American Motorcyclist for Kids May 2026

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CONTENTS

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10 INTRODUCTORY LETTER

20 KanNON Zabojnik

33 Speedway stars

A welcome to the 2026 American Motorcyclist for Kids magazine

Record-setting Kannon Zabojnik is making a name for himself

Brady Landon and Nick Hohlbein excel in overseas competition

12 DO WHAT YOU LOVE

22 Bodie Paige

34 Staff Highlight

Mitch Boehm on making a career out of what you love to do

Multi-talented Bodie Paige enters rarefied air with racing prowess

The journey of AMA Motocross Manager Willy Browning

13 AMA-ZING EVENTS

26 Cunningham twins

36 KIDS’ BIKES ‘n’ BITS

All the can’t-miss, kid-centric events to attend in 2026

Tyler and Dylan Cunningham make professional leap together

Some gear we think every young motorcyclist will enjoy

14 Yumena Berning

28 Ryon Land 20

38 Final Message

10-year-old phenom Yumena Berning is blazing her own trail

Ryon Land becomes second American to win trials world title

Thank you for reading and how to submit your own photos

18 RAYCIN KYLER Q&A

32 NEXT UP!

Get to know the history-making motocross star

Next Gen Mototrials is helping the next wave of trials riders

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On the Cover Motocross sensation Yumena Berning in action at 2026 Spring A Ding Ding.

Cover shot by Willy Browning.

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contributors

AMERICAN

MOTORCYCLIST FOR KIDS

Joy Burgess

With nearly 20 years of editorial and marketing experience, Joy Burgess has worked to support youth and women riders throughout every step of her career.

Now the AMA’s director of marketing & communications, Burgess continues to uplift riders of all backgrounds, and was the driving force behind the AMA’s Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month.

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As one of moto-journalism’s most noteworthy figures, with more than 50 years of experience in the industry with stops at Motorcyclist, Cycle World and American Honda, Mitch Boehm has served as the editorial director of American Motorcyclist since 2021. “Our goal is pretty simple,” he says. “Build the most compelling, informative and entertaining magazine we can each month.”

JACK EMERSON

Working as the AMA’s marketing and communications specialist, Lauren Kropf arrived at the AMA in 2022. Although she never had experience riding motorcycles prior to her arrival, years of service to AMA members and exposure to the world of motorcycling inspired her to officially join the community and get her motorcycle license, which she secured in 2024.

MITCH BOEHM Although new to the moto-journalism scene, Jack Emerson has dived headfirst into the world of motorcycles since starting at the AMA in 2023.

Jack works as the AMA’s communications manager, helping spread and share the overall message and mission of the AMA.

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lauren kropf

KEATON MAISANO

After writing about athletes that scored touchdowns and hit home runs, Keaton started telling stories about young and old motorcyclists who claimed trophies and accomplished great feats outside the track.

He arrived at the AMA in 2021 and now serves as managing editor of American Motorcyclist. He has enjoyed telling the stories of all who call the motorcycling community home.

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WELCOME TO

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST

FOR

KIDS MAGAZINE W

elcome to the third installment of American Motorcyclist for Kids magazine, and happy AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month!

This magazine will detail incredible feats accomplished by the young stars of motorcycling, tell the tales of veteran motorcyclists who found a career doing what they love and so much more awesome stuff!

American Motorcyclist for Kids is just one component of the larger TAKDBM celebration, which runs the entirety of May and aims to empower and inspire the next generation of motorcyclists.

And while we authors are biased and hope you enjoy this magazine many times over, we also encourage you to get out there and make memories of your own on two wheels.

Invite others to ride with you, share your experiences and help us make this the best TAKDBM yet!

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do what you

RIDING MY HON DA XR75 D URING 1973 AND ’74 CHANG ED MY LIFE IN A BIG WAY. TH AT’S M Y FOUR-L EGGED FRIEND , GINGE R, BEHIND ME.

LOVE

BY MITCH BOEHM

ere’s something I figured out a long time ago, back when I was about your age: If you love something — really, truly love it — you can build your whole life around it.

