MOUNT VERNON — Day 3 of the Knox County Fair saw some of the best in Motocross take to the dirt course for some early-evening racing on Tuesday, courtesy of Competition Riders of America.
One of those was Nick Stover of Danville, who had one of the best days of anyone. In three races, Stover finished first twice, and a close second in his final run.
Not bad for someone who hasn’t raced regularly in five years.
“You get the bug,” said Stover after his third race. “Once you learn how and you start racing, you always want to stay in it.”
The 20-year-old started racing at the age of 8, and picked up his game quickly with the help of his family. By age 15, he left the sport to focus on high school. Now he’s back, and hoping to get on a regular schedule.
In his first race featuring the College 16-24 category, Stover was third after the first lap. He quickly caught up with the leader, Aden Burt from Utica, and cruised past him in the third lap. Mount Vernon racer Tony Calland came from behind to place third.
“A couple of guys bobbled there in the second corner up top of the hill,” said Stover. “I finally had a shot at the lead, and I worked my way around him. I then pulled away a little bit.”
In his second race — the 250cc B — Stover held the lead throughout, remaining virtually unchallenged as he sailed ahead of Bellville’s Broc Miller and Loudonville’s Dustin Garber.