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Ricky James always wanted to be a professional motocross racer. Racing was his life. It kept him focused, provided him with a reason for living and filled his dreams. Unfortunately, at the tender age of 16 and on the verge of crossing over to the professional racing circuit, Ricky James sustained a serious spinal cord injury which made him a T-6/7 paraplegic. While this type of injury would discourage many other men twice his age and cause them to hang up their goggles, racing boots and helmets permanently, Ricky James refused to give up his dream, and within eight months he was racing again.

Ricky James - Background
Ricky James was born wanting to race. However, his parents made him wait until he was 11 to start racing. At 11, Ricky James started racing in his local Grand Prix Series. By the time he was 13, he had worked his way up in the ranks and entered his first motocross race. He finished second behind another Motocross legend, Mike Alessi. Ricky raced every weekend, honing his craft and developing his racing skills.

At the age of 15, he had already worked his way up to 125 Intermediate level in motocross racing and was close to crossing over into the professional circuit. In 2004 Ricky's dream of becoming a professional motocross racer was within reach, however, this dream would be shattered less than a year later. On March 10, 2005 Ricky James was doing what he does best at the Amateur Motocross National when he had an accident that would change his life.

Dealing with SCI
While most people with a SCI, would call it quits, Ricky James refused to give up motocross. Within eight months of sustaining his injuries he was back in the saddles again. His first post accident race was the Lake Elsinor Grand Prix. Because he was paralyzed from the chest down, he raced on a quad that had a special shifter installed and duct taped himself to the rig for stability. After completing this race in the upper portion of the pack, Ricky knew his racing career was not over.

New Challenges
Ricky James is an inspirational young man. He not only is taking on new athletic challenges by participating in and completing the 1/2 Ironman in Kona, Hawaii, and racing quads and modified motorcycles, but he is also starting his own company to spread SCI awareness. His advice to other people with SCIs is to enjoy every minute of your life and to take on challenges regardless of what disability you have.

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