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I didn't achieve my youthful dreams of being a Suzuki factory rider, but if I could go back and tell myself what I DID achieve, I'd have been happy. I won the 125 season Championship at my local track as well as several other regional titles later. I raced internationally once as a Pro. I worked for Yamaha and Suzuki, as well as several aftermarket brands and dealerships. In "real world" accomplishments, I am married, have two kids who have ridden and raced (one still does,) and a brand-new house that will likely be my forever home. Sweet YZ250 and...

Great topic as I’ve been really reflecting on this as of late, I’m beyond what I ever could have dreamed of. It wasn’t always like this for me either so now that I have it, it’s even more rewarding. I unfortunately married someone that hated me and dirtbikes, being young and immature I just didnt know better I guess. Around 33 I finally figured out that was no way to live and I divorced her. I found an ex pro downhill MTB girl, married her and the dream started! Now I have a wife and son that love moto as...

It's his thyroid right as Michael reported on at Pala? Could also explain, if he has, gained a little weight as I believe thyroid issues can mess with metabolism.

Exactly. I don't know what the big secret to being anonymous about wanting to get a pro License is all about? If you were a successful Road Racer, you should be proud of it. Why are you not letting us know who you are? Anyway I do wish you good luck and yes I agree with the majority that you should go for it. I was never a pro, but I did race into my mid 50's with the AZOTMX club and Internationals in the Master class until one race mid-moto I suddenly realized what the f*** am I doing...

there are more than a couple people on here insisting that Eli is washed up at 32. All about your perspective I guess 😁

Not only did he start late, but he also raced late. He raced at least one pro race every year up through age 47 in 2013!

Looks like there are 4 Pro Ams left this year that would be realistic for me to make, one being a double point round. I was actually planning on just trying for LL next year in 250 pro sport. I made it to the regional this year but had a financial hiccup (got fired unexpectantly. Before anyone uses that against me, I'm doing fine now, but decided to skip the regional to make sure I kept my first responsibilities like bills took care of first.) The Pro Ams make this realistic to do this year and use next year to...

I don’t think that those words have ever been used to describe me on Vital, and not very often in ‘real life’, but thanks! Now if you were setting a goal of getting a podium at a pro Supercross event, I could understand people trying to talk you out of it. But I could see how a (national level pro race winning) road racer who has been ridding MX at an ‘A’ level might be able to try enter a National. Good luck and update us on your progress!

I'm glad someone here is level headed and has common sense 😂

How this got to "Factory Ride" from "pro card" is quite puzzling.

I think that you are projecting what your goal would be (factory contract) in place of what his stated goal would be. He seems to be very aware that this would not be an income source or career, but instead it would be a personal challenge to accomplish just to be able to enter a National level pro race in a different motorcycle discipline than he already has. He might actually have less risk than some people have at local races, really.

Life’s short do the thing, I was “retired” from riding permanently a few weeks ago just as I was fully getting back into it, don’t end up like me and go do it now rather than later

Chase your dream and one way or the other you will never regret trying. I raced my 1st 500 national at Red Bud in 1984 and qualified but was busted up after that so never qualified for the big show again. That day will always be a highlight in my lifetime memories. My first question is do you have the A class MX results and points required to get moved up to be a licensed AMA Pro?

need to see your road racing results and form to say for sure. pics vids?

I’m honestly torn. At 33 you have a few years left to go after it. However, only unless you are very financially set. If you have little ones depending on you to make it to work for their well being I’d shy against it. Best of luck no matter what you choose!

By no means type of guy to shit on someone's dreams....three kids and in your early 30s? Chasing one dream always has the opportunity cost of many others deferred. If I knew you in real life, I would tell you the same thing -- be brutally honest with yourself and as a family man, what all are you prepared to lose/sacrifice to pursue "your" dream. Best to you, seriously.

Give it hell moto brother! If you are living someone else’s dream you are not living your own! Grip it and rip it!

in what way the japanese bikes are different? I saw this post and went searching for the all japan mx (I even created a post with the full race on youtube) but just by 'looking at them" (on the video lol) I couldnt see much difference from a mxgp factory bike with all their freedom to operate. I know in Europe they have less stock parts than in america. I wonder if in japan they need any stock part at all. I never understand Japan's economy. They are such a small island, with 'small sports', but they also basically have...

I think about this often as we frequently change our goals once the previous has been completed! I was fortunate enough to represent Canada at the ISDE in 2021. I earned a silver medal. I also won a AA off-road title in 2021, with a bit of an asterisk, it was shortened due to covid. Both of these were huge goals of mine growing up. I would love to qualify for a real pro moto race. I raced Canada's version of the 125 dream race at Gopher Dunes in 2020 (I got smoked). It's tough as I generally don't have...