Henderson teen serious about racing

By Mandy Walton

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 | 2:18 p.m.

Spend just a few minutes talking to 18-year-old Blane Vadasy about all-terrain vehicle racing and there's no question that he loves what he does. Spend a few more minutes watching him haul out more than 20 trophies and awards and you know he's serious about this sport he loves.

“It’s a rush. There is nothing more fun and exciting to me than racing,” Vadasy says.

A first-year student at Nevada State College, the 2008 Foothill High School graduate says he spends all his free time working on his bikes and getting ready for races.

“Knowing that I built everything and that it works perfectly, that's the other thing I love about racing,” he says.

After only four years of being involved in the sport, and two years competing in the actual World Off Road Championship Series, Vadasy has quite a few credits to his name.

WORCS is made up of eight races and it’s not uncommon for Vadasy to take first place in many of these races. In 2007, he finished second overall in the WORCS series. He's also scored first place finishes in the Ironman Henderson 400, Ironman at Pismo Beach, Supermoto and MRAN, just to name a few.

Trophies, tires, and money toward manufacturer products are all perks of winning. But it’s the pure rush of the adrenaline-charged race that Vadasy says keeps him going. Races are unpredictable: there are ruts, hills, logs, and holes as well as motocross-style stretches.

Currently, Vadasy is preparing for the upcoming 2009 WORCS race series, which begins in January. He says he’s hopeful that he'll win the series and get moved up to pro status. Vadasy will also compete in Best in the Desert in 2009. Winning would put Vadasy in the pro spotlight. He'll be going up against Wayne Matlock and Nick Grunlin, couple of pros who win all the time. He said beating them would be “really cool.”

While he is studying public administration at NSC, Vadasy says he'd love it if racing became something he was paid to do. He is currently sponsored by Frank's Auto Body, Big O Tires of Henderson, and Vegas Valley Locking Systems.

“You could really make a living doing this,” he says. “And I'm not far from it. Anything is possible.”

With a good head on his shoulders and the determination and excitement to win, Vadasy is going to take 2009 by storm.