By Susan Burton, Henry County Schools Communications Director
BUCHANAN, TN – While most kindergartners are busy mastering the alphabet, Lakewood Elementary student Cohen Wood is mastering the physics of speed. Competing across the Southeastern United States on his Cobra 50 dirt bike, he is on his way to becoming a standout name in the world of competitive motocross.
Currently competing in the Micro 2 (Ages 4–6) Limited 50 class, Wood has his sights set on the prestigious AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch this August. Qualifying for “Loretta’s” requires skill, training, and consistent top finishes.
Since he began racing at age four, Wood’s life has revolved around the track. Supported by his sponsor, Altus Motor Sports (Oklahoma), he completes daily workouts supplemented by riding sessions 3–4 times per week. He is competing in events on as many as 45 weekends per year. He is training at private tracks in Atwood and Bradford, Tennessee and has many other friends who ride and help him become a better rider.
“Cohen is fast, and he’s chasing a dream,” says his father, Michael Wood. “Many life lessons are learned while racing. At just six years old, Cohen takes full responsibility for his performance, often analyzing how to improve his bike, his focus, or his speed on the track.”
Cohen said he loves to race and win trophies. His resume already boasts impressive statistics against older and more experienced riders. His recent highlights include a 2nd Place finish in a local series championship, Top 5 Finish in the Winter Series in Texas, and a Top 10 in the Lincoln Trail this past year, just to name a few.
The journey to the nationals is a family effort. Cohen is supported trackside by his parents, Michael and Abbey Wood, and his sisters, Laikyn and Londyn. Despite his rising trophy count and the high-speed nature of the sport, Cohen is also a good student in Britni O’Neal’s classroom at Lakewood. O’Neal exclaims, “We are so proud of Cohen! Along with being a wonderful student, he is very talented. Our class is excited for all of his accomplishments both in and outside of school.”
As the qualifying season intensifies, Wood returns from Texas this last weekend to continue his climb toward the top of the AMA rankings.
Photo by Michael Wood