Personal History
I have been interested in riding motorcycles since I was 4 years old. I remember the day I went into the attic and saw all of the trophies from my dad’s racing career packed away in the back. Some were so tall they reached all the way to the ceiling. I was very curious. After many inquiries, I began to learn about the sport. After that, all I wanted to do was have a bike and learn to ride. I started constantly pestering my dad about riding. Finally, he and I made a deal that if I could earn the money to purchase a helmet, he would help me purchase a motorcycle. I worked all summer doing chores and yard work. I kept a record on my wall of how much money I made. Next to it, was the price of the helmet. The day finally came when I saved up enough money for the helmet. My dad and I went to our local dealership and purchased a Yamaha PW50. I would burn tank after tank of gas riding in a field adjacent to our house. The only time I would stop was to push the bike back to the garage to fill it up with gas. As time went on, I began building ramps and trails in our back yard.
Growing up, my family moved around the country several times. My dad worked a full-time job with little time on the weekends for other activities, so competition was never an option for me. As time went on and the bikes got bigger, riding on our property wasn’t feasible. I would ride at local tracks on the weekends when my parents had the time to take me, but never in competitions. So, when I was old enough, I got a job at a local powersports dealership and was able to finance what I would consider my first motocross bike. This is where I met Paul Willis, the owner of a local motocross track. He learned about my interest in the sport and gave me an opportunity to volunteer at his track. I helped with flagging during races and preparation of the track. In exchange, I received a membership to ride at a discount. It was here that I began to train to compete in races. Without Paul, I would not be where I am today. For that, I am very grateful. He gave me the opportunity to train and to compete in my first race. Since then, racing has been my full-time passion. Through volunteering at the track and working at the local shop, I have made countless friendships and connections in the industry. I treasure each one and am grateful for every opportunity and friendship. I would not be were I am today without a single one of them. I have Paul to thank for this great opportunity and for those yet to come.
Riding Goals
My goal is to train 2-3 hours a day in cardio and muscular exercises along with bicycling 4 miles before school each day. I plan to have seat time at my local track at least twice a week and to compete in a race every Sunday. My overall goal is to qualify for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Lorretta Lynn’s track in the 2019 season. I plan to accomplish this by attending the qualifying races in and out of my district along with my training schedule. My goal for C Class is to finish 5th or better. Looking at my record from last season, it may seem that these goals are unattainable. However, it was my first year competing and I believe I accomplished a lot from where I began. Given my drive and countless hours I have put in practicing and the hours and hard work I plan to put in, I believe these goals are well within reach and something I intend to achieve this coming season.