#52 William Reader

#918 Michael Akaydin
Louisville, KY

My name is Michael Akaydin. I am a Junior at the University of Louisville on a full academic scholarship studying Mechanical Engineering. My favorite school subject is Computer Aided Design. I have been racing motocross for 15 years. My favorite Kentucky track is Ballance MX in Oakland, KY. Sunday Creek is my favorite Ohio track and Motoland is my favorite Indiana track. I also like Monster Mountain in Alabama. Red Bud in Buchanan, MI is my favorite national motocross track. My favorite pro riders are Gavin Gracyk and the Sipes' Brothers. There are just too many amateur riders to pick a favorite.

Besides motocross, I also enjoy soccer, running, bicyling (road and dirt.) I like designing things, BMX and training. A typical week of training for me would be race/ride Saturday to Sunday, work on bikes on Monday. I go to the gym on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to lift weights, to run/bike and practice on Wednesday, if possible. My favorite exercise is a good run. I placed second in my age group during the Louisville Mini-Marathon in 2003.

My goals for the 2008 season are to do well in Arenacross, top 10 at Loretta Lynn in the Pro-Sport, make the "Fast 40 at U.S. Nationals, and regain SX license. My best motocross moment was making the night shows in Supercross. My worst motocross moment was tearing my ACL and missing out on Supercross. The best thing about being a rider is the rush you get when you do a jump for the first time. Also, the feeling of the accomplishment when you reach your goals. For me, the hardest thing about being a rider is the committment that takes away from other things in life.

Besides my Mom and Dad, anyone who has overcome the odds and chased their dreams inspires me. But Gavin Gracyk inspires me because of all that he has gone through.

In the future, I would like to be within the motocross industry for sure. I would most likely use my future mechanical engineering degree to design parts. I love this industry and I want to work with people who have the same interest as me.
Michael Akaydin September Rider of the Month

Date of Birth: September 18, 1987
Bike Brand: Honda CRF 250/450

Classes Competing In 2008: 250 Pro/A and 450 Pro/A

MX Highlights:
2005 SX Main Program in St. Louis, MO
2006 SX Main Lites Program in Detroit, MI
2007 MX Pro-Sport AMA Loretta Lynn's Nationals 28th
2007 MX Lites Pro-Sport AMA Loretta Lynn's Nationals 24th
2008 AMA Loretta Lynn's Amateur Nationals MX Lites A-24th
2008 AMA Loretta Lynn's Amateur Nationals Motocross A Pro-Sport-16th

Sponsors for 2008:

Suspension Plus MX Training
FCA MX
Fly
Factory Connection
Ozzmods
Scott
Loco MX/Unbound

Favorite Music Group: Breaking Benjamin/Staind
Pets: 3 dogs-"Maverick, Goose, and Diesel" (motodog)
Favorite Food: Mom's sweet potatoes
Favorite Movie: I like too many to pick a favorite!

Louisville Arenacross

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