Is it too late?

Peng
Posts
2
Joined
2/13/2016
Location
Alton, IL US
Edited Date/Time 2/14/2016 9:06am
Hi, My name is Jake and I am absolutely in love with motocross. I know that the theory is start them young if you want them to ride big time motocross. I am a mix of both and I believe I have what it takes, but not the experience. I started riding when I was 6. I rode a little 50cc and later on moved up to an 80. I loved to ride but it scared me to death and I eventually stopped riding. The last time I rode, I was 12 to 13.. I am now 16. I'm just wondering if its too late for me to get up their with the known people and race motocross. It's been my dream since a kid. Answers directed at my style of question only please..
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Huevos
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916
Joined
3/19/2013
Location
Spokane, WA US
2/13/2016 1:47pm
John Dowd didn't start riding until he was 17.
MxKing809
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6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
2/13/2016 1:50pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2016 1:51pm
To race professional SX and MX? It's never too late to rave locally and succeed in the A class.

To get a Factory ride for the 250 class you have 2 years to make a showing at Lorettas and try to gain a ride. And odds are you won't get looked at. If you're not making a name for yourself at 14 you're pretty screwed.

You're absolute best case senerio is to win/do well in the A class at Lorettas in the next 2 years and get on a smaller less supported team... if you can't get a podium at Lorettas in the B or A class by 18 get a day job or go to college.
MXMattii
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4179
Joined
3/6/2010
Location
BE
2/13/2016 1:52pm
Will you become a professional? Probably not, but most kids that start at 3 won't either. But you're never to old to have a good time, just racing some local races with dudes as fast as you.
2/13/2016 1:56pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2016 1:56pm
Depends how much money you got to hit all the pro ams. Even if you aren't that great you can just hit a lot of pro ams and get enough points to get your pro license (for just the Nationals not supercross)

The Shop

downard254
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4055
Joined
12/10/2012
Location
Bremen, OH US
2/13/2016 1:57pm
Might I suggest you get into shape, and find a reputable school, like Gary Bailey, absorb what they teach, practice and dedicate yourself. Then you'll know. Some people have what it takes, most don't. Good luck.
neverwas
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2578
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8/17/2006
Location
Tucson, AZ US
Fantasy
784th
2/13/2016 2:05pm
You will never know unless you try,and if you do not become rich and famous you will have had a great time trying.
gt80rider
Posts
6275
Joined
4/19/2008
Location
Boulder, CO US
2/13/2016 2:07pm
Race for the love of it. If Roger D calls and can't wait to cut you a check, fantastic, otherwise race for the love of the sport and you'll never have a bad time.
bish153
Posts
441
Joined
11/28/2010
Location
Frisco, TX US
2/13/2016 2:09pm
Once the fear sets in it never leaves...your ship has sailed! Just have fun riding!
philG
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9706
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
2/13/2016 2:18pm
get out there and try , having fun is all that matters
NotCore
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598
Joined
8/9/2011
Location
Alpharetta, GA US
2/13/2016 3:09pm
It's never too late to chase a dream.


Make sure you pick the right dream.
iudi2006
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1294
Joined
3/3/2010
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
Fantasy
229th
2/13/2016 4:04pm
Honestly if you had the natural ability to be up there on the top you would ridden that 50 and 80 till you wore out the motor and wouldn't be scared of the bike. Like the other guys said its never to late to get a 250f, hit up your local track, and improve your skills enough to eventually enter some local races. You'll still have a blast and can dedicate your life to something where your possibility of success will be much higher. Just an opinion from someone who was in a similar position at your age. Every injury-free day on a motocross track is a good day.
Beast666
Posts
682
Joined
8/13/2013
Location
Englewood, CO US
2/13/2016 5:02pm
I rode my first dirt bike at 12 and raced for the first time when I was 14. Got my AMA pro card at 23. If you have the talent and the desire to push yourself it can happen. The biggest problem with most riders that struggle in the local pro classes is that they are mentally weak. I have seen many riders psych themselves out so bad that they were destine to lose before the gate even dropped.