I was 12 years old when I walked into a local motorcycle shop that had done some work on my Honda XR75 and asked if I could help out. The place was called Cleveland Motorcycle Supply, and it was right down the street…maybe two miles from home.

I didn’t get paid, not really.

Sometimes the manager, Dale, would hand me five bucks from the register if I swept the floors or fixed a flat tire. But honestly? I didn’t care about the money. Just being around those bikes — the smell of engine oil and rubber, the sound of engines firing up out back…that was enough.

The following two summers changed everything for me. I went from “kid who likes motorcycles and raced motocross” to “kid who knows this is what he wants to do.” And I never looked back.

I worked in bike shops through college — first selling parts, then helping manage the service department — and eventually, after college, landed in the world of motorcycle media, writing about the sport I love.

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I’m still doing it today.

Here’s what I want you to think about: You’re going to grow up and work someday. Everyone does. So why not do something that makes you excited to get out of bed? If you love motorcycles — or any sport, any craft, any passion — there are real jobs out there waiting for people like you.

Love getting your hands dirty? Motorcycle mechanics are in huge demand, and earn great money. More of a people person?

Dealerships need folks who are good with customers. Like writing or making videos?

The media side of motorcycling is always looking for creative people who know the sport and actually ride.

The trick — and this is the big secret — is to find a life that suits who you already are, instead of trying to squeeze yourself into something that doesn’t fit. When your work lines up with the stuff you care about, something amazing happens: It stops feeling like work! I’ve had hard days, frustrating days, days when nothing went right. But at the end of them, I was still doing what I love. And that makes all the difference.

So whatever it is that lights you up — start now.

Volunteer. Ask questions. Hang around the people who do what you dream of doing. You’d be surprised how far a 12-year-old with a broom and a big dream can go.

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G N I Z S T N A E V M E A of the store for 2026 e m o s t A look ga AMA events in excitin

ROOF SYSTEMS AMA FLAT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY ALL BALLS RACING

LOCATION: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio DATE: July 24–26 Motorcycling’s most thrilling event returns in the summer of 2026!

Whether you’re a beginner or have been riding for a while, there are so many fun things to do at VMD. Kids as young as 4 can show off their skills on the racetrack, attend the amazing Wall of Death stunt show and enjoy additional kid-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Visit vintagemotorcycledays.com/ for more details!

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME EVENTS LOCATION: Event Center at Violet Woods and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio DATE: Sept. 10 & TBD Celebrate the new class of Hall of Famers at the Event Center at Violet Woods with the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where motorcycling legends will be honored. Be on the lookout for our Fall Bike Night, which includes an open house of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and many other activities on campus!

Visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/induction and AmericanMotorcyclist.com/bikenight for more details.

AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP LOCATION: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

DATE: Aug. 3–8 Don’t miss the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, where riders tear up the track at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. With racing opportunities for riders of nearly all ages and a wide range of classes, you will want to attend this event!

Learn more at mxsports.com/event/amateur-nationalmotocross-championship.

What different activities does AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days have to offer?

A) Swap Meet B) Racing C) Wall of Death D) All of the above Answer – D

PERMCO AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS PRESENTED BY TURN 14 DISTRIBUTION

LOCATION: Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill. DATE: July 5–10 Put your flat track skills to the test at the iconic Du Quoin State Fairgrounds!

There are plenty of classes for kids to compete for AMA National No. 1 plates and overall championships, so strap on your steel shoes and take to the dirt track!

Go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/scheduled-events/ ama-flat-track-grand-championship/ for more information!

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rnedu t r e c n g -old da

nin r e 10-year B a n e r Yum dirt bike ory on t s i h g n i is mak els two whe

, Y A Y !

A N E M YU

B Y K E AT O N M A I S A N O PHOTOS BY FOTO FINISH FOTOGRAPHY AND MICHAEL VIZER

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t the 2025 AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship, Yumena Berning stood somewhere no girl had ever stood before: on an open class podium at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.

“It was very, very cool,” Yumena said, “but I try not to brag about it or anything. I just try to process it super quickly and be ready for the next moto, because it doesn’t matter who I race against — girls or boys — I want to beat them all.”

