JBER Public Affairs
9/11/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Crowds cheering, event announcers commenting, dirt and rocks flying as tires spin, high-speed sharp turns - these can make a huge impact on a seven-year-old.
For Sgt. Jeremy Hazard, 84th Engineer Support Company (Airborne) wheeled vehicle mechanic, it ignited a passion nothing else ever did. Thirteen years after witnessing dirt bike racing for the first time, he finally got his chance.
"I watched my first super cross during the Alaska State Fair in 2012," Hazard said. "So I decided to join the Anchorage Racing Lions."
Seeing first-hand the high-speed off-road terrain and aerial jumps, Hazard wanted to experience what the bikers were experiencing.
According to the Anchorage Racing Lions website, there are about 300 motocross enthusiast members who race to promote fun, fair motocross racing for all ages.
A few obstacles prevented him joining in 2012. His commitment to the military and preparing for an upcoming deployment halted his dream to try out in the motocross race.
"I wanted to participate in the summer series when I first heard about it, but was always in training," the father of one said. "I was deployed from February to October of last year."
But in the back of his mind, Hazard said he was always on the lookout for the next opportunity to join the summer series. After six months of waiting, he was finally able to join the club this year. Hazard started the 'big bike novice' class, and out of the 25 participants, he ended up taking 1st place in the overall category in the summer series.
"The high intensity and adrenaline are some of the factors why I wanted to join," Hazard said. "It's fun to show your competitive side."
He said his family is supportive of his extreme hobby and only asks him to be careful - ironic, given his last name.
"My wife supports me and all the crazy things I attempt to do, while my family thinks it's pretty neat that I am doing this," Hazard added.
His wife and two-year-old son watched him compete in the 3rd Annual Amateur and Youth Supercross Challenge during this year's Alaska State Fair.
Hazard said that before a race starts, he analyzes his strong and weak area on the track.
"I try to get a mental feel of how I will do at the race," said the Jonesborough, Ga., native. "At the start of the race, I try to visualize getting in front."
Initially, starting at fourth place allowed some of the faster riders to get in front of Hazard and caused him to flip on the first lap.
"The bike has a lot of power, so you have to work your clutch and brakes, and have good throttle control so you don't fall," Hazard said.
With only seven of eight laps to go, Hazard tried to recover his fourth-place position. Focusing on his strong areas and taking one competitor at a time, Hazard finished in 10th place.
Despite his finish, Hazard said he had a good time and advised others who are interested in joining the sport to try it out.
"Even if you do not have a bike, just go out and watch people ride their bikes," the eight-year veteran said. "Talk to other riders and ask about their experiences."
Although he is relocating to his next duty station early next year, Hazard said he hopes to come back again to participate in the summer series and state fair in the future.
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