The smell of burning rubber fills the air, chinstraps start to click and the lights start to flash. Yellow- engines roar. Red- your hand twists the clutch. Green- go. Visual junior Ryan DeVito experiences this every weekend at numerous tracks and against numerous racers. Despite the difference in location and competition, one goal remains the same- victory.

“I started competing in motocross when I was 12,” DeVito said. “I saw it on TV and thought ‘I need to do this.”

Since his humble start, DeVito has moved up in the ranks and progressed as an athlete in motocross. DeVito’s years of hard work and his time put into practicing this sport has paid off. Next year, he will be moving up to a higher class in motocross.

“This year I moved up to the “A” and “Pro Sport” class [which is a level below the professional class],” DeVito said. “I’ll be getting my pro license next year.”

DeVito has improved drastically and even has professional racing in his sights. He plans on racing professionally in addition to his career outside of motocross. No matter where his path in life, DeVito looks to continuing his career in motocross, and never giving up on his dream.

“I want to keep going because it’s something that I love to do,” DeVito said. “Next year I’ll be pro so I have the opportunity to be very successful financially. Regardless, it’s my passion. If you put your mind to it and you work for it, anything is possible.”