Elmira, Ont. teen looking to grow mini motorcycle racing in Canada

An Elmira teen hopped on a mini motorcycle last spring and, as CTV’s Spencer Turcotte explains, he’s already competing in international competitions.

A young mini motorcycle rider is gearing up to grow the sport in Canada.

Stefan Tanasic, 14, hopped on the mini bikes for the first time at the end of April and has gone from zero to 100 really quickly.

“I’ve always been a speed demon, I’ve always liked going fast,” said Tanasic.

In just a few months, he has already competed in international contests.

“I was in China in July. It was a phenomenal experience,” he said.

Tanasic credits everything he’s learned to Toni Sharpless, who operates Super Sonic Road Race School.

“[Tanasic] ended up finishing fourth overall in the FIM Mini GP Canada National Championship this year. He did remarkably well for a kid that we just taught how to ride in the spring,” said Sharpless.

Aside from winning, Sharpless and Tanasic have a shared goal of growing the sport.

“If you’re comparing it to hockey, lacrosse, baseball – it’s non-existent,” said Sharpless. “The main obstacle is that Canada doesn’t recognize motorcycle racing as a sport, and that’s federally and provincially.”

Tanasic is looking at getting his friends involved.

“I’m thinking of handing out some fliers to give to them, and maybe they can come join the school and we can get some more kids in the sport,” said Tanasic.

His nine-year-old sister, Natalia, is proof that mini motorcycle racing can be for nearly any age.

“I just want to have a need for speed,” she told CTV News.

As for her brother, it’s pedal to the metal because he wants to take it all the way.

“My life goal is to make this a career and make it into Moto GP,” said Tanasic.

Considering his parents have taken him to all of Super Sonic Road Race School’s classes, which account for nearly 40 days this year, it seems like he’s laying the groundwork to accomplish that.