Ricky Carmichael. Travis Pastrana. James Stewart.
In the wildly popular extreme sport of supercross (off-road motorcycle racing or ‘motocross? for short), these riders? names reign supreme on the track.
One day, Oxford resident John Boyle, who celebrates his eighth birthday May 6, hopes his name will be alongside these supercross superstars whom he considers personal heroes.
But for now the Lakeville Elementary second-grader was content to meet his heroes in-person April 9 and ride the same track they did as a participant in the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge 2005 held at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Boyle, along with 14 other riders age 7-8 from across the country, were selected to ride three laps around the dirt track in an exhibition that was part of the THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series ? considered to be the NASCAR of motocross.
Only three of the 15 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge riders were from Michigan. Young riders from around the nation submitted applications and resumes to be considered for the event. Finalists were selected via a random lottery.
Riding around a professional race track with double and triple jumps built for adult bikes was difficult for the little motorcycles, but Boyle managed to finish eighth out of 15. Quite an accomplishment considering some kids decided not to race at all after experiencing the track during the first practice run.
It’s not surprising Boyle fearlessly took on the same track the pros fly across.
Boyle began riding four-wheelers (or ‘quads?) and snowmobiles at the age of 2. Boyle’s father, Dan, recalls his son trying to use a broken picnic table as a ramp for his first jump while mom and dad weren’t watching.
In 2003, Boyle began riding a Honda XR 50cc motorcycle, but soon graduated to a KTM 50cc Senior bike when his family realized he needed a faster bike to keep up with and beat other kids at local tracks.
Boyle started racing in July 2004 at the Baja MX (which stands for motocross) track in Birch Run and another track in Freeland, Michigan.
He’s been placing second and third overall in the races with a few first place finishes.
Last year, Boyle ranked 48th in the state in his bike’s size class (50SR) for District 14 of the American Motorrcycle Association
‘He’s a natural for it,? said dad Dan. ‘It’s impressive and scary watching him do it.?
With a big smile across his face, John said he likes ‘jumping? and ‘flying? and ‘going fast? around the track.
‘I pace (while he races),? admitted mom Dawn Boyle, who added she’s very proud of her son.
It should be noted that Boyle is very well protected while he races, wearing a helmet, goggles, chest protector and lots of pads. All of Boyle’s racing equipment is obtained through sponsors which offer him priority service, special discounts and other perks.
His sponsors are Creative Grafix, Scott USA, M2R Helmets, Renthal, Twin Air, KTM/Munn Racing, SIXSIXONE Protection, Engine Ice and the Metamora-based MCR Suspension.
Beyond the fun and excitement of racing, Dan said motocross teaches his son sportsmanship and brings the family closer together. ‘We go to the events together,? said Dawn. ‘It’s a family thing.?
Every weekend from now through the fall, you’ll be able to find John Boyle racing on a motocross track somewhere in Michigan, chasing his dream of becoming a professional supercross rider.