5 Minutes With ... James Mitchell

A few months back, we ran a subscription contest featuring a Spy Optic-themed Air Nautiques ski boat. Most motorcycle magazines give away motorcycles, but we decided to go big and give away a $60,000 boat! We recently chose the lucky winner, 38-year-old James Mitchell of McDonough, Georgia, and we gave him a call after he was notified that he had won.

Racer X: James, first off, thanks for subscribing. Secondly, congratulations on winning the Racer X/Spy/Air Nautiques/Rockford Fosgate boat! You’re getting a $60,000 boat just for subscribing to Racer X!
James Mitchell: I can’t believe it, I really can’t!

Has is sunk in yet?
No it hasn’t! Julie [Kramer] probably told you, but I’ve been bugging her a lot—I called her five times just to make sure this is all true.

So what were you thinking when you got the phone call from Julie at Racer X and Bob Ketchum from Spy?
I had no idea what they were talking about. They asked if I remembered the contest, and for a minute, I didn’t. There was another one with another magazine where they gave away a motorcycle, so I kind of thought I won a motorcycle. But they said I won a boat and I just flipped out!

Would you rather have rather won a motorcycle?
[Laughs] Oh, no. I’m retired from riding, so I’d rather have a boat!

Where were you when they called and told you that you won?
I was at work. I work for Roadway Express on the loading dock. People were wondering what I was doing because I was jumping up and down and I was going crazy!

You don’t ride, but you still follow the sport pretty closely, right?
Yes, I’ve been into motorcycles since I was 7, but I don’t ride anymore.

Is there anywhere nearby that you’ll be able to use the boat?
Well, there’s Lake Sidney Lanier, which is a good ways away, and Lake Jackson, which is probably where I’d use it. But they’re not as close as I’d like.

Have you ever owned a boat?
No, but I’ve had friends who owned boats, and we would use them quite a bit. I also really enjoy water skiing too.

You also live in the hometown of Matt Walker. Do you know Matt?
I’ve seen him around town once or twice before, but I don’t know him personally.

Are you married?
No, I’m single, but I have a girlfriend. I’m still a big motorcycle fan. I would still ride, but if I break a leg now with a mortgage, it wouldn’t be good.

Do you have a favorite motocross rider?
I like Bubba—he’s incredible. Growing up, it was Bob Hannah and Rick Johnson.

So is this the first time that you’ve subscribed to Racer X?
Yes, it is. I’ve been reading it for a long time, but I then saw the contest, and it’s a lot cheaper to subscribe, and you get it a lot sooner with a subscription, so I decided to do it.

We’re glad you subscribed, Jim, and I’m sure you are too! Thanks for reading Racer X Illustrated!
Thank you guys!