Thursday, April 25, 2024
When the training wheels came off, James Milson was ready to ride.
And he’s still going after 18 years.
“My dad said I could get a (motorcycle) when I took the training wheels off my bicycle,” recalled Milson.
That was all the motivation he needed.
Once Milson proved he could ride without training wheels, he received his first minibike. He was 3.
Milson progressed from riding on trails at the deer lease to motocross racing and now supercross racing in stadiums and arenas across the country.
The 21-year-old Granbury resident will be signing autographs Saturday at the grand opening for Progressive Powersports, 1507 N. Plaza Drive.
PROGRESSIVE CELEBRATES WITH GRANBURY DEALERSHIP
The grand opening event for Progressive is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes the Dallas Mavericks dancers and mascots.
Patrons will have a chance to interact with the staff and win prizes.
“We are truly excited to become more involved with such a great and inviting community,” said Progressive Powersports COO Bobby Whitney.
Brand representatives from powersports accessory companies will be in attendance with free gift bags for event-goers.
Progressive Powersports will be serving food and drinks throughout the day for patrons.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/progressivepowersportstexas/
MOVING UP IN MOTOCROSSS
Milson entered his first motocross race when he was
7. Motocross is an off-road motorcycle race on a cross country course with winding dirt trails featuring jumps, sharp turns and sometimes muddy terrain.
He raced at various locations including Burleson, Bridgeport, Village Creek in Fort Worth and Lake Whitney.
In 2016, Milson entered his first supercross race, the same year he graduated from Granbury High School.
“It was unlike anything else in the world, getting to do what I love,” he said of his first race.
The supercross is a compacted version of the motocross race. It takes places at an arena or stadium, allowing spectators to see all the action on a track filled with jumps and turns.
Milson competes with a Kawasaki 250f and Kawasaki 450f. He’s raced in super-cross at major stadiums in Atlanta, Daytona, Minneapolis and Arlington.
EVEN WITH PROTECTIVE GEAR, INJURIES ARE COMMON
Racers wear protective gear pants, a special motocross vest, advanced helmets that include ear protection from sound, knee braces, big boots, goggles and gloves.
Still there are injuries.
Milson’s had 23 broken bones, a punctured lung, fractured back and a torn ligament in his ankle.
“It doesn’t slow me down,” he said. “You can’t let injuries hold you back.”
Milson worked for his dad at Granbury Motorsports when his family owned the business. Progressive acquired the dealership last year.
At one point, Milson was racing full time. Recently he said he’s been helping with the family construction business, though he plans to return and make racing his career.
Making the transition to supercross, Milson said there’s more interaction with fans, signing autographs and doing pit shows.
When approached by fans, Milson said, “I tell the kids to be respectful in life. I want to be a good role model for others.”
dschneider@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 255
‘You can’t let injuries hold you back.’ --James Milson
