MOUNT Gambier youngster Kade McCourt will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at November’s Aus-X Open Supercross and FMX International in Melbourne.
McCourt is one of just 10 lucky riders from across the country selected to take part in the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge at Marvel Stadium.
The eight year old will have the chance to meet some of the best motocross riders in the world and even ride on the same track as his heroes in front of a packed crowd.
McCourt said he can not wait for the experience in a sport he has loved from a young age.
“Yes I am (excited),” he said.
“I have liked motocross since I was two years old.
“I just like and enjoy riding.”
McCourt and the other lucky participants will be able to ride a factory prepared KTM 50 SX, while they get to watch the action from an exclusive pit setup.
They also receive a KTM gift pack, with riding gear and certificates to remember the occasion.
Before the young riders unleash their skills around the world-class track in two practice sessions and a race, they will be able to interact with the KTM Pro riders during a track walk.
Kade’s mum Christie said there was an extensive process to apply for the event.
“There was certain criteria you had to meet,” she said.
“I had to upload his race results, a school report and a letter from his teacher.
“He also had to own an MA (Motorcycling Australia) licence, ride a KTM and be under a certain weight and height to ride the bikes.”
McCourt is a regular rider around the South East motocross scene.
He participates roughly once every three weeks at flat tracks in Mount Gambier, Casterton and Portland.
McCourt said the passion started when he saw the sport on TV, a platform he now uses to follow his his heroes.
“When I was watching it on TV, it got me interested straight away,” he said.
“I now watch Hudson Deegan on YouTube.
“I also like when Kent Collins races at the Finke Desert Race.”
The Aus-X Open will be held at Marvel Stadium on November 30.
It is set to be the largest international event of its kind outside the United States of America.
The likes of Chad Reed and Jason Anderson will fight for glory at the fast-paced event, which doubles as the final round of the Australian and FIM Oceania Supercross Championships.
McCourt and the other KTM Junior Supercoss participants will ride in front of over 20,000 spectators and be televised live across the world.
Christie said the chance to race at the world-class event will be nothing McCourt has experienced before and a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.
“I assume the hills are going to be a bit bigger than the ones he rides on at the moment,” she said.
“I don’t think he will ever get the chance to do something like this again.”
