The roar of an engine echoes across the dirt track, sending clouds of dust in the crispy morning air. Tires spin and a rider leans into the curve, the world shrinking to nothing but speed, balance and adrenaline. For some, it’s a hobby. For him, it’s a way of life-a world where fear meets freedom and every ride tells a story.
Motocross is more than just a sport-it’s a personal journey of challenge, focus and excitement for senior Najib Louazna, where every ride is both a thrill and a lesson in control.
“I first got into riding when I was around eight years old, when my dad got me an ATV,” Louazna said. “I really enjoyed it, but after a while, it didn’t feel fast enough for me. Around the age of ten or eleven, I transitioned into motocross because I wanted more speed and intensity. Once I made that switch, I never really looked back. It just felt like the right step up, and I instantly loved it.”
It wasn’t just the thrill of riding that pulled him in-it’s the small progression from a simple ATV to a more challenging, high-powered machine. Motocross demanded more skill, focus, and a willingness to embrace risk, all of which he found exhilarating.
“My very first bike was a small Yamaha that was almost like a pit bike,” Louazna said. “Over the years, I’ve ridden a lot of different bikes, including 250s and 400s. Right now, I ride a KTM 250. I really like it because it sounds aggressive and feels powerful. It’s forgiving in some situations, but at the same time, it definitely keeps you in check, which I enjoy.”
The right bike isn’t just about speed-it’s about balance, responsiveness and understanding what the rider could handle.
“Right before a big jump, I’m not really overthinking anything,” Louazna said. “It’s more about preparing my body for what’s about to happen. I squat down, brace my legs, and squeeze onto the bike as tightly as I can. My main focus is staying centered and balanced so I don’t get thrown off. You’re really just trying to stay in control and let your instincts take over.”
Crashes are inevitable but essential. They teach humility, respect and awareness, turning mistakes into critical learning moments. Every rider has that one ride that sticks in memory, shaping the way they approach future challenges.
“One ride that really stuck with me was the first time I ever rode a two-stroke bike,” Louazna said. “I was riding around my front yard near a windmill, and I didn’t realize how much more torque a two-stroke has compared to a four-stroke. I accidentally pulled the throttle too hard and crashed into the windmill. It was scary at the time, but looking back, I’m actually glad it happened. It taught me to respect the power of the bike and be more aware of my surroundings.”
It’s not just about the exciting thrills. Motocross is about pushing boundaries safely and knowing when to take risks.
“Yeah, there was one time when I was riding a smaller trail bike instead of my racing bike,” Louazna said. “I decided to try a really big jump, and it didn’t go exactly as planned—I almost landed on my back. Even though it was risky, I’m glad I tried it because it was honestly really fun. It also taught me my limits and made me realize that some things are better left untried again.”
Flying through the air, even just for a few seconds, offers a fleeting, cinematic freedom as the wind hits the rider’s face. These are the times when the world below feels distant, almost irrelevant.
“Definitely the jumps—absolutely not the whoops,” Louazna said. “When you’re in the air, you feel completely weightless, like you’re floating. Everything slows down, and it almost feels cinematic, like a moment out of a movie. You don’t really think; you just feel free. That feeling is my favorite part of motocross.”
Motocross is merely not adrenaline-it’s mindfulness in motion. Awareness, precision, and instinct combine in a blend of control and exhilaration, where even the smallest mistake can have consequences.
“A lot of people think motocross is all about the bike—whoever has the fastest bike will win,” Louazna said. “That’s not true at all. I’ve been passed by riders on much smaller bikes who were just incredibly skilled. The bike only has as much power as the rider can control and use. At the end of the day, it’s way more about the rider than the machine.”
Respect and preparation is always valuable when riding, whether at a local track or even in the backyard. From tire checks to practicing body control, motocross demands responsibility alongside thrill.
“The biggest lesson motocross has taught me is to respect the bike,” Louazna said. “You can’t take it for granted because if you do, it can turn on you very quickly. Confidence is important, but overconfidence can be dangerous. You have to understand the power of the machine and treat it seriously every time you ride.”
It’s the personal connections, the shared experiences, and the memories that define his success, not trophies. Each track holds a story, a first ride, a lesson learned, or a jump conquered. And sometimes, motocross delivers the unexpected.
“One of the most unexpected things that’s ever happened was when my tire actually came off while I was taking a turn,” Louazna said. “I definitely didn’t expect that to happen at all. I ended up getting hurt, but it taught me to be more cautious and aware of equipment issues. Looking back, it was shocking—but also a huge learning moment.”
Family, too, plays a central role.
“My dad actually rides with me, which is really cool,” Louazna said. “He doesn’t ride as fast as I do anymore, but we still ride together. My mom, on the other hand, hates it because she gets really scared every time she sees me in the air. She’s always worried about me getting hurt. I try to reassure her by telling her I trust my bike and know what I’m doing.”
Ultimately, his vision of success is simple and deeply personal.
“For me, success isn’t about racing professionally or winning competitions,” Louazna said. “I just want to keep riding as a hobby and enjoying it. I’d love to keep going to tracks, riding with friends, and being part of the motocross community. As long as I’m still riding and having fun, that’s success to me.”