The Alberta Mini Roadracing Association has announced a new Youth Development Program to inspire the next generation.

It's designed to introduce young enthusiasts and their families to experience the world of motorcycle racing with the guidance of a professional instructor.

The program allows children aged 5 to 15 to receive top-notch training from Coach Misti Hurst, a former AMA Pro Motorcycle racer and veteran riding coach with the California Superbike School Worldwide.

"I started motorcycle racing in 2001 after a short time, and by 2008, I was racing professionally as part of the American Motorcyclists Association. I made history there as the first woman to qualify and race a supersport race at Daytona International Motorsports," said Hurst. 

AMRAPhoto provided by - Misti Hurst. 

Hurst explains that there weren't many women in the sport back then.

"I was competing typically as the only woman against the sea of men, and during that time, I was coaching and have been coaching with the California Super Bike School." 

Hurst has taught all over the world in her time as a professional motorcycle racer. 

"Spain, Australia, India, all over the United States and ridden probably over 50 motorcycle tracks worldwide." 

According to Hurst, the AMRA is accessible to families of all backgrounds. 

"The AMRA is unique in that they are one of the only clubs I know of that provides these services at no cost to families with young children."

The program is fully subsidized, and the club has fundraising money that it has utilized.

"Instead of charging the family, they are covering the complete cost of this youth development program, which is a special opportunity for kids." 

Hurst says one of the reasons she is coaching at AMRA has to do with her son, Ashton Parker, who is 14-years-old. 

"We met the crew at AMRA last year when we traveled there for the first time so that Ashton could race. It is an amazing facility, a group of people, and just a good organization."

parkerAshton Parker (14). Photo by - William Snow Photography. 

There are a few benefits of mini roadracing with children, Hurst notes.

"They learn how to control a moving vehicle; they learn teamwork, public speaking, confidence, and much more that can help them later in life." 

June 28 will be Strathmore Motorsports Park's first Youth Development Program Day. 

"We have already had 20 kids sign up, and it will be a full day of track. We will be just running through a series of curriculum that will teach the fundamentals of things like throttle control, body position, braking, choosing a line, and then some fun stuff in between, like practicing podium speeches and learning how to draw the racetrack."

bikerPhoto provided by - Misti Hurst. 

The same kids will have a full club race weekend from June 29-30.

"Strathmore will be hosting the first FIM Mini GP Canada series, a globally sanctioned series for 10-14-year-olds where the championship winner earns a spot to represent Canada during the World Finale race in Spain at the end of the season."

You can learn more about AMRA by clicking HERE. 

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