Tyler Hopkins didn’t find immediate success when he started racing motocross in 2014, but now he’s a six-time AMA amateur motocross class winner from major series. He won all six titles in 2019.

The resident of Wise, Va., raced in six AMA-sanctioned motocross events before 2018. In the past two years, he started 75 motos in the 250 C and Open C classes and amassed seven victories, 32 podium appearances and 45 top-five finishes.

Hopkins said his first motocross race was April 19, 2014, at the Appalachian Fairgrounds. He described it as “a mess.”

“From what I remember, I was late to the gate for one moto,” Hopkins said. “In one of my last motos, I whiskey-throttled (when a rider panics and loses control) over a berm and hit a fence. It was a wild ride for sure and made me question whether this whole motocross thing was for me.”

Despite the less-than-positive experience, Hopkins said he had fun and decided to stick with racing motocross.

For his new-found on-track success, Hopkins credits the confidence he built by continuing to race. He also said keeping things fun and not putting too much pressure on himself has helped produce consistent results.

Of his six series championships, Hopkins said the Mega Series 250 C title is the most meaningful because it was the most competitive.

Hopkins’ on-track successes in 2019 meant he advanced to being a B rider in AMA motocross competition. He’s taken part in one motocross event in 2020.

While he was facing much stiffer competition than he had in years past, Hopkins scored podium finishes in the 250 B and 450 B classes.

“I think I rode like I should have, other than a few minor mistakes,” he said. “I’m happy with the results and how I felt.”

Hopkins encourages other motocross riders to stay focused on how much fun racing is and not get bogged down by thinking only about results.

“A lot of times, I see riders get down and be really hard on themselves,” he said. “You have to realize that racing dirt bikes or just riding in general is so rad. Always go out with a goal to have the most fun.”

Tyler’s WINS

2019 Mega Series–450 C

2019 Mega Series–250 C

2019 Southern All-Star Tour–450 C

2019 Southern All-Star Tour–250 C

2019 Ultra Series–450 C

2019 Ultra Series–250 C