Dream Weaver Racing team takes center stage at Competition Riders of America Series
JEFFERSON - Shawn Weaver II, 26 of Rome, has been riding mx since he was four years old and has raced now for about four years. He currently races on a 2017 YZ 450f. He uses the number 24 for his and his dad’s favorite NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon’s number.
“Honestly everything, the sport, the way it tests your body and mind and the amazing people you meet and get to see every weekend. At the track everyone is family,” Shawn said on what he likes best about racing.
His favorite places to ride at our TV Land, Pymatuning Holeshot and Sunset MX.
Just recently, Shawn along with his brother Dylan and sister Ciara competed in the Competition Riders of America series. All of them were able to find the podium in at least one event.
Shawn, himself, dominated the competition with first place finishes in the Open B, +25, Open B Wiseco Series and Open B Sunoco Fall Series.
The Competition Riders of America is an association that puts together competitive motocross, hare scrambles, ATV, and flat track racing in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Shawn has had plenty of other first place finishes over his career, but he considers helping others in motocross one of his biggest accomplishments.
“I'd have to say my best accomplishments happen at the track but with helping others, whether it's simple advice for the beginners or making sure riders are confident in themselves,” Shawn said.
He accomplished his goal of helping others with his Dream Weaver Racing team.
“Dream Weaver Racing started this year after our beloved grandma passed away, she was a huge impact to us growing up, and it meant the world to her seeing us together enjoying what we love to do. Our goals will always be the same, always push yourself to do your best and help those in need just like she taught us. Willingly helping anyone with advice or working on their equipment,” Shawn said on the Dream Weaver Racing team.
Shawn practices three to four times a week from spring to fall and he tries to ride indoors during the winter time as much as possible. He does 90% of the work on his bike on his own and the other 10% he takes to North Ridge Yamaha.
“I have to give thanks to the awesome family and mechanics at North Ridge Yamaha who have made sure everything from parts to gear were available whenever I needed,” Shawn said.
Like a lot of other mx riders, Shawn broke into the sport because of his parents.
“My parents, my dad used to ride bikes as a kid and my mom worked at North Ridge Yamaha so once they got me my first dirt bike they knew I would always enjoy it,” Weaver said on how he got into racing.
“I want to thank everyone who helped the team be successful this year including:
North Ridge Yamaha , VP Fuels, Steve Thome , Jason Spivak , Roy Wissler Jr. and family, my amazing co-workers at Cristal, B. Davis Images , B.O.B photography, 697 Motography, Dream Weaver Photography, Beansfotos, Voodoo Saddles, our mom Janet Weaver, my wife Tiffani Weaver , Dylan's girlfriend Breanna Smith, 360 Hill Racing, Harper Racing and David Stout.
Dylan Weaver, 18 of Jefferson, has been riding mx since he was six years and has been racing competitively for the past two years.
“My dad got me into riding/racing because I grew up at the tracks racing every weekend or riding at our house,” Dylan said on how he got into racing.
Dylan races with a 2016 YZ 25F and he uses the number 14.
“I chose that number because it was the date me and my girlfriend got together,” Dylan said on why he picked that number.
Just recently, Dylan finished second in the college boy event during the Competition Riders of America series. He has been able to move up on the podium due to him progressing his form, cornering and endurance.
His favorite places to ride at are Pymatuning Holeshot Raceway and TV Land.
“I enjoy motocross because of the adrenaline rush before the gate drops, and when I'm on the track I feel free and relaxed,” Dylan said on what he likes best about racing.
Dylan does a lot of the basic routine maintenance on his bike before and after each race.
“Train hard and ride to the best of your ability, stay hydrated and practice your corners,” Dylan said on his advice to other racers.
Ciara Weaver, 16 of Jefferson, has followed in her brothers footsteps of racing. Ciara has been riding mx for the past eight years and has been racing for two years.
“My oldest brother Shawn bought me my first bike, which is the bike I ride now. It was always a dream of mine growing up to race with my four older brothers since I'm the only girl and to make my number one fan, my mom, proud,” Ciara said on how she got into racing.
Ciara rides a 2012 YZ 250F and she uses the number 17 because it’s the day her mom was born on and also because it represents self-discipline and strength.
“I like the opportunity to meet new people and how it brings families together, and the feeling I get being out on the track,” Ciara said on what she likes best about racing.
Recently, Ciara has learned how to get better holeshots and she has also improved her jumping and corning. The hard work has been off as she finished third overall in the Women’s class in the Competition Riders of America series.
Her favorite places to ride at our Pymatuning Holeshot and TV Land.
Like a lot of riders, Ciara also takes care of her own bike.
“Routine maintenance from changing the oil to tightening the chain, changing my air filter and making sure everything is in proper order,” Ciara said on what work she does on her bike.
For future riders and racers out there Ciara also offers advice.
“Never give up! Don't look back and if you fall down get back up and keep going,” Ciara said.