Text: Ronnie Monk
Serratia Gonzalez Interview

Serratia Gonzalez captured Florida a title at Lorettas in the Girls (9-13) Division. She went out to win the first moto with a big holeshot and wire to wire win. She then took two 3rd place finishes to win her first title. We caught up with her to see how she was able to get the win.

FLmx: Serratia, congratulations on the title. But let’s get some basics from you first. Where do you live, how old are you, where do you go to school, what grade are you in and what else do you like to do besides MX?
Serratia: I live in Ormond Beach, Fl., and home schooled like most of my competitors and in eighth grade. I love to ride horses, run in local competitions (before I broke my legs), and ride my street cycle.

FLmx: How does it feel to have won the biggest title in amateur motocross?

Serratia: Awesome, indescribable!!!! I have dreamed about this since I started riding my pw-50 and found out about Loretta's.

FLmx: When you were sitting on the starting line for the first moto, was the plan to go out there and win moto 1 or just try to get out there and not throw it away, which would hurt you for the rest of the week?

Serratia: I wanted to get out to a good start and stay out in front, that was my goal!!!

FLmx: How did it feel to lead the last lap and win the first moto? Take us back through the moto and what were your emotions?

Serratia: After I got the hole shot, I didn't hear anyone beside me and I was praying to not fall and keep going. It is almost as if I was in a dream and I knew I had to keep my composure and not get too squirrelly around the lappers. After the checkered flag was waved I was elated !!

FLmx: After the moto, and you saw that maybe some of your strong competitors had some problems did the game plan change for motos 2 and 3?

Serratia: I knew that I still had to get good starts and stay out in front to be a contender.

FLmx: In the 2nd and 3rd motos, you went 3-3, but still secured the overall by 6 points. Did you know you had the overall wrapped up if you just rode solid and consistent in moto 3?

Serratia: In moto 3, my goal was to ride smart. I knew if I stayed on the bike and just rode a clean race, that it was a done deal. My Dad told me and so did the folks at KTM, to just keep my head on straight and ride without taking any chances.

FLmx: As you crossed the finish line and became the Girls National Champion, how did it feel to accomplish your goals and dreams?
Serratia: I was very excited, and proud. I would have liked to have gone 1-1-1, but that didn't happen. My parents tell me that I have nothing to be ashamed about, and that it is consistency that wins championships.

FLmx: Besides winning at Loretta's, what was your highlight of the week at the Ranch?

Serratia: Well, I got to watch many up and coming pro-riders battle it out, and a few surprise outcomes. I also got to meet Corbin Bleu from High School Musical.

FLmx: How long have you been racing and how did you get started in it?

Serratia: I got a pw-50 for Christmas when I was four, which my Dad didn't really want me to have and my Mom insisted it would be fun to ride with my sister and cousins. By February when I turned 5, I was out at Pax Track beating the local boys.

FLmx: When did you start taking it seriously and want to pursue the racing?

Serratia: I just remember wanting to win every race when I was on my pw, and I think that mind set just carried over as I started going to more tracks and bigger events. Two years ago at Loretta's I got a third over all, and I never wanted anything more than to win a title. I started training at MTF with Colleen and was in the best shape of my life, and broke my right leg the week before Texas. I barely made regional after that, and had a medical issue that landed me in the hospital for two weeks during L.L.'s 2007. I never lost sight of my goal and I believe that is what kept me going. I was unable to train at MTF before Texas this year and had little track time, but luck was not on my side once again. I had a good second moto and was trying to work my way up after a bad start and flipped only to be run over by the girl behind me. I broke my tibia right under my knee on the growth plate and had to have surgery. I had only 3 weeks to train before Loretta's! I wasn't even supposed to be walking when I went to regionals! I must say that after such a bad year, it is truly a blessing and I thank God for keeping me safe through this race.

FLmx: What is the plan for the remainder of 2008 and then for 2009?

Serratia: Well, I had to have the plate and screws out of my leg last Wednesday, and now I am trying to keep my strength up. I plan to train hard and do my best in the women's class. I would love to come out and win it all, but there is some good riders in this class. It is always good to have a dream, right?!

FLmx: Did you land any new sponsors after Lorettas?

Serratia: There is talk of a bike deal, nothing signed. FMF, Roost Graphics, and that's about it right now. The industry still hasn't embraced the girls like they have the boys, and it just isn't fair. I train just as hard as they do and take chances every time I go out on the track.

FLmx: Congratulations on your big win, you did Florida proud! Who would you like to thank?
Serratia: My parent's, grandparent's, brother and sisters. My mechanic Bill. Todd Hicks with Fox, Champion KTM, Dunlop tires, Maximum oil, Asterisk, Factory Connection, Leatt Brace. MTF and especially Colleen.