NAME: Flynn Clayton
AGE: 6
LOCATION: Tauranga
EXPERIENCE: 2 years

- What made you want to get into motocross?

When I was little I was watching AMA on sky and I said to Dad I want to do big “yumps” just like them. Dad helped me get my first bike after a long time of wanting to Yump (Jump).

-What was your first bike and a little about that experience?

My first motorbike was a Suzuki, a yellow one, a DRZ70. It had training wheels because it was too big and heavy for me. Dad used to help me ride it around Pirini’s and Maddix, but I mostly rode it up and down the footpath at home. Dad would put it into gear for me and I would go. I learnt to steer, brake and use the throttle and do skids. I was 3 years old. My favourite thing about my first bike was going fast. I was a little scared though because the bike was too heavy for me but I wanted to do more.

My second bike was a Yamaha Pee wee 50. Dad helped me to learn to ride on my own.

-What was the first thing you learnt when you started riding?

Safety. Always wear my safety gear like helmet and boots.

-What do you still struggle with when you're on the track?

I find it hard to use full throttle out of the corners when there are big ruts. But I've learnt if I go faster it’s better so I don't get stuck, or fall off. The bike skids out when you go too slow but it doesn't if you go faster.

-What is the best tip/trick/pieces of advise you've had so far?

Technique. Looking up and lock my legs in front of the pegs off the start.

Dad and Cody Cooper have been training me. The best thing I have been told to do is to use full throttle so I can get a trophy. My friends Marco, Max and Jax all ride too and I love riding with them and walking the track before racing so we can see the track and we joke about who will be fastest through the corner. The best thing I have learnt to do is to go faster.

-Where do you get your best inspiration/ tips or tricks from right now?

My dad gives me the best advice. Ryan Dungy and Cody Cooper are my favourite riders because they are fast and because Cody teaches me and helps me learn to go faster around the corner. He has also taught me to lean forwards and keep my feet in front of the pegs on starts.

The thing I am best at is starts because I know when the gates are going to drop and lean forwards and when the gate drops I use full throttle and GO! I really want to get the hole shot - I have been close (second) and I am so close to getting it.

What kind of riding do you enjoy doing the most?

I really love the fun rides but I really want to win with racing. I love fun riding and practice because I get to try different things like using more throttle in and out of corners and choose the fastest line.

-What is one piece of advice that you would give other kids who are thinking about getting into dirt bikes?

Look ahead so you don’t crash and look where you want to go.

-What’s on the racing schedule for the rest of the year?

I want to do Summercross and some winter series rounds and lots of practice until the race season starts. When the race season starts I will compete in club championships in Tauranga, Rotorua and maybe Matamata.