Mitchell deJong

How does FOX contribute to your success?
FOX is a key component to winning races. My suspension needs to be dialed in and ready for the unique terrain I race on. I know I can always count on my FOX shocks to handle anything we encounter on the track with ease.

Tell us about your best race or event and how it changed you.
Best racing moments: Once my shifter got stuck in 4th gear at the start of a race in my Off-Road truck. I use all 5 gears in a short course race so I really had to figure out how to drive smart to get through this race. I kept my cool and figured out how to drive with only 1 gear and I ended up winning it. Another time my hood flew up and stayed up the whole race. I couldn't see anything but the ground through a small opening by my feet. I wasn't about to pull off so I raced from memory of the track and was able to still win a podium spot and finish 3rd.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
DeJong built, Yamaha powered SuperKart with FOX 2.0 Piggyback coil-overs.

What else is in your garage?
A legend car, a shifter kart and my dad's Class 1 race car on FOX shocks.

What's your training regimen?
I do a cross fit training regimen with a trainer 2x a week, driving simulators, go-karting, and eating healthy.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
I had multiple fractures in my wrist, torn tendons and a shattered scaphoid bone. The scaphoid bone is the most important bone in the wrist because it maintains the blood supply through the wrist to the hand. I had to wear a cast for almost 3 months. When my cast came off, I had to wear a wrist brace and go to occupational therapy to regain my strength.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
Determined by the series and sponsors.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
When I was 3 years old I saw racing on TV and knew I had to do that!

What separates you from other professional athletes?
My age and my knowledge of the vehicles I race.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
Practicing to become one!

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
Being behind the wheel of a race car!

What other sports are you interested in?
Anything I can drive!

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Drive fast, and take chances.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Dirt Sports magazine, Dirtnewz.com, Nascar.com, redbullusa.com, Traxxas.com, and Foxhead.com/us

Favorite movie quote?
"I'm not sure what to do with my hands right now." - Ricky Bobby

Who is your hero?
Travis Pastrana and Jimmy Johnson

Are you a Mac or PC? PC

Top 3 bands Hip Hop, Eminem, and Jessie J

Greatest strength My ability to read the terrain and my drive to win!

Most frustrating challenge Mechanical problems during a race

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