[/media-credit] Ross Neely with his two Yamaha YZ 450’s Photo by Jaime Vega
[/media-credit]Ross Neely, photo courtesy Neely family
We have been following this rider for some time. 19 year old Ross Neely of Chester has been riding dirt bikes since he was four years old, when he vividly remembers the arrival of his first Honda 50. He comes from a family of avid dirt bikers. His dad Pete, sister Mallory, and even his mom Michelle all race.
Ross really got noticed for his talents the first time he won the Virginia City Grand Prix in 2008, a cross country race held each April in V.C. He had the opportunity to ride with and even beat some of the most famous riders in the country. As of now, he won it overall three times.
When I asked Ross how you get noticed in this industry, he replied, “You win races.” That he has been doing throughout his years of racing. He got some more national attention in a June 7 headline in Cycle News which read, “Neely Blows Them Away”. The article pointed out how the more desolate terrain and strong winds did not seem to bother Neely, “who beat some of the best desert-racing regulars en route to the overall victory.” Seems his talents are versatile.
Neely recently hit another milestone in his career when he got a new bike from a sponsor. Ross was quick to give credit to Mach 1 Motorsports when he showed us his new Yamaha YZ 450 they provided him with. He now has two identical bikes, one for racing and one for practice. He is now spending much of his time racing in the AMA District 36 Cross Country Series to promote his new sponsor.
He was also quick to mention Dick’s Racing who does all his suspension work and his local sponsors who have helped him along the way: Almanor Welding, Buffalo Chips Pizza, Sierrascapes Landscaping and M-Class Plumbing.
He continues to race in the WORCS (World Off Road Championship Series)whenever he can. Ross enjoys riding up here with his dad and his friends, the people he grew up riding with, whenever he can too. He also works for a local concrete company.
We will keep an eye on Ross and look forward to following him to the top of his racing career. Go Ross!
Credit: Cycle News June 7, 2011, NEELY BLOWS THEM AWAY by Ryan Sanders
