In amateur racing, the starting line is filled with kids who are determined to be the next big thing. Ricky Carmichael and James "Bubba" Stewart both had incredible amateur careers, but few make it to the big time. For one, the competition is stacked; just to achieve good results, you have to be on your game 24/7. And two, the price to get to the races is gnarly when you add up all the expenses. Over the years, I have really noticed a sea change in amateur racing from the days when I was racing as a kid. The pits are littered with big diesel motor homes, and it seems as if each kid has four bikes at a minimum: These young racers and their parents aren't messing around.
I have had the pleasure of spending time with up-and-comer Travis Bright and his parents, Tammy and Loren. Bright and I often ride at the same private track hidden in the orchards of Ventura County, California. It didn't take long for him to catch my eye as he showed blazing speed aboard his 80. As I came to know his family, I could see just how serious they were about racing. Basically, it's full-time work for Bright and his parents that requires just as much time as the jobs that pay the bills. Competing at this level isn't for everyone, as your entire life is dedicated to racing and producing results, with the biggest focus on Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Tennessee, site of the AMA Amateur National Motocross championship. Don't let this scare you: As serious as the Bright family is about racing, a tight bond among them is clearly evident; after all, motocross is a family sport! Although Bright is only 14, he is well-mannered and has a good head on his shoulders. Racing is fun for him and his family, and more important, he is still allowed to be himself and be a kid. Sadly, some minibike parents rob their kids of that freedom, hoping to groom them into the next Bubba; but in most cases that just doesn't happen. I think there is a fine line when it comes to racing, but no matter what, you have to keep it fun, and this is what the Bright family does. I recently talked with Bright and his mom about motocross, their racing life and what it takes to compete with the hopes of making it to the "professional" ranks.
Watching the Dollar Bills
What it takes to race at BRIGHT'S level
Motor home: $15O,OOO
Trailer: $19,OOO
Bikes: Three small-wheel CR85Rs ($2999 each), two big-wheel CR85Rs ($3O99 each) and one Honda CRF25OR ($5999)
Motor modifications: Two Super Mini motors ($3OOO each) and one 85cc mod motor ($17OO)
Exhaust systems: Half-price sponsorship with FMF; 1O-12 systems ($13O per system)
Suspension modifications: Sponsored by IRS but still pays for parts ($3OOO per season)
Bars: Sponsored by RenthalTires: 3O-4O sets per season ($5O per set)
Graphics: Sponsored by FMF
Riding gear: Sponsored by O'Neal
Boots: Five to six sets of Alpinestars Tech 8s ($289.99 per set)
Race gas: 5-1O gallons per weekend ($4O for a 5-gallon drum)
Diesel fuel: $7OO a month during race season
Misc.: $1OO a month in wear and tear on the bikes
Travis Bright
DR: When did you first start riding?
TB: I first started riding when I was about five, and I had a PW80. I started racing when I was about nine years old.
How did you get into racing?
We went to a supercross, and my mom decided we were going racing. My dad wanted me to race before then, but my mom wasn't into it. It took just one supercross, and she was all about it.
What allowed you to progress so quickly with your racing?
I started racing at Gorman and L.A. County Raceway, and that went really well, but I seemed to become a lot faster once we started racing [everywhere in Southern California]. The classes are deeper there, and racing with those guys made me better.