Joe Pettus

What’s your name?

Joe Pettus

Where are you from?

Hanceville, Alabama

Who is(are) your rider(s)?

Lilly-Ann Pettus (716)

How long have you been a moto dad?

I guess for about three and a half years now.

Were you into motorcycles before becoming a moto dad?

Yes, but not dirt bikes. I was a superbike guy. Rode a ZX 10RR for many years on the tracks across the southeast.

Describe a typical race weekend for you.

Well, it starts before the weekend. Typically, a few weeks before the weekend. My wife deals with the schedules of the upcoming races we decide to participate in, and I go about servicing the bikes and ordering the parts needed, then either install the parts or get someone to do it for me. Then get the RV ready, fix whatever is wrong with it at the current time, do a once over on the bike or bikes. Then again on the RV. Fuel up everything then load up everything and family. Start to plan a route to the track and head off. Get to the track, unload everything and stage it all up, eat, drink a beer or two then start looking for fellow moto dads to aggravate or help out on something. Then to bed. Wake up check with the wife to see what class we’re in and what order number. Check the bike again, warm it up and wait to go to the gate, watch the drop, monitor the practices, and when we’re done with practice I give my pep talk and encouragement and clean off the bike and refuel and get ready to go again. After racing is done I clean it all off, load it all up and head back home.

What’s your family’s favorite meal to have at the track?

The kids love the ice cream or nachos. I like to have steaks. A good steak grilled by Yancy Taylor can’t be beaten. Chad Ward does a mean hamburger also though, as well as his famous hot dogs.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions while spectating?

Well, I don’t really have a pre-race ritual per se. I make sure the bike has fuel, she’s suited up and at the gate on time. After we prep her gate, set holeshot and all, I make it a point to give her a kiss on the helmet and tell her I love her. To be smooth, smooth is fast. And proceed to the dad area, as she sets off like a rocket, where I scream and jump up and down waving my hat at literally all the girl riders or boys depending on the class. I think they love it. Though it has drawn a strange stare from a fellow moto dad or two. Then race back to the RV when she’s done and talk about what went down.

Most nerve-wracking moment watching your kid(s) race/ride?

Any time I see she’s not feeling comfortable on the bike. It leads to undecidedness and that leads to wrecks.

Favorite part about spending time at the track?

It’s always fun when your kid’s fast. Winning is the best. A close second is hanging out with the families we’ve gotten so close to over the years and just having fun, laughing and cutting up. Developing relationships with not just parents but also the kids. Most of all these kids we ride with know I love them like they are mine and would be there in a second when they need me. I like having that for my kids also in other dads and moms who feel the same.

Most nerve-wracking moment watching your kid(s) race/ride?

Any time I see she’s not feeling comfortable on the bike. It leads to undecidedness and that leads to wrecks.

Favorite part about spending time at the track?

Favorite and least favorite part about traveling to the races?

I’d have to say that my favorite part is seeing new places sometimes and when we do a convoy to a track its always fun traveling with friends in tow. Least favorite is doing all the driving.

Craziest travel story?

On our way to Mini Os 2019, I lost the RV’s whole muffler somewhere down I-75. I knew something was up when I heard a different tone from the engine. Thought maybe the asphalt change up? Till my wife called me in a few seconds saying something came out from beneath the race trailer and almost wrecked everyone. I pull over and crawled under to discover, my C-6 Caterpillar really sounded mean and strong now. Had to do a rev -up and let everyone know at Mini O’s we’ve arrived at like 4 am.

Most important lesson motocross teaches at a young age?

Id say hard work trumps talent any day of the week. And that life isn’t fair. Stuff happens. You have to adapt and overcome to be successful. On the track and off it.

Biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make for amateur motocross?

My pride, and my protective nature. When you’re the father of a girl, you are her only defense against this world. To see an organization or sport flat out oppose one gender to participate in it or set rules that are unfair in a specific class makes my blood boil. I had to bite my tongue and clench my fist a lot in this sport, just because she loves it so.

Proudest moment of your career as a moto dad thus far?

There are more than I can list, the time she stopped dead in the race to help a downed rider at the Top Kid Showcase. Or when she hit the triple for the first time. It's a toss-up.

What’s your favorite track?

I don't ride dirt so I’d say whatever hers is. I like the way some are run better than others.

Who is your favorite pro racer (past or present)?

DEANO, Dean Wilson by far, he's funny! plus he rides Husqvarna lol

What is your favorite type of music?

I like it all.

What hobbies do you have away from motorcycles?

I like to do research a lot. I’m into things that are more ideologically based. Read or just hang out with the family.

What is your beverage of choice?

Kennedy Shine if available lol

Any advice for the moto dads of the future?

Spend more money on training than racing ‘till they are ready. Never go cheap on safety gear or important bike parts. ALWAYS HAVE FUN!! Keep it fun for the kids, if you’re too serious you need to step back and regroup.