Tyler Pantley Interview

Text: Ronnie Monk

Pics: Photo Frank

FLmx: Tyler, congratulations on all of your recent success this past year. You have really put yourself on the map as one of the top national contenders in whatever class you are in. How long have you been racing now and how did you get started?

Pantley: I have been racing motorcycles for 5 years. I began racing my PW50 at Dade City raceway when I was 4 years old. I liked it so much that, my dad built a small track in my backyard, for me and my friends to ride on every afternoon.

FLmx: How old are you, where are you from, what school do you attend, etc... just some background information?

Pantley: I am 9 years old and live in Brooksville, Florida. I go to Moton Elementary School and I'm in the 4th grade. My mom is a teacher there so I can't get away with too much.

FLmx: At Mini O's you captured the Pee Wee 7-8 title, some big names have done the same as you like, Alessi and Millsaps. How does it feel to put your name in along with the long list of pro's that are out there these days?

Pantley: I loved the Supercross track at the Mini O's and ended up doing well on the outdoor track as well. I just went out there and tried my hardest and it paid off. My family parked with 5 other motocross families that week and we had the best Thanksgiving ever!

FLmx: What classes will you be racing in 2008?

Pantley: I will be racing the 65cc 7-9 stock and mod classes.

FLmx: What are your goals at the Nationals for 08?

Pantley: My goal is to have fun and finish at the top.

FLmx: What other races besides all of the major Nationals will you be attending?

Pantley: I will be traveling to some Loretta Lynn qualifiers and racing some Winter Am and Gold Cup races. Of course, I will race some local races at Dade City also.

FLmx: You are already sponsored by Fox and just picked up a full ride from Oakley, in which Anthony Paggio presented to you at the Dade City MX Banquet! How does it feel to land these top sponsors in our sport?

Pantley: Fox has been great to me and I was so excited to land Oakley. Randy Yoho asked me to come on stage and I had no idea he was going to introduce me to Mr. Paggio who gave me the Oakley deal. That was one of the coolest nights of my life!

FLmx: You live in Brooksville, which is home of fast riders like Kyle Keylon and Troy Adams, and not to far is Ferry, Reed, Langston... Do you get to ride with any of the top pros during the week?

Pantley: Unfortunately, I'm at school when most of the pros ride in the morning. However, I rode with Kyle a lot during the first part of the year at Randy's private track in Brooksville. I learned a lot by watching him. He happens to be super fast and a really nice guy.

FLmx: What do you do to train and get ready for the big races?

Pantley: I ride at least 5 days a week and try to mix it up by riding at different tracks. We work on turns, starts and endurance training. I ride my mountain bike with my Dad on my off days and do some weight training also.

FLmx: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Pantley: That's a long time away! In 10 years, I will have graduated high school and hopefully be at the top of my game in motocross.

FLmx: Good luck with all of your future races, and we hope all the best for you man. What sponsors would you like to thank?

Pantley: I would like to thank Fox, FMF, Vortex, Oakley, Dunlop Tires, Florida Earth Works for building me an awesome track, and Britton Air.