 Rising Star Series: ones to watch
Meet Raycer Frank
Series 1: Vol 2. Meet Raycer Frank
Full Name: Raycer Roy Frank
Bib Number: 204
Birth Date: 06/07/04
Residence: Paynesville, MN
Height: 41 inches
Weight: 44 pounds
Events: Minnesota Regional
Team: Frank Racing
Sponsors: Bork Lumber & Steel, Inc., Bristows
Awards: 3 first places finishes in finals, 2nd in year-end points, 1st place qualifier at Lake Geneva year-end race.
School/Grade Level: Pre-school
Favorite Class at School: Recess
He doesn’t remember the first time he ever drove a sled. He doesn’t remember what he had for lunch yesterday. That is normal behavior for a 5-year-old. Right now, all he thinks about is racing.
“I like jumping,” Raycer said. “And going fast.”
Raycer has been groomed for racing since the day he was born. After all — it’s in his blood. And in his name.
Ryan and Erin Frank are Raycer’s parents. Ryan said he was watching the X-Games in 2002 when Mike Metzger won the freestyle competition. At the podium, Metzger held his baby boy and announced the name of the child was Racer. “I liked the name as soon as I heard it. So when my wife was pregnant with our son, we both decided we liked the name,” Ryan said. “My great grandpa’s name is Ray. He was a huge influence on me through my childhood. So Raycer is a combination of the two.”
Ryan had been a snocross racer up until he and Erin were expecting Raycer. He finished his career in semi-pro class and was point’s champion in the 2002/2003 season. He dropped out of the competition during the 2003/2004 season to save money for the arrival of his new baby.
Ryan’s passion for the sport of snocross has not ever waivered. “It’s Raycer’s time now,” Ryan said. “I am going to do everything I can to help him as long as he wants to continue. Right now, I think it is in his blood for life.”
Raycer has big plans for himself this year. Staying in the 4 to 5 year-old stock 120 class, he is hoping to place 1st in points at year-end. He has been waiting for snow since his last race of the 2008/2009 season.
But Raycer doesn’t sit still for long. He practices all summer long on his dirt bike and his 4-wheeler at the family track on their property. Emulating his all-time-favorite racer and hero, Levi LaVallee, Raycer is working on some tricks of his own. Working on his jumps, he is up to a 14-foot gap on his dirt bike and is tenaciously attempting a Superman on his 4-wheeler“.
I keep landing on my tummy,” Raycer said with a grin. But he continued saying he will not give up. His final goal: triple back flip on his sled.
His daily practice sessions are preparing him for his true passion of snocross. “I wanna be like Levi Lavelle,” Raycer said. “First, I am gonna do one flip. Then two. Then three.”
With the support he receives from his pit crew: Mom, dad, little sister Elexa and Robbie “Thump” Schultz, he will no doubt surpass his own expectations before long. “Thump has never missed a race,” Raycer said. “Lexy stays in grandstand. She wants to be a singer like Hanna Montana.”
While Raycer looks up to Levi as an idol, he said his greatest influence in life comes from his dad.
“He practices with me a lot,” Raycer said. “He teaches me how to go fast.”
With that in mind, Raycer passes his experience on to other young riders. His advice: “Go wide open and lean in your corners.”
His long-term goals include going pro at the age of 16. After that? Raycer shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know. Keep jumping and going fast.”
With all of the motorized “big-boy” toys Raycer has in his garage, he is planning on asking Santa for a new sled this year.
“The red one. It’s plastic and you ride down a hill on it,” Raycer said. Simple wishes for a little boy with big dreams.
You can see Raycer and all of the other 120 riders as they make their first appearance of the season at Quadna Mountain Resort in Hill City Dec. 5-6. Come on out and cheer on the future of snocross. All other classes will also be competing at the Minnesota Regional at Quadna.
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