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The 53rd annual THOR Mini O’s has kicked off and for the next six days we will get to watch some of the best amateur racing of the year. This race has become one of the most prestigious amateur races of the year, with riders traveling from all over the World to try and show their talents among the best. This race pulls in a huge number of racers, with many of the classes having two full gates! Here are some riders and classes you need watch this week.
Jax Baker
I am fortunate enough to be local to Jax and have gotten to see his improvement over the last year. Jax is always super-fast at the local track and has slowly been putting his name in the top 10 at some major events. Baker had his best year at Loretta’s with a 3rd in 65 (7-11) Limited and a 5th in 65 (7-11). Jax would back up those finishes at Ponca by taking 2nd overall in both of his classes. Baker made the switch to Cobra Elite team and will be representing them when he is on his 65. Jax came out swinging on day 1 on the SX track and won his heat in 65 (7-9) and 65 (7-9) Limited. Jax is quickly making his name known in the 7–9-year-old age group and becoming one of the kids to beat.
Krystian Janik
The ex-Team Green rider parted ways with his long-time team this fall and has made the switch to Rock River Yamaha. Janik has been a well-known name in the sport for a long time and has been looked at as one of the best rising amateurs. Over the last year or so luck has not been on Krystian’s side. Just wrong place wrong time accidents that are out of his and his team’s control. While I hated to see this young kid not have his ride anymore, I was excited for him to get a fresh start. A new bike, a new team, a new everything for Krystian could be just what he needs to show people what he’s capable of and what we have seen before. Janik did just that on Sunday and put himself 2nd in both of his 250 classes. The kid looked super comfortable on the bike and just seemed to flow. He hasn’t been on this bike long so I think we will only see him get better as he gets more comfortable on the bike.
250B/Schoolboy 2
This class is stacked. We have seen a lot of the top guys from this year’s LL class move up to the Pro Sport class, but when those guys leave, eager Supermini riders are chomping at the bit to fill their shoes. Here are a few of the supermini riders who moved up to the B class to be on the lookout for.
Vincent Wey
Wyatt Thurman
Brody Barth
Tristan Prueitt
Aidan Zing
Jayce Wolf
Jaydin Smart
If you watch amateur motocross, you have heard of this kid. If you have seen the new dodge commercial with a kid ripping his Cobra, well this is that kid. Jaydin is always a favorite to win at every race he’s at. Jaydin has made the move to 85’s and this means he would be leaving his long-time amateur team, Cobra Elite, and would be joining the BluCru. With a very active social media account—thanks Mrs. Smart—we get plenty of updates on Jaydin and his daily riding/training. Smart looks good and comfortable on the new bike and I think we will quickly see him put it on the podium. This is a name we are going to hear for a long, long time, so if you haven’t gotten the chance to see this guy race, make sure to tune into those 85 (9-11) classes this week.
Avery Long
This kid could make it a long weekend for the other Pro Sport guys. Long is without a doubt one of the best riders in class, yet still finds himself fighting to find a ride. Avery had to come into this week knowing in the back of his mind he must dominate. There are only so many spots to fill on the amateur factory teams and he must prove why he belongs in one of those spots over the other guys. He started off his week right where he needs to be to bring home some championships on the SX course. Winning both the Open Pro and 250 Pro class heats and a 3rd in 250 A. If Avery can get a few titles and continue to be in the top 3, I think we have to give this kid get a chance at a team for the 2025 season.
Main image: Jason Friberg