When the dust settled at the event, 10-year-old Yumena finished second 14

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in the 65cc (7-9) Limited class and third in the 65cc (7-9) class.

Going into the 2025 event, Yumena had never finished better than 20th at Loretta’s. However, the lack of success only motivated Yumena to work even harder, and she showed up more prepared than ever.

“Years prior, we put in the work,” Yumena’s mom, Cynthia Berning, said, “but we didn’t necessarily have anything to show for it, and that was okay, because we knew there was a bigger goal. We knew that we saw her development and growth. It wasn’t

about the win.”

“To us,” Cynthia continued, “what’s been really exciting about moto is it’s not just about winning, it is about growth. When that growth matches the win, it’s really exciting.”

While Yumena’s motorcycle beginnings can be traced back to the pandemic, when the active Berning family was looking for something Yumena could do, her foundation is largely in dance. Cynthia owns a dance studio, so Yumena trained and danced com-

petitively in her early years.

Yumena still dances to this day but has left the competitive side of dance to her sister, Yumiko. Although it might not seem like it, her dance background has helped Yumena on the track.

“For dance, you try to keep yourself flexible,” Yumena said. “Whenever I work out, I get really tight because I’m lifting heavy weights. Whenever I go to dance, I stretch a lot, so when I’m on the bike, I don’t feel tight or anything.”

With her unique background and

desire to improve her skills on two wheels, Yumena has big dreams for what she wants to do in the future.

“My very long-term goal is to be the first female to be in a night race and win a championship,” Yumena said. “For next year, my goal is to win both classes at Loretta’s and every race I go to in the 10-11 class.”

If Yumena’s work ethic and passion are any indication of what’s to come, more success and history seem to be in the cards for the up-and-coming star.

RIGHT: PROUDLY DISPLAYING THE HARDWARE...THAT’S DAD (RYAN), MOM (CYNTHIA) AND BROTHER KAITO, WITH YUMENA OUT FRONT. LEFT: YUMENA IN HER RACING GARB AND SISTER YUMIKO IN HER DANCING OUTFIT.

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READY. SET. GO. Start them off right with Honda’s CRF/F line of trail bikes, from the beginner-friendly CRF50F to the new CRF300F, and build confidence with Honda Rider Education Centers and off-road training.

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SCAN TO LEARN MORE

BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND PLEASE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT. OBEY THE LAW AND READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. PARENTS NEED TO CONSIDER A RIDER’S AGE, SIZE, ABILITY AND MATURITY A M E R I C A N M O T O R C Y C L I S T F O R K I D S • M A Y 2 0 2 6 17 BEFORE ALLOWING THEM TO RIDE. CRF® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2026 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (12/26)

10 n i c y a r Kyler

S N O I T S E QU WITH

S BY PHOTO L VIZER MICHAE R E KYLE AND TH ES ARCHIV

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ho taught you to ride and what bike did you learn on?

I wouldn’t say there was just one specific person who taught me how to ride. My whole family grew up in the motocross world, so when I got my first bike at 6 years old, we all rode together as a family. My first bike was a PW50.

Who was/is your moto hero?

My uncle Dalton Myers was my Moto hero!

What is your favorite motorcycling memory?

My favorite motorcycling memory is winning the Loretta Lynn’s National Championship. It meant everything because just three years earlier, I couldn’t even qualify.

I literally crashed out of every single qualifier, so it reminded me that with hard work and belief, anything is possible — never give up.

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RAYCIN ON HER HORSE NAMED SADIE. BOTTOM: A SIBLING PHOTOSHOOT OF RAYCIN (LEFT), BABY REVIN AND RYDIN. OPPOSITE PAGE: RAYCIN IN ACTION AND CELEBRATING THE TITLE.

What is your favorite non-motorcycling thing to do?

If I’m not on my dirt bike, I enjoy fishing and riding my bicycle.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

“YOUR WAY’S BETTER” by Forest Frank

Out of the animals that you own, which is your favorite?

That’s a hard choice because I love all my animals, but my prairie dog stands out the most. It’s an exotic animal with one of the coolest personalities. Her name is Rippin.

Out of the four seasons, which is your favorite?

Summer is by far my favorite season. I love the water and being outside.

They go hand in hand.

If you could go on a motorcycling trip with two people (real or fictional), whom would you go with and where would you ride?

I’d go ride the sand dunes with two of my all-time favorite riders, Travis Pastrana and Jorge Prado. That would be an unforgettable trip.

What is the greatest piece of advice you could give kids today?

Mark 9:23, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Believe in yourself, and never give up when things get tough — those hard days are what make the good ones even better.

You mentioned your dream to open a zoo one day...what would the zoo be called, and what would be your dream animal to have there?

What year was the AMA founded?

A) 1968 B) 2000 C) 1924 D) 1948 Answer – C

I’d name it The Zoo at Ranch 54. We have to keep the family compound name. I love monkeys, so that would be a must but knowing me, I’d probably end up with emus and just about every animal I could get!

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T O H S F O T OU NON N A K A henom p s s o r aking c m o t y o l k m c i g u n You ik is q n j o b a and Z Kannon himself on national or a name f stages l a n o i t a intern

B Y K E AT O N M A I S A N O PHOTOS BY FOTO FINISH FOTOGRAPHY AND FROM THE ZABOJNIK ARCHIVES leven-year-old Kannon Zabojnik has had several goals over the years, but one goal perfectly sums up the success he wants to enjoy in his motocross career: Be so good that all the announcers know how to say my name.

Kannon Zabojnik (pronounced Zab-uh-nick) put together quite the 2025 campaign, which included a 65cc title at the 2025 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and a fifth championship at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the most ever by an AMA 10-year-old rider.

Starting by riding a Stryder at age 1 and then moving to a

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motorcycle — equipped with training wheels, which quickly came off — at 4 years old, Kannon was laying the foundation for a life in motocross.

With a school principal for a mom and a dad who raced BMX, the modern motocross space was a bit of a foreign one for the Zabojniks. But while the sport was largely unknown, it quickly became clear that Kannon had the potential to be special.

“We would go out to the local track, and he was new, but everybody was like, ‘He’s got what you can’t teach him,’” Kannon’s father, AJ Zabojnik, said. “He just wanted to go full throttle all the time. It was never a matter of going fast.

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BOTTOM (FROM L. TO R.): LINDA ZABOJNIK (“BEBOW”), LISA HAAR (“YAYA”), AJ ZABOJNIK (DAD), GREG HAAR (“POPPY”) AND BRITTNEY ZABOJNIK (MOM) STANDING WITH KANNON AND HIS 2025 LORETTA LYNN’S HARDWARE.

It was always just staying on the bike. Everybody seemed super impressed with his natural ability, so then we got him training, and he just progressively got better.”

In 2020, Kannon qualified for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s, and by the same time the following year, the potential seen in training had blossomed into a 51cc (4-6) Limited class title.

With one title under his belt, Kannon and his Cobra motorcycles tallied wins and hardware season after season — winning another Loretta’s title in 2023, two in ’24 and the record-breaking fifth title in ’25. Kannon even went overseas and claimed the 65cc title for Team USA at the FIM Junior Motocross Championship in France.

As Kannon continues to eye more wins at Loretta’s and beyond, the future is bright for the young phenom. With Kannon saying that his goal is to “win everything.”

“Kannon completely drives the bus,” AJ said. “We didn’t grow up in the sport. He’s in the sport completely because he wants to do it. We’re trying to support him as much as we can and as long as he wants to do it. It’s really going to depend on him and his goals.”

If all goes to plan and Kannon is able to accomplish his goals, one thing is for certain: Everyone will properly pronounce the name Zabojnik.

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Bodie Paige

emerges as rising star in flat track and road racing

BY JACK EMERSON PHOTOS BY TIM LESTER A N D J O H N VA R E L A

BEST OF

BOTH WORLDS 22

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n the history of amateur racing, only two riders have captured a pair of Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Awards in one year.

Dallas Daniels became the first rider to do so in 2018 and has since captured a pair of American Flat Track Singles titles and the 2025 AFT SuperTwins championship. As Daniels has emerged as one of the biggest names in the sport, another up-and-comer has etched his name alongside him in the AMA record books.

Meet Bodie Paige, the winner of the 2025 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track and Road Race Horizon Awards.

A native of Australia, Paige has proven his mettle both on the dirt and the asphalt throughout his amateur career.

“Bodie Paige is a terrific kid, and truly exemplifies what it means to be a professional in regard to his work ethic, demeanor and character,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “Winning two Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Awards in one year is an incredibly rare feat, and it speaks to Bodie’s skill as a racer and disposition as an up-andcoming professional.”

Paige enjoyed a remarkable year in 2025 while honing his skills in flat track and road racing, competing at the highest levels of amateur racing in both disciplines.

At the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship in Du Quoin, Ill., Paige battled closely with fellow Aussie Sam Drane

BODIE PAIGE (65) OUT IN FRONT DURING THE 2025 AMA FLAT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP. OPPOSITE PAGE, MIDDLE PHOTO: BODIE POSING WITH HIS NICKY HAYDEN AMA ROAD RACE HORIZON AWARD HE EARNED AT 2025’S AMA ROAD RACE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

For Paige, building his skills on the road race circuit has also made him a stronger flat track racer, and vice versa. “[I’ve applied] just being smooth

with the throttle and keeping the wheels in line,” Paige said. “I think that helps a lot and it has definitely taught me a lot.”

As Paige gets his feet wet in the world of professional racing, starting his blossoming MotoAmerica career earlier this year, he aims to find plenty of success during his rookie season.

“We definitely would like to get some good results,” Paige said.

“We’ll see it as it comes, but I definitely have my eyes set on getting podiums next year and just mixing it up with the boys.”

Outside of Bodie Paige, who is the only other racer to win two Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Awards in the same year?

A) Kody Kopp

B) Dallas Daniels C) Evan Renshaw D) Walker Porter Answer – B

in a number of classes, earning the national title in the Open Heavyweight class.

“We definitely had to overcome some adversity through the week,” Paige said, “and we did.”

Paige also turned in strong performances at the AMA Road Race Grand Championship en route to his second Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Award of the year.

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K C A R T T DIR

E L B DOU LE B U O TR

me way

e profes k a t s n i w her am t Cunningh vigated life…toget a they’ve n O N MAISA BOV AT O N N HAR A G

BY KE A R D Y S B PHOTO

ince their birth on May 14, 2007, Tyler and Dylan Cunningham have done everything together.

And ever since their first birthday when their father, Jason, gifted each boy a PW50, the twins have done everything together on two wheels.

As the boys aged, they participated in all sorts of racing, from East Coast flat track to MiniGP road racing.

Eventually, right before they were about to become teenagers, Tyler and Dylan worked their way back to the familiar discipline of flat track after they explored road racing for

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some time, and the pair has been fully committed to the dirt ever since.

“I fell in love with it ever since I started noticing I could bring home 4-foot-tall trophies when I was on PWs,” Tyler added. “I just loved going to the track and loved racing.”

Dylan and Tyler agreed their relationship is largely supportive, and the competitive nature that existed early on has faded. What remains is a bond in which both brothers hope to perform their best on the track.

This bond and support extend beyond the track as well, with both boys saying they remain in sync in

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RYAN HENDERSON

p the sa sional lea

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: DYLAN (5) GRABBING THE HOLESHOT OVER BROTHER TYLER (2) AT CORY TEXTER’S 2024 WINTER THROWDOWN. OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM (FROM L. TO R.): TYLER, BABY SISTER CALLIE MAE AND DYLAN FOUR YEARS AGO.

Where does the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship take place?

A) Du Quoin State Fairgrounds B) Fairfield County Fairgrounds C) Warren County Fairgrounds D) Illinois State Fairgrounds Answer – A

everything they do.

“We kind of do everything together,” Dylan said. “After school and after work, we go play basketball together, we go to the gym together.

We’re kind of never doing much different. We’re always kind of on the same schedule with each other.

He kind of gives [me] like a permanent friend.”

With many similarities and shared experiences, it came as no shock that when it came to taking the professional leap to American Flat Track (AFT) in 2025, the Cunningham boys once again did that together.

“It’s like you’re going in it, but you’re not going in alone,” Dylan said on what helped ease the nerves of the transition.

As for what’s next for Tyler and Dylan? Well, it’s hard to say anything for certain, but there is a good chance the pair will embrace whatever’s in store as they always have…together.

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e h t G N I H C REA D

E S I M O R P D N LA

d n a L n o Ry istory

B Y K E AT O N M A I S A N O PHOTOS BY PEP SEGALÉS

made h ing by becomsecond just the n to America ials win a tritle world t

t just 15 years old, Ryon Land accomplished something no American had done since 1979.

By winning the 2025 Trial 3 Championship, Ryon joined Bernie Schreiber as the only Americans to win a trials world title.

“It was such a heartwarming moment for me to hear the American anthem and to see the big flag up there on the screen,” Ryon said. “Just being able to feel that I’m an American able to do this is an amazing feeling.”

Ryon’s journey to making history started at just 18 months old, when he started riding a Stryder.

“Ever since I was able to ride trials and understand trials, I knew that it was just something that I wanted as my career,” Ryon said. “I want to become the best in the world.”

Inching closer to his goal, Ryon began training and competing in Europe in 2022. He would quickly win a few trials championships in Spain, and he would ride the momentum into the 2025 Trial 3 season.

Despite plenty of nerves debuting on the world stage, Ryon settled in and dominated the second round in Portugal. With the lead, Ryon did not look back, but the growing lead only added to the pressure.

“Every race he extended his points lead, because he was the only one who consistently finished on the podium,” Ryon’s dad, Dustin, said. “But I could see him getting more and more nervous, even though his lead kept growing.”

When Ryon returned from his final lap at the final round of the Trial 3 Championship, however, the title was officially his, and he got to celebrate with his family and team.

As for his future goals, Ryon kept it simple: “Hopefully to become the TrialGP world champion.”

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THIS IMAGE: RYON IN ACTION AS MINDER MARTÍ TERRICABRAS, LOOKS ON. ABOVE (FROM L. TO R.): DAD (DUSTIN), MOM (SHAWNA), RYON AND BROTHER DALTON.

Inviting all Youth Moto & Off-Road Riders

The Beta 80 Cup is officially here. Designed for the next generation of talent, this premier program is open 10 to 14-year-olds looking to improve their overall riding skills while competing in trials. If your rider has the grit to compete on a 2023 or newer Beta 80 then they’re already halfway to a championship.

Whoever earns the most points across the series will take home a brand-new Beta Evo 80 or Sincro 125.

Scan for more info:

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Italian Crafted Since 1905

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Try Trials A M E R I C A N M O T O R C Y C L I S T F O R K I D S • M AY 2 0 2 6

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!

P U T NEX Next Gen Mototrials strives to cultivate the next generation of trials riders B Y K E AT O N M A I S A N O P H O T O S B Y S T E P H A N I E V E T T E R LY

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hat’s better than getting to watch the brightest stars in trials compete on the world stage? Getting to ride like them, of course, and thanks to Next Gen Mototrials, future trials superstars can do just that.

Next Gen Mototrials — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to empower, foster and support the next generation of trials riders — held an event during the practice round for the U.S. TrialGP event in 2025, with five sections carved out in the woods for the riders to enjoy.

“We hope that everyone in the trials community sees the need for these kinds of programs across the board,” co-founder Adam Blumhorst said. “Many people ask how we keep the sport alive, and in my opinion, these programs and events are the answer.”

Next Gen, the brainchild of founders Blumhorst and Stephanie Vetterly, started half a decade ago to support young trials riders and help protect the sport’s future.

“We took over doing what used to be called the youth nationals,” Vetterly said. “We changed it to these regionals, so we have Eastern, Central and Western regional championships to help support and give youth riders a place to ride, a place to learn, a place to grow in the sport, and kind of lessen some of the hurdles we’ve seen that prevent kids from actually staying in the sport.”

