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History Repeating
By Kelly Yancey
Have you ever heard the phrase “living through your children”? Well I believe that my parents surely did to the best of their ability. I have been around the sport for more than 24 years and have seen things change in a big way. I use to race for T-shirts and finisher pins, now days 8 year old kids are racing for salaries and bonuses. It is only natural that parents expect great things out of their children when they are at the national level. However, no matter what level you compete at you will always come across a parent that can’t seem to get a grasp on their anger, screaming or aggressive behavior. I admit I have been guilty of accusing the parent of living through their kid. That was until I have a heart to heart with my mother, but first we will have to start at the beginning.
It seems like yesterday that I entered my first race. It was in 1988, I was 8 years old riding a Honda ATC 70 three-wheeler. I can’t even put into words how nervous I was. My Dad helped me put on my gear while my Mom made breakfast in the camper. I always had troubles with my roost shield and helmet, so he helped snap me in and brushed back my bangs with his hand so I could see through my helmet. The green flagged waved and I was off, I completed 3 of the 4 laps and finished 4th place, don’t ask how many riders were in my class.
After many years of practicing and hard work I had reached my goals, earned a factory ride and was traveling the country with my parents as a professional off-road racer. I competed in nearly 40 events a year ranging from desert racing to motocross. We practically lived out of our RV because we were on the road so much. It was truly the best time of my life that is simply unforgettable.
It wasn’t until now that I realized how much my entire family has sacrificed so I could live my dreams. My Dad sold his prized bass boat so we could buy more bikes. There were times where my parents would wear the same shoes for two years, why? I am sure that to them it wasn’t a priority. Every purchase made was build around my racing program.
My racing career has since ended, I moved out to California and I now run my riding school Kamp KY. I am still at the track every week working with kids and teaching them skills that my father taught me. I never could understand why my parents enjoyed watching me race until I began working with my students and coaching them. A teacher gains a special bond with there students when they are fully trusted, much like a parent does. When I see one of my riders reach their goals I can’t help but be proud of them.
It was the positive encouragement that kept me racing for all of those years. My parents always kept it fun and made sure I had a smile on my face. They made it clear to me, the day I am not having fun we are going to do something else. I think it is important for parents to not make their child feel locked into one sport or hobby. Although you may be supplying the brush and canvas please let them paint the picture because after all they are the ones that have to look at it when they grow up.
The older I get the more I appreciate what my parents have done for my life and current career. My Mother and I were discussing all of the great times we had on the road. I then remembered that my Dad could not be there for my first National Championship because he was working to pay the expenses. It is hard to replace the feeling you get to hear your own father tear up after hearing that I finally did it. I told my mother “thank you for letting me live my dream”, she relied “Thank you for letting us live ours”.
I hope that more kids get to share some great memories with their families much like I did. Remember to keep it fun and be patient. You can’t rush a good thing. Next time you’re on the start line and you are getting ready to lecture Billy of all they did wrong in his last Moto take a deep breath and tell them to have fun and smile!
See you at the Track,
Kelly
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