Parents: Mike and Melanie Esper
Racer: Bradley Esper
Hometown: Michigan
Q and A with Bradley's mom Melanie
Cobra - How did you and your son get involved in racing motocross?
Melanie - Bradley's Dad got him involved in Racing. At first we wanted him to race snow cross, but there was no good circuit to follow the year he was old enough. So we bought him a PW50 and started to go to some Local MRA races. He started to do well and found out about the AMA sanctioned races from a friend. It was racing every weekend ever since.
Cobra - When did you realize your son was ready for competition at the national level?
Melanie - Well, when he qualified for Loretta's the first year as a five year old on a PW50 with ease and only because of a crash he did not make it on his CM. Then in the first moto at Loretta's he finished fifth we thought maybe he would be ready for the national level competition. He raced at Branson and did great and it was all over from there.
Cobra - What advice would you give a new Cobra family that wants to get the most out of racing?
Melanie - I would say to just have fun and encourage your child to do the best they can. I would also say to stick to the fundamentals and learning how to ride correctly is most important.
Cobra - Why did you decide on the Cobra brand of motorcycle and not another brand?
Melanie - We are from Michigan and originally where cobras are everywhere. Initially, he started on KTM because we did not think he was ready for a Cobra. As he got more comfortable on the bike and we could see he was simply out motored by Cobra we bought him one. Of course it had a lot to do with Harold and his track side support.
Cobra - What are your best tips on keeping your Cobra running in top shape?
Melanie - Well, Mike does most of the maintenance on the bikes. Bud at Exotic Sports does all of our motors and I really never have to do much to them. Suspension is important, PR2 does a great job making the bike ride awesome. If it runs good leave it alone!
Q and A with Bradley
Cobra - What do you like most about racing?
Bradley - Winning!
Cobra - Tell us how you train for motocross?
Bradley - I ride everyday that the weather is good. I ride my pedal bike, and I try to eat good.
Cobra - What do you like most about your Cobra motorcycle?
Bradley - That it is really fast. Faster than the other brands KTM, PRC and Polinis.
Cobra - What's your favorite race?
Bradley - Loretta Lynn's - I have been there three times now it is a lot of fun!
Cobra - Who's your all-time favorite racer?
Bradley - Darryn Durham - I have learned a lot from riding with him.
Q and A with Bradley and Melanie
Cobra - What is/was your favorite subject in school?
- Bradley - Math
- Melanie - Math
Cobra - Favorite food?
- Bradley - Chicken Wings
- Melanie - Crab Legs
Cobra - Favorite movie?
- Bradley - Talladega Nights
- Melanie - 40 Year Old Virgin
Cobra - Video game (think “Asteroids,” mom & dad!)
- Bradley - MX vs. ATV unleashed
- Melanie - Mario Brothers
Cobra - Other sports you play?
- Bradley - I play football on recess and I like to swim.
- Melanie - Well, growing up I was a gymnast.
Cobra - What are your racing goals for 2007?
- Bradley - To Win Loretta's!
- Melanie - For Brad to stay healthy, train hard, make it to Loretta's and for Brad to do his best and be happy.
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