Blumhorst and Vetterly praised the Next Gen Mototrials team and the trials community for the unbelievable support to make the organization what it is today, and the program looks to maintain the momentum into the future.

Go to nextgenmototrials.com to see how you can help or get involved.

32 32 AAMMEERRI ICCAANN MMOOTTOORRCCYYCCLLI ISSTT FFOORR KKI IDDSS •• MMAAYY 22002266

S ’ Y A W D E E P S S R A T S G N I N I SH 025 FIM 2 n i l e c x e Hohlbein pionship k c i N , n o m a nd Brady La y Youth World Ch Speedwa

B Y K E AT O N M A I S A N O PHOTOS BY JESPER VELDHUIZEN

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alifornia teenagers Brady Landon and Nick Hohlbein were a long way from home as they sat on their motorcycles at the speedway track in the Slovenian town of Krško. But instead of dreaming of a return home, they were focused on a different destination: Prague.

Prague was the host of the 2025 FIM Speedway Youth World Championship, an event Brady and Nick had been training for all year and — in some ways — all their lives.

“The desire for each kid is massive,” AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and mentor Greg Hancock said. “You don’t often get American youngsters like this with so much ambition to go so far and leave the comforts of home to go chase a dream.”

In 2024, Brady had climbed the mountaintop in Europe, winning the FIM Speedway Youth World Championship in the SGP4 class. Looking to prove himself at the SGP3 level and continue his impressive trajectory, Brady raced to a third-place finish in the semifinal and secured his place in the finale in Prague.

Nick, who was coming off a heartbreaking finish in the 2024 semifinal, snagged the final qualifying spot to join Brady in Prague for the final.

In the championship round at the end of May, Brady rode to a 12thplace finish and Nick, who contended for the title for most of the night, finished seventh.

“It’s super cool to get to share the experience, get to train with [Brady]. Me and him are super competitive,” Nick said. “We always race each other and practice and it’s super cool to build off of each other. When he gets faster, I get faster. When I get faster, he gets faster.

It’s super cool to do that in training, and doing all that is just gonna help us represent the country better.”

“Obviously, the goal is to win,” Brady said, “but we got some bike issues. It wasn’t one of my best races, but next year will be a lot better…I definitely try to learn from my mistakes. Just kind keep my A M E of RIC AN M O T O R C Y C L I S T F O R K I D S • M AY 2 0 2 6 head up and go get it next year.”

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Born to Ride Built

Team USA at the Pit Bike of Nations at RedBud — twice — winning both times alongside AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ryan Villopoto and Carson Brown.

“It was an honor to be asked to represent my country,” Willy remembered.

“But the amount of pressure I put on myself to win was pretty intense.”

Today, Willy works at the AMA as the Motocross Manager, helping the next generation of riders find their

that bike, and this time, he didn’t stop.

By the time he was 5, he was racing.

Growing up in Ohio, Willy spent his summers chasing races the way other kids chase ice cream trucks. He’d race during the week at county fairs and then hit a different track on Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes his family would drive through the night just to make the next one. “It was just a great time to grow up and race,” he said.

And Willy could really ride. He and raced AMA B Y L A U R E N K R O P F A N D J A Cturned K E Mpro E RatS19 ON Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross and AMA Arenacross for over a decade.

He traveled the world — racing in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and even Estonia.

But some of his proudest moments came on a tiny bike. Willy is the only rider to ever win all three Pro classes at the Minimoto Supercross in Las Vegas. He also represented

to Stay

way. All his closest friends are still the same people he met at the track when he was a kid. That, he said, is the real gift of motorcycles.

“The family that riding and racing have created,” Willy told us, “it’s the best part of motorcycles!”

He’s proof that sometimes the best thing you can do is crash into a garage wall, dust yourself off and get back on. Keep that in mind!

BY JOY BURGESS

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ABOVE: WILLY CATCHING AIR AS A KID. LEFT: OUT ON THE JOB FOR THE AMA. RIGHT: COMPETING IN PITBIKE OF NATIONS.

