Two of Terrace’s young dirt bikers conquered the berms with the best in B.C. recently and earned shiny new trophies for their top-standings in the 2016 race series of B.C. Motocross (MCQMX).
Both age six at the beginning of the season, Foster Armstrong took home gold and Colton Scott earned bronze in the 50cc age 4-6 standings after battling it out on provincial dirt Sept. 25 in Kamloops.
“There were a lot of tough, tough competitors out there… fast little riders,” said Colton’s mom Cindy Scott about the provincial championship.
The competition among the young racers, vying for the top 50cc spot was great to watch, added Foster’s mom, Amber Armstrong.
“There were so many people cheering on the young racers,” she said, adding that Foster and another young rider were “neck and neck throughout the race.”
Foster edged out the win in Kamloops, earning first in 50cc class for age 4-6, and earning second place in the 50cc open age category.
Colton has contended at the top all season, and was tied for second in the B.C. standings before the Kamloops championship. He had a tough weekend there, hindered by bike troubles, and earned sixth place in the race. But with his top standings from other races during the series this year, he still earned a proud third place overall.
“He’s been doing awesome — getting seconds all year. He was tied for second coming into round three,” said Scott of Colton’s season.
Talking about his race in Kamloops, she said his bike wasn’t running as well as it should, and he was having a tough time on the corners.
The provincial standings also recorded top standings for Foster’s dad, Mitch Armstrong. He started racing this year, and won first place in the open beginner class.
The whole season has been a great one, said Scott, speaking of how the young boys love dirt biking and are eager to get out on the track. She adds that they are good competitors and friends with their fellow bikers.
“The little kids, if they battle it out, they’ll pull over on the side when the race is done and they’ll fist pump. They are always good buddies even though they race,” said Scott.
For Foster and Colton, the season has been filled with good-natured rivalry, and early on this year the boys fought back and forth for first.
“They had their battles in the beginning of the year,” said Scott, adding that the boys love the competition and challenge of biking together.
“Colton loves to ride with Foster because he pushes Colton,” she said.
As a mom, Cindy said she always feels nervous for her son’s safety during the races, though very few incidents happen, but she also loves seeing their exhilaration and delight.
“I love to see him having fun,” she said, adding that it’s also thrilling to watch.
“I love watching him race, I think I like it more than he does — it’s pretty cool to watch. “It goes by really fast. They are rippin’ around the track, they’re just flyin’… it’s pretty exciting!” she said.