Member of the Week: Cooper Mindiola
What discipline(s) do you participate in? Class(es)?
Flat Track - 50cc Peewee, 50cc DTX Jr 4-8, 50cc shaft
When did you begin riding and racing? At what point did you become a District 23 ARMCA member?
I began riding my PW at 3 years old with training wheels and then at 4, I broke one of the wheels off riding too fast! It was at this point I began riding without them and started racing later that year.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your riding/racing career?
This year was my first year of racing and I won my first heat and main event race in 50cc DTX Jr at Cedar Lake Arena to start off the season, and I ended up finishing 2nd overall in 50cc DTX Jr 4-8 points.
What are your goals for 2023? Beyond?
My goals next year are to build off where I left off this year… continue to hit my marks entering and exiting corners, and learn to carry more speed overall. I also want to continue traveling to new tracks so I can learn how to become a faster and smoother rider on all types of track conditions.
Why do you continue to race in D23 ARMCA?
The D23 Flat Track family is like none other, the support from all the riders is what makes racing so much fun and enjoyable!
Who inspires you in racing?
My family have been huge supporters with my come up in flat track racing. Dan and Amanda Jacobson, along with Cole Fealy, have been my riding coaches and trainers, teaching me new riding techniques and how to carry the most speed on new tracks. Mac McGrew has been a huge supporter with bike set-up and also sharing track knowledge.
How has motorcycling impacted your life?
Racing Flat Track has shown me that hard work and dedication can pay off! It has helped me become more confident on and off the track, along with meeting so many new friends.
What is your favorite food to eat on race day?
Pizza Rolls!
How do you get pumped up to ride/race? Music? Pep talks? Maybe quiet time is more your style?
Jamming out to music with my dad and pep talks! I just love being out on the track and always look forward to race weekends!
What else do you like to do for fun?
I am in Jiujitsu, I go hunting with my Dad, going out on the boat and waterskiing, and I love going to the skate park to ride my bike and scooter!
What advice has a fellow rider/racer given you that you follow?
Keep your feet up on your foot pegs in the corners and go fast!
What advice do you have for other D23 ARMCA members?
Treat everyone like family, twist your throttle, and have fun!
Anything else you’d like to mention?
Thank you Mom, Dad, Kaylee, and everyone else who has supported me through racing! You guys are the best!