Name: Christina Older Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Class: Womens
Bike: KTM 250F SX
Sponsors: KTM USA, South of the Border, One Industries, Factory Connection, FMF, Motorex, Oakley, Skullcandy, SixSixOne, Tag Metals, Dunlop, Nihilo Concepts, Pit Posse, Outlaw parts, ICW, Champion tool storage, ODI grips, Maykers, Leatt Brace
NMC: So what is new in the world of Christina Older?
Recently in October of 2011 I moved to South of the Border for training because they have a world class training facility along with great coaching. So far, i’m having a blast while working hard towards my goals. We also signed with KTM which was definitely a huge change for me but the bike is amazing and I’m so thankful for this opportunity.
NMC: When did you start riding?
NMC: How involved is your family in your racing career?
NMC: Do you have a favorite am race memory?
Making it to Loretta Lynn’s in 2008 with only being on my second year of riding motocross.
It’s come a long way over the last decade, and these next few years are going to be even more exciting. The WMX has been a great series, but could still make a few changes. I’m hoping to see it go back to racing two motos, and within the next few years I am also hoping they will be racing in the whole outdoor series instead of only 8 out of 12 of the outdoor races. I think it will help create more fans for the women and also a lot more exposure which would be good for the sport. I am staying amateur for all of 2012, and depending on how everything goes, when I am 17 or 18 I would like to race the WMX series. So we will see what happens in 2013 and 2014..
NMC: Do you like racing with the guys? Which one do you prefer?
I’ve always liked racing the Supermini class, so i’d have to say I prefer racing with the boys a lot more. There more aggressive and when I race with them it helps me for racing in the Girls and Womens classes. During practice me and a few buddies always play chase the rabbit, or play the take out game. It makes for a lot of fun and it end I feel like it’s made me a better rider. This year i’ll be racing two different boys classes plus with the Womens.
NMC: You recently switched to KTM from Honda and moved up to a 250 from a 150. Why did you switch and how did it become a done deal?
The KTM deal came together kind of late, around October time. Mike Sleeter wanted a girl on the Orange Brigade team and after all the great things that’s been going on with KTM, we decided to make the switch and we couldn’t be happier. The bike is great, and i’ve been working hard, so I feel like it’s an awesome combination. I’m excited to be on the big bikes now, I was definitely ready for them.
NMC: Do you have a favorite track?
South of the Border MX!
NMC: What is your favorite part about motocross?
Racing I hate losing more than I love winning, and there’s no better feeling than that accomplished feeling you get after winning. When your work has payed off, or if you get second, you go back to the drawing boards and work harder to do better at your next race. It’s like a game almost and I can’t get enough of it.
NMC: What do you plan on doing after your MX career?
I would love to go to college, then get a degree as a journalist and become a tv announcer. Since I was a little, i’ve always loved writing speeches when I went to public school, and now that i’m home schooled for racing it’s difficult to do that as much but i’ve been working on it and i’m hoping that my racing career will be a stepping stone towards all of this. I know that motocross can’t be my life career, even Ricky Carmichael who is the GOAT has a few jobs after his motocross career.
NMC: Tell me about your history at Lorettas?
In 2008 I got a 17th, I had went there thinking I was going to win, but then I got surprised after the first moto. I was used to the road racing and there not being hardly any girls. I got second in 2009, and in 2010 and 2011 I wasn’t very consistent. I woul podium, and then crash the next moto. This year we are working on changing that. I’ve learned so much, and I look back on what has happened and it has only helped strengthen me into a better rider. I know how to prepare myself now, and I know what my weaknesses are, so all we can do now is make them into positives. That’s what we’re working on.
NMC: Who has been your toughest competitor growing up?
Myself. I’m to hard on myself, if I don’t win, I really beat my mind up. There’s so many people helping me, and with how much work I put in, I would think… there’s no way I can lose, but then I learned anything can happen. Bikes breaking, crashes, or little mistakes… but that’s all part of racing. Ricky Carmichael didn’t win every race yet he’s considered the GOAT, so that’s what I live by now. All you can do is prepare yourself the absolute best and give it your all.
NMC: Where do you train?
I train at South of the Border, on the last exit in South Carolina and the last exit in North Carolina on i-95.
NMC: What’s a typical training routine for a week?
Gym stretching in the morning from 9:00-9:30, riding from 10:00-1:00, and then bike maintenance, then gym from 4:00 to however long the work out takes, usually an hour to two hours, then I work on a school for a few hours.
NMC: Who are the other riders that you train with?
Tyler Bright, Seth Rarick, Ryan Zimmer, Robby Marshall, Jacob Knable, Chad Godwin, and Kyler West. Then we have the other kids on the other side that come for week or month camps.
NMC: What are you goals this year (2012)?
My goals for 2012 are to stay consistent and of course I want to win.
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