Bill Ballance 9-08-00
- Updated: September 8, 2000
By Scott Johnson
ATV Scene: How long have you been racing?
Balance: Since 1994 on the national level but I raced local races 3 to 4 years before that.
ATV Scene: We all know by now that you flat out fly on the motocross sections. Did you use to race that prior to GNCC racing?
Balance: That’s all I use to do when I raced locally. Then one year I ran a cross-country at Loretta Lynn’s. I guess it was ‘93 or so. I ended up winning my class. I think I was hooked on it from then on. The next year we decided to go full force for the next year.
ATV Scene: Is your current quad working a lot better for you than the Kawasaki was?
Balance: It is something I helped LoneStar design for the 2-3 years prior to it’s release. It’s not a huge difference — but I do feel faster on it.
ATV Scene: There are a lot of rumors going around that you got a sweeter deal to go with the Maxxis Team. Is that true?
Balance: After last year, being #2 for two years — and then dropping down to #3 after being so close to winning the championship, it gets in your gut a little bit. You get a desire to win. I’m not all about looking for the money so much as I am just going out and winning and proving what I can do out there. I was very fortunate in that when I decided to do this, Maxxis stepped up with a good deal of money and made it as good as what I had with Kawasaki.
ATV Scene: So first it was about the winning and the rest was just gravy?
Balance: Exactly.
ATV Scene: What advice would you offer to someone who wants to come out and race in a GNCC race?
Balance: Have your quad ready to fend off rocks for sure! You’ll need good strong wheels, 6 ply tires, and quality skid plates. All in all, a good sound quad because you’re going to be out there for 2 hours. Breaking down and not finishing the race, especially your first one, will only discourage you from sticking with the sport.
ATV Scene: Any new sponsors in the works? Will LRD still supply your power?
Balance: Right now all the sponsors I have now are ready to go for next year. I am really comfortable and happy where I am. Yes, LRD is a big part of my success and they will be for years to come.
ATV Scene: What would you like to say to some of the big sports television networks. A perfect example is ESPN2’s Motoworld. They seem to say “bringing you the latest happenings in motorcycles and ATVs”, but never seem to mention anything about ATVs.
Balance: If they would just give our sport another look they’ll find a wealth of interesting footage. They put on some good things now, but occasionally they air some stuff that will make you fall asleep! If they would get rid of some of that junk they would have room to showcase quad racing to their viewers. I know it would be tough to do since it is a 9 to 10 mile course, but if they would bring 4 to 5 cameras you could keep up with the pro class action on the challenging courses. This would definitely make for some awesome action that will keep people on the edge of their couches.
