Dakotah Norton Signs with the YT Mob

Jan 7, 2021
by James Smurthwaite  
photo

Press Release: The YT Mob

The YT Mob is excited to announce that 28 year old Dakotah Norton of Tennessee has signed with the team and will race alongside David Trummer (AUT), Oisin O’Callaghan (IRL) and Guy Johnston (NZL) for the 2021 season.

Despite being a late comer to the sport of downhill racing, Dakotah has already scored a string of top ten results including two World Cup podiums, and earned the respect of his peers as well as many in the industry. His first podium came in 2018 at World Cup Round 1 in Losinj (CRO) and his most recent was in Lousã (POR) at the final round of last season.

Dakotah will be racing the YT TUES Pro Race which will be built up with all of the top components run by the team. He’ll be bringing US based mechanic Josh Patton onboard with him as well.

bigquotesI’m incredibly excited to be joining the YT Mob this year. It’s an honor to be involved with such a prestigious program and I strongly believe it will help me grow as a racer. After finishing the 2020 season with a podium, I’m looking forward to building on that and also joining my new team mates, Dave, Oisin and Guy, to see what we can achieve together in the season ahead, and beyond.—Dakotah Norton

bigquotesI’ve been wanting to work with Dak since he first came onto the World Cup scene back in 2015, but things just never really lined up for us. We had a few meetings over the years and then last year we worked out a management deal. He impresses me on and off the bike so when we saw this vacancy opening up at the Mob, he was clearly the right man to bring onboard. We excited to see what Dak can do in 2021!—Martin Whiteley, Team Manager


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Racing and Events Press Releases Racing Rumours YT Industries Dakotah Norton


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101 Comments
  • 78 3
 Made in Michigan™
  • 27 1
 *Flintastic
  • 14 2
 #PureMichigan
  • 17 0
 Let’s get Tropical!
  • 6 0
 @n-lagasse: E.L.E.
  • 16 1
 @vw4ever: Something in the water. Too soon?
  • 6 2
 I though it was North Dakota?
  • 1 0
 Planet M
  • 8 8
 Where do riders in michigan ride down a hill? Isn‘t it flat like A cups?
  • 6 0
 @Rainozeros: I am not from Michigan but I ride up in Marquette and Copper Harbor which i wouldn't classify as DH but definitely some the best trails in the midwest. Copper Harbor is a vibe that every mountain biker should experience.
ride.diamondback.com/next-exit-copper-harbor
  • 5 0
 Mittens UP!!! I don't live there anymore.....but STILL.
  • 1 0
 @vader4runner: no doubt, that place is bitchin'
  • 2 1
 @Stoaks: I don’t know about too soon. But it does sound a little callous since the people of Flint suffered a lot to no fault of their own.
  • 5 0
 Oh, man. That YT is one slick-lookin' bike!
  • 2 0
 @n-lagasse: yes! was hoping for a semi pro reference haha.
  • 2 0
 @Rainozeros
Having grown up in Michigan we have the following.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porcupine_Mountains
Plus one of the largest (XC) races in the US is in Traverse City, Michigan. The Iceman Cometh.
www.iceman.com

