Friday, December 21, 2018

Travis Pastrana named American Motorcyclist Association 2018 Motorcyclist of the Year


Racer, daredevil, philanthropist shined positive light on motorcycling 


Click here to view a gallery of high-resolution photos of Travis Pastrana for download: https://gallery.americanmotorcyclist.com/AMAMedia/2018-AMA-Motorcyclist-of-the-Year/n-nvP9RH

Dec. 21, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org


PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association 2018 Motorcyclist of the Year is Travis Pastrana, a professional motocross racer turned action sports daredevil and charity fundraiser.

Awarded annually, the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year designation recognizes the individual or group that had the most profound impact on the world of motorcycling in the previous 12 months.

For one night in July, Pastrana captured the imagination of millions worldwide as he completed three motorcycle jumps in Las Vegas. The jumps were inspired by similar attempts by legendary daredevil Evel Knievel in the late 1960s and the 1970s.

Pastrana is a Charter Life Member of the AMA, signifying 25 years of continuous membership in the association.

"Few things or people in motorcycling today capture the fascination of today's youth like Knievel did for me as a boy," AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. "Travis Pastrana's performance no doubt captured the attention of young people in a way that hasn't been done since the days of Knievel.

"He drew positive attention to motorcycling through mainstream media in a manner that helps to promote motorcycling and the motorcycle lifestyle," Dingman explained. "It is for this reason that the AMA Board of Directors has named Travis Pastrana the 2018 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year."

In addition to his high-profile Las Vegas stunts, Pastrana raised awareness of the devastation caused to Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria and helped raise money to rebuild motocross tracks, homes and a school playground.

Pastrana's career in extreme sports began as one of the country's top amateur motocross racers. Pastrana won his first AMA amateur national championship at the AMA Amateur Motocross Nationals at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in 1994. In all, Pastrana won five AMA amateur titles before being awarded the AMA Motocross Horizon Award in 1999, presents annually to an amateur racer poised for excellence in the pro ranks.

The full story of Pastrana's efforts can be found in the January issue of American Motorcyclistmagazine. 

About the American Motorcyclist Association


Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/mobile-join  


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Tuesday, December 18, 2018

DCNR Connector Trail Update - Bloody Skillet to Whiskey Springs

In mid December a group of folks met who are fueling the dream of  the North Central Pa Trail Initiative in Pennsylvania which will eventually open over 1400 miles of legal OHV riding here.


Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder opens the meeting.

It was just five short years ago when some folks from the Central Mountains ATV Association and the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails met with the DCNR and other local legislators, tourism committees, business owners and local residents to present their dream of creating a network of legal riding here in Pa similar to the Hatfield McCoy Trail System in WV.


Click Here to link to updated trail maps.

To date the CMATVA has helped legalize, sign and maintain 688 miles of legal riding in Pa. The goal with the help of Governor Wolfs recent signing of the Fiscal Code HB 1929 is to have 1400 miles of legal riding running from the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails the whole way to the NY state line by 2024.

Click Here  to read the Fiscal Code


DCNR representative Albright brings the team up to date on the Renovo Connector Trail.

One of the first phases of the development is to link the Bloody Skillet to the Whiskey Springs state trail system through the town of Renovo by April of 2020.  Representative Albright showed the options that the DCNR is working on to meet the deadline.

http://www.jimbullphoto.com/files/12_2018_NCPA_ATV_Initiative_update_1_.pdf



www.cmatva.org

The Central Mountains ATV Association has led the charge to make this trail system a reality.


Click Here  to join the association, make a donation, to volunteer or get info on everything that's happening in our state.


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Tuesday, December 11, 2018

CMATVA Delivers Over 450 Toys for Clinton County Kids


December 9, 2018 - Mill Hall, Pa

Each year the Central Mountains ATV Association holds a ride in early November in Benezette, Pa to view the wild elk herds there. The only requirement to ride is to bring a new toy to donate to the Mark the Shark Toy Drive.


The Central Mountains ATV Association has been donating toys to the "Mark The Shark"
Toy Drive from 92.1 WSQV in Lock Haven, Pa for the last seven years.




The CMATVA uses their barrel train to deliver the toys at the Mill Hall, Pa Walmart.




 This year even the Grinch stopped by to help the association members deliver a record 461 toys to Mark the Shark for the children of Clinton County.




