Werner, Dedman are role models
for younger racers at D-Track

Dirt track in Milton, Ky.,
offers 30 different classes of racing

By Konnie McCollum
Staff Writer

(July 2010) – For more than seven years, several times a week, Cameron Dedman and Jeff Werner spend their weekends racing their Kawasaki dirt bikes around the track at D-Track Motocross, 431 Nubbin Ridge Rd., in Milton, Ky. Both are regular winners and have become mentors and role models for the younger racers at the track.

Photo provided Motocross racer Jeff Werner of Versailles, Ind., takes the high road as he spins through D-Track in Milton, Ky.

When weather permits, riders from all over the country and Canada come to D-Track to practice and race. D-Track offers 30 different classes for motorcycle racers and also has ATV races. All ages of riders are welcome at the 3/4 mile track, which twists, turns and has plenty of jumps. Track owner Travis Durand said that children as young as three years old have competed, while adults older than age 50 have also enjoyed racing.
Dedman, 20, began his career at D-Track, and he continues to love racing there. Last year, he qualified for the prestigious Loretta Lynn National Championships in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. From March to June, riders compete in 64 area qualifiers and 13 regional championships to determine final rosters for the annual national motocross championships. More than 22,000 riders in 33 classes attempted to earn a spot competing in this event. Only 43 riders in each class qualified, and Dedman was one of them.
“I absolutely love this sport,” he said. “It’s fun, yet challenging, and it can become addictive.” Dedman, who lives in Louisville, Ky., and works in the lawn care industry, hopes to spend this season perfecting his skills in the pro-am division before he tries to get his professional license. If he succeeds, he said he will hopefully be able to race the super cross races on TV. “The key to being successful and winning is having the confidence that you can,” he said. “Don’t second guess yourself; just tell yourself you can do it, and you will.”
Durand said younger riders look up to Dedman because he is a “good person and a talented rider.” He is thrilled Dedman has chosen to continue to ride at D-Track and enjoys working with the younger riders. “We are a Christian-based track, so we are happy we have several talented riders that are also good people,” said Durand.
Dedman said he tries very hard to be a good person and help the younger riders because he knows they look up to him. “This is a good sport to do to stay out of trouble and keep your faith in God. I try to show them that.”
Werner, 20, has been racing dirt bikes since he was 3 years old. He competes throughout the region and has been a regular winner at D-Track for years. He hopes to work toward his professional license within the next year. “I love this,” he said. “It’s just an overall general rush of excitement to race.”
Werner, who works for his father’s Sunman, Ind., landscaping company, Perfect Lawn and Landscape, also enjoys working with the younger riders. “I try to give them encouragement and advice,” he said. “I think it is great that they ask me for help.”
Although he has competed throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and other states, he loves D-Track the best. “It is a great facility, and I enjoy riding there.”
Durand says the track’s popularity is due to his high safety standards and the good condition in which the track is kept, along with its great location between several cities.
During the rules briefing before races, Durand stresses to the riders the need for safety, including safe speeds. Few injuries have ever occurred at his track, and he credits strict safety rules for this.

• For more information about D-Track, visit www.dtrackmotocross.com or call (502) 268-5748.