MXSponsor.com Spotlight: Nick Desiderio

Editors Note: In an effort to bring you the best content from the world of Motocross, we’ve teamed up with MXSponsor.com to highlight the riders that line the gate each weekend in anticipation that someday, they too will make it to the "big show." Watch this space, as they say, an interview with your hometown hero may be next. Until then, here is our first installment with Nick Disiderio.

1.) Name, Age, Location?
Nick Desiderio, 14 years old, Chester, NJ

2.) How long have you been riding and when did you first start competing?
10 years, 1998

3.) What was your first bike and what do you ride now?
I started with a pw 50, I now ride a RMZ250.

4.) What was the biggest event you attended last year and how did you do?
I attended the Oak Hill Amateur National. It was my first big race on big bikes. I rode pretty descent, but didn't have as much stamina on the big bike as I was hoping. I am really concentrating on conditioning this season, and getting used to racing a full moto on a big bike.

5.) Biggest accomplishment ever?
Winning the Mini Olympics in 2004. It was a great feeling winning that race and was an unbelievable experience.

6.) What are your plans for this season?
I plan on getting healthy and really getting prepared for the Mini O's and winter series in Florida. I am looking forward to the Texas rounds and running strong at Lorettas. I am looking to bring on a trainer and really start getting ready for those rounds to start the year off right. Its hard to get support on the big bikes, not sure if its with the economy like people say or whatever, but I have to get up front and get it done.

7.) Hometown track? Favorite racetrack?
Englishtown, NJ. I've been racing there my whole life and really love how it gets rough, and the technical parts of it. I love coming home from an amateur national and doing well in New Jersey.

8.) Who are some of your sponsors now and how have they helped?
MSR,Pirelli, FMF, Factory Connection, Panolin, MXSponsor, Decal Works, Alpinestars, One helmets, Twin air, Pro Taper, Scott USA, Tom Griffin, My family and friends who help us get to the races. Thanks. Sorry If I left anyone out. If we had to pay for everything, on top of travel costs, theres no way me and my dad would ever be able to get to all of these big races.

9.) What is the biggest challenge right now for you as a rider?
Getting a good start! If I can be in the top 5 into the first corner, I feel that I can be on the podium at the finish. I need to ride smooth and smart.

10.) What do you do to prepare for racing?
Training etc. I do a lot of riding. I also do some road biking and running. Since I am on the big bikes now, I really have to step up my training from years past when I was able to toss around a little bike. The bike bikes are a lot more work.

11.) Who has helped you the most in your career?
My dad Steve. He gets me to the gym, practice track, race track. He has always been there for me and is definitely my biggest inspiration and motivation.

12.) Favorite way to relax?
Going to the beach and hanging with friends. I like just hanging out at the races too with other kids that ride. We always find something fun to do.

13.) What professional rider do you admire most?
Ricky Carmichael

14.) What type of tracks do you compete best?
Technical and SX style tracks I love riding at MTF on the supercross tracks. I cant wait until a few more years when I can start racing Supercross. It looks fun!!!

15.) A Talent You wish you had?
Surfing. Its hard to do stuff like that with riding so much and traveling. Plus the waves in NJ aren't the greatest with learning how to surf. Next time I am in San Diego, I hope someone will help me out.

16.) Place you would like to travel to?
I really want to go to Hawaii. It looks like an awesome place to visit with the beaches and volcanoes and stuff.

17.) Best advice you could give to a younger up-and-coming rider?
I am only 14 so I guess I am pretty young myself. I would say just have fun with it and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. If you have a bad moto, just try and make up for it next time. Also, try and stay out of trouble and get along with everyone.

18.) What has been the most challenging experience in your career?
My parents getting a divorce, its tough some times but me and my dad spend a lot of time on the road. Everything happens for a reason. A lot of kids go through it so its not like I am the only one.

19.) Most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?
I crashed right in front of the announcer's tower at Loretta Lynn's. That is where almost everyone watches from, but I guess everyone goes down sooner or later.

20.) Most memorable moment in your life?
One thing that I will never forget is when my little brother was born. Now its awesome because we can go riding together, and he even made lorettas this year on the PW50.