Name: John Short
Hometown: Pilot Point, TX
Age: 17


Straight out of Pilot Point, TX, John Short is on a mission to make it to the pro ranks. His recent 4th place in the super competitive 450B class at Loretta Lynn's shows that he is on his way. Meet John Short...

For those who haven't heard your name yet, who are you and how did you get involved in moto?
My name is John Short, a 17 year old, from Pilot Point, Texas. When I was growing up I started riding and racing around 4 years old in local off-road races. During that time I always wanted to race motocross, but was doing pretty well in Cross Country and just stuck with it. There wasn't a high level of competition at these races, and I wanted to go race where the competition was. So I decided I wanted to start racing the amateur national motocross races. So in 2009, at 14 years old, I decided that I really wanted to start riding and racing seriously, so my family and I started racing motocross that year. I ended up racing the Spring Classic and the GNC at Lake Whitney and Oakhill in 2009. Ever since then I have been racing motocross.

You had a solid amateur career, what were some of your biggest highlights?
At the spring nationals at Freestone and Oakhill I was able to get on the podium for the first time in my career. I was 2nd in the 250 Amateur Open, 2nd in Collegeboy, 3rd in 450 B Stock, and 5th in 250 B Mod at Freestone. At Oakhill I finished 3rd overall in 250 B Mod, 3rd in 250 Open, and 5th in 450 B Mod. This Year at Loretta Lynns was my best year by far. My first year at Loretta Lynns in 2010 I placed 7th overall in the Supermini class, but this year at Loretta's I did quite a bit better. I was able to get my first moto medal in 450 B Mod with a third. I would consider this the best week of racing in my career so far. I placed 4th overall in 450 B Mod with moto scores 3,4,4 and placed 7th overall in 250 B Stock with moto scores 8,6,7.

Take us through the 2012 season - what were your goals were and how you did?
My goal coming into 2012 was to be top five every national and be on the podium, but I really wanted to win a title. I achieved my goals of getting on the podium and being in the top five, but unfortunately I was unable to win a title. I would consider this year a step in the right direction heading into next season.

What are your plans for the remainder of the season and 2013?
I am going to finish out the season in the "B" class at Florida, and then ride the "A" class at the spring nationals and for the rest of 2013.

Who are your biggest influences?
Ryan Dungey, because of his determination and work ethic.

What other sports do you do when you're not riding?
I do a lot of Mountain Biking when I am not riding.

Favorite Spot?
Oak Hill Raceway

If you could invent a flavor of Monster, what would it be?
Watermelon!

Fill in the blank… Monster is _____________
The best energy drink on the market.

Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank Circle R Construction their support, as well as my trainer Beau Boynton, My parents, My sponsors FMF, MSR, Motorex, Speed Graffix, Cycle Center of Denton, Ed Torrence, and of course Monster Energy for the interview.