Blake Cox
Blue Springs, Missouri
I have known Blake Cox for eight years now, and have watched him grow from BMX racing to motocross. He is blessed to have a very supportive family who doesn't miss any of his races. He recently moved up from a 1998 Honda CR85 to a 2005 Honda CRF250. This in itself is a big jump that many young riders cannot comprehend or do well at. I think that with more track time and patience, Blake will make it into the pros.
CC: Blake, what do you do when you're not racing?
Blake: I’m a full-time high school student.
CC: Do you have any hobbies other than motorcycling?
Blake: I don't really have any other hobbies other than motocross racing. It is the only thing that has kept my interest and I wish to advance farther.
CC: How long have you been riding?
Blake: I've been riding since 1996.
CC: What was your first bike?
Blake: It was a 1998 Honda XR70.
CC: How many bikes have you owned?
Blake: I've owned seven bikes so far. I just keep wearing them out!
CC: How many bikes do you currently own?
Blake: I currently own three bikes.
CC: What is your primary bike?
Blake: It's a 2005 Honda CRF250.
CC: What do you like most about this bike.
Blake: It's just an all around great bike. You can buy this bike straight out of the crate and go racing. That's why Honda CRF models are so popular in this sport.
CC: What is your dream bike?
Blake: I would like one of Team Honda's bikes because they use only the best components on their bikes, which are very expensive and most dealers have to special order.
CC: What is your most memorable riding experience?
Blake: My first 125cc race, because I moved up to a bigger bike and took third place out of 20 riders.
CC: What is your least memorable riding experience?
Blake: The last time I raced my CR85. I went to Kohoka, Missouri to race, and when we arrived, two inches of rain had fallen the night before. During warm ups, I blew the engine on my bike because of the mud. I had to borrow my friend's practice bike and came in fifth overall.
CC: Do you belong to any motorcycle clubs or organizations?
Blake: I belong to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Honda Red Rider Club of North America.
CC: What motorcycle events have you attended lately, and which is your favorite?
Blake: I really enjoyed riding in the 2005 Cycles n More Hale ArenaCross in Kansas City, Missouri.
CC: I know you're not old enough to drink, but have you attended any of the local bike nights?
Blake: No, but I've been wanting to go to Paddy O'Quigley's for bike night with the Cycle Connections team. They seem to know everybody.
CC: Do you have any tattoos?
Blake: My Mom is really cool, but I decided to wait a little while so I don't make her mad.
CC: That's probably a good idea! So, do you prefer riding in a group or by yourself?
Blake: I prefer riding in a group, because we push each other to ride better and gain confidence.
CC: Who are some of your closest riding buddies?
Blake: Joey Stevens and Scott Gebken.
CC: Just for fun, which of your riding buddies is the best rider?
Blake: No comment because of my racing status.
CC: Just for fun, which of your riding buddies is the worst rider
Blake: My Step Dad, Greg!
CC: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Blake: I enjoy riding and racing because of the thrill, and it helps me to stay focused when life gets rough. High school is very stressful these days and racing lets me focus on myself and helps relieve stress.
CC: Blake also told me that one of his goals in racing is to finish in the top five at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. He wants to become pro someday, whether it's local or national Pro II, and is determined to win at least one big national in his amateur career. When he is older, he would like to build motors for some of the fastest riders out there.
Blake, all of us at Cycle Connections want to thank you for this interview and we hope that your dreams come true in your racing career. Racing is not a cheap sport and requires a lot of time and money. Having the support group you have is definitely to your advantage. I am very proud of you and I know that with your talents and the right sponsor, you'll make it big someday!
By Dave Miller
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