Nic Jenkins is like many other 10-year-old kids.
But on the weekends, the fifth-grade honor student at Orange Grove Elementary School puts on a different face.
This is his competitive face as a fast-rising motocross rider.
Just two years into the sport, Jenkins has won 66 trophies in 75 races and most recently captured the Spring-Summer Series at Sunshine Speedway in the 85 cubic centimeter intermediate class for ages 9 to 11.
He accomplished the feat despite a broken leg May 30 that sidelined him for the remainder of the series. But because he accumulated enough points early on, Nic held on to edge out his competition for the title.
Nic, meanwhile, is still rehabilitating a tendon in his injured leg. He hopes to be back on the race course some time in September.
“I just can’t wait to get back,” he said.
Nic started with a 50cc KTM bike with automatic transmission. Not long thereafter he advanced to a 65cc full shifter, learning to handle the six-gear shifting process almost instantly. He’s been on his current 85cc bike since December.
Unlike some of his competitors, Nic said he stays focused on his competition and concentrates on winning just before the gate goes up before each race.
Competing and maintaining his bike hasn’t been a cheap venture. But thanks to support from other family members, the Jenkins have a well-equipped trailer with air conditioning to cart Nic’s bike and equipment to area races.
Later on, Nic hopes to turn professional and, as he puts it best, “be the best driver ever.”
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