Racing toward his dream: Woodlands teen qualifies for amateur motocross championship

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands' Tucker Luinstra just made his dream come true.

The 16-year-old dirt bike racer has qualified for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 37th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by Lucas Oil, to be held this August at the historic Loretta Lynn Ranch in Tennessee.

"This is where kids sign pro contracts," said Tucker's father, Mike Luinstra. "This is where you make deals."

Tucker took on more than 22,000 hopefuls from across America to earn one of just 1,446 qualifying positions.

“The Amateur National at Loretta Lynn’s is the best of the best moto-crossers in America and around the world," said Director of MX Sports Tim Cotter. "Just being here makes you an elite racer and a top athlete. A solid finish at Loretta's would you give you instant National recognition and a possible professional career."

The race runs July 30 through August 4. Tucker, who will be a junior this year at The Woodlands High School, is preparing for the big event by spending more than 25 hours a week on his bike.

"I still have some work to do," Tucker said. "I have to get faster."

Tucker is among the top 42 fastest riders in his class.

Motocross is not only about speed. The course in Tennessee contains a variety of jumps, corners and other obstacles designed to test the skills and stamina of the racers. Racers compete in three 15-20 minute races over the course of the week per class. Tucker will compete in the 250C Limited and 450C classes.

Tucker, around age 7, on a Cobra 50. He now rides a Kawasaki KX250F.

Tucker got his first dirt bike when he was 6-years old.

"My dad used to race and then he stopped," Tucker said, "but my uncle still rides."

Mark Luinstra races in the +50 Master's class.

Most of America’s top professional motocross racers, including James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Travis Pastrana and Ryan Dungey, have won AMA Amateur National titles at Loretta Lynn's.

"It's a brutal sport, as far as conditioning," Mike said.

Indeed, Tucker has had a few broken bones along the way, including his shoulder and hand.

"It's part of the sport," Tucker said. "I love the adrenalin and conquering new things."

Tucker is sponsored by Sherman Powersports, MCG Racing, Answer, 100%, Sidi, ODI, DT1 Filters, Mobius Braces, Bell, Matrix Concepts, and Factory Seat. His coach is Rodolfo Fernandez.

Tucker said he couldn't do it without the support of his family.

"They have sacrificed a lot for me," Tucker said. "They pretty much give me everything I need to be successful."