Personal History
My name is Zach Yates, I am 10 years old and live in Shelton Wa. I attend Mountain View Elementary School and am in the 4th grade. I do well in school and enjoy history and science. I began riding at the age of four after recieving a Suzuki JR 50 for christmas. Later that year I began racing at the Oakwood indoor arena. To be more competative my dad bought me a KTM Mini Adventure. I did well in the oil injection class but soon moved up to the KTM pro jr. and then the pro senior. I now ride 65 KTM's. I have been racing for the last five years and love it. I also enjoy riding off road with my dad and friends. My family has always loved riding and we do alot of it as a family activity. Besides riding I enjoy fishing and doing RC cars, planes and helis with my dad. I also enjoy helping the younger riders that are new to the sport, that is alot of fun for me. I was taught by my dad that if you are a good sport and help others that it will help you to succeed.
Riding Goals
I intend to do well in school and continue to be a help to others. I have wanted to race AMA, and this year my family made the commitment to allow me to compete in the AMA District 27 race season. Along with racing and practice I will be attending MX classes to help me with my riding skills. I hope to do well enough this year to attract sponsors and to hopefully earn my way onto a race team. I will be racing the AMA Gold Star Series and the Washington State MX Championship Series along with other AMA District 27 NWRA points races. I know it will be alot of hard work for me and my family, but I am commited to do my best to succeed. I also will be competing in the Loretta Lynn qualifier in Washougal.
Competitive Highlights
When I began racing in the oil injection class I did very well, I soon moved up to the 50cc expert class.
In the 2007/2008 Oakwood Indoor Series I finished 1st in both the 50cc expert and open class for the series.
In 2008 I raced my 65 for the first time in the TPQ3 mini WORKS series at Straddle Line near Olympia Wa. Finishing 2nd for the series.
In 2008 I raced the 65 intermediate class at Burnt Ridge, I did well but was unable to complete the series.
I just completed the Winter Cup Series in Woodland Wa. I finished 4th for the series in the 65cc amature class,a DNF because of a crash cost me significant points for the series.
I just finished the first 2 races of AMA District 27 Gold Star Series in Port Angeles Wa. I am currently in 4th place in the 65cc 10-11 year old class, 2 points behind 3rd. My next race is in Washougal on April 11th.