Thanks to the crew that came out in the cold this year to help.

www.cmatva.org

Click Here  to learn more about the CMATVA and how you can be a part 


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Monday, December 10, 2018

43rd Annual MAMA MX Banquet

In early December the Mid Atlantic Motocross Association (MAMA) celebrated their 2018 champions at the Clarion Resort Fountainbleau Hotel in Ocean City, MD. This association began as a youth racing organization many years ago and continues to offer competition for all ages and classes of racers.


There are classes for just about every age and experience level.

Operating within AMA District 7 - MAMA runs the motocross efforts of this group. Each year they offer a 12 round series in the Mid Atlantic region of the country. You can get more details including class structures, schedules etc at: www.mamamx.com


This group of racers had perfect attendance in 2018 and that's saying something 
given this past years weather conditions.


Thanks to the 2018 MAMA Board and Staff for keeping this year together.


MAMA was formed 43 years ago to cater to the youth racer.


Ethan Baran would be the big winner this year winning two class championships along with several special awards including Sportsman of the Year.


The girls killed it this year.


Special thanks to the 50 plus class for setting the example.


The 2018 Pitbike Champions.

Click Here  to view all images from the 2018 banquet and all event photos.


Click Here  to view final point standings for 2018





Order any image from our library as a Glossy Brapp Mag cover photo. 


www.mamamx.com

Special thanks to our 2018 sponsors



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Friday, November 30, 2018

2019 LL Qualifier Dates Announced

Nov. 26, 2018 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

2019 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Area Qualifiers and Regional Championships dates announced.

First Area Qualifier kicks off Feb. 9
 


 
Click here to download a high-resolution photo of the start of a moto at the 2018 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship (credit: Ken Hill): https://gallery.americanmotorcyclist.com/AMAMedia/Racing/n-gvHTH/i-9Tm5hJh/A


Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org



 
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the AMA Area Qualifier and Regional Championship Schedule for the 2019 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by Lucas Oil.

"The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is the premier amateur motocross event in the United States, and the AMA is looking forward to getting the qualifiers for the 2019 event underway," said AMA Motocross Manager Alex Hunter.

"The AMA has worked with MX Sports for more than 35 years to provide a highly competitive and exciting path to determine which motocross racers will compete for an AMA National Motocross Championship," Hunter said. "We will work diligently to ensure competitors and their families are provided excellent tracks and facilities at each qualifying event."

AMA Area Qualifiers are the first step in qualifying for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, held July 29-Aug. 3 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. The first of 54 Area Qualifiers begin in February and run through the end of May. Racers of all ages compete in various engine displacement classes, from 50cc to 450cc, in the hope of advancing to a Regional Championship.

The AMA Regional Championships then serve as the next step to seed riders into the annual AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Only riders who finish in a qualifying position at one of the 13 Regional Championship events are eligible to race the national championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch.

"This is one of the most exciting days of the year for AMA motocross organizers and racers," MX Sports Director Tim Cotter said. "The day the AMA Amateur National Qualifying schedule comes out is much anticipated. This year's schedule is highlighted with several new venues and many traditional tracks and organizers."

The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is one of the longest-running motorsports championships in the country. The AMA launched the national championship program in 1975. That year, a series of regional races qualified 135 riders in three classes -- 125cc, 250cc and Open -- for the championship round in Baldwin, Kan. In 1982, the AMA partnered with MX Sports and the event moved to its current location at the Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. There, the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship continues to crown the country's top amateur motocross racers every summer.

For more information on the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by Lucas Oil, visit www.mxsports.com/events.

2019 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Schedule

AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
July 29-Aug. 3: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn's Ranch

Northeast Area Qualifiers
March 16-17: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek
March 30-31: Danville, Va.: Birch Creek Motorsports Park
April 6-7: Englishtown, N.J.: Englishtown
April 13-14: Hedgesville, W.Va.: Tomahawk MX
April 20-21: Southwick, Mass.: The Wick 338
April 27-28: Seward, Pa.: Pleasure Valley
May 4-5: Wallkill, N.Y.: Walden MX
May 11-12: Axton, Va.: Lake Sugar Tree

Northeast Regional Championship
May 25-26: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point (Amateur)
June 8-9: Shippensburg, Pa.: Doublin Gap (Youth)

