While many of northern Nevada's fastest teenagers have chosen to pursue glory at the amateur nationals in 2005, J.L. Bitz has been dicing in the pro class since late 2004. The decision to go pro has so far proved wise for the 17-year-old, who has posted very respectable finishes ever since, even when competing in the 250cc Pro class on his undersized CRF250R. Known locally as an aggressive and hard-charging racer, Bitz now plans to make a run at the very top of the professional ranks, the 2005 AMA outdoor nationals. After topping the 125cc Pro class at round six of the MX West Spring Series, Bitz spoke a little about his ambitions in motocross.

So how did it go today?
It went good. The first set of motos were good; the second set were all right. All together, it was pretty good.

It looked like you got hung up a little bit in the second 250cc Pro moto. What happened there?
I have a blown fork seal, and she was diving on me pretty bad. I ended up falling twice.

That makes things more difficult.
Yeah. But in the second 125cc moto I felt a lot better.

You’ve continued to get a lot faster lately. What have you been doing to improve?
Pretty much riding. I’ve been trying to ride as much as I can. I’ve just been trying to get ready, always.

What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m going to try to do some of the AMA outdoor nationals. I want to do some of the four-stroke nationals too.

Have you decided which rounds you’ll race?
I have to do the four-stroke nationals to get my AMA license (Ed. note: A recent AMA rule change now requires riders to score points in other AMA pro races, such as the four-stroke nationals, before they can receive their full pro license.) Then I just want to hit as many nationals as I can.

You’ve told me in the past that you prefer the 250F to anything else, so I imagine you’ll be signing up for the 125cc class at the nationals.
Yeah, that’s me. I’ll definitely be in the 125cc class.

What are your goals for the next two years in motocross?
Right now I just want to try my best and see where it goes. I just want it to keep going, even when it’s tough, and just never give up.

Now, if you could be anywhere in motocross in five years, where would it be?
Oh, man. I guess my dream is the same as everyone else’s: to have a factory ride. That’s what I’m shooting for.

Any team in particular?
Nope! It doesn’t matter to me. If they’re willing to support me, then I’m willing to ride for them.

J.L. Bitz is sponsored by Empire Suspension, Pro Circuit, Defiant Clothing, Big Valley Honda, and his parents.