The Winners and Wildcards of Tomorrow

Bell Athlete Support Program (ASP)

We all start somewhere, and for these eight amateur racers, their passion for going fast on two wheels began as soon as they learned how to walk. While most kids were practicing their ABCs, these groms were out practicing corners at the local track. Since 1954, it has been our mission to empower the boundary breakers across all racing vertices, while seeking out and harnessing new talent. Thus, the Bell Athlete Support Program was introduced, resulting in a growing diverse collective of winners and wildcards all around the globe. We sat down with the up-and-coming moto athletes to learn more about their early days on two wheels, and the steps they’re taking to make it to the Supercross live podium.

Deacon Denno

Fort Worth, Texas
14 Years old

When did you start racing?

I stared racing when I was 8.

What do you love about racing?

I love everything about racing — from the minute the gate drops to the checkered flag, and everything in between!

What was your most memorable race?

My most memorable race was Mini O’s 2021 when I won a major championship.

Who is your favorite professional racer?

Chase Sexton is my favorite professional racer.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I ride my pit bike, hang out with friends, and travel with my family.

Describe your riding style.

I don’t know really … I got a little swagger in there I think. I like to have fun with it. I’ve always been big on my technique, so I like to make sure I keep that dialed in every time I ride.

Jeremy Fappani

Scottsdale, Arizona
15 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started riding at the age of 2, and started racing at around 5. I started just racing local stuff in Arizona and then started racing the California series as well. Then when I was 7 I started racing nationally and went to races like freestone and Loretta’s for the first time.

What do you love about racing?

My favorite thing about racing is the rush you get from it. When you’re sitting on the line and your heart is racing and just locking into the track, visualizing the perfect lap, thinking of lines, and just getting ready to lay down a moto.

What was your most memorable race?

My most memorable race was Loretta’s this year. It is on the top of my list because it was my first time getting to win at Loretta’s and will always be a core memory.

Who is your favorite professional racer?

Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved James Stewart, he was always thinking outside of the box, everything from rhythm lanes, to staying lower over jumps than anyone else. He was always such a technical rider and in my book the fastest to ever do it.

What do you do in your free time?

When I’m not riding or doing work off the bike, I love getting to head up to the mountains to either snowboard or mountain bike. But I really just love mostly all extreme sports than give off similar feeling to motocross.

Describe your riding style.

I would say my riding style is more technical. I feel that when I’m riding, I have more of a precise way of going. Whether it’s how I’m going to attack a section, or how I’m going to hit a rut. I don’t bulldoze my way through the track like some other riders do.

Kade Johnson

Hideaway, Texas
15 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started riding when I was 3 and started racing when I was 5 and haven’t stopped.

What do you love about racing?

I love the competitiveness, adrenaline, and excitement of racing and being the best I can be. Along with that I love the grind. I also love traveling to new tracks and making great friends along the way.

What was your most memorable race?

Lorretta Lynn’s 2017 has been my most memorable race. It was my first win at the National Championship at Lorretta’s Ranch. That had been one of my main goals since I began racing. Being on that podium and seeing my whole team supporting me was sick!

Who is your favorite professional racer?

My all-time favorite pro motocross racer is James Stewart because he created a whole new riding style and was super speedy. Another favorite of mine is Eli Tomac because I respect his work ethic and he has amazing fitness. He also wears Bell Helmets which is dope.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I have recently gotten into day trading, researching stocks, and trying to become an entrepreneur. Other than that I like to hang out with friends and family.

Describe your riding style.

My riding style is calculated but I can make it happen when it needs to be done. I like to be the hunter.

Crockett Myers

Anderson, Texas
19 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started riding dirt bikes when I was 5 but didn’t start racing till I was about 6.

What do you love about racing?

What I love most about racing is getting to travel and seeing the world doing what I love.

What was your most memorable race?

My most memorable race would have to be Baja Brawl 2022 sweating all 3 pro classes was pretty damn cool!

Who is your favorite professional racer?

I would have to go with elhombre aka Jason Anderson as my favorite racer because his style is unmatched.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I’m definitely hitting the links. I love swinging some golf clubs.

Describe your riding style.

I honestly don’t know how to describe my style. I would say loose and smooth but a lil wild sometimes, if that makes any sense.

Leum Oehlhof

Oak Hills, California
16 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started racing in 2018.

What do you love about racing?

I love racing because I get to hang out with my friends, I like the competition and I enjoy putting in the work that it takes to win.

What was your most memorable race?

The last moto at Lorretta Lynn’s, the championship depended on who won with the top 4 contenders and I was able to win.

Who is your favorite professional racer?

My father, Joe Oehlhof, is my favorite racer.

What do you do in your free time?

During my free time, I golf and fish.

Describe your riding style.

My riding style is more like a loose/ aggressive type.

Canyon Richards

Estell Mnor, New Jersey
14 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started riding at age 4.

What do you love about racing?

I love going fast and hitting big jumps.

What was your most memorable race?

My most memorable race was taking a last lap, last corner pass for the championship at Minios 2 years in a row.

Who is your favorite professional racer?

J-Law is my favorite racer.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I ride Pitbikes and wheelie in the streets.

Describe your riding style.

My riding style is technical and smooth.

Diesel Thomas

Raymomd, Nebraska
15 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started riding dirt bikes at the age of 3 but racing competitively at the age of 5.

What do you love about racing?

What I love most about racing is winning. There is no better feeling then being on top of the podium. However, I do enjoy the excitement you feel at the track and being around family, friends and the industry. I’ve learned a lot over these past 10 years and I love that dirt bikes and racing are a big part of that.

What was your most memorable race?

I have a lot of memorable moments on racing both highs and lows but if I had to choose one it would be winning Daytona.

Who is your favorite professional racer?

My favorite ride has changed from time to time but as of now it’s Jett Lawrence hands down. I really like his riding style the most plus he seems like a great guy all around. He’s had to work to be where he is today and that gives me hope that if I do the same I can also make it.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends. I play golf, I go hunting as much as I can and I enjoy fishing.

Describe your riding style.

My riding style is mostly smooth but I am known to take risks or ride on the edge at times if I’m pushed.

Gavin Towers

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
18 Years old

When did you start racing?

I started racing when I was 4 years old.

What do you love about racing?

The thing I love most about racing is the freedom you get from it and the feeling that not many people get to enjoy.

What was your most memorable race?

My most memorable race was definitely this year at Loretta’s getting my first win down there.

Who is your favorite professional racer?

My favorite professional racer was definitely either Ryan Villipoto or Ryan Dungey.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I’m definitely golfing. Or during off time wakeboarding.

Describe your riding style.

I would describe my style of riding as pretty smooth but definitely send it when needed.

Vincent Wey

Murrieta, California
13 Years old

When did you start racing?

I completed my first race when I was 7 years old.

What do you love about racing?

The thing I love most about racing is the thrill and challenge is what keeps me coming back to the track.

What was your most memorable race?

I had a great race one year at Ponca on my 65. I passed for the lead last lap then made a mistake in the last corner. Not my best memory but that is why racing is so cool. It is just so tough!