Plus Michigan has some really good ski resorts.
www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/comprehensive-guide-ski-resorts-michigan
  • 1 0
 @Rainozeros: the lower part is flat AF. We do the best we can with the terrain we have.
  • 1 0
 @lbsteinm: thanks, good to know. I have only been in Berrien Springs and Chicago and biking was pretty much flat out all the time. But I have seen pictures of a ski Resort. Anyhow, it always seems cool to me when a rider from the flatlands rips as hell Big Grin
  • 60 1
 Gotta feel for Neko. It's like Dak is now dating his ex and bringing her to all their double dates.
  • 16 0
 ROFLMAOF ^^ Hey Bro, ya know what really gets her turned on... awkward moment on the shuttle
  • 1 0
 Bwahahaha lol lol lol
  • 1 0
 Ahahahahahhahaha
  • 2 0
 I feel like this can't be upvoted enough! They both moved on but the attachment is still there lol
  • 57 4
 YT makes a beautiful downhill frame
  • 5 3
 they sure do!
  • 10 3
 They both look like a great fit for each other. I predict Gnar for 2021.
  • 3 7
flag monkeybizz (Jan 7, 2021 at 12:25) (Below Threshold)
 Sure make them fun and snappy Smile
  • 3 0
 I’d argue every frame they make is on a next level for aesthetics!
  • 27 0
 We have met and rode with him on multiple occasions, such a good dude and well deserved!
  • 17 0
 There’s two of you?
  • 4 0
 @extratalldirtrider: so many personalities, so little time.
  • 2 0
 @extratalldirtrider: The editorial "we"
  • 1 0
 @drunknride: New shit has come to light
  • 2 0
 @onemind123: haha. Thanks for the laugh.
  • 19 0
 met this dude at Snowshoe and he was such a highlight. so nice, open, and interesting to talk to—he makes me proud to be a DH fan in the US. psyched to see him on such a solid program
  • 14 0
 Cheers to Dakota! The YT Mob is always entertaining and hopefully its top support for him and clearly deserves it! Can't wait to watch some RACING!!!
  • 10 0
 He seems to be one of those people who wakes up everyday stunned that he gets to ride a bike for a living. His stoke is infectious, and watching him hit sniper lines at Windrock gives me chills (check out his inside line on the step-up:
m.pinkbike.com/news/race-report-perfect-conditions-for-the-downhill-southeast-series-at-windrock.html.).

I hope that when he retires from racing, which will hopefully be a long time from now, he continues his "D!ck Tugs" series and becomes the South's Remy Metailler.
  • 9 0
 Question for anyone in the know regarding mechanics for pro teams. When a rider is claimed as "bringing along" a certain mechanic are they responsible for paying them? Or do teams give riders freedom to pick the mechanic of their choice and then foot the bill? I know some combinations of riders and mechanics are essentially married while other mechanics seem to just stick with a team long term independent of the riders.
  • 8 0
 I'd imagine the team would cover the salary or the racers would be broke
  • 12 2
 It kinda shits on the mechanic phrasing it that way right? I'm bringing along my bike, my underwear and this dude Jim.
  • 6 0
 @drunknride: I don't think it shits on anyone. Simply stating he had a choice on who his mechanic was going to be. My question is simply who writes the mechanic's check? Is it part of a package with the rider, does the mechanic negotiate their own deal with the team after being chosen by the rider, or if a rider is requesting a specific mechanic are they on the hook to pay them?
  • 1 0
 @giantwhip: Who knows what a newer rider is actually bringing in that's definitely part of the equation on why I'm asking who pays. I'm sure there are plenty of people willing to have their travel and living expense covered while they're on the road with a very small additional salary for the ability to have such a job and see the world. I know a few motorsport mechanics that just want the vagabond lifestyle covered and go with whatever is available on a constantly evolving path with little compensation relative to the amount of hours they actually work. I'd think many race bike mechanics could have a similar mentality.
  • 2 0
 The team pays, sometimes the team chooses, sometimes the rider chooses.
  • 1 0
 @drunknride: once you get a certain level in a job, and the competition is offering you a job, you can answer with an “Ok but let me bring my team” or “let me build my team” in this case, a rider and a mechanic are a sub-team within the team, and a good one can no doubt be a solid and consistent one anda a bad one a disaster

