The McHaneys’ garage is filled with trophies that belong to both of their sons, who earned the awards at motocross races. But the youngest son, Collian—12, but nearing 13—has earned most of them.
Although he’s amassed quite the collection, which has extended itself into the house, it was his brother who brought him into the sport.
“It’s an all-around sport, and it always keeps me in shape,” Collian said.
“And it turns on the ladies,” his father jokingly added, to which Collian nodded in agreement.
Collian, who recently began racing in the 12-to-15 circuit, hasn’t let his age hinder his experience. During a race at Hollister, his lap times were faster than the 450 Novice bikers—and Collian rides a bike that’s two times smaller.
Typically, Collian places in the top three at races, but despite his success, his parents still foot the bill. Still, he was offered a sponsorship not too long ago. The associated responsibilities were too bothersome for him, though, since he would have had to attend five out of 10 competitions a year—which can be time consuming and costly.
Collian is looking to just have fun with motocross right now. When he gets older, though, he plans on becoming a professional.
This article appears in Oct 21-28, 2010.