Southeast Area Qualifiers
March 2-3: Gainesville, Fla.: Diamond Back
March 23-24: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway
March 30-31: Washington, Ga.: Aonia Pass
April 13-14: Pell City, Ala.: Mill Creek
April 20-21: Travelers Rest, S.C.: Travelers Rest MX
April 27-28: Jacksonville, Fla.: WW Ranch
May 4-5: Dalton, Ga.: Lazy River MX
May 18-19: Henderson, N.C.: North Carolina Motorsports Park

Southeast Regional Championship
June 1-2: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback (Amateur)
June 15-16: Hamer, S.C.: South of the Border (Youth)

Mid-East Area Qualifiers
April 13-14: Rossville, Ind.: Wildcat Creek MX
April 27-28: New Vienna, Ohio: East Fork MX
April 27-28: Altamont, Tenn.: Fast Farms MX Park
May 4-5: Nashport, Ohio: Briarcliff MX
May 11-12: Bloomingdale, Mich.: Dutch Sport Park
May 11-12: Sebree, Ky.: Echo Valley
May 18-19: Newaygo, Mich.: Big Air Motocross
May 18-19: Livingston, Tenn.: Thunder Valley MX

Mid-East Regional Championship
June 1-2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud MX (Youth)
June 22-23: Millington, Mich.: Baja Acres (Amateur)

North Central Area Qualifiers
March 16-17: Maize, Kan.: Bar 2 Bar MX Park
April 6-7: Garwin, Iowa: Oak Ridge MX
April 13-14: East St. Louis, Ill.: Archview MX Park
April 27-28: Casey, Ill.: Lincoln Trail Motosports
May 4-5: Tigerton, Wis.: Motozone
May 11-12: Little Falls, Minn.: Little Falls Raceway
May 18-19: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX
May 25-26: Mount Carroll, Ill.: MC Moto Park

North Central Regional Championship
June 8-9: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX (Amateur)
June 15-16: Byron, Ill.: Byron Motosports Park (Youth)

South Central Area Qualifiers
Feb. 16-17: Amarillo, Texas: Bowers MX
Feb. 23-24: Ponca City, Okla.: Ponca City
March 2-3: Conroe, Texas: 3 Palms Action Sports Park
March 2-3: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley Motocross Park
March 9-10: Yantis, Texas: Johnsonville MX Farm
April 6-7: Norman, Okla.: Oklahoma Motorsports Complex
April 27-28: Kemp. Texas: Underground
May 4-5: Tyler, Texas: Swan MX

South Central Regional Championship
May 25-26: Centreville, Miss.: Farm 14 (Amateur)
June 8-9: Wortham, Texas: Freestone (Youth)

Northwest Area Qualifiers
Feb. 23: Marysville, Calif.: Riverfront MX Park
March 30-31: Richland, Wash.: Horn Rapids Motorsports Complex
April 14: Tooele, Utah: Steadman's MX
May 11-12: Shelton, Wash.: Ridge Motorsports Park
May 25-26: McCleary, Wash.: Grays Harbor ORV

Northwest Regional Championship
June 15-16: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal MX Park (Youth/Amateur)

Mid-West Area Qualifiers
Feb. 24: Marysville, Calif.: Riverfront MX Park
March 2-3: Tulare, Calif.: DT1
March 31: Delta, Utah: Bunker Hill
April 6-7: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV

Mid-West Regional Championship
June 1-2: Rancho Cordova, Calif.: Prairie City OHV (Youth/Amateur)

Southwest Area Qualifiers
Feb. 9-10: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park
March 2-3: St. George, Utah: SGMX
April 6-7: Porterville, Calif.: Porterville OHV
April 27: Riverside, Calif.: Milestone MX
May 11-12: Moriarty, N.M.: Sandia MX @ Moriarty

Southwest Regional Championship
June 8-9: Pala, Calif.: Pala Raceway (Youth/Amateur)

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/mobile-join  

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Stevie's First Race - Brapp Mag Fiction

For racers, family and fans of all ages - please read and pass it along in the hopes of growing the sport we all love. By: Jim Bull - www.brappmag.com



It was Friday night, about three minutes to midnight, and Stevie Warner lay wide awake staring out his bedroom window at the bright night sky.  Stevie had gone to bed hours ago, along with his big brother Jake who was sound asleep in the bunk above.  Stevie just couldn’t manage to drift off to sleep.

No wonder Stevie thought, Jake had been racing for over a year now, he’s used to it.  All Stevie could think about was getting to the race track and how the big day was almost here.


