With more than 350 trophies to his name, and only seven years in the sport of Motocross, freshman Blaze Best placed nineteenth in the 2009 World Olympics.
It all began on Best’s seventh birthday when he received his first BMX bike. “At our old house, in Massachusetts, we had a small dirt track in our backyard. I kept getting better and better. Next to our house was this small dealership that sold motocross bikes,” Best said, “That is where I got my first motocross bike.”
Best has won many competitions throughout his career and received trophies for them. “My favorite trophy is the New England Regional Championship trophy because it is taller than I am,” Best said.
Ever since, Best has been competing in big Motocross events and races around the country. “This year, I hope to make it to Nationals and do well in Internationals,” Best said.
The sport of Motocross has very few participants and and is not for the faint of heart. The rider controls his/her motocross bike, as it flies over bumps and towering jumps, on a one and a half to two mile slippery dirt course, at speeds of 45 to 60 mph. Each race lasts for 30 minutes.
Motocross is a dangerous sport that requires a lot of skill and safety gear. “I wear a helmet, a neck brace, knee braces, jersey and pants, chest protector, and boots,” Best said.
To his credit, Best’s hard work has paid off and has put him in the spotlight. As a testament to his greatness, his sponsors are a who’s who in the world of Motocross. They include KTM, Progrip, Troy Lee Designs, Shock Doctor, Vitamin Water, Nos, Powerade, Fox, Alpine Stars, DVS Shoes, and FELT Bicycles. “My sponsors give me discounts or free gear for my bike, and some pay for my entry fees into different races,” said Best.
Not only has Best garnered sponsors, he has trained with professional riders Kyle Regal and his dad Robbie Reynard to improve his game. “Last spring break, I was able to train in Texas for Nationals with pro riders,” said Best, “that is when I got my first injury, a broken leg; it was the last day of the trip.”
As Best continues his adventure through motocross, his family has been his biggest fans. “My family has always encouraged me in Motocross, especially because it is something that I enjoy doing. They have supported me throughout my injuries, races, and helped me out in every way possible,” said Best.
After breaking the same leg for a second time, Best is anxious to get back on his bike. “Hopefully I can continue with Motocross as much as I can,” said Best. “I’d like to get faster. And I have a lot of fun with it.”
If one should see a a colorful trailer donning the name “Blaze Best,” sprinkled with BMX sponsor logos, it’s likely Best off to his next competition.
rogers • Sep 27, 2010 at 11:18 am
We fixed it, thanks Blaze!
Blaze Best • Sep 22, 2010 at 9:31 pm
It should be Troy Lee Designs but thanks for the article Sam!!