In this week's episode we preview this weekend's racing in my home state of Oklahoma and catch up with California-based privateer rider, James Monaco. We chat about everything from growing almonds to cleaning pools and prepping a race track. This guy has gone from racing on Kenny Roberts Ranch as a child, to racing his way into his first AFT Twins main event in 2017.

📸 Michael Acorsci

00:00:24 - Recap of last weekend’s racing

00:01:00 - OKC Mile preview

00:01:56 - James Monaco intro

00:03:25 - “Son of an almond farmer”

00:04:00 - What was it like growing up in Modesto, CA

00:05:05 - How did you get into motorcycles?

00:05:57 - First motorcycle, first ride, first race

00:07:28 - Talks about racing with his brother

00:08:31 - Talks about Ole Orange & White

00:11:54 - Kenny Roberts Ranch

00:15:10 - Talks about the pool business

00:17:05 - Talks of turning pro in 2012

00:19:21 - Talks of his success during the 2016 season

00:21:20 - Jump to Twins in 2017

00:24:33 - Peoria TT talks and making his first AFT Twins event

00:25:00 - How he got hooked up with Sammy O.

00:27:47 - Cool gift from King Henry

00:29:24 - More talks of racing for Sammy O.

00:31:10 - Offseason free-riding with working Alta

00:34:09 - Racing Mama Tried & other outlaw events

00:36:45 - Talks about recent win at Galesburg

00:37:16 - “It kinda all started with George Mack”

00:40:17 - Goals for 2018

00:42:43 - Where does your determination come from?

00:45:13 - Track prep talk

00:50:20 - Thoughts on progress in 2018 thus far

00:53:29 - Any thoughts to what your plans are for 2019? Sticking with Twins?

00:55:22 - Talks about racing flat track with Alta

00:59:05 - GRAM’s QUESTIONS - Are short tracks your favorite type of track?

01:00:46 - Rapid fire questions w/ James Monaco

01:06:37 - Thank yous & shoutouts