Scott Carey 1-5-04
- Updated: January 5, 2004
By Jorge Cuartas
I can still remember going to one of my first nationals and seeing Krank-It Racing stickers plastered on just about every ATV in the pits. It wasn’t’t long before I saw the same stickers appearing on pro quads such as Joe Byrd’s. Pre Y2K I purchased a used Laeger sight unseen that was rumored to belong to Mr. Byrd at one time (I know, what was I thinking), you can’t imagine how stoked I was when I first noticed the words Krank-It engraved on the cylinder (the motor ripped). In the past few years a lot has changed, that quad is long gone (I swear it was cursed), Joe Byrd is on a four stroke, and Krank-It has all but disappeared. That is until now, once again I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across the Krank-It name as an event sponsor for the 2004 Maxxis ATV Olympics. Being that I have no manners, and am more curious than the average cat, I called Scott Carey at Krank-It Racing and sprung a few questions at him. Here’s what he had to say.
ATV Scene: You can’t imagine how stoked we are to have you back, Krank-It was practically a staple of the GNC series a couple of years ago, but in the past few years you’ve stepped away a bit; where have you guys been? Are you back for good?
Carey: Thank you. We really haven’t stepped away. Let’s just say we have been very busy. We had to learn the four stroke side of the industry and we were busy building a new test facility. Pre 2K where some great years for us. There is no better feeling than seeing grief on a competitor’s face when loading your machine into the gate next to them. Though we aren’t’t running all of the 2004 GNC series, our presence will be known in 2004 and we have bigger and better for 2005.
ATV Scene: Did you step away from the sport in general, or did you just switch your focus to a different series?
Carey: We have continued our racing program and sponsor several riders in pro and amateur classes both at the nationals (ATVA, NEATV), and district levels. We had to tune our business plan and that meant change.
ATV Scene: How hard is it as a company to stay in the black while continuing to field competitive race teams?
Carey: It’s challenging that’s for sure. There have been times over the years that I have had to supplement this with my other business. The expense is large, not to mention the hours that we put in. But, we started this venture as racers and have always known the pressure of our existence. We love it, it’s what makes us live in this shop for days on end to make someone, someplace, take the checkered on Sunday. We race and we’re proud of it!
ATV Scene: How has the industry’s migration to four strokes been for business?
Carey: It’s been good so far and I expect that it will continue. I’ve always been known for my two stroke technology. This migration, well — it just forced us to learn something new and that’s a good thing, we’re ready!
ATV Scene: Where are you guys based out of these days?
Carey: We are located in Montezuma NY, and also on the World Wide Web at krankit-racing.com. Or by phone (315) 776-9270.
ATV Scene: How did you end up involved in the recent Maxxis ATV Olympics?
Carey: Actually, we started sponsoring events again at Southwick and the Maxxis 12 Hours of America. It just made sense, our business picked up and it was something we could do. We are all about giving back to the sport by making quality events like these possible, not to mention it’s a great opportunity to promote our company.
ATV Scene: What exactly does your involvement in the sport entail?
Carey: Well we have always been racers so as long as we can promote the sport, with the sport we will. We sponsor several amateur and pros throughout New York and New England. Also, we are researching some other event sponsorship in 2004.
ATV Scene: Will you be setting up shop or vending at events?
Carey: Possible in the future.
ATV Scene: What about the GNCs or GNCCs?
Carey: Definitely, look for us at the nationals and other events in 2004.
ATV Scene: Will you be fielding a team this year? If so, who can we expect to see running the Krank-It colors?
Carey: Absolutely. Former GNC open class champion Roy Lampron and Peter Carlotto will be flying Krank –It colors in the NEATVA series as well at selected GNC events. Also, Matt Boss from Canada will be on Team Krank-It as a pro running the Canadian nationals and several US events. And we don’t forget our amateur riders either.
ATV Scene: You do realize that I just set you up to receive a million resumes and sponsorship requests don’t you?
Carey: Serious resumes and sponsorships are always welcome and considered.
ATV Scene: Like we said earlier, we’re glad to see your name back in the scene and we wish you the best of luck. Thanks for giving back to the sport. Any last words?
Carey: Thanks for the opportunity and for all that you guys do for the sport too. We appreciate it! As far as last words: “We’re going to the front, you coming?”