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Malikhi Lowery, a student at Forest Hunt Elementary, will be traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada, to race in the upcoming AMA Monster Energy Supercross on Saturday, October, 14th. The supercross is described as, "a breathtaking exhibition of motorcycle action sports entertainment at its best. As an FIM World Championship event, this Supercross series represents some of the most exciting motorcycle racing in recent history. The teams total up to 57 fast-paced, fearless riders who must be seen to be believed."
Malikhi started riding when he was very young. Justin Lowery, Malikhi's father says, "He started riding at 2 years old on a Honda 50 with training wheels. He started racing at 4 years old on the same Honda 50. His first race was at Palmetto Motorsports Park in Gaston, SC. Locally, he races at Cathey's Creek Motocross Park off Whitesides Road. He started on his own," Justin continued, "and I ran along beside him everywhere he went. We went through a few stressful times with him holding the throttle wide open, almost running into the woods. Another was when he first went to a KTM and it scared him, but, I've always been tough on him and never ever let him quit nor give up. I've always pushed him to keep going, no matter what.... you always push until you see the checkered flag. That's what you do as a racer. Once he got about 4-5 yrs old I bought a Honda 110, and that's how he and I would 'battle' when we went to practice. I accidentally ran over him twice when we were battling and he went down in front of me. We've gone through our share of incidents," says Justin with a chuckle.
Young Malikhi has raced in several states including Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Virgina, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and now will be adding Las Vegas, Nevada to that list.
"Malikhi has also qualified for the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur Nationals Championship three times since he was 5 years old." According to Justin, "That's the largest amateur national motorcross event in the US that riders from all over the nation attempt to qualify for. Only 42 riders per class are eligible to go and they have to finish in a top 6 position at the regionals. Held annually at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN, this racing venue is just outside of Nashville. Malikhi has qualified to go to this national event 3 times since he was 5 years old. He was sick last year and that prevented us from attending the regionals, but he went there at age 5 and 6 and this year at age 8. It's an honor itself just to qualify for this particular event. There were 54 riders at our regional in FL and NJ and to be a top 6 finisher out of that many riders is an accomplishment in itself."
When he's not racing, Malikhi enjoys riding bikes and scooters, and playing soccer. When asked who inspires him, Malikhi said, "My Daddy inspires me... and my heroes are my Paw Paw Jimmy, Maw Maw Kim and Papa John." His mother is Summer Martinez and his grandparents are Jimmy Lowery, Kim and John Hammonds, and Sondra and George Martinez. His brother is Madix Zane.
To show some support for this talented young man, tune into Fox Sports 2, October 14th to watch Malikhi racing his heart out on his 2017 Cobra 50 FWE and his 2016 KTM 65. Following the Vegas race, Malikhi and his family plan to go to Florida for the Mini Olympics which are scheduled during Thanksgiving week.
Congratulations Malikhi, on an amazing racing career. All of Rutherford County wishes you a great race and a Happy Birthday!
