Just like that, the training wheels came off.
It took no time at all for Elijah Sumner to be riding a pint-sized dirt bike.
By himself.
That led to racing around the track at Dade City Motocross.
And, eventually, that led to winning the 65CC Championship for 7- to 9-year-olds in 2021.
“I couldn’t believe it (that I had won) because we had been working toward it ever since I was 6 or 7 (years old), and then I finally won it and all the emotions broke loose,” the 10-year-old said. “I was just so happy. It was a lot of work.”
The work paid off for the soon-to-be fifth-grader at Chester Taylor Elementary. The championship earned him a 4 ½-foot trophy, a $500 helmet, various other prizes, and a poster of him on the track, riding in his championship run.
“I like to compete with my friends, just trying to win, plus just being on the track,” Sumner added. “I remember being out here when I was little (at age 4) and it was fun, and it’s where I learned the competitiveness.”
Competitiveness comes with the territory in motocross. So does the drive. Because as Andy Sumner, Elijah’s dad, remembers it, he couldn’t hold back his son from motocross racing.
“Back in 2015, when he was still somewhat of a baby, one of my good friends, his son, was racing,” Andy said. “So, I’d just put him on a little dirt bike, and I’d get on and ride it with him. Then I bought a dirt bike and put training wheels on it, and at about 4 ½, he was riding by himself.
“It’s all about the love of racing, with me and my son,” Andy added. “Just that father-and-son bond, just having fun out here racing. He’s got his friends out here, too, ones he’s been riding with for years and growing up together at this track since he was 4 or 5 years old.
“Motocross is a moto-family all the way.”
Elijah’s performance has earned him a handful of sponsorships, because, as Andy puts it, “They say you got to spend $2 million to make a million in this sport.”
Local businesses — such as Dad’s Powder Coating in Zephyrhills, Sunrise Eatery in Zephyrhills, Bullfrog Performances in Zephyrhills and Southern Savage Photography — are taking notice of the young dirt biker and supporting him in his fun endeavor.
“He loves it and has fun with it — that’s the biggest thing,” Andy said. “We’re lucky to have those sponsors and he’s earned it. He cried when he won the championship — was just full of emotion getting his biggest win to date.”
So Elijah is now onto the next challenge, or class, that is. He moves up to the 85CC class, which runs for ages 10 to 15, and features a larger bike and bigger motor.
Elijah knows it’ll be hard work, but hopes another championship will come in no time at all.
“That’s the goal,” said a sweaty, out-of-breath Elijah, as he pulled off his helmet after practice laps at Dade City Motocross. “I’m going to try to win my age group on the 85(CC) now. It’s time for a bigger bike and a harder class — and more of a challenge.”
Dade City Motocross
Where: 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
When: Practices are Thursdays and Saturdays, with races held Saturday nights.
Info: Visit DadeCityMx.com, call 813-781-9569, or email .
Published August 03, 2022
