STORM WARNING:
STORM KELLY
Storm Kelly had an exceptional week of racing last year at the hallowed grounds of the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch, establishing himself as one of the fastest PW riders in the country. The youngster out of South Carolina finished on the podium in two out of three motos at the Ranch in order to claim 3rd place overall, proving that he’s capable of doing big things at the big races. Kelly ran up front every time his wheels hit the track and displayed an undeniably impressive pace all week long, building some serious momentum heading into the Thor Winter Olympics in November. The three motos on the supercross track at Mini Os marked the end of his time in the PW50 class and he certainly went out with a bang, earning 2nd place on the overall podium at Gatorback Cycle Park. Kelly moved up into the (7-8) and Open classes for the 2020 season and has lined up on the gate a few times, continuing to build his speed and confidence on the faster machine. We reached out to Storm to chat with him about getting on the podium at the Ranch last year, adjusting to the new class, and how he kept himself entertained with no racing going on.
What did you do during the few months that there was no racing happening?
I continued to train with Andrew Matusek at The Shoals MX every week. School was canceled the last three months of the year so I had to do school work at home which was kind of cool. I got to sleep late.
Did you take some time away from riding when racing was initially canceled and postponed?
Yeah, I got to spend more time with my family hanging out at home instead of packing up and traveling to a track. It was weird just sitting at home on the weekends.
What was your riding situation like the last couple of months during the quarantine?
I supported my local tracks during the quarantine when they were open and kept up with training.
What do you like to do for fun and entertainment outside of moto?
I like to go fishing, ride my bicycle and hoverboard, and build pit bike jumps with my brother.
Tell us about your week of racing last year at Loretta’s and how things went for you in the PW class.
It was so much fun! My goal was to get the holeshot and win every moto. I did get the holeshot in the last moto and ended up with a 3-2-4 moto scores for a 3rd overall. My favorite part of the track was the sand section. I liked being able to draw a chip out of the cup and being able to meet Ryan Villopoto. When I wasn't killing it on the track, I was jumping in the creek and fishing. I rode bicycles with my friends at the pump track. Loretta’s is a fun time and I hope I get to go back this year.
What was your week of racing like at Gatorback Cyclepark at Mini Os to end the 2019 season?
I think I ended it well with a 2nd overall on the PW on the SX track. That was my last PW race ever. I raced my KTM mini on the MX track but I think I was too tall for it by then. The track was rough but I made it work.
What was it like making the step up to the (7-8) age group this year?
It's taking me a while to figure it out but I will get the hang of it. I know that I have to jump bigger jumps now and have to go a lot faster than my PW to keep up with the competition.
How has it been adapting to the faster bike?
That cobra is fast! When you hit the throttle it takes off. At first, it was throwing me around but I've learned to control it a lot better now.
What races have you been able to get in this year and how did they go for you?
Our last race before everything was shut down was Daytona. I've done a local race here and there but they're nothing like the big races with full gates.
What do you think about the Super Regional format for Loretta’s this year?
It sucks. Areas are where you get to see your competition and it kind of builds you up for the Regionals.
Do you have any goals and expectations set for yourself going to Loretta Lynn’s this year?
I want to get a ticket! The (7-8) class is no joke though. My goal is to get a good start and go as fast as I can. I'll use what I've learned from training to get back to the Ranch.
Have you thought about what you’ll do after Loretta’s heading into 2021 in terms of what classes you’ll be racing?
I'm sure I'll end the season at Mini O's again. I'll be back on the 50 next year and then start hitting some big races on my 65 too. By 2021, I hope racing will go back to normal and we can do Areas again.