For 10-year-old motocross racer Gage Matwiy, the opportunity to compete at the Walton TransCan Grand Amateur Nationals in Ontario has him “really pumped and excited about racing.”
According to the event website, Canadian competitors qualify for the event after riding in Amateur National Qualifiers races. A certain number of spaces are available to each province. There are seven positions for Alberta.
Gage has been doing motocross racing since he was five years old. He first became interested in it because his father participated in the sport. He said the high jumps and speed of it caught his eye.
“I love the adrenaline rush, going fast and doing really high jumps,” he said. He added that he has met a number of his friends through motocross racing.
His mother Natasha Matwiy said he has been racing every weekend since May, in addition to doing physical training focusing on his core muscles. She said motocross racing is a very physically demanding sport.
“I’m proud of him,” she said. “I’m actually that really laid back mom that can deal with all of it without freaking out.”
Gage, who hopes to place among the top five or 10 competitors, said he thinks he was chosen to compete because of his speed and agility.
“I feel really happy.”
Despite his achievements, his biggest goal is to beat his motocross friends in a race, who he said are also skilled racers.
The Grand Amateur Nationals will take place from Aug. 14-19. Gage is looking for a race sponsor, who will have his or her name or company displayed on his bike, jersey, and trailer. He is also looking to fundraise for the trip to Ontario. Those wishing to donate can contact Natasha Matwiy at 403-350-2720.