Mitch Payton Interview with David Ray – ThrottleJunkie.com
Find out what Mitch looks for to hire riders to Pro Circuit – You may be surprised!
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Hey throttle junkies … I’ve been out of action for a few weeks now and if ya guessed the results of riding, ahh crashing that is, that would be correct. So, that being said, … no race reports to offer. But check this out!
I had the opportunity, while at the Glen Helen Nationals final to sit down with the world famous Mitch Payton, owner and founder of Pro Circuit. Mitch granted a very candid interview with myself. Now keep in mind, he did this at the races in which his team had a championship on the line, thanks again Mitch. This man was very easy to talk to and says it like it is.
Before I get to the interview, I want to thank my very good friend, Mr. Jim Conquest of Imagine It Gaphics. “Thanks again Jimmy” Jim’s company, Imagine It Graphics does the work on big rigs and more for PC Kawi, Honda and Yamaha. Plus other work for many major players. Seeing that many of these industry names that we all know are his personal, and long time friends, and had me in the camps mentioned like a rock a star … all day long!
Because of my boy Jimmy, I was welcomed into the rigs and VIP areas, fed like a king, and on the inside of things. As Townley’s mechanic changed out the spark plug, it was handed to me … yup! I was in the action.
I was big time … a Shmoe, a real VIP. Heck I didnt use a single out house all day. I was all over it too … checking out the bikes via “hands on”, riders, managers, mechanics, rigs and media persons as well. A day I will not soon forget and have lots of pics to help that out.
Just a few, that where very friendly and easy to talk with that I want to mention: Langston – my favorite, Townley, Alessi -very candid, La Rocco, Millsap, Hepler – a super guy, he was toying with me while doing auto-graphs, Ryan Hughes – a ball of energy … Payton, Kehoe, Whitlock, Weisel, Erin Bates, Jeff Emig … the list is long … What a great day, and yes I have 2008 marked on my calendar!
I had a few questions for Mitch Payton, and this is how it went down: –
David Ray: First off, thanks for your time today Mitch, I know today’s a big day for the Pro Circuit team. As I mentioned, my name is David Ray, and im with Throttle Junkie.com
Mitch Payton : No problem David, what’s on your mind ? – But would please leave the bike(s) alone until “after the championship race” … thank you very much.
David Ray: So you saw that I take it ?
Mitch Payton: Yes, David …I did. You can sit on RV’s bike after the “championship” race is over.
David Ray: Ok, I promise. Think I can ride her … just a spin of course ?
Mitch Payton: Not a chance … “someone please call security”
David Ray: Mitch, being that im the father of a daughter, and love this sport as well, im very interested in seeing girls make it to the big time. Presently, im following a few young female riders that have serious talent. They dream of being on a factory team. So I ask, would you in fact consider hiring a female rider to the Pro Circuit team, given the potential and talent was there, to line up at the gate just as RV and Townley are doing today ?
Mitch Payton: Yes, … I would! I mean, really I wouldn’t be opposed to hiring anybody. As long as the talent is there.
David Ray: Nice … that answer is going to have a good number of girls smiling ear to ear. Along with many others im sure, heck im one of them! So talent, of course is a key factor. But what do you, Mitch Payton look for specifically in hiring new talent, an amateur and/or up and coming riders to the world famous Pro Circuit team ?
Mitch Payton: Probably the main items are consistency and speed, and consistency is very important to me. And obliviously a decent base of shape and physical condition is a must so when they come here to Pro Circuit, they and we dont have to start from ground zero.
David Ray: Ya know Mitch, many that read this will it take to heart. And set to achieve just as you stated … Lets talk about attitudes. How much does this play a part in hiring to your team ?
Mitch Payton: Well, I think they all have different types of attitudes and personalities and I dont think thats as important as there inner drive is. Its just more important to have that inner drive.
David Ray: OK, well lets go a bit deeper on this subject. Lets say you have a really good and talented rider, but … they have a “bad” attitude. Would you be more likely to lean towards correcting them, or just let them go.
Mitch Payton: Well, I mean theres some riders out there that I think are really talented, but are idiots! I don’t think thats worth wasting your time with. I mean theres nice kids out there to work with and to help out over here. I believe all my guys, are nice guys, … or good people. They are all people that, ya know … the little kids can look up to, which is cool.
David Ray: That is very cool Mitch. Ive been in your camp on and off all day, on this day that must entail a great deal of stress, and its very apparent that all are positive people, get along well and want to be here, thats a major plus for any team. –
Mitch Payton: Yes, as you noticed we work as team and make it a team effort. It is cool, to have that even as my guys competed against with one another for a championship!
David Ray: Yes, you do have a great team, with great riders and crew. Ryan and Ben are good guys and great with the fans. Ive witnessed said, first hand.
David Ray: So, let be sure im clear and write your answer on attitude accurately. You said, if not mistaken that you would “pass” or “let go” talent if a bad attitude came in the package ?
Mitch Payton: Yes, that is correct.
David Ray: Well that does it Mitch, and thank you for seeing me today. I wish you luck on taking the championship today, but you don’t need luck, you have talent!
Mitch Payton: Oh no, we need luck, theres always luck involved … this is Motocross!
David Ray: Are you a praying man Mitch ?
Mitch Payton: Yes I am …
David Ray: Thats good, I am as well. Thanks again for giving myself and Throttle Junkie.com access to your team today. I hope this helps riders as to whats important to ride for an outfit of Pro Circuits status.
Mitch Payton: Sure, no problem David … just stay off our bikes!
So that’s it. Mitch was a blast to interview, and seemed to really enjoy the questions I had chosen for him. He gave me his full attention, … on race day! Last thing, He told me to be sure he got first dibs on any girls that can throw down. Sweet … maybe I’ll become an agent, seeing im sooo connected. (thanks Jimmy)
David Ray #220 – Pray Hard, Ride Fast, Give it all you got!
