Two-time winner returns Saturday to Carson City motorcycle race
Professional dirt bike racer Mike Rush will return to Carson City for the third annual Fuji Park Flat Track on Saturday.
The 31-year-old races has won the past two years and is looking for his third charm this weekend.
“Of course that’s the goal,” he said. “I’m going into it for sure to get another win.”
The Fuji Park Flat Track Race will be 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Fuji Park. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults. Buy them at visitcarsoncity.com.
According the American Motorcyclist Association, the sport has roots “dating back to the first two-wheel speed demons in the 1920s.”
“Flat Track is widely regarded as the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. A lot has changed over the last 90 years, but the spirit of the sport remains as perhaps the truest, purest test of man and machine.”
The San Jose racer got an early start on his career, getting his first dirt bike at 4 years old.
“Three of my uncles chipped in, along with my grandpa, and got me the bike,” Rush said. “I loved it right away.”
Amateurs will race during the day, with the professional races and amateur finals being featured in the evening performance.
Riders will come from around the country to compete for the $10,000 purse for the pro riders.
“Anything with that good of a purse is a pretty good payday,” Rush said.
But it’s not just about the money.
“I’ve met a lot of cool people and made a lot of friends,” he said. “I enjoy winning obviously, but I enjoy just competing too.”
He doesn’t take any of it for granted.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a pro,” he said. “I’m at that level now, and it’s really cool that my job is my dream.”
In addition to looking forward to another win, Rush is also excited about his return trip to Carson City.
“All of the fans there really get into it and have a good time,” he said. “It’s a cool place.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Fuji Park Flat Track
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; gates open at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Fuji Park, 601 Old Clear Creek Road
TICKETS: VisitCarsonCity.com