A Conversation with Utility ATV Racing Champion, Mike Penland

A conversation with Mike Penland
May 3, 2000
By Scott Johnson

For all you people out there that think you can't have any fun on a utility quad this is the series for you. These guys fly on these things! Granted I don't think you will see a utility quad take an overall win or anything like that; but they are something to see. I can appreciate that since I am in my first season and run in the utility stock class. One person who has been helped me with getting started is Mike Penland. I didn’t even know Mike when I started but he has offered me lots of helpful advice. He’s one of the nicest guys you will ever meet! Here’s what the veteran of ATVing had to say.

ATV Scene: How long have you been racing ATV's?
Penland: 10 years.

ATV Scene: How old are you?
Penland: 46

ATV Scene: Are you going to race the Baja this year?
Penland: Lord willing, if I can get some sponsors.

ATV Scene: Will Kawasaki help you out with the Baja or are they strictly GNCC?
Penland: GNCC, but I’m hoping to twist their arm a little. They are liable to have a new bike later in the year and maybe I can talk them into helping me out. I don't know if they would give me any money but maybe a bike and parts. Really I need two or three bikes and parts in order to have the spare parts needed for the race. The Baja is extremely tough on equipment. I also have to take a month off work.

ATV Scene: What kind of new ATV are they coming out with?
Penland: Something similar to a 400EX.

ATV Scene: I hear you would like to do the Dakar Rally in Europe. Is that true?
Penland: I have a company that would put up $25,000 and just need another 25 grand to do it.

ATV Scene: I hear they are begging Americans to come race in it.
Penland: I spoke to a guy who said they will hook a microphone up to you and tell you when the helicopter will fly over and do an interview while you’re riding the coarse, sounds petty cool and they love American coverage, so we’ll see.

ATV Scene: What is a typical day for you during race season. What type of training do you do?
Penland: I haven’t trained as much as I would like to lately. In the winter I stair step and do push ups -- not as much as I need too. (Laughing).

ATV Scene: How much bigger has the utility class grown over the years?
Penland: It has picked up and dropped off over the years. Recently we’re seeing a huge interest in the class. When we line up there will be about 25 of us.

ATV Scene: Is Kawasaki in the GNCC to stay now?
Penland: Oh yeah! They love it! It has given them lots of exposure. Mark Kelly (VP of Utility ATV Marketing) told me that they race everything they make at Kawasaki. --and they are going to continue doing so.

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