Local youth competes at Mile High Stadium

Kellen Toupal, son of Cody and Shalene Toupal of Tea, started racing motocross when he was four years old—just like his older brother Sammy. The Toupal family has lived in Tea for 17 years.

“We race mostly in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Our local track is Saddleback in Renner, SD,” said Shalene. “It’s definitely a family sport, with our weekends spent together at the track.”

One of the most memorable competitions for the young competitor was when Kellen was named the 2021 Super Series champion at Spring Creek MX in Millville, MN, winning both the 50cc 7-8 year old class, and the 50cc 4-8 year old open.

Spring Creek MX is home to the closest track that the pros race every summer for the outdoor season, said Shalene.

Just last weekend Kellen competed in the KTM Junior Challenge. This was an opportunity for 7-8 year-olds to race 50cc electric bikes during the Monster Energy Supercross series.

It focuses on the future of the sport, with the e-bikes, as well as focuses on the family aspect of the sport.

The KTM Jr. Challenge is held at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. For the Denver race alone, there were more than 1100 applicants. Racers are selected based on a video submission, report cards, and overall riding ability.

Kellen raced fifteen 7-8 year olds from across the US and UK. He placed 7th overall.

The Toupal family has lived in Tea for 17 years.

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