Dalton Gauthier - Exclusive Interview

Boswell’s Harley-Davidson recently announced sponsorship of American Flat Track rider Dalton Gauthier. Gauthier, who is a former AFT Singles Champion, is riding his D&D Cycles Harley-Davidson XG-750R powered by Vance & Hines in the 2021 AFT Production Twin Class.

We’ve been impressed with his riding since we first saw him a few years back and love his “Live fast, ride hard...... and HAVE FUN!” approach to racing... and life.

Boswell’s Marketing Director Don Mitchell caught up with Dalton last week to get a closer look inside the world of Gauthier.

DM: Hey Dalton, first of all let me just say that we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of your 2021 season!

DALTON: I can’t thank Boswell’s Harley-Davidson enough for helping our race team chase another goal of mine. I want to make you guys proud!

DM: Everybody sees you on the big track these days but where did all this begin? When did you first become interested in motorcycles?

DALTON: I was two years old when I first started riding... with training wheels... and I’ve been hooked up since then. The best part is that it was fun then and still is now! I don’t think I can see myself not riding a motorcycle! 

DM: Wow, two years old is pretty young. I take it there was some family influence there?

DALTON: Yes. My dad raced Speedway when he was younger and was a Harley-Davidson mechanic before I was even born. He later got into flat track racing, when I was super young. So yeah, thanks to “pops” I was hooked at a very young age.

Also, when we were kids my step brother raced motocross and I raced flat track. So we were always really close growing up and riding was a big part of it. We rode mini bikes and moto together a lot. 

DM: So at some point things got competitive for you. What motivated you to start racing?

DALTON: Initially it was watching guys like Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and JS7 (James Stewart) battle it out every weekend on the Supercross track when I was just a wee little kid. I loved that stuff and I can probably tell you the details about any Supercross race from that era. 

That’s all I cared about... and watching them on the big stage made me want to race and try to make a career out of something I love to do... just like they did.

DM: That was such a great time in Supercross. I think a lot of us were hooked on watching those guys battle it out! It’s interesting that motocross riders had a big influence on you.

DALTON: Yes. And later other racers too. My heroes would definitely have to be Ricky Carmichael (Motocross/Supercross Champion), Nicky Hayden (MotoGP World Champion) and Ricky Graham (Flat Track Racer and Motorsports Hall of Fame Member). They were all so good at racing and made it look so easy. It was fun to watch those guys! 

DM: I know your race and training schedule keeps you busy... but what do you do in your spare time? Any hobbies outside of racing?

DALTON: Well, most of my spare time is spent riding motocross (laughs), but hanging with my friends and fishing are things I enjoy when I can find the time.

DM: Well... we’re glad you’re on the V-Twin more these days! (Haha)

DALTON: Me too... Riding a Harley-Davidson is honestly one of the best feelings in the world. And, the HOG fans at the track are unreal. Being a factory rider at such a young age was such a cool experience and it showed me what a racing career is really like. I’ll always have love for the Harley and that sound... and I really don’t like riding any other brand twin! 

DM: We wouldn’t want it any other way! Thanks so much for chatting with me today. Like I said earlier... we are super excited to be a part of your team this year! What’s on the agenda for Dalton Gauthier? 

DALTON: My future goals would def’ have to be racing in the Super Twins class. But first I want to try and mark another championship off this year in the production twins class. I can’t thank Boswell’s Harley-Davidson and their entire support group enough for helping me and our race team chase down these goals! 

©2021 BOSWELL'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON