Rising From Adversity Amateur Scott Meshey Could Be A Future Motocross Champion
The first time I saw an unknown amateur rider that I just knew was going to make it to the big leagues was way back in 1982. That rider was Timmy Ferry. Tim was logging faster lap times on his little Yamaha YZ 60 than half of the 250A class riders, and certainly way faster than I was on my KX 80. Ferry was just a clumsy little red head kid, but he was a natural out on the track. Everyone at the local West Palm Beach stadium track could sense that he was going to be something ‘big’ while watching him rip laps around the track. Sure enough, Tim ‘Red Dog’ Ferry left his local track in Florida and grew up to become a well respected legend of motocross, winning the Motocross De Nations for Team USA, earning factory rides, multiple pro wins, and several titles along the way. There have been dozens of other riders through recent decades that have also risen out of small local tracks, conquering all the odds against them, to become ‘MX greats’. Even the latest multi national champ and motocross sensation, Ryan Dungey, was discovered while racing in the ‘B’ class at Loretta’s.
I have a hunch that fourteen year old Scott Meshey could end up being one of those ‘unknown’ rider’s who eventually becomes a big name in our sport. Scott has true natural talent, and his results at the recent 2012 Loretta Lynn National’s prove he has solid potential. Riding on a ‘highly used’ 2009 KTM 85 (a bike that most of his competitors would not even consider riding as a practice bike), Scott finished top ten in the Supermini 1 class, one of the most stacked and competitive classes at Loretta’s…competing against riders such as Adam Cianciarulo and Stone Edler. Even more impressive is that Scott earned his top ten overall with a broken rear brake caliper. Just like Ferry’s story, fans at Meshey’s local home-track, Sleepy Hollow MX, also took notice of Scott’s natural speed and style. Scott began racing there at just 4 years old on his little Yamaha PW 50 and before long he was winning races. Jere Swarr, the owner of Sleepy Hollow MX, sensed a future champion on his hands and stated, “I’ve been doing this for 30+ years’ and I can tell you that this kid (Scott) is definitely going places”. Scott soon began racing at national events, such as Gatorback’s Mini Olympics, where he finished 7th overall in the 50cc 4-6 stock class. Traveling across the country on limited family resources, Scott continued to hone his skills, racing at other venue’s such as Ponca City and Millville’s Spring Creek, and eventually qualifying for his first Loretta Lynn Nationals. Scott had lots of bad luck his first few times at Loretta’s, but he still managed to squeeze several good results, including a 10th overall in the 85 9-11 modified class… once again on an older bike. Scott also finished 7th overall at the Ponca City Nationals in the same 85 9-11 modified class.
Scott is beginning to mature into a more focused young racer now, working out daily with a personal trainer, and training with several pro’s such as Matt Walker and Travis Preston. Scott’s short term goals are to make a top 5 at this year’s Mini O’s at Gatorback, while also racing smaller events around the country, such as the upcoming Vurb Classic. Scott’s ultimate goal is to win a title at Loretta’s one day and then turn pro. “I will work my magic to get there” said Scott to Chronic MX’s Rocket 88. Scott has caught the eye of several big team’s over the last few years. Team JGRMX offered Scott a ride on their brand new Joe Gibb’s amateur motocross team just two years ago, but unfortunately the souring economy forced Scott’s father to be released from work…and the family’s limited resources proved to be too great a challenge to make that offer a committed success. While Scott’s competitors, like Adam Cianciarulo, pull into the pits in million dollar big rigs with unlimited technology and equipment at their disposal, Scott has had to earn his way and chase them, using whatever equipment was on hand.
Recently, Al Albiker, manager of the newly formed Team AG Motorsports/Kill Cliff/ Cernics KTM, noticed Scott at Gatorback’s Mini O’s. Al reached out to the Meshey’s, who had already contacted him, and offered Scott some much needed help. Al decided to add the ‘underdog’ to his team, and recently described that he has been more than thrilled with Scott’s performance so far. The team will now offer to help Scott with better bikes, along with professionally trained mechanics at the nationals. Scott will be under the tent with several highly talented up and coming riders like Justin Sterling and Jacob Hayes. Other sponsors include Keith Strasinski’s KSR Wheels….the same company that sponsors Mike Alessi. “Scott can face adversity”, said Keith, “He knows how to ride but doesn’t have the resources. I believe in him, and he deserves the opportunity”.
Scott Meshey has earned respect through hard work and by conquering many adversities that so many young talented racers would typically have been unable to overcome, including limited resources and several injuries. ”Scott makes things work with whatever he has. We feel especially blessed that Al Albiker has taken the time to work with him” said Tracey Meshey. Scott is an A student and earned entrance into the National Junior Honor Society. He’s a smart kid, knows how to ride a bike, and is more focused on what he wants than most kids twice his age. Scott says his biggest milestone so far was making it under the top ten tent at Loretta’s and being chosen to ride for Team AG Motorsports. Chronic MX is wishing Scott the best of luck along his journey to more podiums and his quest for motocross stardom. Reporting for Chronic MX, I’m Rocket 88.
