Ladner’s Graeme Laybourn is headed to Texas later this month to take part in the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge.
The eight-year-old will be racing on a motorcycle against other youngsters in a three-lap event at AT&T Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys, on Feb. 20.
Laybourn, one of 15 riders to be chosen, said he’s “excited” to be taking part.
The event “is an invitational Sportminicycle event created by KTM in the mid-90’s as a high-quality intermission exhibition held at Supercross stadium events,” the organization’s website explains.
Laybourn, who said he hopes to become a pro racer, got started in arenacross two years ago and plans to begin racing in an outdoor series this year.
His mom, Samantha Barbera, said he’s “amazingly dedicated” to the sport and practices five and sometimes six days a week.
Laybourn said he likes everything about it, including taking jumps.
“I get big air,” he said.
The young racer has the nickname “Big Air,” given to him by his dad Robin.
He rides a 50cc Cobra, an American racing bike, and will be starting on a 65cc bike this year. Getting to the provincial championships and nationals are some of his goals for 2016.
He recently started getting coaching from Ladner rider Wyatt Waddell.
You can follow Laybourn on Instagram @graemelaybourn21.
