Name: Austin Forkner
Hometown: Richards, MO
Age: 14


Austin Forkner recently won the Monster Energy Cup and we had the privilege to sit down with him and ask a few questions:

For those who haven't heard your name yet, who are you and how did you get involved in Moto?
My name is Austin Forkner, I'm 14 years old from Richards, Missouri. I got involved in motocross when my dad and his friend Andy were racing and took me along. When I was 4 years old my dad asked me if I wanted to ride, I said yes, and he got me a PW. I raced my first race in Carthage Mo at Playground MX and after a few races on the PW(which I quickly tore up) my dad got me a faster bike and that was the start of my racing. Jerry and Ellie Sharp ran the Missouri State MX series and when I was 5 they started sponsoring me for local races. When I was 8 years old John Penrod from Cobra got me involved with them and then I just kept practicing and going to races.

Take us through the 2012 season – what were your goals and how did you do?
My goals for 2012 were to go to as many nationals as Icould and win as many championships as I could! 2012 started off real good as I won the Bell Golden Helmet award for having the most points during the Texas Winter Series races. Then I went to the spring nationals and got 2 championships at Oak Hill and 3 at Millcreek. I qualified for Loretta's and then headed to Mammoth where I got another championship. Loretta's didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, but I ended up 4th in the 85 12-14 yr. stock class. I was asked to represent the USA at the Jr. World Mx Race in Sevlievo, Bulgaria where I finished 2nd after I was leading and my bike broke about 200 yards before the checkered flag. Then I got invited to the Monster Cup and got both moto wins and the overall.

You just won the Super Mini class at Monster Energy Cup. How did you feel going into this race? Did you expect to do as well as you did?
Going into the Monster Cup I was pretty sure I would do good because I like supercross style tracks. Practice wasn't great because I was trying to learn the track, do all the jumps I could, and get good times for gate pick. No I did not have any idea I would do so well because I've never done a race like it with the pros and crowd. I just wanted to finish on the podium.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would probably be winning both the 85 cc 9-11 yr. old stock and mod classes at Loretta's. And of course most recently, winning both motos and the overall at the Monster Cup.

What are your plans for the remainder of the year and heading into 2013?
My plans for the reminder of the year is to go to the Mini O's and get some championships, racing the Texas Winter Series, and going to California to train and practice.

Who are your biggest influences?
I have to say my biggest influences are Jimmy Alberston a pro rider from Missouri, Trey Canard, and my dad.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to be riding on a great pro team and winning some lites titles.

How has your family supported you over the years? Would you be where you're at without them?
My family especailly my mom and dad have definetly supported me throughout my racing career. They both work and always travel with me and support me in everyway they can. My family are my greatest supporters. There's no way I'd be where I am without them!

Do you have any hobbies outside of motocross?
My hobbies are driving RC cars and riding scooters.

Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank God for keeping me safe and giving me my talent. I'd like to thank all my sponsors-Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki-Reid, Ryan, Doug, Shane, Andy and all the guys, Fox-Aaron and Todd, PR2-Jeff and Chris, Dunlop-Primo, Maxima, Renthal, Traxxas, Pro Circuit, Alpinestar, PODs, Dubya Wheels, Specialized Bikes, Kicker, Renegrade Fuel, Hookit, Payton Adams, my mechanic, Tom Shields, Brandon Beabout, my friends, and my fans!