ALESSANDRO CARMINATI - DAILY BREAD

2024 was the year of Carter Gray. The 12-year-old Ohio native inked his name into the motocross history books, becoming the 2024 National Champion at Loretta Lynn's in the 65cc 10-11 limited class. Gray's raw talent and fiery determination to win produced a collection of number-one plates across multiple classes in the 2024 amateur racing season. The two-year Cobra veteran was no stranger to the spotlight this year. If you don't know the name Carter Gray yet, you definitely saw the video of him sending his 65 to the moon at SMX in Charlotte. It was a memorable time with Cobra, but nothing gold can stay. In early October, Gray made the leap and hopped aboard the AES Racing-backed GasGas 85. The changeover was seamless as he went on to find the box in the 85 9-11 class at Mini O's just one month later. This instinctual adoption of the new bike paired with a strategic training program at Driven MX means trouble for anybody who meets Gray on the line in 2025.

Give us the basics. (name, age, hometown)

Carter Gray, 12 years old, from Saint Clairsville, OH.

Tell us about getting your first motorcycle.

I got a CRF50 for Christmas when I was 2 and rode it in my living room and ran it into my family.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I wake up, eat breakfast, do my morning stretches and run. Then I get ready for training. After training I do school work and go to the gym 3 days a week.

If you were forced to have a non-athletic career, what would it be?

Pro Angler.

Tell us about your funnest family member.

Cruz my youngest brother who is 4 is funny because he does whatever me and my brothers tell him to do.

Best moment on a motocross bike.

Winning at Lorretta Lynn's this year.

Describe your training program.

I do all my on bike training with Driven Mx Training. I stay with Coach Clay 4-5 days a week and train Monday - Friday depending on what races I have coming up determines what we focus on more. Coach Jason helps me a lot on the bike with my technique and Coach Clay really pushes me with how hard I work. Jeremy Hand also trains here and helps me out so it's nice having that many people watch me and training me.

Favorite pre-race meal?

I love pasta salad on race day.

Gnarliest crash you've ever had.

I had a really bad crash at Baja Brawl my first year riding a 65. I swapped off the start and full blown helicoptered myself as you crossed back onto the track off the start.

Best road trip story.

On our way home from Texas last year I traveled with Driven Mx and all the guys I train with. It was fun because we were able to play Fortnite the whole way and annoy Clay as he drove the whole way.

Worst road trip story.

We were driving to Texas and lost a tire on the trailer and we ended up getting another trailer to make it there!

What do you love about being at the track besides racing your bike?

Getting to go fishing and hanging out with my friends.

What are you looking forward to getting out of this sport?

Winning a supercross championship.

Give some props to everyone helping you out.

By the time everyone sees this I will have signed with MX6 Racing. We are planning on making our debut with the team at Daytona. But I want to thank

Action Extreme Sports
Driven Mx Training
PR2 Suspension and Engines
Wossner Pistons
4PL Solutions
Canvas
EVS Sports
Oakley Goggles
6D Helmets
Moto Option
Maxima Oil
Dunlop
Scar Racing
Innteck
SKF
GET
VHM
Slade Racing
HGS Exhaust
Tamer
Guts Racing
Pro Filter
T-Rex Throttle
RK Excel
Rekluse
Mx Tire
Viva Ohio Mx
Joel and Kelly Younkins

What are your superstitions, weird habits, or routines?

I listen to music, walk around, and I get really hyped on the starting line

What is the fitness routine or training regimen off the bike?

All my gym programs are made by Joel Younkins Training and I have a mental performance coach as well Kelly Younkins. It takes a team and we all work together to build the best program for me. I stretch and do some type of cardio almost every day and I go to the gym 3 days a week. I also talk to Kelly at least once a month but before, during and after big races we talk a lot.

Give us a hot take.

The gnarlier the sand track the better.

Do you have any hidden talents or weird skills?

I'm the best player EVER at hide and seek.