We've heard rumors over the last few months that Minnesota up-and-comer Taylor Witt was giving up racing for good. And after speaking with the young Suzuki rider, it appears the rumors are true. When we sat down with Minnesota's rising Amateur athlete we got the scoop as to why he's hanging up the boots...The almost teenager opens up about the pressure, the sacrifices made and the injuries you and your families have to endure to stay at the top of this physically and mentally demanding sport.

Name: Taylor Witt
Age: 12
City/State: New Prague,MN...about 30 miles south of Minneapolis and 90 miles from Milville.
Biggest Accomplishment: Winning the two championships and the Thor outstanding male athlete last year at the Mini O’s '07.

How's school going and what have you been up to back home in all this winter weather?
School has been going really good so far. I have been doing some snowmobiling and this year I just started hockey, so I've been doing a lot of that.

You've been a top five kid throughout your entire amateur career, you've had your fair share of time on the box - even a few Championships, how do you feel your career has gone as a whole?
It has gone great! I accomplished everything I set out to do and I am very proud of my effort.

You had a solid season in '08, but we haven't heard much from you in a while. Have you just been recovering since Loretta's?...(tell us what happened at LL)
I thought I was prepared for Loretta’s this year.  We stayed home to train this year.  It was pretty warm at home so we decided it would be OK to train and stay together as a family.  I did pretty well at Ponca and had some bike problems so I was pretty sure I could do well at Loretta’s.  I have never gotten a good start at Loretta’s.  I don’t know why but I never have.  The first two motos went pretty well until the third moto.  I got a terrible start and tried to work my way up.  I think I fell twice before I wrecked on the back double.  I tore the tendons in the top of my foot. It was probably the most painful injury I have had, and I’ve had a bunch! I actually haven’t ridden a bike since Loretta’s.  We still have four 85s sitting in the garage for when I’m ready.

For a young rider like yourself, where does the pressure come from? It must be tough having sponsors expect things and while your parents might not put the pressure on so much, but they want the best for you. Does it get overwhelming?
Most of the pressure came when I got the ride from Suzuki.  I also put a lot of pressure on myself to perform.  My parents tried to keep as much pressure off as possible but it was still there.  It got very overwhelming and took  most of the fun out of riding for me.  The fact that I was away from my Dad and Sister Sami was probably the hardest part about living the life I did.

Well, we've heard a lot of rumors about you taking an extended break from racing and we wanted to set the record straight?
I guess that’s pretty accurate.  I really don’t know yet. Right now, I'm taking a break, going to school, playing hockey, and seeing what it’s like to be a normal kid again.  I was out of school for three years.  I still had a ton of friends in school, but it’s great making more new friends!  This trimester I’m getting all A’s too!!

What is one piece of advice you would give other kids as young as yourself in this sport? You are very talented and you have proven you are a top competitor, but in your case, this sport just isn't for you and that is not a bad thing.
I would say that if you don’t want to do it, don’t. You have all your life to try different things so why do something you don’t want to do?  When I told my parents I wanted to take a break they were actually a little relieved.  It took some of the pressure off of them too.  Follow your dreams but make sure you have fun doing it.

Are you into any other sports or hobbies that you really enjoy doing as much as you like motocross?
Yes, this winter I’m playing PeeWee hockey.  It’s awesome.  I played five years ago for two years.  I have a lot to learn yet but I’m getting there.  I like to snowboard also.  I went this last weekend and scraped up my cheek doing a faceplant.  I wanted to take a break from motocross because I was tired of the injuries, looks like I may have to take a break from snowboarding too!!

With Suzuki dropping their support, was that another factor in maybe saying, hey it's time to stop and try something new?
No, it wasn't. I was just getting kind of bored doing it and I guess I didn't have the drive to do it anymore.  Suzuki was awesome to me although it was a lot of pressure.

Anyone you want to thank for giving you the successful run that you had? 
For sure, my Mom and Dad.  They did everything they could to get me to the point I was at.  I couldn’t have done it without them.  My sister Sami, my mechanic and friend Travis.  Todd and Aaron at Fox, wow, what can I say about them!  They are the best and supported me in every way they could.  I had a lot of year to year support that was great too.  I appreciate all that everyone did for me.  Thanks everyone!

Lastly, our biggest question is, will we see you in Texas?
I don't think you'll see me there this year, but you never know.