Personal History
I am now 12 years old and a big brother to my 9 year old sister. I am headed into the 7th grade this year in my hometown in Northern Utah. I was born in California's Northern Central Valley in a small town and moved to Utah about 5 years ago with my family. I am an active kid who loves being outdoors, playing sports such as football, baseball, BMX, swimming, camping and above all riding dirt bikes. My favorite thing to do is ride with my Dad. We trail ride, race at the local track, desert ride, and even get out onto the famous Bonneville Salt Flats.
Riding Goals
I started riding a Chinese 50cc bike when I was just 4 years old. My Dad got it from a friend because it didn't run and the plastics were trashed. He rebuilt the engine, repaired the cracked plastics, painted everything and turned me loose. I started with training wheels but they came off pretty quick. For my 9th birthday my Mom and Dad surprised me with my KTM 65. It was a big jump from the old bike. I learned to use the clutch and start it by myself on day one. By the end of the first week I had learned to shift through all the gears and started to get more confident. Now just 5 months later I am clearing 26 foot table tops, 32 foot gaps and riding 4 days a week. It is my goal to progress through the 65cc class followed by entry into the 85 or 125 cc class. I have a drive for competitive racing and a love for all things moto. I hope to continue in the sport through adulthood. Watch out world! I'm here and ready to hit it hard!!!
UPDATE
Last fall it was obvious I had outgrown my 65cc bike and it was time for the next step. My Dad negotiated a trade plus some extras for a three year newer KTM 85sx. Once we got it Dad tore it down to a bare frame and rebuilt the motor, painted the frame, rebuilt the suspension and drive train and new plastics with custom graphics and seat cover. This new set up rips and fits my size perfectly. New to me bike, new classes and new challenges.
Competitive Highlights
I have just entered the world of MX racing. My first race is tonight (literally) on August 3rd 2017. I have been involved in team sports since the age of three. I started off in T ball followed by coach pitch little league and just finished my last year of minors. I will be playing in competition league next year and in majors with the local little league program. I have been named MVP in 2014 and have been invited to play all starts two years in a row. I also have participated in Flag Football too. I have a hunger for anything and everything competitive and cant wait to earn some wins in motocross! Stay tuned!!!
8/25/17 - Update -
I have been working hard and getting faster. I just had my 3rd race last night in the RMR Mini Moto Series and finished 9th! This is my first top 10 finish in a field of 22 riders. I have also finished my first Enduro Cross Challenge this last month and finished 5th out of 11 riders. I have already made a whole bunch of new friends and I'm loving every minute of it. Dad has been hard at work keeping my older bike race ready and competitive with all the newer bikes in my class. I have my sights set on the RMR Spring Series as well as USRA Moto Series and the Wild West Series too. Oh and I started 4th grade this past Tuesday so I'll be riding one less day per week so I can be sure to get good rest and time to finish my school work. Thanks to all of my sponsors for the overwhelming support. You are all awesome for helping me to feel well supported. Until next time! Owen Thayer #228
UPDATE - 5/10/18
It has been awhile since my last update but we have been busy with the start of the 2018 racing season. We are diving head first into the local racing circuit as well as preparing for the three Enduro Cross events in our state with the first one being this weekend. I have signed up for the 85cc open class up to 12 years old. I know it will be competitive but we have trained hard to prepare. Wish me luck.
UPDATE - 6/19/19
We are off to a great season this year here in Utah. I have been riding a few days per week and working with some pro motocross and supercross riders on technique, body position, off bike conditioning, braking and clutching as well as continuing to improve my overall riding ability. The race series was delayed by over a month because of a really wet spring but we now have some near perfect conditions for riding. I am excited to have O'neal Racing and Matrix Concepts as my two biggest sponsors. We are geared up and ready to compete. Thanks to all of my sponsors and family for all of the support.