It had been three months now since his Grand pappy Miller had brought it home.  The bright red motocross bike he had been wanting for years.  Stevie had been riding and practicing on it every spare minute he had.  It seemed like forever until he could get home from school to ride.  Then there was the homework, and then supper, and you can’t forget about the chores.  Finally, any spare daylight, and you could find Stevie out on the families practice track with his dad, Tom Warner learning the basics of motocross racing.

Stevie’s dad Tom was a semi-pro MX Racer and he owned the local motorcycle shop in town.  Stevie had been around motorcycles and racing all his life, most weekends you could find the Warner family traveling across the state to one race track or another.  The whole family enjoyed the time that they could spend together on the weekends doing what they loved to do, and that was racing motorcycles.


Stevie kept telling himself, “Go to sleep, go to sleep.” But as hard as he tried, he just kept thinking about when the gate was going to drop, or what gear did dad say I should be in to start.  Steve thought to himself, “I bet I’ll catch more air on that table top jump that Jake does, boy am I gonna show him.”

“Stevie, wake up!”  “Huh…..?”

Stevie’s mom, Jane Warner, thought to herself, “I knew something like this was going to happen.”  Steve had been so excited about his first race, she knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep.

“Stevie,,, wake UP"  “What?  Huh?  Is it time mom?”

“Yes, get moving kiddo, everyone else is already done with breakfast, let’s go.” “Sorry mom, I couldn’t get to sleep.  I tried, and I tried, I even think Jake was snoring and that sure didn’t help things.”

“Honey, your brother doesn’t snore, it was probably just your father out in the garage.  He was working on the race bikes until after midnight.”  “Well, maybe it was dad, yippee mom!,,, come on, let’s go!”

Jane Warner was the back bone of the whole Warner racing team effort.  Yes, her husband Tom worked long hours at the shop taking care of his customers, but Jane was the one who kept the race schedules in order, kept all the gear clean, and also made sure there was plenty of food in the motorhome to feed the whole Warner crew for the weekend.

Jane was used to going to the races, that is where she first met her husband Tom.  Janes dad was a racer too, so she spent a lot of time at the race tracks when she was a girl. 

“Let’s go gang,” Jane yelled through the house, “we have a four hour ride ahead of us.”


The Warners piled into the motorhome one at a time.  Pap Miller was already in the driver’s seat, Jake and Stevie’s dad Tom were just finishing up loading the gear, and Stevie’s mom was coming out of the house with her arms full of last minute items they needed or their trip.

“Dad, did you strap my bike down really good?” Stevie asked. “Yes, son,,, your bike will be fine.” “Well I hope so, I don’t want anything happening to it before I get a chance to race it.”

“Relax little brother,” Jake shouted from the back of the motorhome, “You’ll get the first chance to crash it up tomorrow morning when you hit the track.”

Stevie thought to himself, “Great,,, I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight, either, just one more day till I get to show them who the best racer in the family really is.”

Usually, the Warners didn’t leave until the morning of the race.  But this weekend, they were racing at the Shady Run MX Park over on the East side of the state.  It was a long drive and practice started early Sunday morning, so they decided to leave a day ahead of time.  Besides, Stevie couldn’t wait to get there and get ready for the biggest day of his life.

The Warners arrived at the track late on Saturday afternoon.  Stevie was the first one out of the motorhome and he was rip roaring to do everything at once. “Come on dad, lets unload the bikes,,, no,,, let’s go get signed up,,, Dad?,,, did you remember the race gas?”

“Hey, settle down there partner, sign up didn’t even open yet,” chuckled Stevie’s dad. 

The Warners all had a job to do.  They had all been to the races hundreds of times before, but today was a little different than other race days.  It was about to be Stevie’s first race and they all gave Stevie a little extra attention, even Stevie’s big brother Jake.

That night around the camp fire, the Warners talked about Stevie’s first race.  About how exciting it was going to be, and how well he was going to do.  Pap Miller told race stories about the old days when he used to race and about the time when Stevie’s mom, Jane entered a race.  Pap Miller had told that same story many times before, but the whole family listed like it was the first time they had ever heard it.


“OK gang, it’s time for bed.  Everybody,,, and I mean EVERYBODY has a BIG day tomorrow.”  Jane Warner commanded.

