Nic Granlund
-- 2006 NASMOTO SuperMoto Champion
photos by: NASMOTO
Name: Niclas Granlund |
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What was your first ATV?
A 1987Suzuki LT500
How long have you been racing quads and what made you want to?
I have been racing quads for 19 years. I was racing my dirt bike and my friend was racing his ATV and got hurt in his moto. He was leading the points so he asked me to ride for him. After three knee surgeries on my right knee (and soon after hurting my left) I decided ATV racing was more my style.
You've tried just about every form of ATV racing there is. Which do you enjoy the most? Currently Supermoto.
We thought you would say that. Congratulations for your 2006 AMA/Nasmoto Supermoto Championship. Can you tell us more about this series, and how you ended up winning the title?
This was the first year for the series. Nasmoto in conjunction with the AMA is promoting ATV Supermoto racing and doing a fine job of it. They are currently working on an ATV Supermoto Series for 2007 to be ran with the AMA select Supermoto dirt bike series - so it will be even better this coming year. As far as the title, there were several qualifiers throughout the country for the national championship in Nashville. I won my qualifiers and the rest is history.
Ashtabula, OH Pine Lake TT or Supermoto? Which is more fun and which would you rather win? Supermoto all the way.
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What’s your favorite Allen Knowles story?
Let's see, I would have to say the '94 Mickey Thompson
Salt Lake City race. We were bringing in cases of beer through the hotel, getting kicked out by security, depantsing Elmo Shepard and then all 22 people running to the elevator to escape. After that, the elevator sank and we were stuck in it. The fire department had to come rescue us.
How about your favorite Matt Coulter tale?
Just recently I took Matt to play poker for the first time at a major casino. He had never played before so I tried to give him a crash course. It was interesting to say the least. We had the whole table laughing except for a few high rollers who got pretty pissed when Matt would go all in with a pair of threes or when he would think he had a straight with only three cards. To end the story I made money, Matt lost money - but we had a really great time that night.
How far are you from the Las Vegas strip?
About three miles
After seeing your incredible house, either you hit one hell of a jackpot or you're smart enough to NOT gamble very often.
Yeah you have to be careful. Locals don't gamble like tourist do. My success stems from good real estate investments and designing and building the house from the ground up myself.
You're a local in arguable the biggest tourist attraction in the world. Is there a hotel casino that you haven't been to?
No, between friends and family visiting I have seen then all.
Where do you hang out when you're not wrenching or riding?
Currently I spend all my time with my nine month old son.
How's the local quad racing scene in the Vegas area?
There is not much of a local racing scene in Vegas except for the Best in the Desert Series and the Stateline Supermoto event, otherwise I have to go to California or Arizona, but I also keep busy promoting and riding in the Quadwars at the Monster Jam shows on the West Coast. It's a blast and there's crowds of 60,000 people watching and cheering for you.
How is NGR going?
Good. I have slowed things down to focus on being a stay-at-home-dad, but all in all it's going well.
What’s the specialty at NGR?
Personal service for specialty race bikes.
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You were pretty loyal to racing Cannondales. What do you have to say about Cannondale and their efforts?
Cannondale was a company ahead of their times with a great product but not enough R and D.
Are you getting any help from Yamaha?
Not currently.
There have been a lot of worthy ride choices in the past few years, but ever since '04 you've stuck with your YFZ, why?
I am currently riding a '05 YFZ and I have had good luck with it. So why change a good thing?
What’s your opinion about 4x4 ATVs?
I love all quads, even 4x4s.
Any desire to race a WPSA Quad Terrain event?
I would love to! If you here of any sponsorship opportunities let me know. I think I would do well on a 4x4.
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| Photo by Connie Phalen. "The Next Generation" Nic with son Ryder. |
Have you ever been told that you're too big to race ATVs?
All the time, but many times my size helps me power through obstacles and I have learned to compensate for the disadvantages.
Quick what comes to mind…..
Tropicana: Casino
Tequila: Don't touch it
Tennis: Bjorn Borg
Thursday: Survivor
Tobacco: Nasty
Terrorists: Mean people suck
What series are you going to concentrate on in 2007?
My plans for 07 are to race the Best in the Desert Series with Greg Stuart, defend my AMA #1 Supermoto Championship, race in the new AMA Supermoto Series that they are trying to finalize, defend my Stateline Supermoto Championship, race any Supermoto races I can, race in select WORCS events, race a few ITP QuadCross rounds and to continue to promote and ride in Quadwars.
In all your traveling across the country and beyond, is there a road trip that comes to mind?
Driving from Vegas to Denver and getting pulled over for speeding with a bra hanging from the mirror, (use your imagination).
What do you think we'll see in this sport in the next ten years?
I see the sport progressing in both equipment and sponsorship. I think ATV pros will finally be accepted as true professional athletes.
Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
To be a good father and husband. And to get in optimal shape for the new year.
Thanks for talking with us. Can we crash at your place the next time we're in Vegas?
No problem, book your flights and come on out.
