DAILY BREAD BRIANNA SCHELTEMA
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)
Brianna Scheltema, Age: 24, Caledonia, Michigan
What classes will you ride in 2025 and what are your goals?
I will ride in the Women’s / WMX class as well as the B classes. A couple goals for this upcoming 2025 season are to qualify for Loretta’s in the WMX class and place in the top 5 at Loretta’s in that class. I also would like to podium at MiniO’s again.
Tell us about getting your first motorcycle.
I got my first motorcycle at the age of 4. It was a green PW50. I rode it around the yard with my dad until I outgrew it. I rode a DS80 for a while after that and didn’t fall in love with racing until I was 11 when I got my first KX85.
Describe a typical day in your life.
A typical day in my life would be working out at some point in the day, riding if the weather is nice, and hanging out with friends in the evening. I am also taking classes through my local community college so I have homework assignments I work on throughout the day as well.
If you were forced to have a non-athletic career, what would it be?
I would work for Supercross, which is what I actually do during the season since there isn’t much going on other than Area Qualifiers. I work for Supercross as a VIP Experience Host. It is such a fun job and I get to be around the sport that I love. I will be working at every round of the season this year so if you want to do a VIP Experience at Supercross through Feld Entertainment, I will be one of your hosts.
Tell us about your funnest family member.
My funniest family member would have to be my dad. He is with me a lot since he goes with me to races and practices with me at our local practice track. He is always telling me stories about him as a kid and saying the most random things to make road trips more enjoyable. He always knows how to put a smile on my face or make me laugh, especially when I need it the most.
Best moment on a motocross bike.
When I won my first #1 plate at Ponca in 2019. That was the most exciting day for me because I came into that race expecting maybe a podium, but I came away with the championship after a last lap pass.
Is the younger sibling faster?
Between my sister Lindsey and I, I am faster than her and I’m the younger sibling. I don’t think it has ever bothered her, but I find it funny. Our brother never raced so he can’t be counted as faster or slower than either of us.
What advice would you give the younger girls in our sports?
Don’t give up on your goals, but also don’t be too hard on yourself. This sport is stressful and a lot of work, but you need to still make it fun. Also, don’t be scared to be friends with the girls you are racing against either. Some of my best friends I met through racing.
Favorite pre-race meal?
My favorite pre-race meal would be two eggs and a piece of toast if I have time to eat breakfast before a race. During the day if I need a snack, I really like cheese wrapped in prosciutto or crackers with meat and cheese. For dinners before a race day, I will make whatever sounds good.
Gnarliest crash you’ve ever had.
The gnarliest crash I have had would have been in 2015 at a regional. I got a good start and was in the top 3. I cross-rutted, flew off my bike, and got run over by multiple girls. I blacked out and had to get rushed to the hospital due to lacerating my liver. That was pretty crazy. I’ve also had plenty of other gnarly crashes where I didn’t break anything and those ones still shock me to this day how I walked away from them.
Best road trip story.
Driving to Ponca in our friend's motorhome. I have never road-tripped in a motorhome and it was so much fun. We played Mario Kart on my Nintendo Switch and watched a ton of movies. We also got to stop at Buccee's which was really cool and also very overwhelming.
Worst road trip story.
Having two flat tires on our 5th wheel at separate times on the way to MiniO’s a few years ago. That set us back a lot and took us forever to get there.
What do you love about being at the track besides racing your bike?
Being able to hang out with my friends that I don’t get to see besides at national races. I enjoy riding around on golf carts and getting ice cream from the ice cream cone.
What are you looking forward to getting out of this sport?
Hopefully some lifelong friendships. I also have learned the value of hard work towards my goals. Nothing comes overnight. It all takes work and dedication.
Give some props to everyone helping you out.
I would love to thank everyone who has helped me out, but the biggest one being my mom and dad. They have helped me for years chase my dreams and I am forever grateful for their support. I would also love to thank Magic Racing, Martin MX Park, Jnkyard Designs, TCD, FMF, Fastway, Fox, ASV, HydroPower, Dunlop, Asterisk, RideBraap, and Seatbounce Moto
