The Trials and Tribulations of a moto mom

HE WON!!! As I’m sure most of you already know, haha. I have flooded everyone’s Facebook, Instagram and twitter with updates and pictures.  The KTM Junior Supercross Challenge is every little MXers dream – to be treated like a Pro for a day and ride on a real Supercross track! Truly, a once in a lifetime opportunity which we are so grateful to have been a part of. I hope you all had as great a weekend as we did.

As you all know, I was super nervous about this race. All of last week I had a knot in my stomach. The night before the race I couldn’t sleep. Preston was out like a light; not nervous at all, he was going to win and that was that. It wasn’t until the morning of the race that I actually saw him get excited. He came running into my room at 6am screaming ‘IT’S TODAY!’ We arrived at the Rogers Centre around 8:30am ready to register and head to the pits. As soon as we arrived, Preston was given his gear and the mechanics then went over the bike with him. He sure felt like he was a Pro. After riders meeting, the boys and their dads headed to track walk. It’s not until you get out there that you realize how huge those jumps really are. The kids were beyond excited, and the dads even more excited!

Before the tires even touched the dirt I was bursting with pride! As soon as they did hit the dirt I could have exploded! Both practices went really well. He rode great and had the fastest lap times in both practices. I was so proud of him. That in turn made me even more nervous for the race. I knew then that if something happened in the race, where he didn’t win, he would have been heartbroken.  Both sets of grandparents came, aunt and uncle, friends from school and motocross friends all in the stands to cheer him on. I’m so glad he’s not like me. I was nervous enough for both of us. The kids got to be part of the opening ceremonies with the best of the best in the sport and saw themselves up on the jumbo-tron in front of 50,000 people. As soon as opening ceremonies ended I ran back to the pits to give him one more good luck kiss and to let him know I was still holding his lucky charm (I had indents on the palm of my hand from squeezing that little dirt bike so hard).

Preston carried his fast practice times straight into the main event. After taking the lead early there was no looking back for #8. photo by James Lissimore

Around 8:25pm the KJSC kids headed to the line. I thought I was going to die! I’m sure all you MX moms feel the same while they are on the line. Waiting for the gate to drop is honestly the worst few minutes of the day. After the gate finally dropped, he got a great start and was soon way out in front. My poor Brooklyn was crying her eyes out because she was scared of my screaming. She was such a trooper that day. She made friends with some of the other little girls and behaved so well. I’m so proud of her, it’s tough to be MX sister. Back to the race: he did FANTASTIC, got out in front and rode like a Pro until the checkered flag. I can’t even begin to explain how it feels to watch your child win a race in the Rogers Centre with the crowd screaming for him. Unbelievable! Perfect end to a perfect day! He got up on the podium like a Pro. He was asked ‘Did you ever imagine you’d be on the top step of the podium in front of all these fans?’ His answer ‘YEP!’ Not a word of a lie, he said he was going there to win and he did.

At that moment I could finally breathe again. That’s when the texts, pictures and messages started coming in. Everyone we knew was at home watching on TV, hoping that they’d catch a glimpse of him. They didn’t just get a glimpse, they saw quite a bit of the number 8. Thanks to Ralph Sheheen who pronounced his name right, and Jeff Emig who said he dominated and finished with a 14 second lead. I must have watched that 40 second clip one hundred times, and every time I get butterflies. So what does it mean to win the KJSC? He now gets to race all the winners in Las Vegas during the Monster Cup race. That’s right, a second trip to Vegas this year. Preston doesn’t realize what an accomplishment this is. He just loves what he does and tries his best. What impresses me the most about him is that none of this goes to his head; he was proud of his buddies in the race for doing their best as well. He’s such a sweet and caring boy, I’m so proud to be his mom!

I can’t thank KTM enough for this experience. As great as I thought it would be, it was 100 times better! Thanks to MXP for sharing my story, thank you to everyone who sent such nice messages to Preston and everyone who keeps reading my blog. Now back to reality, back on the Cobra and ready for the outdoor season to start. Hope you all have a great week!

Preston can now add a KTMJRSX first place trophy to his collection.