ANDERSON — You can call it a sibling rivalry if you want. But if the siblings are working together toward a common goal, it only makes success that much easier.
That teamwork has paid off for Anderson’s Levi and Madison Johnson, who have both qualified for the Amateur Arenacross World Finals, scheduled for Oct. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Qualifying for the event took place in three stages last winter — in Louisville, Ky., at an event in Dayton, Ohio, then back in Kentucky at Highland Heights for the Midwest region, one of four regions in the country. Though the Johnsons did not compete at the Dayton event, they still each scored enough points at Louisville and Highland Heights to finish in the top five in their respective classes, clinching a spot in the Amateur World Finals.
“I’m nervous and excited,” Madison said. “I really don’t know (how I’ll perform). There are a lot of people that train different from me, so I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”
The pair have taken strikingly different paths since qualifying for the event. Since qualifying, the 11-year-old Madison won her second straight Indiana state championship in the girls 85cc class, while Levi, 14, has worked to overcome two broken wrists suffered at an event at Hang Time, an outdoor motocross track in Akron, Ind., in March.
Levi was granted a full medical release on July 9, then re-injured a wrist about four weeks ago. However, his mother, Stacey, said that he should be ready to go for the World Finals next week.
“We’ve invested a lot of money in safety equipment to help make sure it won’t happen again,” Stacey Johnson said.
Levi explained that it’s taken plenty of hard work to get back into position to compete.
“They’re feeling a lot better,” Levi said of his wrists. “I’m trying to get more strength in them. I work around the house, and I work out in the garage.”
While Madison will compete on her 85cc bike in the girls 9-15 division, Levi is scheduled to participate in two separate classes — the 125cc novice class lights and the pit bike. The tandem will have a bit of familiar company in Las Vegas, as Frankton’s Bobby Goodman also qualified for the event. Goodman, 26, will take part in the 25-and-over and expert class on a 250cc four-stroke machine.
Though some may think that since Levi is older, he got his start earlier, the siblings actually started riding the same time — just two years ago. Attending an event where cousins Matt and Donna Taylor competed, Levi and Madison both found the itch to climb upon a motocross bike.
And despite their limited experience, coach Bobby Elkins of Fort Wayne thinks that the Johnson duo has the ability to take their skills a very long way.
“He thinks that both kids have the ability to go pro, and he thinks that Madison will go pro,” Stacey said. “Levi’s been set back a little bit with his injury, but he has the desire to go for it.”
Madison and Levi both said that the elder Johnson would win if they were to race each other. However, both explained that one of their main goals is to ensure the other knows that he or she doesn’t have to look very far to find support.
“I think he’d win (in a race between us), but I think we’d work together,” Madison said. “It’s awesome having him out there. If I make mistakes, I can go out there and watch him and learn off of that.”
Levi echoed his sister’s sentiments.
“I just support her and help her along, and she supports me,” Levi explained. “I try to do whatever I can to help her out.”
Unlike most sports, motocross doesn’t have the typical support systems set up where younger competitors can compete for their local school or in youth leagues set up by the community. However, the Johnsons have plenty of support from family, as well as other sponsors.
As motocross is not an inexpensive sport, those sponsors play a pivotal role in affording Levi and Madison the opportunity to participate. The Johnsons purchased a hauler last year, and Levi’s pit bike cost more than $12,000 to put together, as everything on the bike is custom, save for the gas tank, frame and seat.
Stacey explained that sponsors such as IBEW local 281, Delmolino Plumbing, Baker Chiropractic, Bernie’s Bar and Willemsen Dairy, as well as Levi and Madison’s grandparents, Bruce and Cathy Boerner and John and Nila Johnson, make motocross possible.
“We really couldn’t do it without (our sponsors),” Stacey said.
Of course, Stacey and husband Dale are their children’s biggest supporters.
“My husband goes down to the line with them every time, and they say a prayer before they go off,” Stacey said. “I don’t care how they do, I just want them to be safe. (Dale)’s always said, ‘I don’t care how you do when you put that helmet on, I’m proud of you.’ ”
Local Sports
Siblings saddle up for finals
Levi and Madison Johnson headed to motocross worlds
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