Motivated & Humble
At just 18 years old, Kade Johnson has already built a résumé that most racers only dream of. With more than 70 career championships, an AMA Supercross SMX Next win and his first Pro Motocross start under his belt, Kade joins host Heather Wilson Schiltz to share the mindset, sacrifices and support system that have shaped his journey so far.
Kade reflects on his family’s decision to move across the country to support his motocross goals and what it’s really like stepping into the spotlight of SMX Next. He opens up about racing under the lights, adjusting to a last-minute bike switch, training at the Dog Pound alongside top professionals, and why “Keep On Keeping On” has become both his life philosophy and personal brand.
🎧 What You’ll Hear:
• What makes SMX Next different from amateur racing — and why it’s such a valuable stepping stone
• Kade’s first Pro Motocross start and what surprised him most
• Training at the Dog Pound and the culture that sets it apart
• Making the switch from a Yamaha to joining Kawasaki Team Green
• The technical skills he’s focused on to reach the next level
• The story behind “KOKO – Keep On Keeping On” and how it became his personal brand
• Why giving back and staying humble matters as his platform grows
📲 Connect with Kade Johnson on Instagram
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“Stepping back a little bit to August, you made your first professional motocross start at Ironman in the 250 class. So what was that experience like for you and did you have any expectations going into it?”
-Heather Wilson Schiltz, Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast Host
“No, absolutely no expectations. So I just had to race Loretta’s and I wasn’t on a team at the time and I did pretty well Loretta’s. I got second at Loretta’s, so it was a pretty good week and I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I wanna race pro. Just get my feet wet, get a feel for it.'”
-Kade Johnson, Kawasaki Team Green Motocross Racer & SMX Next Competitor
