Tearing up the track
Thursday, April 22, 2004 1:42 PM PDT
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| Tricia Alvarez | Argus Observer
Brodie Garner, who is 5-years old, takes to the air on his dirt bike at a friend's track. Garner placed first in the Chaparral Motocross Spring Challenge 2004 Sunday. |
Tricia Alvarez Argus Observer
ONTARIO
Ontario's Brodie Garner racked up enough points after four races this past Sunday to win the Chaparral Motocross Spring Challenge 2004 at Chaparral Speedway/MX in Eagle.
What is so different about Garner versus other riders?
Garner, who rides with the number 516, which is his birth date, on his chest protector, is only 5-years-old and attends kindergartner at St. Peter's in Ontario each afternoon.
In the Spring Challenge, Garner placed first out of eight kids in the Pee Wee Beginner (50cc only) category, but this is not the only race he has had a top 10 finish. He also took seventh place earlier this year in the White Knuckle Race in Glenns Ferry.
When Garner was a little over a year old, he received his first motorized vehicle from his grandfather. At 2-years old his parents bought him his first dirt bike. A Yamaha PW 50 and put training wheels on it to help him balance.
Last year at 4-years old, Garner took part in his first race on his automatic bike but soon found out that it was not fast enough and he really needed more power.
Earlier this year, Garner got his new bike - a 2004
From Page A7
TM 50 Pro-Junior - and it has been uphill ever since.
"He has a new bike, he is going faster and now he is a year older. With every race he wins or places in he gains more confidence," Garner's mother Monica Garner said. "It is pretty amazing for his age that he is keeping up with the other kids."
When it comes to racing, Garner likes it when he is "getting dirty." Off the track he likes the "Power Rangers, motor bikes and Play Station games."
Garner is one of the younger racers on the track. Most of the kids Garner races against are between six and nine. He has even made friends by riding dirt bikes.
"My friends are Braxton and Jonah," Garner said.
Garner practices frequently at a friend's house and his whole family goes riding up at Clay Peak when they have a chance.
Right now, Garner is just racing for fun, but his family has plans to take him to bigger races in other towns in the next year.
For now, Garner is waiting to take part in the AMA Amateur National Qualifier on May 1 and May 2 at Chaparral. Then he will take part in the Chaparral Motocross Summer Series.
Tricia Alvarez is a sports reporter for the Argus Observer. She can be contacted at (541) 889-5387, or by e-mail, TriciaA@argusobserver.com. Story ideas are always welcomed.
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