CHEQUERED FLAG: Dante Hyam races toward the 85cc little wheel Nowra District Motorcycle Club championship. Photo: BRETT CARTER
DANTE Hyam is certainly a gifted young sportsman. The 10-year-old excels at just about every sport he has applied his talents to. Last year the energetic speedster competed in athletics, soccer, swimming, cross country and topped off the year by being a valuable player in the premiership winning under 10 Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies team. But it’s the high flying, fast-paced world of motocross that has captured his attention.
Even though he has only been competing in motocross for four years, last year Dante capped off his first full season of racing in the small wheel 85cc class by dominating his age group in the Nowra District Motorcycle Club MX championship. His string of first place finishes also netted him the overall junior club champion title, beating a number of more experienced riders to the crown.
Dante believes motocross racing throws up challenges that no other sport can provide.
“Motocross has become my passion” he said.
“I love the adrenalin rush as well as the technical and physical challenges required in the sport, it’s like nothing else I have tried.”
This year will certainly be a busy one for the local racer, and he is already putting in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to ensure he has the support base required to be competitive in a sport where a slip or a minor mechanical issue can mean the difference between a win and being out of the points.
“The season has not even started yet and I already owe a heap of thank-you call outs to my sponsors Jobson Motorsport, Druce DP, JD transport, SRJ Constuctions and Society Streetwear for their generosity, my family for sacrificing so much time and especially to my neighbours for putting up with the noise,” he said.