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Monday, December 8, 2008
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Motocross masters Family ends special motocross season By JOE LINDHOLM Sports Writer On Saturday at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Mike Masters accepted another first-place trophy in the District 23 Motocross for Minnesota.
What made the award more special for Masters this year was that his children, Megan and Mitchell, also were competing in motocross and both scored top 10 finishes for the season.
Mike competes in the 40-Senior A class and had 22 top 20 finishes in the 2008 season on his way to a 14-point victory over Chuck Thompson for the season points crown.
An indication of how strong Mike's season was lies in the statistic that he only finished one race with a finish worst than second (a third).
"I think I received 11 first-place and nine second-place finishes but it was a close season that came right down to the end," Mike said. "As we neared the end of the season, beating Thompson and doing well was critical."
Mike got his start at age 13, racing mini-bikes around the yard. His passion for the sport grew from there.
"I saw there was youth and amateur racing and I just fell in love with it and I've had a passion for racing and motocross ever since," Masters said.
Motocross is truly a family affair for the Masters crew. Megan, 18, and Mitchell, 14, race competitively. Mike's sister, Mallory, and Mike's wife, Micha, are a huge part of the team.
Motocross season can start in snow and cold in the early part of the season and continue through extreme summer heat. Providing clothing and fluids during the race is a job in itself.
"The sacrifices that my wife has made so that we can go play on dirt bikes is monumental," Mike said.
"She plays a big part, along with my other daughter, Mallory, who rides but doesn't race," he added. "The two of them help every weekend, getting the (recreational vehicle) prepared and keeping things in line at the races, including cleaning equipment, and being down on the starting line with words of encouragement before you start."
Megan raced in the women's class this season and finished sixth in season points with 21 top 20 finishes.
"Megan raced the women's class and hasn't had a lot of years experience on a bike," Mike said. "This was only her second solid year of racing. I thought she started the learning curve quite well and rode within her abilities."
Mike was proud of Megan's commitment to being a top 10 season finisher.
"There were some tricky tracks and I told her that she didn't have to do it, but she was set in her mind that she wanted to conquer and follow through," Mike said. "I'm very proud of her for tackling some pretty big obstacles this year. The women's class has a very good turnout and is quite popular."
Mitchell races in the 85 cc class for ages 12-15, one of the most competitive classes with riders who race on a national level. Mitchell had a solid season, with a ninth-place finish and 23 top 20 performances.
"He did well in one of the most competitive classes there are," Mike said. "The 12-15 85cc class has a great turnout and the talent level across the board makes it a tough class. Some of the kids he races against compete nationally so to finish close to them is an achievement in itself."
Mike doesn't see a time in the near future when motocross isn't part of his life. He admits that time off the bike during the winter can change one's perspective but the love of racing remains.
"Being off the bike during the winter months kind of changes your attitude and how far you want to go with it," Mike said. "I'm just happy to have had the blessings with racing and if it ended tomorrow I would be OK with it."
Being able to spend quality time with his family each weekend is something Mike cherishes. He realizes he is blessed.
"I don't know how much longer I will continue to race, or if I will get involved in a state-wide point series at this time," he said. "I am probably going to ride bikes as long as I can because it's a passion of mine.
"I can't ever see myself stopping something that I enjoy doing so much. As long as I can I will continue to ride with my children and friends."
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