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Motocross: not for sissies

The Commuter

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

by Erik Bender

Motocross is a tough sport, because it’s expensive, physically demanding, dangerous, but also hopelessly addicting. And that is why millions of people ride and race, but it is also why so few actually make it a living and compete at the national pro level of the sport and turn riding into a career.

Nic Wolfer, 22, of Beaver Creek, Ore., is a local pro that is going for broke this season in an attempt to earn his national pro license and race the 2009 AMA Motocross Nationals series at Washougal MX Park on July 25.

Wolfer has a genuinely kind and pleasant personality that almost seems to quickly disappear once his helmet is on. On the track, Wolfer shows no fear and rides with a smooth style that makes it look easy. But Wolfer is not afraid to bang bars with anyone at any given race, as his passes are some of the most aggressive in any local pro race.

The motocross nationals are one of the top motocross championships in the world. Washougal MX Park holds round eight of the national series every year and draws crowds in excess of 30,000, and has been called the most scenic track on the circuit.

The American Motorcyclist Association requires a rider to obtain 75 points as an A-Class rider in AMA PRO-AM motocross series events in order to apply for a license in an attempt to qualify for any round in this series.

With a majority of the west-coast races held outside the northwest, it’s hard for a full time OSU and LBCC student to travel far regularly. Wolfer said “There are not too many of these races in this area. Most of the nearby races take place in Southern California during the school year and I can’t make it to them like other racers can.”

At five-years old, Wolfer got his first dirt bike for Christmas, but didn’t start racing until age 14. “I wanted to start before then but my mom always overruled my dad. Then she finally gave in and little did she know I would win my first race and want to keep doing it this long.” Wolfer says what most people don’t understand about motocross is that it is very family-oriented, and that it takes a lot of dedication from everyone to make it work.

Wolfer says his biggest achievement was turning pro and being able to do it in such a short time is a great accomplishment for him. “I mean I know people that have been racing longer than me that still aren’t pro, so for me to do it in the time period that I have done it in is also one of my greatest achievements,” said Wolfer.

On April 5, 2009, Wolfer battled hard for the lead in every race he entered at Washougal’s Gold Star series race. Wolfer ended the day finishing fourth overall and earning 18 valuable points towards his national license. He currently sits fourth in the points standings.

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