Bio

It has often been said that some people are born to race.  Such is the case with upcoming AMA Pro SuperSport East young gun Ryan Kerr. Showing his determination, finesse and riding skill from the very beginning, Kerr is on his way to establishing himself as a major stand out in today’s professional two-wheeled world.

 

Born and raised in Johnstown, Ohio, Kerr actually began riding motorcycles when he was just four years old.  Getting a 50cc dirt bike for Christmas, it was immediately apparent that Kerr was a natural. 

 

“We could barely keep him off the bike,” says his father Gerry. “All he wanted to do was ride.  At the age of five, he began competing in motocross and got his national number at Loretta Lynn’s Motocross Championship finishing fourth in the nation as a seven year old.  In fact he was so determined that despite crashing and hurting his ankle in one of the qualifying runs, he refused to let a little pain sideline him.  At the end of the day, his ankle was really hurting and a trip to the emergency hospital told us that he had actually broken it.”

 

Continuing to make a name for himself, Kerr began climbing up the ladder of success earning numerous victories and accolades along the way.  At the age of eight he competed in AMA National Flat Track earning a national number 3.  Next he tackled  the AMA Grand National Cross Country Series.   In 2007 and 2008 Kerr competed in the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship. Last year he raced selected Supermoto events as well as the AMA amateur road racing championships.  He ended the season finishing in the top ten in both Supersport and Superbike.

 

Fueled by his passion, Kerr is definitely proof that if you really want something, you can get it by hard work and determination.

 

Going to work part time at a local motorcycle shop three years ago, Kerr has independently paid for his bikes and vehicles since he was 15, including two vans, three bikes, a truck and now a new panel truck for racing. 

 

“I got to do some track days last summer courtesy of the motorcycle shop I work for,” explains Kerr. “And, I guess I wasn’t too bad.  I apparently impressed some people and that is how all this came about.  I was in the right place at the right time. “Racing in AMA Pro SuperSport is definitely a dream come true,” he continues.  “My hope is to go all the way to the top and that is what I intend to do.  Luckily for me I have my family’s support, especially lots of help from my dad who works tirelessly to keep my race bike running and is totally committed to helping me do well.  He is definitely my hero and my biggest fan.    Without him and my mom I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream.”

 

A strong, consistent rider, Kerr is holding his own in AMA Pro SuperSport. Currently tied for 5th overall, he is definitely making his ability known.

“This is a big learning curve for me,” he says with a smile.  “I have never ridden on most of the tracks and each time out is a new adventure.  I love every minute of it and I know the more I ride, the better I will get.”

 

Extremely likable, off the track Kerr is quiet and quite humble about his ability on two wheels. Extremely generous, he would literally give someone the shirt off his back if he thought it would help.

 

When not racing or working, Kerr can be found riding his motorcycle, working as an instructor at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course’s motorcycle school, training and hanging out with his friends.

 

“Lots of my friends motocross,” he explains.  “And, we all go out as much as we can.  I work out regularly which really helps my racing.  Not only does it keep my body in top shape, but it helps keep my mind clear and that is all important in racing.  You have to be on the top of your game every second you are on the track.  A single mistake can send you crashing and that means you don’t finish and that isn’t good.  Right at the moment I am concentrating on finishing each and every race.  I know that consistency is really the key to becoming a champion.”

A hard charger, determined and professional, it is obvious that Ryan Kerr is a young man on his way to becoming a champion.