June 17, 2024

Marshall Milliken

Bike: KTM 65SX / Lynks Racing AMA Stock Motor, REP Suspension, T-REX Components

1. When did you first become interested in riding dirt bikes? What or who influenced your involvement?

I got my first bike when I was 5 years old, it was a Honda CRF50. Mom and Dad were supportive of me learning to ride but had no expectations other than it to become a fun hobby. Dad was a rider and felt that riding would not only be fun, but would teach me some responsibility.

2. When did you begin participating? How has your involvement evolved?

When I first started racing, we were living in Montana and went to an open practice at Billings Motorcycle Club, where the plan was to have fun riding then watch the Fall Classic races the next day. I told my Dad, “I’m ready to be in this race” at the very last moment the day of the races, so we used electrical tape to put numbers on my bike and I headed to the starting gate. I’d never even been on a gate- it dropped, I took off and ended up on the podium that day with a 3rd place finish. From then on riding and racing was all I wanted to do. It all progressed rapidly when we started following the RMX Series, because the people involved in the organization and the tracks are amazing. We started making friends and following the series which allowed me to ride some very challenging tracks and figure out what the sport required for me to compete at a high level. The harder it got, the more I wanted to ride and compete. The high level of competition at any RMX race really makes you rise to the occasion! I was fortunate to have some great coaching early on in my riding career, which was the foundation I needed to get me started on the right path. In fact, I enjoy working hard and training just as much as I enjoy racing. As I progressed in the 50cc class I started to outgrow the bike, so we decided to give up my last 2 years in that class and focus on learning to ride the 65. That’s where I’m at today, having a blast learning, training, having ups and downs, and racing every chance I get.

3. What do you love most about racing dirt bikes?

It’s a constant challenge, you always have to evolve and work hard to be any kind of competitive. I like setting goals and checking them off the list the best I can. There is a feeling of accomplishment in every turn that you make clean, or any section that you figure out for the first time.

4. If you had to describe riding in 5 words or less, how would you describe it?

It makes me feel free!

5. What is it about racing dirt bikes that is most exciting to you? Competition? Risk? Innovation? Other?

I enjoy pushing my own boundaries and improving. Currently I enjoy training and practice almost as much as racing. I’ve also been able to make some great friends at the track that I always look forward to seeing each weekend.

6. If you didn’t compete what else would you be doing?

I’ve got no idea! My parents have given me opportunities to try any sport or activity that I wanted, but none have compared to riding.

7. What are your short and long term goals? What do you see yourself achieving?

My 2-year goal is to make it to Lorettas and get myself to the level I need to be to compete at a national level consistently. I’ve got dreams of becoming a pro someday and riding supercross, time will tell!

8. How do you prepare or set yourself up for success? What do you do that is above and beyond?

I put in the time. I’m fortunate to be getting a lot of seat time the past year with some focused training. I’m young, but understand that it’ll take a lot of hard work to get to the level that I’d like to be, and I understand that it’s a long road ahead. I believe that it’s important to have a positive outlook and good attitude. I watch racing every chance I get and always see something new that I could try or improve on.

9. Have you faced critics and naysayers? How do you handle the negativity?

I’ve been really lucky so far. The circle of friends and competitors that I run in has all been very supportive. I’ve been taught to always take the high road if I’m faced with critics or negativity.