In the rich tradition of racers from Martinez, Sam Wurth and Jake Blum have been racing the AMA District 36 Cross-Country Series for the past seven years. Cross-Country races, by definition, are timed events that run on natural and unprepared terrain.

Sam and Jake have worked their way up through the youth classes, beginning at the age of 11. This is late in age by comparison to most competitors nowadays. Racers advance in classes through an accumulation of points awarded from their placement in races; points carry-over from year-to-year. Once they have amassed the required number of points, racers advance to the next level up-the-ladder. This starts at the “C” level and tops-out at “AA.”

A racer can also be advanced by authorized district officials if his or her lap times are consistently in line with the level above them. Sam finished his youth riding as an “A 85” rider, while Jake eclipsed his youth career as a nationally-ranked “AA” rider, the highest of all youth cross-country classes.

When Sam, a senior at Vicente High School and Jake, a junior at Alhambra High School, turned 16, they had to start the advancement process all over and race in adult classifications. With the help of sponsors, parents, lots of practice, training and countless hours of bike preparation and maintenance, the two have rapidly advanced their way to the “A 250” class. This is just one level below the coveted “AA/Pro” class. Along with their success on the track, they have made many friends from all over California and Nevada--a lifetime of friendships continue to grow from year-to-year.

Along with many other Martinez and County racers, Jake and Sam recently competed in round No. 5 of fourteen MSR Western Regional Cross-Country Series in Hollister on March 19. Jake finished in second-place in the “A 250” class and tenth overall (of 95 total racers) and Sam placed sixth in the same class (23rd overall).

All of the events, results and loads of information about off-road motorcycle racing and riding can be seen at the District 36 website: www.ama-d36.org.

Thanks to Dominick Russo for his photography and Randy Wurth for his detailed information.