Mud, trees, racing, parties…..oh…..and……braaaaap…..Welcome to the world of Midwest Cross Country. An offroad series racing through the woods and hills of Indiana. A series including ATV’s, UTV’s and bikes. Most people only think of cars on ovals when they think of dirt racing. Well, today, we have someone to prove there is more to dirt racing than just cars. Introducing Aaron Cohee, Racing out of Danville, Indiana. Finishing first in class in 2024, Aaron ended his 2024 campaign with 3 class wins. Looking forward to 2025, where we are sure, more class wins, and maybe some overall wins are a sure thing. We asked Aaron 21 questions, to help you all get to know him better, enjoy, and keep an eye out for this future star in racing.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FIRST START RACING?
It all started when my cousin took me to my first ever GNCC race, after that I was hooked on woods racing.
WHO WERE YOUR ROLE MODELS GROWING UP?
My biggest role models growing up were Chris Borich, a pro racer for GNCC quads.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR DOWNTIME AWAY FROM THE TRACK?
I spend most of my down time with family, and with my son, teaching him how to ride his electric bike.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RACING?
The thing I enjoy most is pushing myself to do better, and learn new things every time I'm at the track.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED RACING?
It all started when I was 18 and I bought my first quad. There was a MWXC race near us one weekend, and we tried it out once and I was hooked ever since then.
WHAT DID YOU RACE FIRST?
In my first race I rode a 2006 trx450r quad that I still have and race sometimes to this day.
RACING IS BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DRAINING. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR A RACE?
Before every race I will listen to music, eat some snacks, and drink water and just keep my head clear, and focus on what I need to do to get a good finish on the day.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE PRESSURE DURING A RACE?
Pressure is something I don't really think about. I do my best to block that out and just focus on me and my racing skills to have a good finish that race.
WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND ON THE STARTING GRID?
In my mind, I always want to get out front early, but I also tell myself that its a two hour race and I have plenty of time to make my way to the front.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY RACING?
For 2025 I'll be racing a 2022 Yamaha yfz450r and a Honda trx450r. There are two series I'll be racing in, Midwest XC (MWXC) and Extreme XC for 2025.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
When I got my first podium finish overall. It boosted my confidence in my riding and the trust I put into my racing skills to get the job done.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT?
The best event I enjoy the most would be the team race for MWXC. Its just my father in law and I trading off every lap, and just having fun while doing it.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOUVE FACED IN YOUR RACING CAREER?
For me it was that first class win. I always felt like it would never happen, but eventually I gained more speed, with less mistakes, and made it happen.
WHO OR WHAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Really two things inspire me. One of which is my son, I just want to show him hard work pays off, and he can do anything when he grows up. second is the thrill you get when racing. My mind goes blank and your don't have a worry in the world while racing.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR CAREER EVOLVING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
I'm hoping to see positive outcomes. Like more race wins and podium finishes throughout the next couple years.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC GOALS OR MILESTONES YOU ARE AIMING FOR IN YOUR CAREER?
My goals for 2025 is to race pro for the first time in my career. I just want to have consistent finishes and hopefully come out near the top in points and just keep improving every race.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER FORMS OF MOTORSPORTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY?
I would like to try dirt car racing. I've always been interested by it but never got the chance to try it out.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF MOTORSPORT EVOLVING?
The biggest thing I see evolving is the technology and electronics that go into the machines and race cars these days, just blows me away.
HOW IMPORTANT IS FAN/CROWD SUPPORT TO YOU?
In our XC racing fans play big roles too. Fans in our sport can help us push our machines through mud holes, and pull us uphill. I always found this helpful and awesome that this sport allows fans to join in and be apart of the race too.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE FAN/CROWD INTERACTION YOUVE HAD?
No matter what, if something is wrong with the quad or I've wrecked, the fans/crowd will never hesitate to help anybody or just check to make sure they didn't need help.
WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING DRIVERS?
Trust yourself. Even if its your first time racing. Don't worry about the results, they will get better as time goes on. Just enjoy the time you have racing, and always give it your all.
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