Hard Hat Worker Wows On ATV Racing Circuit

When people talk about the American worker they probably have Kevin Johnston in mind. He doesn't work behind a desk. He works 60 to 70 hours a week as a grading superintendent for a major company that specializes in jobs involving over one million yards of dirt. It should not be surprising then that Johnston also races ATVs for the Arctic Cat ATV racing team. The team also includes Daryl Rath, Joe Duncan, Ken Robey, and Jesse West.

The 35 year-old resides in Denver, North Carolina. He is married and has two children--a daughter, Danielle and a son, Caleb. Caleb has started racing ATVs this year.

Like his son, Johnston started on ATVs at a very young age. "I believe that I was about 7, and I rode an ATV 90 three wheeler," he said. "I've been hooked ever since." He said that he started racing when he was about 10 years-old.

His first machine was a 200x, and that first race was a motocross in upstate New York. He left the sport for a while and has recently returned. "I started back about five-years ago when I met my good friend Ryan Reed. He told me about the mideast series. I expected to give the nationals just one year. We never did figure out what that one year was going to be because we are still doing it," said Johnston. He enjoys the family atmosphere of the races along with the competition and the love for ATVs.

One could call Johnston impulsive. For his first GNCC race he bought a Kawasaki V-Force KFX 700 on a Wednesday, took it down to Florida, and raced it on Saturday. He selected the V-Force 700 because he has always been a utility rider.

"It is an awesome bike because it is a little bit sport bike and a little bit utility bike," said Johnston. The machine now has Ike shocks, a 750 cc Chapman Performance motor, Douglas beadlocks, and Maier plastics to name just a few modifications.

Johnston received the "Pro" designation in 2006. "At the WPSA Series, we are called Utility Pro Riders, and we can win money which is great because it helps offset the expense of racing," he said.

Johnston estimated that he has raced in well over 200 events. He has won four championships in different series. In 2006 he has been racing the Mideast Series for Kymco USA on a 250 Mongoose and he has won the Utility Class Championship. He also races the GNCC Series on a KFX 700 and finished third in the Utility Unlimited Class. He races the WPSA Series for Arctic Cat and finished eighth in the Quad Terrain Class. He also raced the Six Hours of Ohio for Arctic Cat on a 700 and finished first in the Utility Class. He also plans to race the "12 Hour of America" for Arctic Cat in Texas.

As a member of the Arctic Cat racing team Johnston also tests their utility machines to the extreme level. He noted that the manufacturer helps him with parts and knowledge and "an awesome hauler to relax in," he said. He added that Arctic Cat allows him to choose the events he will race in. "The WSPA, GNCC, and 6 and 12 Hour Races were our choice," he said. He added that Arctic Cat supplied him with the 2006 700 Limited Edition that he races. The bike features fuel injection. "It's awesome. No carbs to play with. Just start and go," he said. The ATV has been customized with Douglas/OMF beadlocks, Tag Bars, Spider Grips, Roxx risers and handguards, Custom Seal cover, Rath Racing bumpers and BKT tires.

Being a member of a racing team has its advantages, continued Johnston. He has raced independently as well. "I had always been independent until Arctic Cat and the difference is huge. With Arctic Cat there are parts on hand, track support, and a great team which makes a world of difference," he said. He added that he prepares his own ATV and that Arctic Cat supplies the parts when he needs them.

His sponsors include Arctic Cat, Tag Bars, Suomey Helmets, Helmet Skins, Douglas Wheels, Supergrip Tires, OMF Performance, AC Racing, IMS, Kymco, Kawasaki, Moose Gear, Progrip Goggles, Spider Grips, Powermad Handguards, Chapman Performance, Biggun Exhaust, Outerwears, Custom Covers, Ultimax Bits and others. He gets his sponsors by spending hours on the phone and sending out resumes.

"Without my wife's help it wouldn't happen," he said. He added that the best thing one can do to get sponsors is to stay in contact with potential sponsors.

"Call them when you do good and call them when you do bad," he quipped.

The best part of racing, said Johnston, is the family atmosphere and the friends he makes along the way.

The worst part of racing is the traveling. "The 13,000 miles a year we travel to race, but that is part of it. Without my wife Je-ann I wouldn't make it.

She does almost all the driving so that I am rested to race."

His favorite track is Unadilla in New York. "I grew up about 45 minutes from there, and it is just about the most famous track there is," he said.

His favorite obstacles are mud and water holes because you have to pick good lines.

He sees the future of ATVs to be "huge." "It's only getting bigger, thanks to the WPSA Series. They have many eyes this year with their television time," he said. His future, said Johnston, is to keep racing and some day work in the industry.