There weren’t many medals or trophies in the sport of motocross that went untouched by the hands of Casey Keast in 2011.
The 13-year-old riding phenomenon from Kelowna can add one more award to his growing collection after being named winner of the Motorcycle Award of Excellence earlier this month at a ceremony in Toronto.
Keast, a Grade 7 student at Springvalley Middle School, was the recipient in the Canadian Champions category for Youth Motocross.
Better known as the Max Awards, they are considered Canada’s motorcycle version of the Oscars, and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of future motocross stars.
“It was cool. When I got my award I felt happy and excited,” Keast said. “I was surprised I got it because I race against some talented riders including Jess Petis from Prince George, Landon Constintine from Fort St. James and Sara King of Fort St. James, she’s been in the MX magazine.
“While I was waiting to accept my award I got to hang out with Kyle Keast,” Casey added. “He’s a pro racer from the Toronto area with the same last name. I wonder if we’re related?”
Casey Keast is coming off a dominant 2011 season on the provincial and national motocross circuits.
He won the CMA (Canadian Motocross Association) nationals with a perfect weekend in Agassi, capturing all four championship rounds on his Yamaha in the 85 cc youth division.
Casey also won the BCMA (British Columbia Motocross Association) title in Kamloops, winning all three rounds on his 85 cc in the age 12 to 16 class, beating many competitors two to three years older.
Outside of his usual series of races, Casey will be travelling to Las Vegas in April to compete in the world mini-amateur race, in hopes of earning more recognition in the U.S.
Keast, who is sponsored by Kelowna Yamaha, will also enter in qualifying races for the Loretta Lynn Amateur nationals in Nashville, the biggest and most recognized event in the world of amateur racing.
