Racing's in his blood

At the early age of 4, Johnson Lane resident Josh Tupa knew he wanted to race motorcycles. His parents used to ride three wheelers out in the desert in Southern California so he had the perfect opportunity to start racing three wheelers. When he turned 11 he was focused and determined to race with the professionals in motocross.

Josh bought a Honda XR100. He kind of started late compared to most pros but when he turned 13 he had his first race at Carlsbad Raceway, in north San Diego County. At the age of 15 Josh picked up sponsors to lighten the burden to his family, Motoworld of El Cajon and CEET Graphics. It only took Josh two more years to turn pro and then he was traveling to Washington state, Mammoth and all over California. He would ride in the CMC Golden State Series as well as American Motorcycle Association-sanctioned events.

When I asked Josh about his best time racing, he said it was when just he and his dad loading up and not knowing anything. His career brought him a first pro series at Carlsbad. His worst time? A Grand Prix at Carlsbad Raceway at Christmas time. He was two seconds behind Jeremy McGrath on the second to the last lap and his bike blew up. Man, I hate it when that happens.

What about broken bones? Wrong question because Josh has broken both wrists, cracked his sternum, his back, his hip, blew out his left shoulder, both ankles, all his toes, and he has had his left knee rebuilt. Did that happen all in one crash? "No" he said, "I was training and came up short on a 100 foot double." That is when he broke both arms and his hip and back.

Silly question was next, why did he quit? The sponsors were leaving and the medical bills were piling up. Josh still rides his Honda CRF450 almost every day. He never did get to ride in the Super cross which he dreamed of riding through the tunnel and hearing his name. However, Josh did races this past Saturday, even though he is an old guy at age 28 now. Our Douglas County Fairgrounds held the first event of the 2008 Triple Crown Motocross Series. Josh took home a 2-foot tall first-place trophy racing against all the young teenagers. Yeah, Josh!

If you are interested in racing in that series you can call Ty Erquiaga at (775) 240-2851 for more info, or look on the Web at ride775.com

Josh is still very involved in the world of motocross. He mentors children who want to race and gives them lessons, like Dillon Brehm from San Diego. Josh explained he is only here temporarily because he is very active in the plans for a racetrack being built in Pala just north of San Diego. The will have 186 acres to develop into lots of different types of racing. The plans so far are to hold world class events.

By the way, you may know Josh's mom, Becky Tupa. She teaches first grade at Meneley Elementary School. Good luck, Josh.

Independence Day Bike Parade

Mark your calendar for this Sunday, June 29 at 5 p.m. The Johnson Lane Fire Department will be sponsoring the Independence Bike Parade starting at the Johnson Lane store riding down Clapham up Stephanie to the Johnson Lane Park where hot dogs, chips and sodas will be served for a minimal fee. Everyone is invited to participate and it's not just for kids. Decorate your bike and come join in on the fun, there will even be a grand marshal. Call John Coleman if you have any questions at 267-4273. See you there.

n Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.