Personal History
My name is Tristen Shay James. I am 17 years old. I am Dine'. (Navajo)
I come from a long line of Dine' warriors. My great, great uncle Joe Morris, was a Navajo Code Talker, on down to my uncle Stefan Yazzie who served in the Marines. I believe that these blood lines give me the drive to fight for and be the best rider I can be.
I asked for my first motorcycle at age 3and started riding at age 4. I was in my first race at age 5. When I was 6 I told my grandpa I wanted to become a pro racer.
I have always raced with my grandpa and grandma Yazzies help, both of who grew up on the Navajo reservation in Northern Arizona. They are the ones who have bought my bikes and take me to practice and races. I now live with them along with my mom. Without all their direction, love and support I wouldn't be who I am today.
When I was 6 my grandpa asked me to let my hair grow long like his. I have had it long ever since. I have many pictures with my braid sticking out from under my helmet. It helps people know I am a Native.
My nali (Navajo grandmother) called my first bike my "little yellow horse" She says I can ride so smooth and well, as I become one with my bike just like the Navajos of old would become one with their horse.
I have been in public school most of my life but am currently enrolled at Taylion High Desert Academy in San Bernardino. This allows me to do most of my school work at home, giving me more hours to work out and practice riding while keeping up with my studies. I have recently been honored to receive student of the month. I don't always have all A’s but believe education is very important as there will be life after racing. Because my passion is motorcycles, I have thought about being a mechanic, building tracks, or even owning a track, which would all require more schooling to help me be the best at what I choose to do.
I am part of a youth group where I have had much learning and good times. Our youth leader Casey teaches us to love God and care for others as well as care for where we live. Everything I do affects myself and others. I have learned to treat others like I want to be treated and to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and gangs as they have all done great harm to my Native Brothers!
My mom has been my health coach. She cooks very healthy, natural foods, which are so good for my physical body. She says, "good food is like putting race gas in the bike on race day. It helps you win races." She is also my workout coach. She helps me work on cardio, strength, and endurance. This really pays off as now I often run 20 minute motos.
When not at the track, I like to surf and hang out with my friends at the beach. One must be in great shape and a good swimmer to go out when the waves are 10 to 20 feet high.
When I was younger I liked Travis Pastrana but now I really enjoy keeping up with Cooper Webb. He is super fast and has a good attitude. The ceiling in my bedroom is covered with posters of motorcycle racers, many of which are signed by the riders. I also have a life sized cut out of James Stewart in my room, so even when I am sleeping I dream of racing.
I am on Instagram and have a following of over 1500. You can find me at Tristen309. I post pictures of my racing and even my crashes. I have been very blessed as I have had crashes but not had many major injuries.
My grandpa was laid off work from 2009 to 2013 due to the slow economy. My grandma was then out of work for a year in 2014.They were able to keep me ridding, but I was not able to race much. Unlike most Native Tribes in Southern California, I receive no money from the Navajo Tribe.
In March of 2014 I switched from KTMs to 2014 Yamaha YZ 250 F bikes. Wow I love their power. With only one months training in 4 years and with new bikes, I was able to race the World Mini's at Glen Helen and win!
I went pro in July 2015. I got 3rd place in my first pro race. I am currently working on earning AMA points to get my pro license. I am also training to run arena cross. I had a write up with my picture on the front page of Transworld on line 11-24-15.
I can only dream of where I can go with some strong financial support. There is no way we can do this by ourselves. My grandparents are getting tired and I need to respect my elders as I have been taught. I would be proud and honored to have your help. What would be better than getting behind a Native youth and helping me make my dream come true!
