Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Enough experience to turn pro

Mike Picone, 17, plans to become a professional motocross racer after his 18th birthday.

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published July 5, 2006

INVERNESS - Ask Mike Picone about the time he broke his femur, and he needs clarification.

"Which time?" he asks.

The first time, he said, was the worst.

That's when he fell off his motocross bike and landed on his feet, only to be hit by his own bike when it ricochetted off some tires at the edge of the course and rocketed back at him.

All part of a day's work for the 17-year-old Picone, a Hernando resident who plans to turn professional in motocross next year.

His parents, Stefanie and Joe Gardina, run Citrus Cycle Center in Inverness, and though they fully support his career, they know it's often dangerous.

"Is it scary?" his mother said. "Absolutely. Does my heart stop when the gate drops? Will I go gray early?

"Absolutely."

But it's what he loves to do.

Since receiving his first bike for his seventh birthday, Picone has been obsessed.

"I was psyched," he said. "It was like I was a little kid in a candy store, jumping up and down. It was like any other kid who would be psyched to get a football."

In addition to fracturing his femur twice, Picone has broken his collarbone, wrist and "some fingers."

Yet, his mother can hardly miss a race.

The family travels throughout the country in their Class C motorhome, settling near the track as Picone competes most weekends.

Even as an amateur, Picone is a minor celebrity, signing autographs for kids and giving them his goggles.

"It's a whole different lifestyle," his father said. "It's kind of like living the life of a rock star without the drugs and alcohol."

His mother remembers how Picone would practice all the time when he was a kid - even in bed.

"At 7, he'd be sleeping, and his hand would be twitching like he was turning the throttle," she said. "It was so cute."

As Picone has improved his racing skills, the family has become dedicated to his career.

They even moved to Florida from Massachusetts recently so Picone could ride year-round.

And to keep him on the course more often, his mother homeschools him, and his father is the team mechanic.

When he is not riding, Picone works out on a regular bike, usually three or four days a week for two hours. He said motocross is more physically demanding than most sports.

The hard work is helping. In August, Picone will compete in the Loretta Lynn Nationals, the most elite amateur event in the country.

It will be his sixth appearance in the event - and his last. Once he turns 18, he plans on turning professional. He believes he has done all he can as an amateur.

"I don't brag," he said. "But I've won lots of titles."

Picone said he already has a slew of sponsors who support him. But it could get better.

One of Picone's friends just signed a $3-million contract with Suzuki, Picone's father said.

No one is sure whether Picone will get that kind of money, but he expects to get paid to do what he loves. His mother said he could command $100,000 per year.

As for the dangers of motocross, Picone is not too worried.

Every now and then, he compares notes with a cousin who plays football in high school.

"Some people make motocross out to be this awful thing," he said. "But you can get hurt doing anything."

[Last modified July 4, 2006, 23:16:37]