Motakazie riders show their best stuff at the Fair

Published 9:43 pm Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Payton Harrison has been riding in the Motokazie in the Mower County Fair for about as long as he can remember. On Tuesday, he put on a show he won’t likely forget.

Harrison, an 18-year old Austin man who grew up in Lyle, won all four of his races by a large margin at the Motokazie Supercross Series at the fair as he took first in the main events in the 250B and the 450B. Harrison was having a blast as he was popping wheelies, taking big jumps in all of his wins.

“It’s a lot different than a normal race, were the track is bigger and everything’s faster. At fair races, the jumps are bigger and it’s a lot more technical. It’s really fun and I enjoy it a lot,” Harrison said.

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Harrison first got on a bike when he was four years old and he hasn’t stopped riding since. His favorite part about racing in the Mower County Fair is that it brings him close his family and friends.

Izaak Farrell, of Austin, takes a jump during the 80cc-105cc heat race during Tuesday night’s Motokazie event at the Mower County Fair. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

“Pretty much every year I’ve raced, I’ve been coming here,” Harrison said. “It’s a fun place to race and it’s local. Most of the other tracks are at least an hour and a half drive away. It’s nice to be able to be here where family and friends can watch you.”

Harrison has hit his stride this season and he’s hoping he can make a surge towards moving up to the pro ranks next summer.

“Going pro is the end goal,” Harrison said. “I’d like to do that and make something of this. This summer is going great for me and everything’s been clicking.”

Izzak Farrell of Austin won the 80cc-105cc Open main event and he took first in the 85cc 12-15 year old main event, Bentley Farrell of Austin took first in the 50cc premix, Jett Lewison of Adams won the main event in the 65cc 7-9 year old division and Trevor Bakken of Austin won the main event in the Vet +30 race.