I had the chance of talking with KC "Coyote" Knodel. This is one of the bright and up coming stars of Dirt Track! This kid is FAST! I think he has paid his dues, and he LOVE to win, and win he does well! He is one to keep an eye on in the 2001 season of Dirt Track. Well, let the good times roll!

Dave: How old are you and where are you from?

KC: Hi Dave! I am 16 years old and I live in a small town called Ohio City, Ohio.

Dave: When did you start riding?

KC: I started riding motorcycles when I was about 4 years old. I could ride a motorcycle before I could ride a bicycle.

Dave: Any one in your family race?

KC: I come from a family of racing. My Grandpa (Karl Knodel) owned a sprint car team back in the 50's and 60's. My Dad would later start racing motorcycles and eventually he turned expert on his XR750 when he was about 18.

Dave: When did you start racing?

KC: In 1989, I entered my first race on a little Yamaha PW50 at a short track at Mendon, Ohio. I can still remember that day. I finished last that race, but my family had no idea what they were starting. In 1991 and 1992 I won the 50cc Grand National Championship on my 50cc Motormarina. I also went on to win the district championship as well.

Dave: When did you move on to bigger bikes?

KC: In 1992 we sold both the 50's and bought a KX60, and a KX80 from Bryan Bigelow.

Dave: Did you just race in Ohio, or did you travel?

KC: I won the Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana State championships for the next 3 years.

Dave: When did you start riding the 250?

KC: In 1996 Tryce Welch and Young America Racing picked me up. With that bike and their support, I won the 250 Canadian National in 1997.

Dave: What did you do in 1998?

KC: In 1998 we bought a Champion frame 250. With that, I would later do an interview on Speed Vision, win the 250 Canadian National; Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky state championships.

Dave: And in 1999?

KC: In 1999 I returned to the Grand National Championships with the support of High Hopes Racing, Mike Butler. I would ride Mike's 500 Honda. I ended up second on the in the 500 modified class and third in the 250 modified class. Once again winning the Michigan, and Indiana State championships. Later in 1999 we purchased a Knight Frame Rotax.

Dave: Where did you ride the Rotax?

KC: My first race was at Woodstock Ontario Canada. I finished fifth; I was expecting to do better. However, my season would come to an end on July 24th at a racetrack in Marshall, Michigan.

Dave: What happened?

KC: I had been running fast all day. I won both my 600 and 250 heat and was going out for the 600 main. I really wanted to win the 600 main, and I was going to do everything I could to win it.

Dave: How come?

KC: I wanted to win mostly because of a kid named Bryan Smith. Everyone was talking about how fast he was but I knew I could beat him and I was going to prove it. The race began and I was in the lead. The track was one of those slick narrow little tracks. But this track had one small problem. It had about a 5-inch berm about it the middle of the track. I had been trying to keep my rear wheel up and over that berm. I was come off turn 4 for the white flag in the lead. Everything was great until I went into turn 1. I had lost my concentration, and forgot about the berm. I hit hard, I then proceeded to "high-side" into the guardrail. 20 minutes later I woke up in the ambulance with a broke right leg. I broke both my Tibia and Fibula. I was laid up for more than six months. I got the cast off just in time for my first race in 2000.

Dave: What do you feel about the 2000 season?

KC: Last season was a great season. I won the 250 and 600 Canadian National, and the Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky state championships.

Dave: When did you get your Pro Sport license?

KC: At the end of July I received my Pro Sport license and I would win every pro race that I competed in. That has kept me motivated throughout this winter and I am ready for this season to begin.

Dave: How do you prepare for the season, and how are your grades?

KC: To get ready I run and lift weights three times a week. Even with all of this I still manage a 4.0 cumulative grade point average in high school.

Dave: What classes are you taking?

KC: I am a sophomore and my classes are...Industrial Education, World History, Physics, Advanced English, Geometry, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Ecology, Genetics, Anatomy, and Physiology.

Dave: What are riding this year for bikes?

KC: I will be riding 2, 600cc Rotax engines built by our mechanic Larry Zumbrun. I will be kicking off the season with a Knight frame. The other 600 bike won't be finished until mid season.

Dave: Any goals for 2001?

KC: My goals for 2001 are simple. To win the 600 Pro Sport AMA National Championship, 600 Canadian National, and the 600 AMA Pro Sport Hotshoe series. I would like to get a ride for the Pace Series and win the Pro Singles Championship; but who knows, things go the way they are suppose to….

Dave: What does the KC stand for, Karl after your Grand Father?

KC: Nothing, it stands just for KC, Every one asks me that.

Dave: And the Coyote?

KC: They call me the " Coyote" because I never give up. He is awesome.

Dave: But he never gets the roadrunner :-)

KC: Hahaha...true!

Dave: Any one you want to thank?

KC: I want to thank all of my sponsors for their support.  Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. McCarthy's, Kennedy Tool Boxes, Tecumseh Box Company, Valvoline, Arai, Coaches Sportswear and Design, Sprocket Specialists, Wetzel Motorcycle Club, Tuff Plates, Subway, Northwest Net Inc., Bright. net, Rose Racing Products, K&N Engineering Inc., O'Neal Racing, WD-40 Company, Lava Soap, Motion Pro Inc., White Brothers Cycle Specialists, O'Brien Racing Products, Performance Machine Inc., A&A Racing Service, Mothers Polish, Continental Tires, E-Z Flow LLC, Goat Eyewear, Hickman Leathers, Cometic Gaskets, Klotz Special Formula Lubricants and Fuel, Afam USA, Lineaweaver Racing, Dale Lineaweaver, Sammy Tanner, Brad Helm, Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa.

Dave: That is impressive. Well, I am have to get going, it was nice chatting with you. Take care! And see you in Daytona!

KC: Okay. Thanks again. Same to you

His E-mail address is: [email protected]