From NASCAR to the Trails with Ty Dillon

Ty Dillon

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Every day we bring our readers the latest and greatest from within the mountain bike industry. Today we're expanding that reach to introduce yourselves to Ty Dillon, a NASCAR driver, who loves mountain biking. Ty discovered mountain biking as a way to stay out of the gym and really explore the woods and trails in different towns as he tours around the country and needs to stay in shape and have sharp reactions for race day. Just like the rest of us, Ty has found our sport and loves it, too.

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We hear that you are big into mountain biking, tell us about that.

I do love mountain biking – it’s a great way for me to feed my passion for the outdoors, stay in shape for racing and also build friendships. I have had some of the best times on a mountain bike and have seen a lot of God’s creations. Mountain biking is one of my favorite activities.

Doin some riding in Sedona the trail names are never comforting!

A photo posted by Ty Dillon (@ty_dillon) on Mar 12, 2015 at 11:43am PDT

Where are you happiest?

Probably when I’m with my family. I have some of the best times with my wife, brother, parents and grandparents.


What’s been your favourite race/contest venue over the years?

You know, I don’t have a favorite race track, but I do like tracks that are unique – Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a great place because of its history and uniqueness. That may be the closest track to my favorite.

I also love the Daytona 500, I’ve had an opportunity to race it in the past 2 years. It’s the pinnacle of motorsports.




Where are your favourite trails?

We do a lot of riding here in North Carolina, and the trails are beautiful. But I’d have to say the trails in Sedona, Arizona are my favorite. It’s very pretty out there and always a challenging ride.


Tell us about what got you into mountain biking?

I was looking for different ways to train for the NASCAR season – I really do not like the weight room and doing a “traditional” workout, though it’s important for what we do as drivers. A big part of driving is being in shape and doing a lot of cardio workouts and being able to push through temporary pain. Mountain biking is the perfect crossroad of that. Some guys at the race shop were already avid riders at the Charlotte Whitewater center, Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC, and a few others. It was easy for me to just tag along and try it one day. I was hooked. Now, I try to ride at least once-twice a week or when we travel. It’s a perfect workout for me and I would encourage all NASCAR drivers to do it.




What are your strengths?

Being a good teammate, friend and family member.


What’s been your worst crash over the years - in the car and on the bike?

You know, I have had a few, but I’ve always been able to get up and get back on the bike. Same goes for the race car.


Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?

Ha. I’m not sure. Maybe my first ever Huffy bike that I learned to ride without training wheels when I was like 4.


What bikes are you riding right now?

I have got two right now, an Intense Tracer T275 and a Scott Spark 900 premium.





What’s your favourite non-bike or car website?

Probably any fantasy sports website – Yahoo fantasy, FanDuel or DraftKings.


What’s your favourite motto or saying?

“Ask questions later.”


What makes you happy?

Hard work paying off. Seeing my team succeed. My wife.


If you weren’t a pro race car driver, what would you be doing?

You know, I’m not sure. Probably working in some sort of racing at a different level. I do love sports and would love to work in a front office of a baseball or football team.


If you were in charge of the sport of mountain biking, what changes would you make?

Get the word out about how great it is! We need more people to ride!




When you hang up your driving shoes, how do you want to be remembered?

I want to be a legend of our sport. But more importantly, someone that gave it his all every single race. I also want to be known as a good teammate and someone that is good to work with. I learned to work hard at a young age, mainly from my grandfather. So probably someone that works hard.


What does the future hold for Ty Dillon?

Continue to race and give it my all every weekend.

I had a great time piloting the 14 @bassproshops @teamchevy today for tony.I learned so much! #atlanta #ams #nascar #nascaronfox #nascargoeswest #nascar14

A photo posted by Ty Dillon (@ty_dillon) on Feb 28, 2016 at 6:45pm PST

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Best of luck on the oval and the singletrack Ty. Check out Ty Dillon's Instagram to follow his adventures both on and off the track.

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MENTIONS: @troyleedesigns / @intensecyclesusa / @SCOTT-Sports

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