Allison Furnell Challenges The 170 Class
Story By: Cody Carney
Photos Provided By: Laura Furnell
Racers compete for many different reasons. Some just have a competitive heart and want to earn their spot on the podium. Others do it because it’s something that family members before them had done, which created an emotional tie to racing. Often, it is the adrenaline that rushes through the body as one tries to either gain or hold a position—the thrill of a good challenge. Combine all those reasons together and you get the driving force which inspires this month’s Little Ripper, Allison Furnell, a seven-year-old who loves going fast!
Allison’s family has always enjoyed off-road riding, whether it’s been on quads, sand rails, or side-by-sides. She has been riding since she was three months old but it wasn’t until July of last year that she actually started racing. Her Papa, Robert, currently races BITD and AZOP, so it seemed natural that Allison wanted to race as well. Until she was three years old, Allison would ride in UTVs with her family. At three, she got her first quad, and at five years old, she got a RZR 170. Between the two, she prefers her 170 but still loves to ride her quad when she gets the opportunity.
As far as her racing, Allison has competed in almost a dozen races since she’s started. Some of those races lasting two days. She just got a first-place finish for her first AZOP race this year at the Vulture Mine Grand Prix on January 18, 3rd at the Blythe Grand Prix on February 15th, 11th at the Mini Mint 400 March 6th, and 1st place at AZOP Junkyard Race both March 7th and 8th. With the support of her family, she plans to continue racing. Her Grandparents, Mom, and Dad are all very involved. Her Papa is her racing coach and likes having him to back her up on the radio during a race.
Being in her UTV and going fast is Allison’s favorite part about the sport. “I love getting those tummy tickles when your stomach does those flips during a dip!”, exclaims Furnell. Allison races with friends of the family and has now started making race friends as well. When Allison started, it was just for fun, but as she’s gotten better, her competitive side has begun to manifest. Her parents love that all the kids are competitive and then still play like regular kids camping when each race is over.
Outside of racing, Allison loves to ride around, go camping, play with her LOL dolls, and do anything she can with her friends. Depending on the week, if Allison has back to back weekend races, she is typically busy washing her car, packing, and getting things ready for the next race. Otherwise, it’s all about enjoying the weekends when she just wants to ride her quad or motorized Jeep. When the Furnell family camps, they like going to Box Canyon, Mormon Lake, or their cabin in Happy Jack, Arizona. They are always looking forward to their next adventure whether it’s on or off the track. Follow Allison along her racing adventures at @racera318.
