Courtesy Photo
RANGELY | Rangely has some incredibly talented young people and 11-year-old sixth-grader Drew Zadra is no exception. Zadra is shaking up competitive motocross regionally and has big goals for himself. He is the son of Mike and Heather Zadra and the grandson of Bill and Phyllis Zadra and Karen and Lee Stanley, all of Rangely. Drew began racing when he was 6 and has had an incredible passion for it ever since.
“I love seeing his heart for the sport, the bikes, and the friends he’s made at races over the years. He’s created this camaraderie by genuinely wanting to meet other racers and by deciding to see them as more than just competition,” Heather said.
Drew recently competed in Rock Springs, Wyoming, on his 2017 Yamaha YZ85 in the RSMX (Rock Springs Motocross) Round 2 Winter Series. On Saturday he placed first in his age group (8-11 85cc) and on Sunday second in the 10-16 supermini class. Drew races in Wyoming regularly throughout the year, but has also competed in Ogden and Price, Utah.
His ultimate goal is to become a professional motocross rider. He plans to get there by continuing to practice and work for it at every race. His words of wisdom to others? “It’s really fun. You have to work hard to get to where you want to go. You have to work hard to compete. But when you cross the finish line, it’s really rewarding.”
Drew’s success has been a team effort and he would like to thank the people who’ve made racing possible for him including the Zadra and Stanley families. Additionally, Scott and Keely Ellis, NAPA Rangely Auto Parts, the Coombs family, Big D’s, the Rector family, Jerry LeBleu and York Motorsports have supported him since he started racing. Scott Ellis has been Drew’s mentor and an inspiration for him. He’s been incredibly encouraging and helpful, having competed in the sport for many years himself. Ellis helped build a track, gives advice on how to improve Drew’s riding and helped cover racing fees. “It’s been a great relationship for Drew for quite a while now,” Heather said. Drew’s motocross career has just begun but we are sure to see many more successful years to come from this up-and-coming young motocross athlete.
By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
