On the Radar | Beckett Burke | Brought to You by GasGas Canada
Name: Beckett Burke
Age: 11
Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
School and Grade: Grade 6
Number: 29
Bike: Gas Gas 65cc and Gas Gas 85cc
Race Club or Series: Whatever we can fit in
Classes: Supermini (New), 85cc (7-11), 65cc (10-11), 65GP
How did you get started riding and racing?
My dad has raced forever. He gave me a PW50 for my 3rd birthday. We rode it around the baseball diamond by our house for a year, then tried tracks around 4, and I have been racing ever since.
What was your first race number and how did you choose it?
29 because Christian Craig was winning 250’s and I cheered for him.
What’s your favourite subject in school?
My favourite school subject is easily GYM. Except that my school’s gym roof caved in 2 years ago so the school has to get creative to keep us active. The new one will finally be done next month – right when I head off to middle school, but gym class is still the best class with or without a gymnasium.
What is your favourite track and why?
I think Gopher Dunes is my favourite track – it was the first track I rode and is close to home, and I like how challenging it can be. If you can ride Gopher Dunes well you can ride anywhere.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider right now is Haiden Deegan because he is gritty and aggressive and has a winner’s mindset.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Within Canada, I really like watching Dylan Wright dominate – he puts in the hard work and you can tell.
Who is your hero?
My dad (Jason Burke).
How did your 2024 season go? Did you meet your expectations?
2024 was good, but not the best. I met some goals and expectations, but didn’t meet them all. I have more work to do for 2025. I’m hoping to have a healthy season and race to my full potential.
What was your best race?
My TransCan moto win in 2023 was my best race in the 65cc 7-9 class. I got the holeshot, went to second, then third, then back to second, got a gift on last lap for the lead and gave it everything I had to keep the lead to the checkers for the win
What did you do over the winter?
Played lots of lacrosse, like 4 days a week, and went south for a few weeks to train on my dirt bikes. A mix of training with my brothers and dad and then spent 2 weeks with Kenzie (Hennessey) from HMX where I logged a solid 30-plus hours. We rode lots so the bikes all needed rebuilds after the HMX camp with all the hours we logged.
What classes are you racing this season?
I ask to race everything I can, but dad limits me to Supermini, 85cc (7-11), 65cc (10-11), 65GP. That gives me 8 motos on race day and a nap on the ride home. We barely practice during the week with all my lacrosse, so I try to make up the seat time at races.
What are the big races you’re planning to attend?
I’m planning to do my first Loretta Lynn’s Regional next month – I did the Area qualifier at Baja Acres and had fun. We’re picking and choosing the events we can fit in around lacrosse, so still not sure what else the season will bring. Some of the big events may be off the table this summer while I compete with my lacrosse team, so if that is the case, we will probably do Mini O’s in fall. It’s hard with two sports I love in overlapping seasons, but my parents are okay driving me all over the place to do both.
What are your goals for this season and what is it going to take to reach them?
My goals are to always Give 100% whenever I’m on my bike and at anything I do, so lack of effort will not be my downfall. I need to focus on the small details to complete the package and ultimately set myself up to WIN RACES. Every race the goal is to WIN. Our schedule may not be set yet but that goal is.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
That moto win at the TRANS CAN in 2023 – something my dad never did.
What is your favourite thing about going to the races?
I think every racer can relate to this: the morning feeling the day of the race, nervous, excited, serious, just being ready. Then the gate drops and it all goes away. The day ends and somehow your energy level is still sky high. Adrenaline. The rush you get from racing is amazing.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing? What other sports or activities do you do?
I generally like anything with competition, but I will play all sports. I spend more time doing lacrosse than anything else at the moment. Lax takes up 4-5 nights a week currently.
You looked really good at Auburn Hills MX for AMO Round 2. What have you guys been working on?
I been working on the small details – technique, foot position, braking – which is leading me to charge corners and giving me the bike control and confidence when hitting jumps. I think part of getting comfortable has to do with my dad always watching and asking for feedback and he makes small changes to the bike that 95% of the time make the bike work better is small ways.
What’s the best advice your dad, Jason Burke, has given you?
We don’t give up – we work hard no matter what. Never show them you’re weak.
Good luck this season, Beckett. Who would you like to thank?
MP1, Factory Ride, FXR, Journey Plumbing, Sunguard Awnings, HMX, Peak Powersports, GasGas Canada, SSR.
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