Alumni Marquardt Advances to Arenacross Championship in Las Vegas
2007 Graduate
By: William J. Novotny
BRAAAP! To many people this may mean nothing, but to Wil Marquardt and the rest of the Motocross world, it’s a way of life. Braaap is essentially the noise his bike makes, but to a rider it goes much deeper than that. It’s this kind of dedication that has earned Wil a shot at the 2008-2009 Toyota Arena Cross Championship in Las Vegas. Marquardt has qualified in the top 20 Arenacross Lite Novice riders in the United States, which earned him a spot at the MGM Grand on October 13th in Las Vegas. To earn the bid, Wil raced in Kansas City, Dallas Texas, Albuquerque New Mexico, and Louisville Kentucky(all on the Toyota AMA Circuit).
I personally was lucky enough to attend Wil’s race in Kansas City. Even with his year and a half year hiatus, he was still recognized by the riders, and even signed a few autographs. We pulled up in his humble Chevy S-10, while other riders had RVs with murals of themselves on the side, and trailers with 10 practice bikes. But when it all came down to it, Wil took first place in the Kansas City Toyota Arenacross race that day. Needless to say, it was a great way to start off the 08 season.
Wil’s been on two wheels for as long as anyone can remember, racing dirt bikes, his street bike, and even his dads Top Fuel Drag bike. Some say he was born to race, I say he was born to win.
The upcoming race in Las Vegas is the proving ground for the top 20 Amateur riders in the nation. The stands will be packed with T.V. camera’s and Sponsors just waiting to throw money and contracts at the top performing riders.
However none of this could be possible without his sponsors, Star City Motorsports, Pro-Action, Wilson Racing, and Sharp Trailer Manufacturing, without these guys it couldn’t be done. Wil would also like to thank all of his friends and family that have supported him, and allowed him to follow his dreams.
For more information go to www.arenacross.com
