Ryder and Rhett Hofeldt Experience State Motocross Success, Look to Compete Out of State

 

January 11, 2023

If you were to ask most folks in the Hi-line, what local sports kids are involved in and what they excel at, many would have a quick thought. Basketball, football, wrestling and volleyball would come to mind to many right away. Others would certainly mention tennis, track and field, swimming or golf. Rodeo would be the top of the list for many and even skiing or ice hockey might get a mention. So, it may come as a surprise to many that Blaine County is home for two of the very best young motocross riders in the state of Montana. Ryder and Rhett Hofeldt have dominated their age groups having placed in the top three in 22 of more than 30 events that they have been entered in. Ryder and Rhett have had their way in the 65cc and 85cc classes in Montana. Ryder and Rhett are brothers and are the sons of Tara and Levi Hofeldt.

Ryder is an eighth grader at Chinook Junior High School and began racing in 2021. Competing in the 85cc classes Ryder finished the 2021 season 5th overall in the state. Looking to build on his rookie season Ryder made 2022 a season to remember. At seasons' end Ryder had finished at the top of the 85cc and Supermini classes, placing 3rd overall in the state in Supermini (a bored 105cc), which he still rides stock. "If I had that supermini kit, I'd be taking higher classes, but we're in the process of doing that with my dad". Ryder also earned 2nd overall in the 85cc, barely missing the state championship position by only 3 points.

Ryder competes as a sponsored athlete as part of Team Bar Bangers Racing, the only youth riding program in the nation sponsored by FLY Racing. 2023 will be the second year Ryder has been selected by the team to represent their goals and ambitions for youth riders throughout the country. Ryder is part of a team of 20 and they are all required to meet certain requirements: maintain a 3.0 GPA and participate in community service, something he takes very seriously. "FLY Racing, along with the Weis family and Team Bar Bangers have all been the best support. From the riding and protective gear they style us in, to the on-track support, the team members and their encouragement both on and off the track, it's an awesome organization and I'm so happy to be a part of it." Ryder does much more than Motocross, spending many days helping neighbors with shoveling and mowing, while also working on his parents and grandparents ranch south of Chinook. In addition, the eighth grader is also a drummer in the high school pep band at Chinook High School.

Rhett Hofeldt, a sixth grader at Chinook Meadowlark, had a ton of success this past year placing 1st overall in 65cc, 1st overall in 65cc open and 3rd overall in the 85cc younger class and is on a mission to take the top 85cc younger class division this year. Rhett has a fantastic group of supporters from around the state and took home the top honor this year as Montana's HCMA Youth Rider of the Year award. The award is significant because it is voted on by members, riders and families of the HCMA race organization. "It was nice of them to award me; I've worked really hard and riding dirt bikes is my favorite thing." Rhett is very humble with regards to his accomplishments but his performance on the track doesn't go unnoticed by those around him. Rhett has taken home an astonishing twelve 1st place trophies in just this past year and isn't looking to stop anytime soon.

Rhett is also a sponsored FLY Racing Athlete, and has his focus set on spring training with his brothers both locally and out of state. "We have a lot of goals for 2023."

Tara, the boy's mother, is an avid supporter of the boys, attending all state races, even going some of them alone and hauling the trailer along the way. "These boys would love to see you at the track. We always encourage people who haven't been to a race to come and watch one, get an idea for what it really is. There's a lot of talk about how easy it is to ride a dirt bike, but to actually watch a race, it's most definitely an experience. I would love to see more local kids participate in motocross here in Montana. It's a great sport." Ryder and Rhett's Dad Levi has earned a second full time job, spending many late nights in the garage performing maintenance on the six bikes the Hofeldt's travel with each weekend. The garage is about to get a few more bikes with older brother Lane getting his first bike first bike and is hoping to begin racing in 2023. "We're needing a bigger trailer; we now have three boys ready to race."

The Hofeldt Brothers, locally known as R2H Racing are excited for the upcoming season and will begin training in both Montana and Idaho this spring. The Hofeldt's have been fortunate to train with Montana Pros, Keith Sayers, Levi Newby, Thomas Richards and Jesse Karr, all names well known throughout the state and even nationally known. Sayers, a Monster Energy Freestyle Rider, is a regular at the tracks with his son, Gavin and are strong supporters of Montana's youth riders often offering encouragement throughout the races. "He's just an overall great guy, a local Montana kid who grew up doing what he loves. He worked so hard to earn this opportunity with Monster, and still gives back to these kids, the state, all those who follow him"

Check out the Hofeldt's Facebook pages to keep up on the brother's schedule. Everyone is encouraged to attend any race and the Hofeldt's would really like to see some local fans watch a race. "Without the local support, and the support from our local businesses and friends, this wouldn't be an option for the kids. We are so appreciative of all the kindness and encouragement as well as support from those businesses and individuals who sponsor to keep our motocross experience moving forward!" Good things are on their way this season for R2H Racing, we hope you will be a part of it.

 
 

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