ROCK SPRINGS — For 8-year-old Rock Springs resident Nieko Chavez, motocross racing is already his way of life.

Nieko, the son of Carlos and Jessica Chavez, has been racing competitively since he was 4 years old.

“As soon as you could ride, you pretty much starting racing,” Carlos said to Nieko.

It may be no surprise to those who know Nieko, that he recently took second place at the KTM Junior SuperCross Challenge.

Nieko said he loves racing, hanging out with friends, and battling with other racing to get a better position. Battling is when you pass someone and then they pass you back, Nieko explained. It’s something he just loves to do, which is why he and his family travel almost every weekend for him to compete.

Carlos said not only does Nieko race locally, but they also have a race series they follow, which race in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming.

When Nieko and Carlos heard about the KTM Junior SuperCross Challenge put on by Monster Energy Supercross, Nieko decided to apply.

In order to get into this race the 7 to 8-year-old competitors, from around the world must submit resumes, videos of their racing, and their grades from school. Only 15 riders were selected to attend this race, which took place at the Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA.

“It was just pretty lucky to get picked for it,” Carlos said.

Carlos said it’s pretty neat to be selected for this race because his son got to meet other 7 and 8 years old kids from not only around the country, but from France, Ireland, and Canada.

Once at the race, the competitors are treated like professionals. They had their own semi trailer, pit, and mechanics.

“It kind of gives them the day of living the life of a pro rider,” Carlos said. Nieko also had the chance to hang out with pro riders in the KTM tent and they even signed autographs for the crowd.

The Race

In the Junior Supercross, kids race electric 50cc KTMs that are provided by KTM. During an intermission of the pros race, the junior riders race takes place on the same track.

“It’s on TV and everything,” Carlos said.

Nieko said he drove around the track three time. The first was to get a feel for the track, the second was to try and improve his time, and the third time was the actual race.

Nieko, who’s probably already raced in more than 100 races, was ready.

When the gate dropped, he was the first out of the gate and the first one to make it to the first corner, earning him the KTM Junior Racing Challenge Holeshot Award trophy, and a $100 check from Wells Fargo.

Nieko was in first, but he had a slide out and three other riders passed him. Nieko didn’t give up. He battled back and passed the third-place rider.

As they were nearing the finish line, the second place racer’s bike stopped. Nieko flew by the racer to claim second place. He was so excited. Only first through third-place racers receive trophies and get to stand on the podium.

Nieko was still excited about his trip and cannot wait to get back on his bike for more racing action.