Nicholas Lesko and his passion for motocross racing flourished as the motocross rider completed his fourth season of the sport.
For Lesko, the nine-race saga takes place over a course of five months, battling weather conditions at outdoor courses across the province from Coronach and Swift Current to Yorkton and Lloydminster.
The level of maturity and enthusiasm of the 13-year-old motocross athlete was evident as he explained how his nine out of 10 race season permitted him to accumulate enough points to place second overall in the 85cc category and third overall in the Supermini category.
The 2013 season was a challenging year as the young rider advanced into the next age category. His overall personal riding performance was exceptional considering his older, more experienced competitors. So it was no surprise when he excelled in the 2014 season. Lesko exhibits large amounts of confidence, despite the fact he gets nervous prior to the race.
"Once the race begins, the nervousness is replaced with full-focused attention on my form and the track," explains Lesko, who admits that focusing on doing his personal best is what motivates him to succeed.
The ability to walk the track provides the riders with an opportunity to familiarize and visually pace themselves for the race contributing to a more safe and successful outcome.
When faced with inclement weather patterns during a race, Lesko handles his bike with ease as he embraces the conditions and focuses on the task at hand. It is clearly evident that core body strength combined with both upper and lower muscular training and cardio endurance is vital in being able to achieve success in handling the powerful motobike on the rough terrain.
Nicholas, son of Ryan Lesko of Hafford, participated in the 2014 season using a 2009 2-stroke 85cc Kawasaki to compete in the 12 to 16 year age group. The number of entries for each race varied from seven to 15, so Nicholas emphasized the importance of getting out of the starting position early in order to gain the lead. Race completion is determined using the 12 minutes plus one lap method rather than the straight timed method. Weather conditions of excessive rain and strong winds are the only two factors that would result in a postponed event.
Lesko is facing yet another transition for the 2015 season, advancing from his 85cc motobike to the 125cc model. Once again, the challenge comes with being one of the youngest and inexperienced in the category. The power of the motors and the speed combined with the conditions of the track increases the potential of what can go wrong. Knowing the potential risks, Nicholas continues to exhibit a tremendous level of focus once the race begins.
"Each time I move up, it is like starting over because I am competing with older, experienced riders and learning to handle a more powerful bike," says Lesko, who has proven in the past that he is highly capable of accomplishing the challenge. "I am constantly sizing up the next portion of the track and focus on my body positioning at every moment. You have to stay alert and focused on the race at all times to avoid the risk factor."
As he continues to improve his racing techniques and show potential in the sport, sponsors have come on board to support him. Lesko's bike sports his number '92' alongside the names of his two major sponsors Prairie Rec and Werezak's Pharmacy.
His favourite 2014 season race day was in Eston where he thoroughly enjoyed clearing the jumps. There were tighter triple jumps and three 100-foot tabletops that challenged his bike-handling skills and landing techniques.
"It was such a feeling to be able to accomplish the jumps successfully," says Nicholas with a glimmer in his eye, adding that being airborne and the excitement of the competition adds to the adventure of racing.
Once donned in his motocross racing apparel, consisting of a helmet, gloves, goggles, boots, neck and knee braces, chest protector, jersey and pants, it is difficult to recognize this master of the track. However, the chosen number 92 is a give-away. As a role model to many children, Lesko is aware of his actions in public. He wears his appropriate racing gear, has a professional disposition, offers a display of true sportsmanship and exhibits great public relations.
At the year-end banquet held by the Canadian Motosport Racing Club, Lesko received the second place trophy in the 85cc age 12-16 category and placed third in the Supermini category.
One of the highlights outside of personal racing of the past year was his trip to Toronto to watch the Monster Energy International Supercross race in March.
"It was a Christmas gift and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to watch some of the best professionals in the sport of motorcross racing, including my two role models Ryan Villopoto and Adam Cianciarulo," says Lesko with a twinkle in his eye.
The journey of taking a child with racing potential to provincial level is a costly venture for parents, but Ryan and his wife, April, share the passion and encourage Nicholas' desire to compete and reach his potential goal: to capture the provincial title, while achieving his personal best and remaining humble.
