Las Vegas and motocross have a very solid history. The World Mini Grand Prix, the US Open, and the East / West Supercross shootout, all call the infamous Sin City home. Within this city there is a young aspiring champion; a rider that dreams of winning the US Open and the East / West shootout in front of his home crowd, a rider that has the heart and mindset to just that.

In what is being considered one of the strongest intermediate classes in last decade, Tanner Krahenbuhl of Las Vegas, Nevada has been standing in the shadows. Following Ponca and Loretta’s this is no longer the case as the number 125 Honda of Houston has sent a message to his rivals. Tanner has made a statement, and after interviewing him, I feel strongly that we will soon come to recognize his name as we do Wilson, Anderson, Regal, Barcia, and the rest of the rising youth that are highly recognized through media channels.

Although Tanner has not claimed a Loretta’s Championship since he was in the 50cc 4-6 class back in 2000, he did manage to come out swinging in 2008 with strong moto finishes in both the MX Lites B stock and Motocross B stock classes. He fell victim to the mud in moto one of the motocross B stock class, ending up 33rd, but rebounded with a 3rd in moto two and a 2nd in moto three, finishing in front of the likes of Peick, Stewart, Sjoberg and Moore, resulting in an 8th place overall. Tanner also earned a respectful 11th overall in the MX Lites B stock class. For a kid that has managed to fly under the radar for nearly a decade these are accomplishments that without a doubt deserve merit. I must also mention that Tanner is only fifteen years old, by far the junior of his class.

The momentum has been building since Mammoth, where Tanner took home a third place overall in the 450 intermediate main. At that time he realized that he was not 100% physically, so he headed to Texas to train with Honda of Houston teammate Tony Blood in preparation for Ponca. Tanner’s training paid off and he left Ponca City with a 5th in 250 Mod Intermediate, a 7th in the 450 stock intermediate, and a ton of confidence as he headed east for Loretta’s.

His history has been littered with ups and downs. As I mentioned, within the big picture he has seemed to be somewhat absent. As his peers have rightfully etched their names into the sport, Tanner has battled through injury time and time again, resulting in a lack of acknowledgement until now.

Tanner started riding at the ripe age of three years old on a JR50. He was influenced by his brother Broc, who had a successful career in both the amateur and pro ranks. His career started with a bang after wining the 4-6 class at Loretta’s in 2000. In 2005 Tanner began to shine once again in the 85 7-11 class as he brought home top three finishes at both Ponca and Loretta’s. Injuries overshadowed his '06 and '07 seasons, but his desire to make it in motocross has proved to be the stronger factor and he has returned evidently polished and more determined than ever to make his mark.

In talking with Tanner I came to know a very mature young adult who has defined goals and true belief in his abilities and future in motocross. He is extremely grateful for the support that he gets from Honda of Houston and recognizes the instrumental role that his training program plays in the success of his future. His vision, coupled with his maturity and dedication, has set the stage for a future that is wide open.

Tanner would like to thank the following sponsors for their support;

Honda of Houston – Fox – ScottUSA – Vitamin Water – No Toil