Personal History
My name is Cooper Traxler and I am 10 years old. I am a fifth grader at Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School.
I started out riding my Yamaha Strider Bike at 11 months old. I began riding my dirt bike at 3. I had my first gate drop at 4 and I was hooked. I have always wanted to be a motocross rider. Since I was a little kid (okay like a baby), my Mom and Dad said that I always had a toy dirt bike with a rider, in my hand. I was making 2 Stoke sounds before I could even talk. I always watched Supercross and Motocross from my highchair.
Starting out riding my dirt bike, I had to get used to racing with others and following lines. I was okay without training wheels, as I have never had them on my regular bicycles and only had them on my dirt bike for a month, so that I could get used to how heavy the bike was.
I started racing flattrack at The Crusaders Motorcycle Club in Medina, NY. This was where I learned what it was like to be competitive on the track and friends when you come off. I learned how important getting a good start was. I learned to not sway back and forth on the track and to be mindful of others, not cutting them off (in a bad way.) There were only 4 races that I raced there. It gave me a great head start and off to try the motocross track. I LOVED IT!! At this point, my parents knew that my vintage 1995 Yamaha PW50 was just not going to cut it anymore. She was getting tired. So for my last flattrack race of the season, I got a brand new 2020 Yamaha PW50. My Mom and Dad said that I had earned it.
Over the years, I have learned so much and have become a skilled rider while taking chances. I am holding my own and have many cheering for me as I am one of the only ones in a sea of orange, at the track. Even though I am the underdog, I still have been able to pull out 1st and 2nd places. Their bikes may be mechanically better than my bike, but I have the skill to ride my dirt bike.
Starting in 2023, I took a break to play football and learn what it meant to play as a team - with one goal. I have since picked up baseball as well. I am the Center and Defense End for football and the catcher for my 12U baseball team for the 2nd year.
I am happy to report that I am returning to the track to do what I do best - ride! I have been riding my dirt bike constantly, even though I haven't raced. I am going back to my roots and racing flattrack. I will be racing with my childhood friends in the 100 and 85 classes. Yes, I am stepping up my game from the Cobra FWE.
I am super pumped for the upcoming race season. Racing is fun again to me. I just needed to step away for a bit.
Riding Goals
I like to ride my dirt bike, because it is fun. I can go fast and do anything from riding on dirt tracks, taking jumps to riding trails. I like to ride to also clear my head from everything else that might be on my mind.
Competitive Highlights
I am a catcher for my 12U baseball team in the spring. I am a Center as well as the Defensive End for football in the summer. I enjoy indy kart racing when rhe snow if flying here in WNY. I have gained Pro Status there at just 10.
I get good grades in school
I am the top swimmer for the 5-7th grades. My preferred stroke is the butterfly. I am currently a level 6 American Red Cross Swimmer. This level I will continue until I am 14 years of age, when I can then take the classes needed to become a certified lifeguard. I plan on using the money earned to buy my first car.