Ryan Sipes is definitely a rider with tremendous amounts of potential. However, luck has not been kind to the young rider from Kentucky. The 2005 season was Sipes’ first year in the pro ranks. He went into the 125cc West Coast Supercross series as a rookie and ended the tour in the eighth spot; a respectable result for a newcomer like Sipes.

The 2006 season was rough on Sipes. During the second Supercross round in Anaheim, California, he broke bones on the top of his foot. The injury proved costly as he missed the entire Supercross season. When the outdoor nationals started, he injured his foot again, this time at Glen Helen Raceway. The season was definitely hard for Sipes, but it was not for lack of trying. In fact, he might have tried too hard, and just when he looked to be on his way to a successful recovery, another injury would strike.

After a rocky 2006 season with the WBR Suzuki team, Sipes picked up a ride with the reputable Factory Connection Honda squad for his 2007 campaign. In the East Coast Supercross Lites series, Sipes was putting in consistent top-ten finishes until he once again injured himself during the fourth round. He recovered in time to pursue the outdoor circuit, where he had flashes of speed on his way to 25th in the series.

For 2008, Sipes was contracted to ride for the MDK Factory KTM team. The new team was just what the talented racer needed to rejuvenate what was turning into a rough career. Sipes competed in the East Coast Region, and tied his career best with an eighth place in the final standings. He earned a podium in the first round, and finished in the top ten in five out of the seven rounds

Always known as one of the fastest Lites pilots, this Kentucky boy has added consistency to his game, making him a threat any time he lines up at a gate. After just missing his first career Lites win last year, he believes the Star Racing Yamaha team will help move forward.

Amateur Career

Ryan Sipes had a fairly successful amateur career. Riding with the highly recognized Team Green Kawasaki squad, Sipes rode to titles at Loretta Lynn’s and the World Mini Grand Prix in Las Vegas. In 2002, he earned the 250 B Stock title, and in 2004 he was victorious in the 125 A Pro Sport class. Although he does not have the laundry list of titles like some racers, Sipes collected his titles at the right times in his blooming career. In fact, his amateur resume was enough to earn him a ride with the WBR Suzuki team in his first year as a pro.

Personal

Obviously, Ryan Sipes is a dedicated professional motocross racer, but when he is not racing, Sipes is just like any other person. Motocross takes up the majority of his time, but he enjoys mountain biking and hanging out with friends. Keeping up on his personal track is definitely high on his priority list as well.

Sipes comes from a family of motocross racers, and it is how he became involved in the sport. Both his father and mother raced, and his brother Justin also races professionally. John Leonard

Contributors: Alissa Gilligan , Bad Billy