Stevie was anxious to go to bed, he knew the sooner he could get to sleep the sooner the morning would get here.  As Stevie’s mom tucked him into bed, they talked about how much fun the next day was going to be and they both fell asleep lying there dreaming about Stevie’s first race.

The race day started early at Shady Run, and Stevie woke up to the sound of race bikes revving and the smell of freshly made pancakes.  Stevie was always up early at the races helping his dad Tom get the race bikes ready to go.

Tom Warner wasn’t racing today.  Tom usually rode in the Veteran class reserved for riders over 30 years old, but today was Stevie’s big day, and Tom decided to sit this race out.

Stevie jumped out of bed and got dressed in less than a minute.  As he headed for the front door of the motor home he was still trying to get his sneakers on.  Stevie’s mom yelled from the kitchen, “Get over here Steve, and eat some breakfast.”

“But mom,,,,!”  “No buts Stevie, you’ve waited this long, 15 more minutes is not going to kill you.”  Just about that time Stevie’s dad Tom came through the front door laughing, “Listen to your mom son, you need a good hot breakfast to get your day started right.”

“But dad,,,,”  Stevie pleaded,,,,  “Let’s eat some pancakes son, then we’ll go get you signed up.” “OK dad,”  Stevie sighed.  ‘This is killing me’ Stevie thought.

After breakfast the Warners headed to the sign up shack, it was the longest walk Stevie had ever had to take.  It seemed like they bumped into everybody they knew along the way.  Stevie’s dad was very popular and well liked at the track.  He always had spare parts along and was always willing to help a fellow racer if they were having problems with their bike.

Finally, Stevie and his big brother Jake were signed up for their races.  Tom Warner had gotten up early and did his final check over on the race bikes and everything was ready to go.  All there was to do now was to go out and walk the track and then wait for practice to start.

Tom Warner always walked completely around a course the day of a race no matter how many times he competed there.  It was something his father had taught him, and it was a practice he was determined to pass down to his sons.

“Come on Stevie,” yelled Jake, “we’re going to walk the track.” “OK” Stevie yelled back, “wait for me!”

As they walked around the track, Stevie was so excited.  He explained to his dad and his brother how far he was going to fly over each jump on the course.  Ten year old Jake asked his dad later, “Did I act like that my first time dad?”

Tom Warner smiled and replied, “worse then that, Jake!” ‘No way,’ thought Jake.

The Warners got back to the motorhome and Stevie was in his gear in no time. “Let’s go dad” he yelled, “practice is about to start!”  “OK son,,, relax,,, we still have about an hour to wait.”

Tom Warner tried to remember his first race.  He wasn’t quite as young as Stevie and it had been many years ago.  As his memories came back to him, he realized at just that moment how big of a deal this must be to Stevie.

“OK boys, let’s go.” Tom said. Stevie’s mom Jane looked at her husband as she pointed to her watch. “Let’s be the first ones in line for practice today.”  He said.


“Yippe!” yelled Stevie, as he ran over to his bright red race bike, “it’s time!”

Stevie’s big brother Jake also realized what his dad was doing as he thought back to his fist race just over a year ago. As they sat on the line waiting for practice to start, Stevie’s dad was going over last minute instructions with him.  They were talking about gears and jumps and making sure Stevie’s helmet was tight.

“Dad?,,, is it time yet?”  “10 more minutes son,,,” as they both smiled from ear to ear. 

Stevie’s class was the first one to practice.  His group had about 20 riders in it, many first timers themselves.  They had 10 minutes to go out and get familiar with the Shady Run course. 

Stevie was the first one out on the track.  Tom and Jane Warner were both nervous and excited, their baby boy was about to grow up just a little bit more. Stevie came out of the gate and headed for the first corner.  “Yippee!” he yelled, “finally I’m a racer!”

He powered his little red race bike through the corners and over the jumps.  He went around and round the course getting more confident with each lap.  Stevie was doing very well, just as his dad had expected.  He had been riding for quite a while now, and Stevie had listened to every word his dad had said.  He had been a good student.

Stevie came off the track from his practice just as he had started, in first place. “I won, I won!” he screamed, “I beat them all dad.” 

Stevie’s pap Miller and his mom smiled, they knew it was just a practice.  But to Stevie, it was the best thing that had ever happened to him in his entire 8 years of his life.

