Racing ATVs is something of a family tradition for four members of the Clark family. The Lockwood, N.Y., residents have raced quads together for more than a decade and use the experience to grow closer as a family.

The racers in the family are Chad, 46, Brandon, 18, Kaitlyn, 17, and Ryan, 14. The family competes regularly in the AMA-sanctioned New York Off-Road Association hare scramble series and occasionally takes part in rounds of the Grand National Cross Country Series, an AMA National Championship.

Before the coronavirus restrictions began in late March, the four Clark racers competed in at least one 2020 GNCC round. All four finished in the top 10 in their classes in each race they entered.

Brandon competes in the College A (16-21) Class in GNCC and said that, before the season was put on hold, he planned to race every round.

In 2019, several of the Clarks had strong results in the NYOA series.

Brandon came out on top in the College B (16-21) Class. Ryan was runner-up in the Teen (13-15) Class.

And Kaitlyn finished in the top five in the College C (16-21) Class.

Racing has been part of the family since before the younger Clarks were born.

Father Chad said he’s been racing on and off since 1998.

And all three of the Clark kids were riding ATVs at age 3 or younger.

Mom Theresa rides ATVs recreationally and travels with the family to racing events.

Brandon said she keeps the Clark racers fed during race weekends, is the family’s pit crew when needed, and keeps an eye on the family’s dog, Banshee.

The Clark’s story is a wonderful example of how racing brings a family together. Brandon said the family travels to races, pulling a big trailer with all four of their ATVs inside it.

“All five of us cram into the truck, along with our dog on the floor,” Brandon said. “Racing is one of the few activities that we do as a family, so it’s nice to spend time together and bond.”