When Cody Wagoner began motocross, he thought it would be a fun hobby. Now after qualifying for the 2004 Amateur National Championships, Wagoner has higher hopes.

&uot;About three or four years ago, I bought one and fixed it up,&uot; Wagoner, a 17-year-old junior at Vidalia High School said. &uot;I never thought I’d be to where I am right now.&uot;

Wagoner is set to compete at the AMA Air Nautiques Amateur National Championships from Aug. 2-7 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

Contrary to many riders who begin as young as three, Wagoner only has been riding competitively for about two years. However, it did not take him long to realize that his true sport passion was for motocross.

&uot;I’ve played baseball, basketball, football, but nothing compares,&uot; Wagoner said. &uot;Nothing is as good as motocross.&uot;

It has not taken him long to make his mark in the sport either. He set a goal to qualify for nationals and did so in both the 125 C Modified and 125 Stock classes. To qualify, he had to advance out of area competition and regional competition.

First, Wagoner competed at two area events in March, one in Breaux Bridge, La., and the other in Dyersburg, Tenn. His best finish was second place in the 125 C Stock in Breaux Bridge, and he finished sixth or better in both classes at both area events.

Earning the right to move on to regionals last month, he qualified for Nationals in 125 C Modified by placing sixth in the South Central Regional in Alvord, Texas. He qualified in 125 C Stock a week later at the North Central Regional competition in Burlison, Tenn., as a result of a seventh-place finish.

Cody’s father, Kenny, did not expect such big things at first either, but upon seeing Cody ride, his ideas changed.

&uot;I got serious about it after I saw that he had a lot of talent and that he loves it,&uot; Kenny Wagoner said. &uot;It started out as something we could spend some time together on. It’s a very family-oriented sport.&uot;

Motocross has had a definite impact on the family. It has resulted in many family trips, and of course, Cody’s family is his biggest supporters.

&uot;I’m his biggest fan,&uot; said Courtney, his 16-year-old sister. Courtney also rides, though not competitively, and helps her brother out with race preparations by doing things like cleaning his helmet.

Cody also has received the aid of professional rider Kevin Windham, the world’s No. 3 rider in the 250 class. Windham, from Centreville, sometimes practices on the same track in Kentwood, La., and has given Cody tips on how to get better.

Despite stereotypes that motocross is easy with the right motorcycle, Cody said much is dependant on the rider. It takes a lot of practice and conditioning to compete for up to 25 minutes at a time wearing a thick body suit in temperatures more than 100 degrees. To prepare, he runs a mile every day.

Preparation is tough and competition too. Cody has suffered concussions and many broken bones, including numerous breaks in his legs and arms. Other riders have been paralyzed and have been in month-long comas. Injuries can be frustrating, but they have not stopped Cody.

&uot;The last time I broke my leg I said I was kind of through,&uot; he said. But it did not take him long to brush off the injury and return to his love of racing again.

It is that kind of determination that makes his dad believe he has a shot to eventually race professionally.

&uot;He’s got a ways to go, but he’s got the desire to get there,&uot; Kenny Wagoner said.