A Nanaimo racer was able to make it around the tight turns of arenacross and excel.
Sebastian Sulyok of Cedar placed third this past fall in the Canadian Arenacross Championship series.
He moved up to the 65cc seven-to-nine-year-old division, which was a noticeable difference.
“Now, at this level, these kids are somewhat expected to jump the bigger obstacles,” said Steve Sulyok, Seby’s father.
The family travelled to venues around Western Canada on the eight-round series and saw a “phenomenal” calibre of racing.
“The level of competition is exponentially growing,” Steve Sulyok said. “These kids are coming up from the States now, the kids are coming from Alberta, they’re coming from out east, as well.”
Sebastian’s top finish was a second in Cloverdale in early November, and a third-place result during the final weekend in Chilliwack helped him secure his third-place plate. There were 19 other participants in the series.
One of Sebastian’s strengths this season was his starts, known as ‘hole shots’ in motocross.
“He’s really dialled that in with loads of practice…” Steve said. “Especially in an indoor race, there’s not a lot of places to pass; there’s not a lot of places to make your move if you’re charging. That’s been a huge part of his success, is getting out and getting out early.”
After that, it can be a bit of a battle out on the track. Contact is against the rules – kind of.
“It’s nose to nose, tire to tire, elbow to elbow,” Steve said. “It’s the roller derby of motocross.”
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