but you can email my Mom at Clara.McGill@gmail.com. She can take paypal or checks for payment. We also have them at the Can-Am pits at the races.
Let's get back to the racing. So do you think this win is something you can make happen again?
It's definitely something we can do again. The win at Steel Creek helps me know that Chris Borich is not untouchable. He is able to be beaten and that is the biggest thing that helped boost me.
Did you ever get to the point where it felt like you were just out there racing for second place?
There were times I felt like that but more so last year, this year not so much. I know from my training program with my fitness coach Marc Spataro who does a lot of mental training also, that I had the speed and that I had the talent to run up front. So I haven't let myself get like that.
It may seem like a really weird thing what I am going to say and it may be a little out there, but I had two really close friends pass away last year, Ryan Early and Chris Cole which I am sure most of the readers know about. But many times during the races there are times when all of a sudden it just feels like that they are riding with me and it gives me a peaceful feeling like that even though they may be gone a part of them are there making me feel like "Today is my day!"
That brings a question to mind. Just looking at last year we had so many things happen with the injuries and deaths that occurred throughout the sport, how do you as a rider cope with that possibility and the reality of it all hitting so close to home?
It was like only two weeks apart what happened to Ryan and Chris and it was pretty hard. My mom came to me and pulled me aside and was talking to me. She said "Curt, I know you love what you do, but I want you to tell me you are doing it because you love it and not because it's your job." I was like, "I love what I do!" and that was it. She dropped it and we just keep going.
You are always thinking about it as a racer, the things that could happen. When you start worrying about things happening, that's when things start happening so you try to just block it all out and be thankful for how you did and how everyone came out safe and look forward to the next weekend.
What are your goals this year?
The goal is definitely a championship. If not I want improve my number. I have been #3 for three years and I like the number a lot but I am tired of being "The Intimidator" I want to be "The Champ".
Sounds good! Thanks for your time this evening.
Thank you. I also want to let all the "Mafia" fans out there that I notice them out there and I thank them for their support and belief in me. I also want to give a shout out to Josh Kirkland to get well soon. I am always thinking about him and I can't wait to see him back at the track soon.
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