(By Aedan Roach)
This Moto X Adaptive Race took place in 2013 at the Staples Center and was broadcasted on ESPN. The competitors in this race were Max Gomez, Steve Howe, Chris Ridgway, Mike Schultz, Todd Thompson, and Dave Turner. These men have had some type of injury or birth defect, which has left them without a limb. Even with a physical disability, they have shown their determination to not allow their disability to affect their ability to race their dirt bikes. Before the race began, Mike Schultz gave us a background on his life.
As a professional snowmobile racer, he was thrown from his machine during a race, which left him as an amputee above the knee. Determined to continue to follow his dreams, he developed a prototype called a “Motoknee”, which allowed him to race again. This led to the development of his company, Biodapt Inc., which sells extreme sports prosthetics. He wears a microprocessor leg, which allows him the mobility to move. Jokingly he said, “when he forgets to plug in his leg, he is stalled.”
The race began with Ridgeway taking the lead with Schultz right behind him. This was a twelve lap race with a 65-foot ramp jump centered on the track. At the fourth lap, Schultz and Thompson passed Ridgway, which allowed for Schultz to take the lead with Thompson just behind. At the eighth lap, Thompson tried to take Shultz but never succeeded. The final lap was intense as Thompson tried to pick up enough speed to pass Shultz; however, he was unsuccessful and Schultz won the race. Showing good sportsmanship, Thompson congratulated Schultz on his win. Schultz is now a five times gold
winner in this sport. This was an incredible race to watch because it was apparent that their shared disabilities led them to a greater drive and a compassion for the race and each other.
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