It takes nerves of steel, concentration and stamina to race a motorbike against other competitors, but to do it at just eight years old also takes something very special.
Lakes Entrance’s Connor Guillot and his family will cross the Tasman Sea to compete in the Australian Junior Motocross Championship in Penguin, Tasmania, next week.
Connor’s father, Adam, says that he is looking forward to what his son can do on the big stage.
“He has only done competitive racing for a year and a half, but has been racing at local club days for three years now,” Adam said.
“I’m one of these fathers who wouldn’t care if he was coming last in every race as long as he’s having fun. I love seeing him achieve his goals, because he is very competitive. I’m very proud because it’s a very good courage builder.”
Connor rides a KTM 50 XS, which is a race version of a 50cc bike, and his love for motorbikes began at a young age.
“He basically saw my bike in the garage and loved the noise of them and has loved them ever since,” Adam said.
“I got him a bike and he started out on that bike on training wheels at the age of three and he has loved it ever since. He often rides a couple of nights a week and most weekends he has got an event on.”
Connor is a regular at the Bairnsdale and District Motorcycle Club days and loves supporting the local community.
Adam says that his son is very competitive, but always shows great sportsmanship even if he doesn’t cross the finish line first.
“He wants to win, but he is one of those kids that even if he comes last he will still be high fiving the people that did win back at the pits saying well done,” Adam said.
“He shows very good sportsmanship.”
When Connor isn’t racing he and his father are often riding together, which is something Adam will cherish forever.
“I try to ride with him around the paddock and at club days for fun and I’m honestly just looking forward to the experience for him. As long as he is having fun, I’m having fun with him,” he said.
“I think Connor is looking forward to riding against the best racers in Australia and seeing how he can progress from there.”
At such a young age, Connor has already got his eyes set on becoming a professional motocross rider.
“He really looks up to Brad Matheson and idolises him and wants to be just like him,” Adam said.
“Brad helps him out a lot and is a massive role model for Connor.”
Connor is heading into the championship in good form, winning his last three events following a bevy of first place finishes.
PICTURED: At just eight years of age, Connor Guillot will compete in the Australian Junior Motocross Championship in Penguin, Tasmania, next week.
