Personal History
Growing up in southern Maryland in the woods sure did make me very active. Even though I was deaf, that never changed my attitude towards anyone or myself. I was very outspoken and very straightforward. Mom always made sure I was raised normal without any special needs or help. Me being very active and fearless got me to master bicycles and skateboards. Which eventually lead to dad coming home with my first motorcycle, a Suzuki JR 50. I mastered that very quickly and then outgrew it. Came time when one Christmas morning, the family surprised me with an 88 Honda XR 100 and a set of new gear. I rode in trails with my neighbor learning with him as I go. Next came time dad asked me if I wanted to race. I was so excited that I could show what I can do. My first season racing was difficult trying to compete with the two stroke 80s when I had an XR 100. Dad realized I needed more power so he went and got me an 89 CR 80. I started getting better quickly then started getting top 3 in the 7-11 B class. Before the season was over I had a chance to give the expert class a try, unfortunate crash in the start totaled my bike. Dad took me to the local bike shop and we ended up with a brand new 1993 CR 80. I started dominating the class then moved up to the 12-15 B class. After a few sessions with Gary Bailey, racing became so much smoother. Before I knew, I was racing the 12-15 expert class. I made several attempts to qualify for Loretta Lynn. Crashes still plagued me. Then we decided to race the final year on the 80 at the winter mini O’s of 1995. That led to me mistaking a jump for another. I ended up bike and half too short from clearing the elevator jump, resulted in both broken arms and blown shock. That following spring I was back racing on a 96 CR 125. My arms were still sore so they asked me if I wanted to try the novice class a few races. I didn’t care, and then I started winning every class. I told the promoter to move me up because I wanted challenge. I was racing schoolboy and alumni open. I tried for Loretta’s again, crashed in the regionals and didn’t make it. Then next season, I made the area qualifiers by far. Dad surprised me with a modified 1997 CR 125, using the 96 as a stock bike. I finally got to race Loretta Lynn’s summer of 1997. I ended up 9th in 125 C modified and 23rd in 125 C stock. I made the ultimate decision to hang up my helmet and try college since mom and dad were getting tight on funds. After so many bad decisions and not happy with my life direction, in 2009 I decided to clean up my act. I went to the bike dealer and bought myself a 2009 CRF 450r. I had plans to race in 2011 after practicing. Summer of 2011 I ended up with a broken leg that put me out for the season. Trying my luck again for the 2012 season. It was looking good till 2 weeks before first race, I ended up with a bad crash that left me with a broken back and ruptured liver. I could not ride the entire summer. When I got my release in the fall I was determined to practice hard and made the 2013 season with a disappointing 5th overall. That did not stop me; I pushed myself hard and had a good 2014 season even with 2 blown engines. Now this is the time to ask for some support so I can keep doing what I love.
Riding Goals
Even with deafness, psoraisis, and arthritis, I constantly battle depression. Riding was the only way i could cope with everything in this world. I ride for pure enjoyment, pure stress relief, and motivation to make myself better. I love the motocross life and the people around it. They look at me not as a deaf person but as a racer just like them. That is what makes me feel better about myself. I want to get back to my speed and skills I once had before i stopped so long. I will not quit again! Im hoping, with funds permitting, i can race Loretta Lynn's again and mini o's as well. Several championship wins is in the goal list.