By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorThe motocross event this year at the Warren County Fair meant something extra to Alex Heitgerd.While he has participated in the race for the last four years, this summer the 2015 Warrenton High School graduate went the extra mile to make it happen.Heitgerd helped redesign the track, which received great reviews.“I actually made the start for the race this year and helped grade and slope everything up to make it all kid-friendly,” Alex Heitgerd said. “We really felt like the track flowed better this year the way we switched it all up.”While his race was brought to a close with several laps to go due to a wreck that ended the Class 450 C event, there was more to enjoy about the night for Heitgerd.He enjoyed being out on the track and the adrenaline rush he felt at the starting gate and when he passed other riders, hearing how much people enjoyed the track was well worth the efforts he and others put into it.“It’s all a pride thing,” he said. “When you hear people that liked the track this year, it just makes you feel good about yourself. There were kids out here at nine this morning waiting for the race and that was cool to see. This is my hometown and that’s why it’s fun to come out and help and race in this event.”Heitgerd first learned his love for the sport of racing when he was in middle school.“Me and my dad would watch supercross and motocross every year together,” he said. “Then one day I came home from school and we built a jump in the yard and we just took off from there.”A year after learning how to ride a bicycle, Heitgerd was asking for motorbikes for Christmas.“I started out with a little Kazuma kids motor bike,” he said. “Then I got a KX80 dirt bike for Christmas one year and then a KX250 a couple years after that. My dream when I was younger was to be a professional rider.”While racing is not cut out for his siblings, especially his sister who went backwards on the track in her only race, he doesn’t think he will give up the extreme sport anytime in the near future.“I think I became good at this sport because I like action sports a lot,” he said. “I have always watched them and by doing so I learned a lot about races and from my favorite riders to watch.”To many, the sport is one that isn’t taught to them while growing up. For Heitgerd, it is one that he takes joy and pride in.“Some people can’t get it or learn how to ride these bikes,” he said. “I have plenty of friends that come over and they just can’t do it. For me, it’s a sport I don’t think I will ever give up.”At the 2015 Warren County Fair, Heitgerd left his mark on the dirt tracks.“It’s always fun to come out and compete in front of friends and family, but to help out with the track this year was really unique,” he said. “I’m glad I was able to help leave my mark.”

An ATV rider prepares prepares to land a jump during the Motocross Racing event at the Warren County Fair on Friday evening. Alex Heitgerd helped design the new layout for the race this year with the help of some friends.

Patrick MacCoon photo.