To succeed you need to be able to practice technique with a goal of constant improvement as well as improving focus and blocking out outside stimuli.
2/13/2016 5:33pm
If your family is well off and willing to support you then it's totally possible. For example if you have land to build your own track(s) and the desire to burn 3 tanks of gas a day practising then why not? You would be smart to spend time living at a training facility like MTF. You also would have to hit all the big amateur nationals for a few years. The bottom line is you need to have the cash. Think Vince Friese.
809
Posts
350
Joined
6/2/2014
Location
Paducah, KY US
2/13/2016 5:54pm
Not too late if you have the natural ability. I had a yz 80 when I was about 9 and was scared to death of it. I rode quads and was a pretty fast B rider racing mx on quads. I decided to quit racing and bought a 250f when I was 22. 11 years later I still continue to learn and improve on my bike. You may not make it pro, but don't start off doubting. You will love it no matter how fast you become.
moto0852
Posts
944
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Draper, UT US
2/13/2016 6:00pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2016 6:01pm
Never too late to explore a dream young man. A life without passion is not living. Follow your dreams and do your best.
Tom_Ryan
Posts
105
Joined
7/1/2015
Location
Philadelphia, PA US
2/13/2016 6:30pm
Peng wrote:
Hi, My name is Jake and I am absolutely in love with motocross. I know that the theory is start them young if you want them...
Hi, My name is Jake and I am absolutely in love with motocross. I know that the theory is start them young if you want them to ride big time motocross. I am a mix of both and I believe I have what it takes, but not the experience. I started riding when I was 6. I rode a little 50cc and later on moved up to an 80. I loved to ride but it scared me to death and I eventually stopped riding. The last time I rode, I was 12 to 13.. I am now 16. I'm just wondering if its too late for me to get up their with the known people and race motocross. It's been my dream since a kid. Answers directed at my style of question only please..
I'm on the same boat as you. I just started riding again after riding 6 times a year 12-14 then when I was 16 started riding on tracks back in May 2015 then started racing in August already got a 10 ten in c class. But I plan on being a local pro by the time I'm 21-22.
FIREfish148
Posts
5443
Joined
1/20/2009
Location
Kirkland, WA US
2/13/2016 6:31pm
It's too late most likely bro. Unless you have the freakish talent/drive of say Weston Peick. Your have to have the belief in yourself most importantly but money is usually what does the kids that should be stars in. There's honestly too many factors for us to make an accurate opinion. It's possible but the odds are really against you.
if you have unlimited cash have fun with it and train really hard and see where it goes. If you are not financially supported there is absolutely no way bro.
fidiot
Posts
661
Joined
3/18/2014
Location
Denver, CO US
2/14/2016 6:15am
If it scared you to death, then you do not have what it takes.
mx965
Posts
316
Joined
12/1/2013
Location
Nashville, TN US
2/14/2016 7:04am
Would you go on to a basketball forum and at 16 and ask if you have what it takes to play in the NBA if you dont even play basketball??? I dont get why people think this sport is different.
2/14/2016 7:17am
fidiot wrote:
If it scared you to death, then you do not have what it takes.
Unfortunately, this is probably the truth. Normally you're fearless as a kid and as time goes on you become more conservative on the track.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't still ride/race.
Falcon
Posts
10108
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA US
Fantasy
798th
2/14/2016 8:48am
When I was in my mid 20s I started going faster than I ever did in highschool or college days. I can't explain why. My point is that age doesn't necessarily mean anything.
Also, there was a kid named Steven Eugenio that raced 125cc beginner and won. He raced novice the next weekend and won. So he moved to intermediate and was immediately competitive - then won. He kicked my ass more times than not, and a year later I saw him make the main at the Vegas Supercross.
It can happen if you have the drive and desire.
Moto520
Posts
3387
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
2/14/2016 9:06am
Yes it's to late but never give up the chase! That's what keeps it fun

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