“I won dad,,,, I did it!”  “Yes son,” Stevie’s dad said, “you did great! Remember though, it was a practice session.  It wasn’t the actual race.”  “I know dad,,,, but I did real good, didn’t I???”

“You did fantastic son,” he said smiling back at him, “now let’s get ready for your first moto.”
Stevie’s race was the 5th race in the schedule for the day, so they had some time to spare.  Jake was racing right after him in the 6th race, so pap Miller was going to help him.  Stevie’s dad was going to help Stevie to the gate, since it was his first race.  The anticipation built as the day wore on.

The fourth race of the day had just left the gate when Tom Warner looked at Stevie and said, “It’s time.”  “Yes!” yelled Stevie.

He had been sitting on his bike with his helmet on for the last 15 minutes. This time out would be a little different than Stevie’s practice.  This time all the riders would line up on a gate beside each other and would wait for the gate to fall before they would all race to the first corner 50 yards away.

As Stevie pulled up to the gate for his first race, he started to get a funny feeling deep down in his stomach.  ‘Boy, this was different,’ he thought, ‘in practice they were all lined up behind me’.  Stevie looked to his left, then his right, there was that Davey Johnson.  He was the kid that wins a lot.  There were 17 other riders in his class and Stevie wasn’t sure what to think at that moment.  Stevie’s dad looked at him and asked, “Are you feeling a little funny, right about now, partner?”

“Yeah, dad, how did you know?  My stomach feels weird, it’s a little scary.”  “Relax Stevie, can I tell you a little secret?”  “Sure dad,” Stevie said, “but make it fast.”

“I still get that same weird feeling every time I pull up to the gate.”: “Even now?” Stevie asked, “you’ve been racing forever!” “Even now son, after all these years.”

Suddenly Stevie had a feeling of calm come over him as he realized that his dad was just like him. “Are you all ready?” Stevie’s dad asked him as he patted him on his back.

“Yeah dad” Stevie said, “I’m ready.”  Tom Warner backed away from the gate as the 30 second card came out.  Stevie knew from being at the races, that when the 30 second card came out, the gate was about to fall.  Stevie’s dad Tom had told him, “As soon as the card gets turned sideways, keep your eyes on the gate”.

And that’s exactly what Stevie did, he looked down with his stomach all twisted up in knots and within seconds that gate began to drop.  To Stevie, it seemed like slow motion.  He had waited so long for this moment in time and all the sudden, it was here.

The gate hit the ground with a thud, and Stevie twisted the throttle.  He could see Davey Johnson out of the corner of his eye starting to pull away towards the first corner.  Stevie yelled, “Oh No You Don’t !” and got on the gas even harder.  As Stevie and the rest of the Pee Wee Class reached the first corner, he realized that his stomach was no longer in knots, and that he was finally doing what he was born to do, and that was to race motorcycles.

Davey Johnson was leading the pack.  But Stevie was only a few riders behind.  The race lasted for three laps and Stevie was able to work his way into a 5th place finish.  He pulled off the track happy that he had finally got to ride his first race but still feeling a little disappointed that he couldn’t catch that Davey Johnson.

Stevie’s mom and dad met him as he was coming off the track.  Stevie could see his grand pappy Miller over by the gate with Jake giving him a big thumbs up.  Stevie’s dad Tom patted him on the back as he told him what a great job he had done.  Jane Miller was just as excited that Stevie had done so well in his first race.

“But dad,,,, I only got 5th,” cried Stevie, “you win almost every week!”

Tom Warner smiled as he began another life lesson with his youngest son.  “Stevie”, he said, “I raced for three whole years before I got a 5th place finish.”

"Really Dad?” Stevie replied. “You bet son, you did fantastic.  Now let’s go get the bike ready for your next race.”

That night as the Warners were driving home, Stevie lay in the back bedroom of the motor home sound asleep.  Jane warner said to her husband Tom, “I bet he hasn’t slept this well in days.” "You’re right,” replied Stevie’s dad.


Stevie had done exceptionally well for his first race.  In his second moto of the day, Stevie finished second behind Davey Johnson for a second overall finish for the day.  He had won a trophy that was 3 feet tall, but most of all, he proved to himself that he truly was part of the Warner racing team.

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2024 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship GP and Oval Events Scheduled for Jan. 21, Feb. 10

  The annual events return to Fond Du Lac, Wis., after 2023 cancellation PICKERINGTON, Ohio — After an added year of anticipation due to l...