GAME FACE:
MAVRIK GISH
Last year was Mavrik Gish’s last hoorah in the 51cc (7-8) class and the rider out of Oklahoma made it count from start to finish, laying down strong performances throughout the entire year. He started things off with an overall podium at the JS7 Freestone Spring Championship before demonstrating some serious speed at the various Loretta Lynn Qualifiers that he attended, consequently earning a spot on Team USA for the MX Master Kids in France. Gish and the rest of his teammates went on to take the gold medal and put the United States on the top step of the podium while he earned silver and bronze medals for his individual efforts in the 65cc and 51cc classes. After returning stateside, the Oklahoma native put a tough year at Loretta’s behind him and came out swinging on his home turf at The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City to take the top spot in the 51cc Open class. Gish earned a multitude of top ten overall finishes at Mini Os to end the year and it was apparent that he began to make massive strides of progression in the 65cc classes. He stayed busy at the beginning of 2020 with lots of gate drops in the Texas Winter Series, even mixing it up in some of the younger 85cc divisions, although his main focus for this year is the 65. Gish looked strong in his return to racing after the multi-month layoff, claiming 1st place overall in the 65cc (7-9) Limited class as well as 3rd place overall in the 65cc (7-9) Mod class at the Baja Acres Super Regional. We caught up with Mavrik to talk about his trip to Europe last year, his title at Ponca, and how his weekend went at Camp Boom Diggity.
What did you do to keep yourself busy and occupied when the lockdown started back in March?
First, I finished up the school year, online, through my school's "distance learning." I liked it more because I could get the stuff I had to do finished and then get right into the things that I wanted to do. I spent a lot of time training at my home track in Purcell, Oklahoma - Rockin G Ranch MX. I'm lucky that I have a large family that I got to do stuff with - I went fishing, played Xbox, and swam a lot.
Did you take some time off of the bike initially?
No, I was training or attending races throughout spring break, and when my school announced that we wouldn't return after spring break, I went right back to my regular training routine, and with the extra time, I was able to amp it up a little more.
What has your riding situation been like and how has that developed throughout the last few months?
I’ve been lucky to have a home track in my backyard that I get to train on daily, and GAME Moto Coaching recently moved here - so it’s been a huge benefit to me because I have an experienced trainer and an awesome track right in my own backyard.
What do you enjoy doing outside of motocross for fun and entertainment?
I like to spend a lot of time outdoors. I love going to the lake, fishing, riding my bicycle, and I still love playing my Xbox and hanging out with friends.
How was your trip to France last year for the annual MX Master Kids race with Team USA?
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be a part of MX Master Kids - TEAM USA back in 2019. Competing in France is something that will stick with me forever. The race fans over there are crazy and have such a love for the sport. It was cool to have people ask you for your autograph and treat you like a celebrity.
What was it like racing against a bunch of kids from around the world that you’ve never competed against?
I didn't think about the kids being any different at first, and then I saw how fortunate I am to have sponsors and family that provide me with everything I need to do my best. A few of my competitors struggled with their bikes or equipment because the sport doesn't receive the attention and support that it does here in the United States.
Take us through your weekend at The Motoplayground Race last October and how the racing went for you there.
Cold and rainy. The weather made it challenging on the first day, but it cleared up quite a bit and ended up being a good weekend. I love racing the MPG Race at Ponca. It was the first big race I attended back when I started racing motocross in 2017. I knew it would be my last chance to get a win on my 50cc. It was crazy taking home that number one plate. It showed me that hard work and dedication pay off. MPG always puts on amazing events!
What do you think about the track at Ponca?
I like the track in Ponca City. It's one of the few tracks that I think has it all. It's also great that it's not far away, being in Oklahoma, it still feels like home turf, and it's always great to have that kind of support.
Last year you were still racing in the 51cc (7-8) class and this year you’re already mixing it up in the 85cc (9-11) classes at some of the local Texas Winter Series events. How has that transition been?
I enjoy racing on my 65 and 85, but my primary focus this year has been on the 65.
It was awesome to be back at the races again.
What was it like to finally be back on the gate at the Baja Acres Super Regional last month and how did things go for you there?
The Youth Regional at Baja was the first time I had raced there, and I liked the track. It didn't hurt that I took home the number one plate in the 65cc (7-9) Limited and 3rd in the 65cc (7-9), which earned me my two tickets to Loretta's!
What’s your mindset like heading into Loretta’s this season?
Focused, determined, and ready.
It was awesome to have you at Camp Boom Diggity this past weekend! What was your experience like there as a camper?
Boom Diggity is the most fun camp out there. The first time I went was in 2018, and then last year I missed it because of TEAM USA commitments, so it was awesome to come back this year. I like seeing all the different trainers and getting feedback on what I should work on more.
Have you thought about your plans for next season in terms of what classes you’ll be racing?
I’m too focused on this season and making sure I take care of business when I get back from Loretta’s, my team and I will decide which classes I’ll be racing next year.