Parents: Barry and Deanna Drake
Racer: Derek Drake - 8yrs Old
Hometown: San Luis Obispo, CA
Supportive Sister: Desirae Drake, age 5 – She rides too but, does not race. Not yet anyway!
Local Track: We really do not have a local track. Derek started his racing career at the Hanford Track in California. He practices on his own track, built by his Dad, and they also go to the Zaca Track near Buellton, California.
Questions for the parents
Cobra - How did you and your son get involved in racing motocross?
Parents - Derek’s Mom and Dad ride and his Dad had done some racing as a child. He loved riding on Dad’s “big bike” with him when he was little. Our friends have boys that race and when they watched Derek ride they would tell us he needed to race. Well, we decided to try it out. He did great and we just kept going from there!
Cobra - When did you realize your son was ready for competition at the national level?
Parents - Derek had his first race at the age of 4 years old on a Honda 50cc. We noticed he had the skills of balance and coordination along with the drive to win. He quickly graduated to more of a race bike. He got his King Cobra 50cc at 5 years old! He went on and won 4 series titles in 18 months, it was a pretty good indication that he really loves to ride.
Cobra - What advice would you give a new Cobra family that wants to get the most out of racing?
Parents - Keep practicing and go to many different tracks so your son/daughter can get used to all the tracks and their own unique features. It is great family fun.
Cobra - Why did you decide on the Cobra brand of motorcycle and not another brand?
Parents - 2 years ago I began to see some competition on the Cobra and I looked at them carefully, they seemed much simpler to work on than the others. As you know the 50’s need to be simple, because you’re looking at them very closely after every moto. We have had great success on the Cobra.
Cobra - What are your best tips on keeping your Cobra running in top shape?
Parents - First change oil after one or two moto’s. Stay on top of internals, such as top end, clutch wear, bearing life. Do a bolt check the bike often and keep fresh parts available. Stay on top of those things and you will have success for sure.
Q and A with Derek
Cobra - What do you like most about racing?
Derek - I like going to the different tracks. And, winning is also very fun!
Cobra - Tell us how you train for motocross?
Derek - Practice 3 to 4 times a week and stay healthy
Cobra - What do you like most about your Cobra motorcycle?
Derek - My Cobra bike goes fast.
Cobra - What's your favorite race?
Derek - Glen Helen because we have been going a lot lately
Cobra - Who's your all-time favorite racer?
Derek - I have two, Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villipoto!!
And a few quick questions for both the parent and racer
Cobra - What is/was your favorite subject in school?
- Derek - My favorite subject in school is Math.
Cobra - Favorite food?
- Derek - Breakfast: Eggs and Pancakes!
Cobra - Favorite movie?
- Derek - Stone Spray Sandwich
Cobra - Video game (think “Asteroids,” mom & dad!)
- Derek - MX vs. ATV unleashed
Cobra - Other sports you play?
- Derek - I am really busy with my motocross that I can not play any other sports right now. But, at school I like to play Flag Football and a little Basketball.
Cobra - What are your racing goals for 2007?
- Derek - I got the Championship for all three of my classes at the 15th Annual Yamaha Series in Glen Helen, California. That was a goal I was able to achieve! I rode my King Cobra Stock, King Cobra Mod and my 65cc KTM.
I would also like to be in the top 5 at the Dodge Nationals Armature Nationals at the Hang Town Track in Sacramento, California.
|
