Nicholas Lesko has a passion for motocross racing despite only have completed his second year of the sport.
In a recent interview with the 11-year-old motocross athlete, it was evident to see his enthusiasm as he explained how his season of 11 races permitted him to accumulate enough points to place seventh overall in the 65cc category and fifth overall in the 85cc category.
Nicholas, who lives in Big River, but has family ties to Hafford, participated in the 11 scheduled races held throughout the province from Coronach and Swift Current to Unity and Lloydminster. By attending all the circuit events, riders accumulate participation and placement points resulting in the overall placing.
With each race, Nicholas accumulates more experience that he contributes to achieving personal bests in his category. He will carry this experience forward into next year as he advances into the 85cc class with the 12- to 16-year-olds.
Nicholas participated in the 2012 season using a 2009 2-stroke 85cc Suzuki and a 2007 2-stroke 65cc Kawasaki to compete in the seven- to 11-year age group. The number of entries for each race varied from seven to 25, 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 only two factors that would result in a postponed event.
The 2012 season did encounter many wet and rainy days however, in the events where the races were not cancelled, Nicholas noticed a pattern.
"When the course was wet and muddy, I seemed to do well and would place in the top five," commented Nicholas. The aspiring rider received five trophies over the course of the season. This was quite an accomplishment and advancement over his previous racing year.
His favourite race day in the 2012 season was in Regina where he thoroughly enjoyed the airborne feeling as he crested the hills making the jumps.
"It was so fun," commented Nicholas with a glitter in his eye, totally admitting that being airborne and the excitement of the competition adds to the adventure of racing.
The second season has not been just about racing but also about responsibility. Nicholas was quick to identify that he has taken the initiative to act responsibly and use some of his money for maintenance and repair of his racing bikes.
Once donned in his motocross racing apparel consisting of a helmet; gloves; goggles; boots; shoulder, chest, elbow and kneepads; jersey and pants, it is difficult to recognize this master of the track. However, the chosen number 717 is a give-away. It is with awe as I viewed segments of video of this young lad riding the course.
"Being airborne, the excitement and competition," were the answers given by a smiling 11-year-old Nicholas Lesko when asked what he likes best about the sport of motocross racing.
Nicholas' five-year-old sister Joclyn admires her brother and he can't help but chuckle when he recalls her comment about 'one day she will compete against him in a race and win'. As a role model to many children, Nicholas is aware of his actions in public. He wears his appropriate racing gear, has a professional disposition and displays true sportsmanship.
A good rider has balance, judgment and good timing. Nicholas has proven these traits throughout the season, which concluded with a year-end banquet in Regina. The year-end banquet, held by the Canadian Motosport Racing Club, recognizes the overall placement of the club members. Nicholas received the fifth place trophy in the 85cc age 7-11 category and placed seventh in the 65cc age 7-11 category.
Next year? Nicholas acknowledges the fact competition will be more difficult next season as he climbs into the next age bracket. Even though his competition will have more physical body strength and more experience, Nicholas remains focused and his goal and passion is set on achieving his personal best. This novice rider plans on replacing his 65cc bike with another 85cc for competition and to also compete in the super-mini category.
