Johnny G
- Updated: October 23, 2001
By Johnny Gallagher
So there I was 5 years old standing in my driveway looking at the greatest thing God (Honda actually) had ever created, a 1978 ATC 70. I never would have imagined that 18 years, 45 sets of riding gear, and countless trips to the hospital later I would still look at ATVs with that same sense of awe.
Oh yeah, by the way, my name is Johnny Gallagher – and I race four-wheelers. I started when I was 5 and haven’t really thought of much else in the 18 years since. Chances are since you’ve found this web site, and taken the time to sit down and read this column, I probably don’t need to explain to you why I am so enthused about riding and racing. Don’t worry I’m not gonna go into some long winded rant about the spirituality of ATV riding. I am planning on checking in with you fine people about once a month, and giving you a heads-up on what’s going on in the racing world, the real world, and when I run out of material, my personal world.
My first look at my new ATC 70.
This was the start of my obsession with the sport.So you already know that I got my 1st ATV for my 5th birthday. I’m just gonna hit he high points from there. I raced locally in Ohio for a few years on my 70, and the Tri-Zinger 60 I got for my 8th birthday. I got beat by a girl on a pretty regular basis. In my defense she was really fast, and not too bad on the eyes either. I finally started to not suck when I got my first LT 80. I rode and raced locally every weekend year round, losing only occasionally. I decided in 1990 that I was ready to take on the world, or at least the GNCC series. I won 7 of 7 races to become the first ever GNCC youth champ.
Then came the hard part. Any of you who have raced youth classes and then wanted to move up know exactly what I’m talking about. You are not allowed to operate, let alone race a full size ATV, until you are 16 years of age. But how many 15 year olds that you know can fit on an LT 80. Can you say Baby Huey? So I did what any 15-year-old with a head full of dreams does. I lied. I lied to the promoters, lied to the other racers, and yes at my fathers urging, I lied to my own mom. We had a fake name and everything. For two years I was Harvey Mushman. Me and my trusty 250X terrorized racetracks all over the East Coast. Although I was too big for an 80, I was definitely on the small side (5’1, 100lbs) for a 250 but that just goes to show how ignorant the government regulations are. I was winning races on a bike that I wasn’t supposed to be able to ride for two more years. Alight already, you’ve heard enough about me, but to sum it up I’ve raced just about every type of ATV series imaginable, Cross-Country, Motocross, Stadium, and even TT. I won a few of these races, traveled all over the country, and had a barrel of fun (much of which you will hear about in upcoming issues).
Jeff Seegott and I have been friends and teammates for years. I’ll tell some of the incredible times we’ve had in future issues of “Johnny G”.
This shot of me is from the first ever BUCCS (Buddy-Up Cross Country Series). Jeff Seegott and I “buddied-up” and won the overall ahead of Kim Kuhnle and Curtis Crump. If you’re anywhere near Ohio – check out this series. It’s a blast!
My thoughts of some current happenings…
Bill Ballance just wrapped up the GNCC title with a win at round 12, and in case you didn’t’t already know Jeremiah Jones waxed the competition this year to earn his first ever Pro Grand National Title a few months ago. Billy B and Jeremiah J live only a few miles from each other, and practice together every week. Now that’s just great, take the two fastest quad riders on the planet and let them train together — doesn’t look like anyone will be dethroning either of these champs anytime soon.
H-Bomb films is releasing the highly anticipated Huevos IV, the premier party was Saturday the 20th. Man, I wish I could have gone. Based on the H-4 video premier story here on the Scene – it looked like a blast. The video is available now. Wes Miller and his H-Bomb crew definitely outdid themselves this time. All the preliminary footage I’ve seen looks killer! Plus I’m in it — so that alone makes it worth the purchase price. Check out scenes, or order your copy at www.hbombfilms.com
In other race related news, team Nac’s will be team Nac’s/Cannondale for next year. This is HUGE news, as this will hopefully open the gates for other manufacturers to get involved. Last I hear, Ben Jackson will head the GNC pro ranks on the team, while my neighbor – Newbury, Ohio’s Kim Kuhnle will ride the GNCC pro spot. Tyson Thomas will be their amateur GNCC main man, while Nate Leverantz will run the amateur GNC ranks for the team.
Suzuki is releasing a new sport quad and the photos that I’ve seen look promising, not 250R promising but comparable to the 400EX, and Raptor. It’s got electric start, reverse, it’s liquid cooled — I think they’ll sell all they make. Meanwhile I predict Honda will answer to Suzuki with an all new 400EX or maybe even a CRF 450R! You have to admit – things are great in the sport!
Hey I think this little intro has gone on long enough, so why don’t you get off the computer and get your butt outside and on your wheeler. I don’t care if it’s dark out, that’s how all us pros get fast, we practice in the dark then it’s twice as easy when there’s light. Just kidding please don’t try that at home. Wait, on second thought – if you are gonna try it — make sure you get it on film because H-Bomb films will use it in next years Huevos film during the crash section at the end.
One quick story before I go. For the last seven years I’ve been traveling and racing with this yahoo by the name of Jeff Seegott. Over the course of those seven years there have been many little foul-ups and run-ins with the law. Some aren’t suitable to print here, but there are a few that have to be told. One is a particular incident that involved a speeding race transporter, an Ohio tollbooth station, and a complete lack of sense on Jeff’s part. As we were driving down the Ohio Turnpike on the way to Mt. Morris a few years ago, Jeff managed to cruise right through a toll plaza at about 70 MPH! Don’t ask how he fit an 8-foot wide, 40 foot long rig through a tollbooth at speed. I can tell you that the look on the tollbooth attendants face was priceless when Jeff proceeded to back all the up and pay the necessary $2.30. Oh yeah, I almost forget to mention that once Jeff realized what he had done he locked up the brakes and slid to a smoking stop – leaving the whole toll plaza engulfed in a thick white smoke cloud that rivaled a dragster burnout. The funny thing is that as crazy as this story might sound, it’s way weak compared to some of the rental car and hotel stories that are sure to appear in future issues. Moms don’t ever let your boys grow up to be racers!
I plan to spill the beans about all the behind the scenes fun that goes on at the races, many of which involve the shenanigans of my nitwit buddy Jeff Seegott. I’ll also address some serious issues like why ATVs are the redheaded step child of the off-road industry. Be sure to check out future issues and let me know of any questions about your favorite rider, racing in general, or possibly why vehicles have rear view mirrors. Feel free to e-mail me. Who knows – maybe we’ll even do some contests in the future and throw some Huevos 4 videos or some cool threads your way.
Until next time,
Johnny G -out
