Hunting Big Game0

With two rounds to go in the Championship and the points race tightening up after a controversial round one disqualification, the pressure was definitely on for fourteen-year-old Hunter Coffin. Where most kids would crack under the pressure, Hunter thrives on it, it’s part of the rush. But in a sport where there is little room from error and no teammates to rely on, the pressure of a 25 point deficit come-back with three rounds remaining and 13 points to make up is all part of the game. When your nickname is “Big Game,” you better be ready to play.

Hunter “Big Game” Coffin is his name and performing under pressure is what he does best. With the weight of his future, career, and his championship on the line, Hunter gets off the line well, but not good enough to put him in the lead. A notoriously difficult track to pass on, Hunter is well aware that his work will be cut out for him, especially since his strongest rival and the leader of the Championship, is the rider who leads the way. Hunter knows that his rival is strong at this track and swept the weekend during the previous visit. With a mixture of focus, determination, and pure talent, Hunter stalks his prey before making a harrowing pass right up the inside of his talented rival. For the spectators, all eyes are fixed on Hunter as his exciting style of backing his Honda RS 150r into corners keeps both parents and paramedics on their toes. The two young aces literally lean on each other, elbows pressed against each other’s fairings. The proximity does not faze Hunter as he grabs a handful of throttle just before the corner closes off and the two riders collide. He makes the pass stick and he does it cleanly. Seconds later, Hunter proceeds to break away from his rival as well as the rest of the field, never looking back once. It is clear to both his competitors as well as the spectators, that Hunter’s dominating performance is truly indicative of someone who knows how to win Championships.

If it weren’t for his first round DQ’s, Hunter would have already had the championship wrapped up in both of his classes after twenty-five victories and five podiums out of thirty-two starts. His competition is far from easy, racing with the club that has spawned talents of the likes of Red Bull Rookies Cup Champion Benny Solis and AMA racer Tommy Aquino, SCminiGP is hands down the most competitive Mini-Championship on the West Coast. With two rounds remaining and eight points to be made up by the final round, Hunter has his work cut out for him, but Hunter is no stranger to adversity.

Growing up in a family whose money was scarce, but the love was plentiful, Hunter races for more than Championships. The Coffin’s are a tight knit family who are dedicated to helping their son achieve his dream. Selling their family business and moving into a tiny house in the middle of the desert so they could afford to help their son pursue his dream, the Coffins are the definition of dedication. The typical American family would say that the Coffins are crazy for giving up everything they have to support their son’s pursuit of such a dangerous and expensive sport. But, when you talk with the witty fourteen-year-old with a unique approach to just about everything, you realize what his parents saw and why they believe in their son. Hunter knows that failure is not an option and that is very apparent when you watch him ride. At every track in every condition you will always see that familiar red #55 bike out in front. If it’s an off day at worst he’ll finish third, at best he will win. No matter what the situation, all of his competitors know that in reality there is no off day for Hunter and that they better always bring their A game in order to stand a chance. It is obvious that the kid loves to ride and it is obvious that he is destined for something big.

To Hunter, racing is more than a sport it is a representation of the hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and the love of his family. At the young age of twelve his mother Michelle asked Hunter what it was that he loved so much about racing, he replied, “I don’t know mom, when I’m out there, it’s just spiritual.”

To learn more about Hunter, please visit www.huntercoffin.com