A 15-year-old mini motorcycle racer from Elmira, Ont. has his sights set on a world title after winning a national championship. Stefan Tanasic recently finished first in the 190-cc class of the FIM MotoMini Canada Series. “It really felt good when I crossed that checkered flag knowing I’m the national champion,” the teen said. The win also secured his place at the world finals in Valencia, Spain, where Tanasic will compete against some of the fastest young riders, representing 27 countries, this November. Toni Sharpless, CEO of the FIM MotoMini Canada Series and operator of Super Sonic Road Race School, said Tanasic took to the sport quickly after getting involved a couple of years ago. “These are the fastest kids in the world. So, Canada is really happy to be part of that,” Sharpless said. Despite winning a national championship in only his second season, Tanasic knows he still has plenty to learn. “Yes, I have the talent to be up there and winning races,” he said. “[But] I still need a lot more experience.” That determination extends beyond the track, as the Grade 10 student balances school with the demands of competitive racing. Tanasic is also considering switching to online school next year to give him more time to pursue his ambitions. “I still want to go pro in MotoGP,” he said. Sharpless believes he has the potential to reach that level. She also hopes young riders like Tanasic can help grow the sport in Canada, where motorcycle racing does not have the same early-development culture as hockey. “Our sport is hockey. Our kids start when they’re two years old, you know, skating on their ankles,” Sharpless said. “We don’t have that in our sport. I’m trying to get there.” For Tanasic, the national championship is just the beginning. With a world finals appearance on the horizon, the Elmira teen is preparing to test himself against the best young talent from around the globe and accelerate his dream of becoming a professional racer.
