Tuesday Toolbox with .... Traci Cecco

Smokin’ from Shamokin

By Jenn Sheppard

The GNCC ATV Women’s Championship is Traci Cecco’s again, as the Shamokin, PA resident used her amazing early-season run to get out front in points and deliver another #1 for Yamaha. With her sixth GNCC championship in the bag following a second-place finish at this weekend’s race, Traci graced us with an interview after her brief podium celebration. We also put in a call to ATV Morning Class Overall Winner Joey "Bam" Margaria so look for that on the site soon.

Six titles. Now she not only has one for the thumb, but also for a finger on the other hand.

Obviously, Traci was happy. “I can’t complain anything about my season,” she said. “It just feels awesome. This is my sixth championship, so I’m just stoked. I’m so happy to be here.”

Traci went back and forth with Angel Atwell for much of the day, and finished second to wrap up the championship. Atwell has come on really strong over the second half of the year, and this one in Yadkinville was no exception.

“We had a great race today. We battled the entire race. Every lap we were swapping places four or five times every lap. It was just an awesome race.”

When asked how this championship compares to all the others, Traci said, “I tell you what. This Women’s class is one of the most competitive classes out there. I’m just so happy to be part of it, and to be out here winning championships and winning races. I’m glad I get to hang out and be friends with these girls and it’s just a great time.”

Ever the gracious champion, Traci credits her team for much of her successes. “I’m so happy to be on the YFZ450 Yamaha,” she said. “The machine just works awesome for me, with GYTR behind me. I have a great mechanic with Johnny Gallagher and the Ballance racing team. I have a great program going. You can’t win a championship by yourself. It takes a whole team to win a championship.”

Traci stays focused long after the races are over.

“It takes everything. It takes a good diet. It takes good discipline. It also takes working out; I work on a lot of strengthening. It’s a whole program, and this is something I do every day of my life. I love to race, but you have to train every day to win races.

Traci battled right to the finish for the win in Yadkinville. Angel Atwell held on for the win, but Traci's second was enough for a championship.

She has no work cut out for her and manages a job along with her busy schedule. “I’m also a physical therapist’s assistant,” she said. “I do work. I take care of the elderly patients trying to get them stronger and better and get them back home where they would really like to be.”

When the racing starts, Traci gets serious and keeps a few tricks under her sleeve. “That’s what racing’s about—getting passed and passing,” Traci said. “You just have to talk yourself through and make sure you don’t lose your head. Pick smart lines, you know, the smarter racer will always win, and sometimes you gotta’ be patient.”

Her favorite place on Earth? “It would be out in the Caribbean somewhere, with the sand, laying on the hammock overlooking the ocean; that’s my favorite place.”

Twist or thumb? Thumb

Finally, she thanked everyone behind her effort:

I’d like to thank Yamaha. GYTR. Maxxis tires, Klotz fuels. Ohlins suspension. IMS. Powermad. Fast handlebars. Tire balls. Hyper wheels. Everyone out there cheering me on and helping me, and my family and friends.

Good going, TLC!