SHIFTING GEARS:
TRAVIS JOHNSMEYER
Travis Johnsmeyer really began to step it up in the latter stages of the 2019 racing season, elevating his results every time he lined up on the gate. The New Yorker put himself on the top step of the box in the 51cc (7-8) Limited class in the challenging conditions of the Baja Brawl, proving that he has undeniable speed in the unpredictable nature of sandy terrain. Johnsmeyer continued his exceptional run of form as he moved onto The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City, earning 2nd place overall in both the 51cc (7-8) Limited and Open classes. He put himself back in the top spot on the supercross track at Mini Os and continued the same podium form on the outdoor track, recording a 2nd place overall finish in the 51cc (4-8) Limited class. Johnsmeyer picked up right where he left off at the beginning of the 2020 season, returning to the rostrum at the Daytona RCSX before scoring a solid top-five finish in the 65cc (7-9) class at Spring A Ding Ding. We caught up with Travis to talk about how his 2019 racing season went, what his riding situation was like during the lockdown, and how the transition to the 65 has been treating him.
What did you for the few months that there was absolutely no racing happening?
During the few months of no racing, I played outside a lot and got myself ahead on school work.
Did you take some time off when racing was postponed?
While racing was postponed, I still rode a few times a week.
What was your riding situation like during the quarantine?
I was pretty lucky during quarantine to ride at my track at home and also a sandpit about an hour away. My favorite home track, ADK MX, opened up also.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from riding and training?
I really like to play basketball and go fishing.
Talk about your weekend at the Baja Brawl last year, putting yourself on the top step of the podium in the 51cc (7-8) Limited class.
Baja Brawl last year was awesome. The track was sick and it was so good to see all my hard work paying off when I got that #1 plate!
How did The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City go for you last year?
The race at Ponca went good. I was hoping to walk away with a title but I was still proud of myself for two 2nd places.
What do you think about the track at Ponca?
The track at Ponca is insane. I love all the deep ruts and the jumps are so much fun. The track is so sick!
What was the week of racing like for you last year at Mini Os?
Mini Os was a great week for me. I came home with two titles on my 50 and I went there with a goal of a top ten on the 65 and I did it!
How has it been to fully focus on the 65cc classes this season?
It’s been easier to just focus on this 65 this year.
How was your experience racing Supercross Futures at the beginning of the year?
Supercross Futures was fun. I got a moto win but got tangled up in the holeshot for moto two. I will definitely be doing some more.
Tell us how your weekend went at the Daytona RCSX, coming away with a podium in the 65cc (7-9) class.
Daytona was so much fun. I felt great coming out of winter in New York. It showed my speed was where it should be and what I needed to work on.
How did it feel to finally get back on the gate in Georgia a couple of weeks ago?
It felt awesome to finally get back on a gate drop a few weeks ago. There were so many bikes there. It felt good to get back to business.
What do you think about the Super Regional format?
I don’t mind the Super Regionals. I’m just excited to get the chance for hopefully my fourth year at Loretta’s.
What’re your goals and plans heading into Loretta’s this season?
My plan this year heading into Loretta’s is to train and work hard. I want to be mentally and physically ready. I would love to come home from Loretta’s with some medals around my neck.
Do you know what classes you’ll be racing heading into 2021?
I’ll be racing in the 65cc (10-11) stock and mod and 85cc (10-12).