Round 8 of the Monster Energy Supercross season turns to Arlington, Texas today. For many riders, coming to Texas is a coming home weekend. One rider in particular, Kyle Cunningham is from Aledo, Texas, thirty minutes from the stadium.
Turning pro in 2007, Kyle has since ridden for many different teams over the course of his long career. But since 2018, Cunningham has been with H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki, returning for his second full season in the 450 premiere class.
Becoming a veteran in the sport of motocross and supercross isn’t an easy task. You literally have to fight for every ride you get year in and year out. Also, the wear and tear on your body helps keep things complicated. However, if a rider has longevity in this sport it isn’t by accident.
For 2020 the Texas native looks to have his best year yet.
“For me, success each week is shown in many different ways,” said Cunningham. “Of course each week you want to win, that is the drive of racing. Eight rounds into the 2020 season, I had envisioned it going a little different but if I find a place to learn and grow each week then it can be a successful weekend of racing. If you don’t improve each week in some way, you wont be racing the next week. You have to be committed to improvement. If you are truly committed to improvement then you are only as good as your last race.”
Wise words from a racing veteran.
As the races shift to Arlington today however, Cunningham finds himself in a opportunity many racers at the top level don’t get, racing in your hometown.
“I grew up close to here,” said Cunningham. “My house is thirty minutes away from the stadium, so to have the chance to race in front of friends and family is always special. But I still have a race to compete in. Even though it is a ‘home’ race, it still is a weekend of work. I have a job to do, a job a train incredibly hard for. It just so happens I get to show off my hard work to friends and family this week.”
Making a main event in 2020 should count as a win itself with the level of riding each week.
“This year is insane,” said Cunningham. “The racing in the 450 class this year is some of the best it has ever been. No matter where you look on the track, there is a battle for a position out there. What matters to me is did I do everything I could to race my best race. As long as I left it all out on the track, I can walk away happy. But still, no matter what, I can find a way to improve and thats racing.”
Preach veteran preach.