Nate Kohnke of Austin is ready for what could one of the more nerve racking weekends of his dirt bike racing career.

Kohnke will compete at the Millville/Spring Creek Pro Motorcross National motorcycle race July 19. It will be the second pro race of his career and he is certain to have a strong local following behind him.

“I’m just trying to keep calm about the whole deal,” Kohnke said. “I don’t want to be too worked up about it, but there are going to be a lot of people watching and I don’t want to let anybody down.”

Kohnke made his pro debut two weeks ago in Red Bud, Mich. where he placed 73rd in the Last Chance Qualifier and then crashed in the next round. Kohnke was able to go pro this season after racking up enough points in the Pro Am races to get him accepted into the Pro races.

He now has an opportunity to earn more money and races and he’s also racing against better competition.

“There’s so many differences. It’s a whole new step in life,” Kohnke said.

Kohnke thanked his parents, Black Diamond Graphics and Trimble’s Cycle Center for the support he has received.