Tristen Shay James
Competitive Highlights
TRISTEN SHAY JAMES 24182 Madole Drive Moreno Valley, CA 92557 951-924-0926 myazzie@earthlink.net Objective: To obtain sponsorships for the 2016 Motocross season. I am working to earn AMA points to become National Pro, practice and race Arena Cross. Race Classification: 250CC, 17 years old Education: Currently in 12th grade, San Bernardino, CA Accomplishments: I have been filmed for ESPN2 and have had a picture and write up in the Sept. 2004, Nov. 2006, & Feb. 2007, and Jan. & Feb. 2014 issues of San Diego Off Road magazine. I was filmed by Takeitlive.com and interviewed and shown on Motoplayground during World Mini's 2014. July 2015 I moved to 250cc Pro Class. I usually also enter the 450cc races with my 250cc bike and often beat them all. 2015 Results: Transworld, Perris, June, 2015 250cc, Intermediate, 3rd Place. Transworld, Cahullia, July 2015, 250cc, 2nd, Intermediate & Schoolboy, 1st Place. First pro race, Washougal WA, July 2015, 250cc Pro Am, 3rd Place. July 2015: I was one place away from qualifying to race at PIR, Portland, OR with the National Pros. AMP, August 2015, 250ccA, 8th Place. Dodge California State Championship, October 2015, 250A, 3th Place in first moto and A Open Pro, 17th Place (raced with the 450cc) Transworld & Triple Crown, October & November 2015, 250cc Pro, 1st Place and 2nd and 3rd in Pro Open. 2014 Results: Transworld, Perris, Feb. 2014, 250cc School Boy, 3rd Place Triple Crown: 250cc Novice, 1st Place World Mini: 250cc Novice, stock, 1st Place and 3rd in Mod May 2014: I broke my arm and had surgery and was off my bike almost a year. 2013 Results: PanicRev Easter Race, Glen Helen-March 2013, 250cc Novice, 2nd Place Hot Summer Nights, Milestone, July 2013, 250cc Novice: 2nd Place Attended PanicRev Summer Camp in Washougal, Washington, August 2013 & winter camp at Glen Helen, Dec. 2013 Triple Crown Series, 250cc Novice, 1st Place 2012 Results: Hot Summer Nights, Perris Raceway - July 2012, 250CC Novice: 1st Place, Schoolboy: 6th Place Amateur National, Lake Elsinore - September 2012, 5th Place Triple Crown, Perris Raceway – December 2012, 250CC Novice: 2nd, Schoolboy: 3rd. Attended PanicRev winter camp and was given the Johnny Campbell Award (shows the heart of a champion) Dec. 2012 2011 Results: Milestone – 125CC, Under The Lights, 1st Place. Unable to race much due to grandpa still being out of work. 2010 Results: Trained in 2010 but unable to race due to grandpa being laid off work. 2009 Results: Gold Cup – 85CC, 5th Place Ponca City Qualifier - June 2009, 85CC Stock: 1st Place, 85CC Mod: 2nd Place Grand Nationals - July 2009, Ponca City, OK., 85CC, Stock & Mod CMMC Star West - August 2009, 85CC: 1st Place, Supermini: 2nd Place Triple Crown - October 2009, 85CC (Age): 4th Place, 85CC Open: 4th Place 2008 Results: Oakley, Star West - December 2008, First race on 85CC, 3rd Place 2007 Results: GFI Winter Series - Winter 2007, 65CC: 1st Place, Open: 3rd Place ANSXC Amateur National Supercross Championship - October 2007, 65CC: 3rd Place Triple Crown Series - November 2007, 65CC: 1st Place, Open: 3rd Place Lake Elsinore Grand Prix - November 2007, 65CC: 1st Place 2006 Results: AMA Pacific Northwest Championship - July 2006, Washougal, WA., 50CC Mod: 4th Place CA Mini Nationals - September 2006, Barona, CA., 50CC Mod:7th Place, Open: 8th Place CMC Trans-Cal Motocross Nationals - September 2006, 50CC: 2nd Place ANSXC Amateur National Supercross – October 2006, 50CC: 1st Place 2005 Results: Star West Motocross Park – Spring 2005, 50CC Stock: 1st Place Sizzling Summer Series, Star West Motocross Park – 50CC Mod: 1st Place, Open: 1st Place Alpinestars, Amateur Fall National, Star West – 50CC Mod: 1st Place, Open: 2nd Open, 2nd Place: Triple XPosure-50CC 1st Place 2004 Results: Star West Motocross Park – XR50: 1st Place