Danny Alcala
Age 8 | School Sunflower Elementary School | Grade Second
EL CENTRO — The Imperial Valley BMX Association held its annual State Qualifier at its track at Sunbeam Lake on Sunday afternoon, with 140 riders coming out to compete in the event. Participants included riders as young as 3 years of age to 50, with riders coming in from throughout Southern California and Arizona to compete.
Locally, the Imperial Valley saw seven of its youngest riders advance to the main event with one finishing in first place in his moto.
The lone local champion was Danny Alcala, who topped the 8-year-old Novice moto in his first time competing at the local qualifier.
The young rider said he raced two times before reaching the main event and said he was both nervous and excited to compete in the main.
“I got second place and then I got second place again,” explained the 8-year-old regarding his first two races.
Alcala said he spent time in the shade between races on the hot Sunday afternoon and added that winning his race was his favorite part of the day.
“I was excited,” Alcala said with a smile recalling his victory.
My Favorites Pro athlete Robby Gordon, American racecar driver Pro team Robby Gordon Motorsports Class Science
TV show “Stanger Things”
Movie “Nacho Libre”
Actor Jack Black
Song “Rockstar”
What do you enjoy most about your sport? Racing against my friends and having fun.
What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport? Racing my friends on the last turn for the win (on Sunday).
Who inspires you and why? My dad because he tells me to give it 100 percent and have fun.
What are your goals for the rest of this season? To do my best, to move up in class and to race in different places.