COLE PARKER YAUCHZEE-AUGUST RIDER OF THE MONTH

 Our first rider of the month is Cole Parker Yauchzee, a seventh grader at Byron-Bergen School. Cole has been running at the Medina TT for as long as I can remember and has been tearing it up. I was able to talk to Cole about a few things and had an interesting conversation with this courteous young man. Our interview took place a few days after the third race of the season which was a tough day for everyone. He likes riding Medina because it is one of the only TT’s in the area but mostly because it’s where all his friends are which makes it more fun. Another track he likes to ride is a cushion half mile in Circleville, Ohio. One of his racing goals is to run the Springfield mile someday and he is looking forward to doing well at the Amateur Nationals in 2009.

One of his favorite riders is Chris Carr, seven time national GNC title holder. He has spoke to the former champ in the past and Cole liked that he was very approachable and eager to talk with the kids. Another favorite rider is our own former champion RJ Overholt. Cole says that RJ has helped him a lot through the years with advice on how to best ride Medina which has helped his riding skills progress.

 I saw he’d had a rough day Sunday and had a few spills which doesn't happen too often, stating he was feeling a little sore but was ok. Cole is currently riding a 2004 Yamaha 125 and is also making his debut on a borrowed 2005 Yamaha 250 this year thanks to Brian Newman. These crashes were nothing compared to one he took in his own backyard with the late Chris Miller and Jeremy Higgins. Racing on a 60cc his dog ran out in front of him causing him to go over the bars and was ran over by Chris which caused his left arm to get broken. Sounds pretty bad but I hope this is as bad as it ever gets for Cole.

Cole likes more than just racing, although he loves going fast and battling with the other riders. For summer he plays in a JV Basketball League playing the position of wing & point guard. He plans on playing football in the fall, basketball and soccer for his school.

Cole would like to thank the following sponsors for helping him with his racing program: Sunnyside Cycle Sales, L.L.C., D.C. Enterprises, Brian Newman, HAS Racing, RLJ Engines, Oury Grips, Radio Shack, LeRoy Pizza Landing, Grandma & Grandpa, Mom and Dad.

Look for Cole in the pits on race day and tell him Good Luck!