Personal History
My name is Matt Cherkis, I have been riding motorcycles and 4 wheelers since I was 4yrs old. I just graduated High School in 2012 and currently attend college for Welding. I am one of the top welders in my classes with A's in all classes.I remember driving past Area 51 and wanting so bad to ride there, but was afraid to. My mom tried to convince me, but I was always afraid I would be the worst rider. Finally in 2009 I started going to practice every Tuesday night on the intermediate track on my 2004 Honda 450. I really wanted to ride the big track at Area 51, but there jumps looked huge. The last practice of 2009 I worked up the nerve to ride that big track. I had so much fun and now wanted to race. So in 2010 my mom bought me a new Honda crf250r and I had my first race on Mothers Day. it was snowing and cold. I entered 250 Beginner and Schoolboy. My first moto of schoolboy I realized that class was way above my skills. I did lave in my beginner class and won my first motocross trophy. That year I had my first win and broken bone. I broke my leg practicing at Area 51 and missed the summer series for racing. When i returned to racing, I returned with a vengence. I ended up being the top beginner rider in 250 and opne for the year, Placed 2nd and 3rd in the big Can Am race and won some cool stuff. In 2011 I was advanced to Novice and usually placed in the top 5. I broke my collarbone and toe in August, just 2 weeks before the big Can Am, so I missed the fall series. In 2012 my racing was limited due to financial reasons, but raced when I could and was able to be the 2012 250C Can Am Champion. I also raced the Loretta area qualifier and qualified for regionals but due to a knee injury was unable to attend. In 2013 I was advanced to Amateur status, and again my racing has been limited. My first year as amateur has been a learning experience for me. I went to Unadilla Pro Am Race for the first time and had some bad luck, but learned a lot.
Riding Goals
My Goals and plans for 2015: To attend more Pro Am races, Baja Brawl, area qualifiers, Kawasaki of champions race, Mini O's to broaden my racing skills and step up my level of competition. I am traveling to Florida in january to practice, NC in feb and hitting indoor tracks closer to my home thru out the winter to keep my skills in tune. I also may be going to JWTF end of March for a week of riding to get ready for the racing season. I will be racing some Arenacross this winter. I also have been practicing hitting freestyle ramps, and currently have one in my back yard I hit every weekend when I am home from college.
Competitive Highlights
2010 Open Beginner Top Rider
2010 250 Beginner Top Rider
2010 Can Am Open Beginner-2nd Place
2010 Spring Series Open Beginner-6th Place
2010 Spring Series 250 Beginner-5th Place
2010 Fall Series Open Beginner-1st Place
2010 Fall Series 250 Beginner-1st Place
2011 Spring Series open Novice-2nd Place
2011 Spring Series 250 Novice-3rd Place
2011 Summer Series Open Novice-4th Place
2011 Summer Series 250 Novice-6th Place
2012 Spring Series Open Novice-10th Place
2012 Spring Series 250 Novice-7th Place
2012 Can Am 250C Champion
2013 Spring Series Open Amateur-8th Place
2013 Summer Series 250 Amateur-3rd Place