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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-11-18, Page 31Sports Entertainment Birth & Death Notices Church News The Coderlch Signal -Star Sports Editor -- Gerard Creces email:gsssports@bowesnet.com Wednesday, November 18, 2009 on-line: www.goderichsignalstar.com Photos contributed At left, Sillib idles at the starting line for a race at Gopher Dunes. Above, the spoils of victory - Landen was awarded second place in the Thames Valley Riders tyke beginner fall series. Seven-year-old racer takes motocross points trophy signal -star staff Grand Bend, Walton, Tilsonburg, Pais- ley Auburn, Thamesford, London. Seven-year-old motocross racer Landen Sillib has had quite an eventful summer. But what is it all about? "Just riding my dirtbike," the Colborne student said. He's been doing far more than that, how- ever. Landen placed second in the Thames Valley Riders' tyke beginner fall series, and took a first place in Grand Bend. Sillib said he's been riding dirtbikes for three years and racing for two. He rides a Lem, because "they're fast." Getting into the sport required some ad- justment, he said "just like learning how to ride a horse." Sillib said racing was "kinda scary" at the start, but once you get over the starting line, you get used to it. He said his success is due to plenty of practice - two hours a day - and spends time fixing his bike up in the off-season with his father and mechanic, Mike. "He's a good rider," Mike said about Landen. "He doesn't go more than he should. He has the odd little bump and crash but nothing serious yet." And now, his trophy is nearly as tall as he is. The races are geared to a child's abil- ity, rather than age. In order to advance a division, you have to be able to handle it. Next year, Landen will be moving up to intermediate. He's been clocked at a mean 41 kilome- tres an hour, and said there is nowhere to go but up. "All the way to supercross," he said. When in a race, he said it's important to focus on what is in front of you. The young racer said he keeps an eye out for stones, and looks out for what ruts are the fastest. He also keeps his speed steady and knows where he's going. "I didn't really do anything different," he said of his successes. "I just done the same thing I did all the races, practice a lot." Part of that practice routine involves taking time on his own track. "We built a track this year at grandma and grandpa's place," he said. "That was a lot of work," Mike said. "But it's a lot of fun. You get to meet new friends, and seeing the kids con[peting is interesting" He said at Landen's age, the racing isn't taken too seriously so it is a good chance to work on his skills. However, there are few opportunities for Landen to watch dirtbike racing at home. "Ninety per cent of the time it is on at 10 at night," Mike said. "He's seven he's got school tomorrow." Which is why they appreciate when people get it. Landen has already gotten sponsorship from Dynamic Effects, who helped him rebuild his bike in the spring. "It's greatly appreciated when people like that do help out,"Mike said. In the meantime, Landen is looking ahead to next season, tuning up and get- ting his bike ready for the track, showing with a little torque even a small boy can get big results.