On TRACK
BY Matthew Leblanc, AGE 16
This essay was selected for publication from an essay contest for students enrolled in On Track School (ontrackschool.com).
H
ave you ever wanted something so passionately that you gave everything you had to achieve that goal? If you want a professional motocross career, it is essential to understand the demands of this sport. These demands have forced many riders to trade the traditional way of life for a full-time motocross lifestyle. It requires extensive physical training and a strong and attentive mind. Physical training includes instruction on and off the bike, such as gym training and other forms of physical workouts, mental training, and motocross and supercross track time. These athletes have to make the healthiest choices to keep their bodies in peak condition for racing, too, including the food they eat. For years, motocross athletes have been putting in countless hours of work each week in order to perform on the weekends. Determination and dedication are a must in this sport.
We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
Subscribe Now
to continue reading On Track
and other premium content from the pages of Racer X magazine
Get immediate access to this issue + 12 more issues
Subscribe or Renew for your FREE 2026 Racer X Calendar! (Subscribe now!)
Already have a subscription?
Login to your Account