Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
After spending the last two weeks speaking to some fast kids on the western side of this country, this week we head to Bond Head, Ontario to have a look at one of the fast up and coming 50cc riders. For this week’s Yamaha Motor Canada Amateur Profile we called up six-year-old Ben Kongmany to see how excited he is for the 2015 racing season.
MXP: Hey Ben, I know the life of a six-year-old is busy so thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Can you start off by telling us where your hometown is located and when is your birthday?
BK: Sure Chris, I was born on October 14th, 2008 and my family and I live in Bond Head, Ontario.
At just six years old, Ben has already fallen in love with this sport.
How long have you lived there?
My whole life, actually, so just over six years.
I like that area of Ontario, it’s pretty well located to everything. Currently what class do you ride and how long have you been riding?
I only started riding in May of last year so I’m still pretty new to the sport. This season I will be racing in the 50cc 4-6 and the GP Open.
Wow! You are new to the sport, I hope you’re enjoying it so far. Can you tell us how your 2014 racing season went?
Oh yes, I love it so far. With some help from my friends and a lot of practice I was able to finish second overall in the CMRC Provincial series in SWO and won my first overall at Area 51 Can-Am Challenge in Batavia, New York. Also, I’m currently sitting first overall in the Indoor Thunder MX Series at Chesterman’s. I really like racing in that series, I just wish it was warmer.
Yes, you and me both. I know you haven’t been at this long, however do you have a few results that are special to you?
Well, definitely the results I was able to get at last season’s Provincials were special to me. I think my entire 2014 season was special because it was my first year racing, and my family and I had so much fun.
So far, do you have a track that stands out as your favourite?
I would have to say RJ Motosport is my favourite. It’s my home track so I ride there a lot and it’s pretty cool.
These days the tracks have a lot of cool obstacles. What parts of the track do you like the most?
I would have to say that corners are my favourite, especially the ones with big berms in them.
I can see why you like the track at RJ’s as it does have some pretty awesome corners. Do you have a favourite jump yet?
I’m six so I think I love every jump I hit (laughs). But if I had to pick one I think the new mini track at Moto Park has some super cool jumps.
I know you haven’t been racing for too long, but before the start of a race, do you like things to be calm or rocking?
I’m a pretty laid back kid so I like things to be calm.
What are you usually thinking about while the thirty second board is up?
Not much actually, I’m just looking at the person with the board and waiting for it to go up so I can go racing.
Here’s a cool question for you: would you rather holeshot and win or come from behind and win?
It doesn’t matter as long as I’m racing.
Even though Ben has only been racing for a short time, he’s already finding his way to the front of the pack in the 50cc 4-6 class.
That’s true, as long as you’re racing that’s all that matters. Riding dirt bikes is pretty cool. Does everyone at your school know you race?
Just my friends and teachers at school know I race.
Well, I think if you keep winning races everyone at school will soon know. What is your favourite subject at school?
That’s an easy one, I love gym class!
I think every motocross rider loves gym class (laughs). Other than riding your dirt bike, what else do you like to do?
Not much, I guess when I’m not riding I like playing with my friends in my neighbourhood.
Well, thanks Ben for doing this. Here is your final question: who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my Mom, Dad and Steven Anderson #396 who teaches me everything I know. Also I’d like to thank my sponsors AXO, DeCal Works and Lucas Oil.
