Motocross Rider Picks Up Speed, Catches Air On The Race Track

By Andy Hutchison

What 7-year-old doesn’t like to be out on a bike during his or her free time in the summer? Sure, maybe most preteens enjoy pedaling around, but for Newtown’s Damian Buccieri, biking takes on a different meaning.

His set of wheels is actually a KTM 50 dirt bike that is powered by an engine. Damian is a motocross racer and competed in the Winchester Speed Park 7–8-year-old class in Winchester, NH, this summer. He came in second in the age category class and was fourth in the open class, competing against other serious riders from throughout the Northeast.

“I like doing the jumps and flying in the air,” the young daredevil said.

Every weekend during the spring and first half of the summer, Damian was among 15-plus riders who raced around a dirt track at speeds ranging from 5 to 30 miles per hour — depending, of course, on turns and straightaways, not to mention bike traffic.

The beginning of the race is the toughest part for the 7-year-old. “I’m sort of nervous because when you go off the start, what if somebody hits me?” he points out.

Crashes come with the territory, but Damian just brushes it — along with some dirt — off and keeps on going.

In addition to a helmet, racing gear including a chest protector, elbow pads ,and neck support are used by the riders.

Damian has been racing for two-and-a-half years. Off to a fast start, he won the 4–6 championship at Milford Riders Club in his rookie year, and continues to practice at the local course.

The young racer gets more competition at the New Hampshire track, according to his father, Chris Buccieri, who adds that his son was on a waiting list to become a member. The father-son tandem volunteers time at the Winchester track at work parties, during which participants clean up the track and socialize.

AJ Catanzaro, from Portland, Conn., is a pro rider living in Florida, who has spent many hours working with Damian at various tracks, and continues spending time with him during visits, Chris Buccieri said.

The Buccieri family started their son on his two-wheeled adventures at a young age. Well, make that four wheels. Damian Buccieri started out on an electric bike with training wheels and traditional bicycle when he was learning to keep his balance and gain momentum.

Damian used to ride a Yamaha PW50 and has upgraded to larger and faster bikes as he’s gotten a little bigger and more experienced with time. “It was the need for speed,” his mom, Jodie Buccieri said.