March 12, 2025

Dakota Garner

How did you get started in racing?

I watched a Supercross race on TV and instantly knew I wanted to ride. At 4 years old, my parents got me a PW 50, and from that moment on, I was hooked.

What do you think sets the current racing scene apart from when you first started?

Social media has completely transformed the sport. When I was an amateur, I had to mail physical race resumes to sponsors, but now everything is done online. If social media had existed back then, it would have been a game changer for my amateur career.

How do you balance work, family, and racing at this stage in your life?

During the week, I work as a heavy haul truck driver. Come the weekend, I’m excited to race, with the support of my wife and son. My wife has even learned how to clean air filters to help with my race program.

What’s your proudest achievement in the sport so far?

Returning to Loretta Lynn's last summer with my family, after being away from the sport for over 15 years, was a special moment. There’s truly nothing like the ranch! My last time there was in 2008 in the B class, where I finished 6th.

What motivates you to keep competing or riding after all these years?

I’m having fun riding my dirt bike and want to make my son proud.

What’s the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your racing journey?

In 2003, my home was destroyed in the Cedar Fire. I lost all of my childhood racing memories, including a moto quilt my grandmother had made for me. That experience taught me the true value of family, both on and off the track. I was just grateful to have the chance to race again!

What’s your current bike, and how is it set up to suit your style?

I just got the new 2025 RMZ 450, and yes, it still has a kickstarter. It has a powerful bottom end and handles and corners really well. RM Army strong!

Are there any specific events or series you look forward to each year?

This past summer, I was invited to race at Surfercross and managed to take 1st in the moto portion! Luckily, my partner Austin carried us through the surfing portion since it was my first time on a board. We ended up 3rd overall at the event. I’m hoping to get invited back—it was an awesome experience!

What advice would you give to someone returning to racing after a break?

Enjoy the ride and just have fun!

What’s your most memorable battle on the track?

When I was a kid, I won the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge. I got the holeshot and was pulling away, but then my bike started cutting out. I had to battle all the way to the end and push my bike across the finish line. It taught me to never quit!

If you could race against anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Scott Burnworth. I reconnected with Burner at the So Cal Vintage MX Classic race series last year, and I've always wished I could’ve raced at Carlsbad with him and all the riders from the “Cajon Zone.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out or thank?

I’d like to thank Moto Incorporated for the opportunity to be interviewed. A huge thanks to the man above, my wife, my son, and my sponsors—this wouldn’t be possible without their support!