Local ATV Motocross amateur Stiles West continues to make a name for himself on the national circuit. The 11-year-old recently laid claim to the Georgia state championship at Aonia Pass MX for the second time in as many years.
The circuit consists of eight races across the nation that operate on a point system similar to Nascar.
“It felt great to win in Georgia because it’s the first time I’ve won two national races in the same weekend,” Stiles said.
He was able to carry that momentum into Tennessee this weekend, where he won another state championship despite less than favorable conditions due to heavy rain.
Stiles’ dad Todd, who serves as one of his lead mechanics, said they have to take many proactive measures to combat those conditions.
“The mud changes everything, especially how the bikes are set up,” Todd said. “We will install a mud kit, install larger tires, and take precautions to protect the radiator and other components of the bike.”
The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) sanctions all events and uses point totals from each competitor’s top six races to crown a national champion. Stiles was crowned national champion in both the 70 open and the 70 automatic circuits last year, a feat he hopes to repeat in 2020.
“I want to win two national championships, making me a three-time national champion,” he said. “That would be huge for me with sponsors and factory support. I also want to support all my teammates, pushing them to be better and put E-Racing in the spotlight.”
Stiles competes in the 8-11 age division and is technically classified as a 10-year-old because of when his birthday falls in the year.
Despite pouring the countless hours and amount of effort that goes into his training and mechanic work, Stiles still likes to keep things in perspective.
“It’s about fun, and winning is the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said. “But where the race track is where my people are, and it’s my extended family and we are growing up together. I get to travel the country doing what I love and spending time with my parents and little sister.”
