On the right track: Motocross is a family affair for area riders

On a damp and muddy Sunday morning, hundreds of people congregate at Fiddler Creek Motocross track to watch racers speed around corners and soar over jumps. Some come to race, some to watch friends and relatives, but they are all family.

Denise and Liam Philpotts have been involved in motocross for almost 20 years. Originally getting their start in England, the couple is an integral part of the Fiddler Creek MX track in Homer, Neb. Racing is part of the family tradition for the Philpotts’, as not only are Liam and Denise involved, but also their sons Brandon and Kieran.

Family is not just about blood in this sport, as Denise says.

“If you speak to any motocrosser they will tell you about the “motocross family.” We are

all truly one big family at the track. Lifetime bonds and friendships are formed over the season. We will all come together to help each other out, from lending parts to making sure other riders get their bikes, a quick fix to race, to lending out entire bikes to complete their motos. When a rider gets injured we are there for the families, to make sure their family member gets treated without worrying about anything else. We bond over bonfires, food, and lots of laughter after practice sessions and track prep.”

Many racers spend time at the track and travel with one another as the season progresses from March to October.

These bonds lead to a lifetime of friendship, said Kieran.

“I have made some of my best friends at the track. It’s kind of like we are just one big family at the track and nobody wants to see another rider get hurt. I got my first bike when I was around four and I only really started racing when I moved to America, but some of my best memories have been made while I was racing. Fiddler Creek Mx Park is my home track and it was one of the first tracks I had ever ridden at. My family and I have always been a part of that track and brought many friends into racing because of the track. The fact that it’s local just helps so much. We make new friends all the time and just become an even bigger family, but as soon as you get on the track, everyone drops those smiles and gets serious.”

And while the riders may be serious during the race, when the checkered flag comes down, they go back to being part of one big family.