Posted September 6, 2006

Five Minutes with Racer Krista Marie

We chatted briefly with singer/songwriter/racer Krista Marie. Here's what she had to say.

ATVAonline: In addition to being an ATV motocross racer you are a singer and songwriter. Can you tell us more?

Krista Marie: Well, it's actually the other way around, I'm a singer and songwriter who races ATV motocross. I have had a number of people tell me that I should hang up the jersey because it's too dangerous and that I can't afford to get hurt, but I refuse to quit. I am never going to be anyone but me—what ya see is what ya get—and that means doing what brings me great pleasure…riding AND music!

ATVAonline: What types of songs do you write?

Marie: I am working on a new project that should be out the first part of July. Lately, I have only been writing and recording "demo" songs. This next CD should appeal to quite a few racers out there or anyone who has a need for speed. Any songs of mine that I write or co-write are filled with my personal life experiences and emotions that I have gone through at some point in my life. If you listen to my lyrics, you'll get to know who I am.

ATVAonline: Where can people hear or buy your music?

Marie: You can go to www.myspace.com/KristaMarie to say "hi."

ATVAonline: Where do you live?

Marie: Nashville, Tennessee.

ATVAonline: What was your first ATV?

Marie: A stock Yamaha Blaster.

ATVAonline: When and where was your first race?

Marie: Silver Springs, New York. Aaron Reisig of Avon Cycle Joint started a local series a few years back, and I haven't stopped riding and racing since.

ATVAonline: Why do you race ATVs?

Marie: There's no other thrill like it: catching air, the whole shot: butterflies, horsepower under you. Oh, and I always have an excuse to buy something for my baby.

ATVAonline: What is your fondest memory of ATVing?

Marie: I have SO many, but I would have to say that traveling and meeting new people are the highlights. I have found that most of the people in the ATV world would give you the shirt off of their back if you needed it! Candace Lee has become one of my best friends, Christa Watson from quadgirls.com is always trying to help out among many others. Everything at the track inspires not only me, but my music!

ATVAonline: Where is your favorite race?

Marie: Ask me that at the end of the season. I am looking forward to trying out Bill Ballance's new track. This will also be my first time at Muddy Creek, Tennessee, and I am excited about Unadilla, New York. That is very close to where I grew up, so party's at my place!

ATVAonline: What is something that most people don't know about you?

Marie: Are you kidding? I have a lot of secrets and I'm not about to spill them yet!

ATVAonline: Tell us about the special song you wrote recently.

Marie: I was at Gatorback MX Park in Florida one weekend and witnessed an accident from the bleachers involving Zak Griffin, who was killed. I had to do something. Zak's song, "Don't Call It Tragic," is about the racers' creed. Most of us live and understand the consequences of the sport but continue to do what we love.

At my website you can click on the BurnLounge logo for Zak's song. The song will be available for download at www.BurnLounge.com/KristaMarie for 99 cents. Part of the proceeds will be donated to "The Zachary Griffin Memorial Fund" in his honor.

Also, www.KristaMarieMusic.com should be up now.

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