You opted for a 450 bike right from your rookie season. Was this decision influenced by your greater comfort level on a larger machine?
Actually, I’ve always felt more in sync with a 450, likely because my riding style is more about smoothness and calculation. Initially, a 250 class bike seemed like the more familiar route, considering many of my peers from Loretta Lynn’s were competing in that category. However, the primary goal was simply to race, and the 450 class presented a slightly more economical path. So, we proceeded with the 450.
Evidently, it appears to have been the correct choice. While I’m sure you’re skilled on a 250 as well, achieving points in your debut season within the premier class is a significant accomplishment. Are you planning to compete in the final rounds?
Yes, the Cycle Trader/Rock River Yamaha team generously offered to transport my bike to Washougal and Unadilla. These events were spaced out in a way that would have made it challenging for me to attend on my own. I’m incredibly grateful for their support. I’ll be flying to Unadilla and then driving onward to Utah and Indiana.
Looking ahead to these final national events, what are your personal objectives?
My main goal is to consistently secure points-paying motos each weekend. I’m aiming for overall finishes better than twentieth. Too often, a decent finish like fifteenth or sixteenth in one moto would be followed by a DNF or a twenty-third in the next. Entering these last three rounds, my focus is on achieving two consistent motos. Ultimately, I’m striving for improved overall scores.
Who is John Short when he steps away from his dirt bike?
Honestly, this summer has been completely consumed by racing. Between gym workouts, cycling, running, riding, and handling my own bike mechanics, free time has been scarce. Away from racing, I truly value spending time with my family and enjoying their company. I also like to hang out with my friends and go mountain biking. Anything outdoors really appeals to me. I consider myself a very active person.
Surely, you must have an interesting road trip story from all the driving you’ve done this summer.
I do have a couple of memorable ones. Cheyenne had brought a mechanic along, who had a habit of sleeping until noon every day. I’m an early riser, usually up by 7:30. We were all crammed in a small box van, so when I was up, everyone was up. One morning, I had some Black Cat firecrackers and decided to light them and toss them up into his bunk. He wasn’t too pleased, to say the least! It was funny though [laughs]. He definitely didn’t expect it.
I don’t think anyone would anticipate that kind of wake-up call.
I noticed him just glancing over, and I could tell he wasn’t planning on getting up anytime soon. So, I lit those firecrackers and launched them up there. Being in a box van with three people could get pretty chaotic at times. On the drive home from Minnesota, I was alone. I plugged in my generator at a Cracker Barrel, and there were a lot of suspicious cars circling around. I’d go inside the van, and the generator would shut off. I’d go back out to restart it, and it would shut off again. I was convinced someone was outside messing with it, and it started to freak me out. Turns out, the generator was just low on oil! But there I was, peeking out the windows, totally paranoid.
Sounds like your summer road trips have been quite eventful! What are your plans for the approaching off-season, John Short?
I’m enrolled in online college classes, so I’m still pursuing my education. I’ve been considering a career in radiology or a related medical field. I’ve also thought about becoming a firefighter or an EMT. I finished high school in December 2012 and started college in the fall of 2013. I’ve completed around four semesters, usually taking three or four courses each time. The online format allows me to keep up with my studies while racing and traveling. This fall, since it’s the off-season, I’m planning to take some classes on campus. I’m aiming to schedule all my classes on one day so I can still dedicate time to training for supercross. I’m attending North Central Texas College.