A M E R I C A N M O T O R C Y C L I S T F O R K I D S • M AY 2 0 2 6

BEN PAUL

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illy Browning was 4 years old the first time he climbed onto a motorcycle. His dad held onto the back fender of a little PW50, the throttle limiter screwed way down so it could only go slow. For a few days, that’s how it went — dad holding on, Willy learning to balance.

Then came the day Willy tried it on his own.

He rode straight through the garage and smacked right into the back wall.

“I was afraid of it for a minute,” Willy said. “I put it up for a little while.”

But here’s the thing about Willy — the itch came back. It always does when you’re meant to ride. He got back on

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S E K I B ’ S D KI TS I B ’ ‘N

D PINT-SIZE FOR PRODUCTS IZED SET S R O I N U THE J

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hether it’s the tube-framed, Tecumseh- or Briggs & Stratton-powered minibikes of the ’60s, or today’s high-tech 50s, 60s, 85s and 100s, the “minibike” has had quite an impact in motorcycling over the decades, teaching millions of young riders the joys of our sport. Here are some extra-cool bikes and parts to check out!

ASV MINICYCLE LEVERS hink about this for a minute: Lots

T of horsepower is great…but if you

can’t control it, it’s not doing you any good, right?

Right!

And here’s where ASV comes in. You know these folks…they’ve been building awesome brake and clutch levers for the pros forever, and you can get their highquality stuff for your mini, too.

Check out the ASV website (asvinventions.com) and you’ll see the wide range of levers they offer, and in a handful of colors and in two sizes — “standard” (6.5 inches) and “shorty” (5 inches), so you can customize your feel. They rock!

THE COBRA MOTO WAY

YOWZA! YAMAHA’S YZ85

THE SSR MINICYCLE LINE

he Cobra minicycle story is amazing in so many ways, and many of you are sure to know the details.

But what really matters is this: Cobra minis are not only designed and built in the U.S.A., they are the most advanced mini racers in the world. And that’s saying a mouthful!

Winners of more than 300 national MX titles, and ridden by the likes of young racers with names such as Tomac, Dungey, Webb and others, Cobra minis are the best of the best, with leadingedge tech and features that will knock your socks off.

See them at cobramoto.com.

amaha’s awesome YZ85 had been around for decades, first as the race-winning YZ80 of the mid-1970s, and now as the legendary, Yamaha-racing-blue two-stroke ripper you all know and love.

From a distance, and thanks to the high-perf technology it packs, you might think the YZ85 is a full-sized bike, maybe even the YZ250, one of the most legendary motocross machines ever.

The key to this YZ, of course, is how all that technology — the powerful twostroke engine, the cutting-edge frame, and plush, long-travel suspension — is sized so perfectly for younger riders.

Take a closer look at yamahamotorsports.com.

S OK with us, but the company’s entire

T

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A M E R I C A N M O T O R C Y C L I S T F O R K I D S • M AY 2 0 2 6

SR calls them “pitbikes,” and that’s

lineup offers tons of high-performance “minicycle” DNA through and through, which means they are definitely worthy of your attention!

You’ve got everything from mildmannered 70cc beginner bikes to riproaring, 125 and 140cc R-Series racers, and just about everything in between.

You’re talking reliable four-stroke engines for the entire lineup, with chassis features such as inverted fork and single-shock rear suspension assemblies, powerful disc brakes, and all sorts of advanced tech.

See the entire lineup at ssrmotorsports. com.

Photos

Call

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outh riders are the future of American motorcycling and Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month takes the time to recognize all of the kids who love to get out and ride! Your love for motorcycles means that our sport and lifestyle will be protected for generations to come.

Whether you love riding dirt bikes with your friends or racing in competitions, there is a home for you here in the motorcycle community and we are so grateful to have you in it.

We want to see you enjoying the sport you love! Send us photos and videos of you riding to submissions@ ama-cycle.org or go to AmericanMotorcy clist.com and click “Take A Kid Dirt Biking Month” under the “Events” tab for a photo submission form.

Thank you for reading this edition of American Motorcyclist for Kids and making TAKDBM a roaring success!

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