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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Thunder Ridge Motocross Park hosted the AMA Motocross qualifier this weekend in Kirksville.

More than 120 racers participated with a chance to move onto regionals.  Drivers of all ages participated throughout the weekend.  The best weather was saved for Sunday.

If you ask drivers of Motocross what fuels them you’ll hear a common theme: adrenaline. 

“It’s just a big adrenaline rush,” says Motocross driver Eyan Yost.  “It’s kind of fun.”

“You have bikes flying past you or you’re passing somebody,” said 19-year-old Anthony Felice.  “It’s quite the adrenaline rush.”

Felice’s younger brother Dylan also races in the events.  Their father, Tony Felice, also races.  As a father of two drivers, watching his sons perform has a mix of emotions.

“It’s kind of nerve-racking,” said Felice.  “You don’t want anybody to get hurt, however, it’s one of the things they love to do.”

15-year-old and Washington state native, Ryan Olsen and his family drove to Kirksville just to have a chance to qualify for regionals.  Olsen says only four people qualify in his area races as opposed to the six at the event held in Kirksville.  He still loves racing no matter what state he’s in.

“It’s something different than your average sport like football or baseball,” said Olsen.  “It’s cool to tell people that you do Motocross.”

Racing dirt bikes can be a dangerous activity.  Edward Grgurich helps coordinate these types of events in Kirksville.  He says there is always an ambulance on scene with EMT’s as a safety precaution.

“Knowin that the medical crew is on hand right here on site lifts a lot of weight off your shoulders,” said Grgurich.

If you would like more information on the Thunder Ridge Motocross Park click here.