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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Arenacross rider Jared Lesher started riding a dirt bike at age 3 — and in his world of speed and obstacles and motors, that’s not so very young.

“I’ve honestly talked to a lot of people who started at 3, 4 or 5,” Lesher said, recalling how, on his small PW50 automatic dirt bike, just as with his pedal bike, the learning process became much easier once the training wheels came off.

“I did better without them,” he said, looking back with a chuckle.

Lesher, 22, who turned pro in 2015, will be racing at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Jan. 20, when AMSOIL Arenacross comes to the local venue.

The riders are part of a 12-stop tour — organizers describe it as “a 12-round battle for the coveted Ricky Carmichael Cup” — that begins in Dayton, Ohio, this weekend and makes its way around the country, before it culminates in Las Vegas on May 4.

The local show is the only Pennsylvania stop, and Lesher happens to be a Pennsylvania native who grew up in the western half of the state.

In a telephone interview Lesher started to describe his hometown of Elderton in relation to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which prompted a clueless reporter to ask, “Oh, is that why James Stewart is listed as one of your role models on your biography? Because he was from Indiana, Pa., too?

No, the racer patiently explained. While the late Jimmy Stewart was an actor from Indiana, Pa., James Stewart is a champion Supercross racer from Florida, similar to Chad Reed, from Australia, who is another champion racer Lesher admires.

When he has spare time, Lesher enjoys hunting in Pennsylvania’s woods and has even made his own jerky from venison he harvested. But the racer, who lives and trains in Georgia, doesn’t get much spare time.

He’s devoted to his sport — he gave up football long ago so he’d be able to concentrate on motorcycles — and he said each Arenacross event is exciting.

“Lining up every weekend just before the race starts, in front of the fans, is an awesome feeling,” he said.

When the racers look at the stands, Lesher said, “you see people of all ages. I see just as many grandparents and parents as I do kids.”

If any of those youngsters are getting started on dirt bikes themselves, he has this advice: “Always wear your helmet. Always wear your necessary gear.”

The Arenacross races at Mohegan Sun Arena begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20, but Lesher urged fans to come to the track party that begins at 5 p.m.

“Come down and get your autographs,” he said. “Come find me and I’ll be glad to talk to everybody.”

A news release explained the party will give fans the chance to “compete in a Thor gear change contest, win swag and get the night started in the most exciting way possible. Get an up-close look at the riders, motorcycles and obstacles used to soar through the air at unimaginable heights and speeds.”

Admission to the party is $10 at the gate, or you can get free access by recycling an empty can of Monster Energy drink.

An Arenacross rider goes airborne as the crowd watches.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_arenacross.withcrowd.jpg.optimal.jpgAn Arenacross rider goes airborne as the crowd watches. Submitted photo

Pennsylvania native Jared Lesher, who is among the professional riders scheduled to race in Wilkes-Barre Township on Jan. 20, counts lining up at the start of a race as one of the most exciting parts of an Arenacross event.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_arena.cross_.start_.jpg.optimal.jpgPennsylvania native Jared Lesher, who is among the professional riders scheduled to race in Wilkes-Barre Township on Jan. 20, counts lining up at the start of a race as one of the most exciting parts of an Arenacross event. Submitted photo

Arenacross riders take part in a heat during a previous event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_arenacross.tarutis.jpg.optimal.jpgArenacross riders take part in a heat during a previous event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township. Times Leader file photo
Riders to compete for Ricky Carmichael Cup during series

By Mary Therese Biebel

[email protected]

IF YOU GO

What: AMSOIL Arenacross racing

When: Gates/track party open at 5 p.m. Jan. 20; racing starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre Township

Ticket prices: Start at $12

Info: 800-745-3000

Reach Mary Therese Biebel at 570-991-6109 or on Twitter @BiebelMT.