Looking forwrd on seeing how the monthey perform, solid team no doubt

Congrats dakota!
  • 1 0
 @drunknride: mob*
  • 1 0
 @kleinschuster: I actually would like to read something about this process from a few mechanics that have experienced this. My initial response was just pure sarcasm and f*ckery though
  • 10 0
 Hell Yeah! Well deserved. Met him once at breakfast before a worldcup at Leogang. A nice and grounded dude.
  • 21 12
 Was he pushed in to that contract or did he Tues to do it? Either way wicked signing
  • 3 0
 Hahahahaaaaaaa.... OH. Whew. Very punny.
  • 3 0
 As a former Wicked owner I appreciate this deep cut.
  • 6 0
 Awesome dude. He is often in NC hanging with Neko and Luca and I've ridden a few times with him at the bike park. Chill guy and sick rider.
  • 6 0
 Yeaah super stoked for Dak! Met him riding in Santa Cruz and he's not only a great rider but also a super nice guy. Well deserved.
  • 7 0
 Dak and Trummer makes for such a sick humble team with loads of talent. Looks like YT are going to be on the podium in 2021
  • 3 0
 Don't forget about Oisin,kids a ripper as well.
  • 8 0
 Now this is fn rad
  • 7 0
 Congrats Dakotah!
  • 6 0
 Dope! Seems like a good fit !
  • 6 0
 Hell yeah, he's been killing it
  • 7 1
 Congratulations Dakotah, that's great news! Strong team.
  • 5 0
 Can't wait for some Mob team videos with Dak shedding!
  • 4 2
 Are we talking shedding as in shedding his skin like a snake? Or you want to see him taking his clothes off?
  • 4 0
 Glad to see that Dak got a ride, would have been a shame not to see him racing !
  • 5 0
 I think he and Trummer will make a strong team.
  • 3 0
 Can’t wait to see him ride the tues at the rock! Tennessee is the hotbed of American downhillers in a matter of a few years.
  • 2 0
 Awesome news! My favorite rider to watch.
(Helps that I'm from the same area) I echo what others have said, having met him at Snowshoe - great guy. Glad he landed on a solid team.
  • 2 0
 Very very stoked for this guy!! He deserves all the support, I was kinda worried ab him not being able to sign w anyone before the season but I’m glad to see him in such company
  • 5 3
 This is great. Devinci is cool but they probably could not match the infrastructure required to race in Europe like a Euro brand can
  • 4 0
 Awesome!! 2021 DN gonna be up there on the regular
  • 3 0
 Congrats Dak, I know there was some last minute team stress. This is huge! All the best in 2021!
  • 4 0
 Congratulations Dakotah. Keep up the great work and dedication!
  • 2 0
 Cheers to Dak well deserved I was watching his and David last season, watch out people these guys are climbing slowly on the charts and flying under the radar.
  • 1 0
 Congrats to Dakota and YT! He is a cool guy who has given me great interviews for years at CWX and seems to be going faster and faster every season on the World Cup! Rip it up bud!!
  • 3 0
 faster than a speeding........
  • 4 0
 Awesome news.
  • 4 0
 Congrats Dak. Super rad.
  • 3 0
 Way to go Dak! Hard work pays off
  • 3 0
 One of the nicest dudes ever! Hoping he does well this season!
  • 2 0
 Awesome to see. Congrats Dakota Smile Cant wait to see the Windrock shreds !!
  • 3 0
 Love seeing the LWC lads makin moves!
  • 3 0
 Devinci got nothin now... man i was looking forward to dak on that new hps
  • 1 0
 Isn't zabjek still on devinci and the hsp proto?
  • 2 0
 Congrats...and the team looks stacked. Big things from all of them this year hopefully!
  • 2 0
 Congrats! That is awesome!
  • 2 0
 Congrats Dak! Stoked to hear this news!
  • 6 5
 Is it a requirement to dress in all black, have tattoos, and wear a beanie to ride for YT?
  • 3 0
 Nice, he deserves it.
  • 2 0
 Awesome!
  • 1 0
 repping that dirty south.
  • 1 0
 That’s a surprise! Didn’t know Dakota wasn’t signed with anyone.
  • 1 1
 Oisin is from In Real Life? Sounds like an interesting place, I'll have to visit sometime
  • 1 0
 Will miss seeing him ripping on a Wilson. Great move for him though.
  • 2 0
 Yusssssss
  • 2 0
 Great to see....
  • 1 1
 Is he gunna race that freeride bike or are they making a downhill bike soon? Asking for myself.
  • 1 1
 Those look like flat pedals! Now I like him.
  • 1 0
 Show.video.
  • 1 4
 Dude seems genuinely nice judging by the media. Seems like YT is trying to get rid of the bad boy image considering who they have been signing recently.
  • 7 1
 Or maybe they just sign the most promising available rider they can strike a deal with?
  • 1 3
 Congrata Dik I mean Dak!
Neko coming baxk?
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