As far as Aron Harvey's competitors are concerned, he can't turn professional soon enough.
Harvey, a 17-year-old senior at Carson High, has had what could be called an unprecedented year on the intermediate level in motocross racing. Harvey began competing in motocross as a 14-year-old 5-0 boy and in less than three years has become a most feared rider at nearly 6-0.
"The other intermediates want him to," said Aron's father, Ron Harvey about his son turning pro. That will likely happen in the next year as Aron's goal is to turn pro before he graduates from high school.
There have been so many accomplishments for Harvey in the past year, it's hard for him to keep track. "I'm confused," he said when he and his father tried to go over his accomplishments.
Harvey began stacking up the accomplishments this year in the spring when he swept the MX West Spring Series titles in the 125cc and 250cc intermediate classes against riders from Nevada and Northern California. "That just doesn't happen," said Ron about sweeping both titles.
During the summer, Harvey continued to pile up the accomplishments in the prestigious Honey Lake series in Northern California which features riders from all over the West Coast. Harvey won the 125 intermediate series and took second in the 250 intermediate series despite one race in which he was stung by a bee.
Honey Lake features a course with the steepest, longest vertical climb around. "The owner calls in old school motocross because it's steep hills," Aron said.
Aron's most prized accomplishment came in the Honey Lake Grand Prix race, an hour-long team event. Aron's team of three riders won the event, beating a professional Kawasaki factory team in the process.
"We had a big lead," Aron said. "The guy that went before me crashed." But Aron's team was still able to recover to win by inches.
Then came the Dodge Amateur Nationals in the Sacramento area where Harvey didn't have his race motorcycle. Using a stock bike, won the second of two qualifying races in the 250 stock class and qualified second overall in the 250 modified class.
Aron placed fourth overall in both classes. "That was phenomenol," said Ron about his son's finishes, especially in the modified class on a stock bike. "I think if he had his race bike, he would have won it. Every dad says that, but I was there.
"I could have finished better," Aron said. "It was a little different because my suspension was real still."
Another highlight for Harvey came at the MX West Nevada State Championship series race in Fernley. Harvey won all four motos. In the main, the pros started first and then Harvey's intermediate class started 30 seconds later.
Harvey was able to pass all the pros, passing the last pro at the finish line. "The place went crazy," Ron said.
This past weekend, Harvey continued his winning ways at Champion Speedway, winning all four of his motos. Despite missing many of the Nevada State events, Harvey is still going to try to win that series. "He'll basically have to win every race if he has a chance of winning," Ron said.
Aron's sponsorship continues to grow as well. Thor, a prominent motocross supplier, has renewed an agreement with Aron. "It is better than last year," Ron said.
Reno's Micaels Powersports continues to be a sponor. They've really stepped up," Ron said.
Pro Circuit, a supplier of motocross parts, will also become a sponsor. Two other important supporters have been Harvey's mechanic, Roger Steyn of Carson City, and Aron's grandfather, Ken Harvey. "He hasn't had an engine failure in 2 1/2 years," said Ron, giving the credit to Steyn.
In addition, Harvey is in the process of having his own website developed.
Charles Whisnand is the Nevada Appeal Sports Editor. Contact him at cwhisnand@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214.