Reason For Being

Some people are afraid of black cats. Others might worry about walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, or opening an umbrella indoors, as many consider such actions as a precursor to bad luck. As motocross racers, we’ve probably all had our own versions of superstitious beliefs and rituals, like which boot to put on first before riding, pulling a tear-off on the starting line, never walking on a wheelchair parking spot, or maybe all of the above. Most popular among racing superstitions is probably the idea that #13 is bad luck. That’s the topic of former pro Blake Wharton’s feature in this issue, which begins on page 80. Blake would know—he’s the only rider in AMA Supercross history to win a main event wearing #13 (appropriately enough at the 2013 Houston 250SX).