U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant, Justin Mottoshiski Takes on GNCC Racing
- Updated: September 11, 2014
by Rich Curley
Many people give GNCC ATV Racers respect for being some of the fastest racers in the world and rightfully so, but this year at one of the most popular tracks, a group of racers were given a unique tribute. Before the 1PM Pro Quad Race the GNCC and Vigilant Vet Racing brought a small group of racers to the Unadilla starting line to recognize, honor, and thank for their involvement. This elite group was not just fast racers, they were Active Duty Military and Veterans who have served and protected our great country. The starting line was packed and the Veterans received a thunderous round of applause for the great sacrifices that they have made so others can be free.
I am honored to say I am great friends with one of the Active Duty Military that was honored on this day, U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant, Justin Mottoshiski. I had the privilege of meeting Justin a few years ago at a trail head in New York and after a short conversation about GNCC Racing he intended to get involved when his Military Schedule would allow. We have attended several races together, helping each other in the Fanatic Powersports pits, where his attitude and drive, are highly contagious.
With a 10AM Race start time and coming from a win in the NECC Series, Justin was poised at the starting line ready to win back to back. Justin’s race started, and on a line of 27 riders he entered the woods in 12th. Soon after the start he encountered a bottleneck where his radiator clogged and the overheating problems began. Justin did everything he could to keep his machine cool and stay with the leaders, including a long pit stop to flush out the radiator. Most racers with this type of a problem, succumb to being lapped by the leader, however Justin’s persistence, commitment, and want to win kept him on the lead lap as he finished 13th out of 27 in class. Justin is a humble new racer who says, “My sponsors are the reason for my success and I want to thank, Fox Shocks, ZBROZ Racing, Fanatic Powersports, TheRiderScope and 401 Racing out of Warwick, Rhode Island.”
He has served all around the world as a Combat Engineer, 2 Tours in Afghanistan, 1 Tour in Iraq, and currently serving on Recruiting Duty for 3 years in Rhode Island. When he is not on Duty as a Recruiter he is wrenching on his quad, practicing for the upcoming race, or spending time with his wonderful wife Bethany. Active Military demands a lot, but trains you to be successful in whatever life throws your way, while maintaining a never give up attitude, and the Military is a great way to get that training. So if you are looking for a new up and coming racer to sponsor, or are thinking about the Military, then look up U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Justin Mottoshiski. You will be glad you did!