ST. GEORGE — Gunner Burnson has been riding bikes for nearly his entire life.
The 8-year old from Hurricane will get to show off his skills Saturday night in Tampa, Florida, at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.
“I’ve raced in Las Vegas, in Anaheim, in St. George, now I’m going to Tampa,” Gunner told St. George News Tuesday before leaving for Florida. “It’s going to be pretty fun.”
The race is part of the KTM JR Program, which introduces young riders to the sport through competition and participation in events.
A series of 10 races is held across the country. The winners of those 10 races then gather for a championship round, which this year will be held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on May 13.
Saturday’s race at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is the sixth in the series of 10.
“My goal is to try to get first so I can go to Salt Lake,” Gunner said. “It’s really exciting. From one to 10, it’s a 10 for sure.”
Gunner’s dad Peter Burnson is his coach and bike mechanic.
“He normally gets my bike ready — sometimes I help with tire pressure,” Gunner said. “He tries to find me a good spot in the starting line and get my bike all prepped up. He’s a good coach.”
Gunner said he’s excited to see the track and race at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday night. The marquee event is expected to draw upwards of 50,000 fans.
Gunner is already working through his strategy to navigate the track.
“I’ll be in the No. 14 gate,” he said, describing his position on the start line. “It starts with a quick left turn so I hope to get inside and get in the lead.”
Gunner’s dad will be on the track with him and his mom, Janis, and brother, Pistol, will be cheering him on.
“Absolutely we are all going,” Janis said. “No way would we miss this.”
Janis said the family has lived in Hurricane for about two years.
Gunner is a third-grader at Coral Canyon Elementary. He said his favorite subjects are math and science. He plays other sports like baseball and basketball.
“All the sports are fun,” he said.
Live race results on Saturday night will be posted here. A highlight show will stream on the Peacock Network.
Photo Gallery
Gunner Burnson after finishing a recent race, date unspecified | Photo provided by Janis Burnson, St. George News
Gunner Burnson at a recent dirt bike race, date unspecified | Photo provided by Janis Burnson, St. George News
Gunner Burnson lines up in the gate for a dirt bike race, date and location unspecified | photo by Peter Burnson, St. George News
Gunner Burnson stays focused in a dirt bike race, date and location unspecified | photo by Peter Burnson, St. George News
Gunner Burnson catches air in a dirt bike race, date and location unspecified | photo by Peter Burnson, St. George News
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