Tioga County youth claims national ATV championship

Owego Free Academy sophomore, Mikey Nickels, from Nichols, N.Y., claimed the 2016 GNCC ATV Youth Championship (Super Mini ATV 12-15) on Oct. 29 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. In addition to the Grand National Cross-Country Series (GNCC), the 15-year-old has other notable achievements under his belt, and Nickels’ current accomplishment sets the stage for a bright future in the sport.

Nickels shared about the championship win, “It’s amazing. I feel like I’m at the top of my game and everything we’ve worked for came together.” 

Sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), GNCC is a leading off-road ATV, UTV and motorcycle racing series. With 13 stops that run from March to October, the series attracts thousands of fans to watch professional and amateur racers compete on arduous courses comprised of gnarly off-road terrain, and offers competition for participants in multiple age classes holding various skill levels.

“It’s a sport like no other,” Nickels commented, and added, “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I like it because it’s ‘all you.’”

The sport he refers to as “all you” is appealing to Nickels because of its demanding physical requirements and extended off-road courses that takes him through woods, creeks and fields, up and down hills, and into mud and over rugged roots, among other challenges.  

The racing series has expanded significantly since its inception in 1975. From the mandatory apparel and required safety equipment, along with other recommended gear, tracks and racers have become increasingly faster and more competitive.    

Nickels future goal is to turn pro by age eighteen. Pro ATV racers like Chris Borich, Adam McGill and Walker Fowler inspire Nickels to work harder towards being the next big name in the sport.           

Nickels mother, Peggie, shared, “There is an influence and comradery from the professionals and they recognize Mikey.”

Nickels’ first ride was a three-wheeler at age three, and by age four he raced microds at Southern Tier Microd Club in Catatonk, N.Y, yet it was ATV racing that sparked Mikey’s interest more. Today, he travels to participate in GNCC races in New York and Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, and on the lower east coast from North Carolina to Florida.

Preparing for races is an all-consuming process and “a family thing,” and with expert help from his father, Mike, a great deal of time is spent together throughout the season in order to keep things running. The 2016 season haunted them with multiple motor changes, however Mikey’s riding talent and determination to work toward the national title paid off.

Nickels explained, “It’s a full-time job at the shop. There are a lot of sleepless nights burning the midnight oil and getting ready to go.”

OA School superintendent, Corey Green, offered congratulations to Nickels on his championship.  

Green shared, “We have so many students who excel at sports and activities away from the typical school scene, and Mikey Nickels is one of those kids. Sometimes, when students immerse themselves in a less traditional sporting endeavor, such as Mikey has, it can be very daunting. The travel is exhausting, the competition is stiff, and the accolades can be tough to come by.”

Green continued, “Mikey Nickels has a great support network in his family, and in the community. At OA Schools, we couldn’t be more proud to see him achieve his goal of winning a national championship. We can’t wait for his next big win.”

Mikey is now in the off-season, however in the GNCC world, there really isn’t a break time. So as to not fall off the pace, the Nickels family will continue to optimize his machine to prepare for the 2017 season, which rolls out on March 4. For a schedule and information, visit gnccracing.com.