Not many 9-year-olds can catch big air and ride motocross like a champ, but Parker Douglas can. This past weekend, he made AMO proud by securing second place in the Northern Motocross (MX) series with two third-place finishes and a second-place finish, often racing against kids as old as 11. This marks his third win in his racing career to date. Parker and his mother Felicity took some time out of their busy racing schedule to share their routine and the journey their racing has taken them on.
It all started when he was three and a half. Parker asked his father if he could learn to ride the family’s quad. His father showed him the ropes, and he quickly got the hang of it. His coach and mentor, OPP Officer Ronald Alexander, is a former motocross champion whom Parker aspires to be like. “It takes a lot of time, training, money, and commitment. When I’m not working, I’m travelling with Parker to the AMO competitions and races. The circuit has 11 races across Ontario, with one of the last four races taking place in September in Auburn, down south,” said his mom.
Parker’s father, Dwayne Douglas, acts as the mechanic, his grandmother Bridget takes charge of the administrative and registration work, while his mother Felicity organizes the calendar, making sure he gets to the starting gate on time. Everyone in the family has a role in keeping Parker on the track. When asked about the type of bike he rides, he told the Expositor that he prefers the KTM CC65 SX, saying it can handle the hard-packed and mixed tracks well. When asked about his favourite part of racing, he confidently beamed, saying “The jumps!”
“He is fearless and very focused when he rides,” his mom boasted. The circuit and races involve a lot of organizing and travel. “It can be exhausting, but we all love it — we’re a racing family now. Parker’s cousins, Deacon, aged 7, and Deklen, aged 3, also race competitively. Deklen recently placed 3rd at the last AMO race in Sault Ste. Marie.
“That’s the best part,” Mrs. Douglas said. “There is a real sense of community and family. There is no unhealthy competition or rivalry — everyone just loves the sport and the thrill of the race.”
She also emphasized that the team and the association take safety very seriously, adding that wearing the proper gear helps ensure a long career in racing. “We remind everyone — kids and adults alike — to take safety seriously.”
Parker looks forward to competing in the final four AMO races in September and hopes to go pro someday. The young Douglas boys proudly represent Manitoulin Island and are seeking sponsors for Team Douglas to help with their cross-border training in the winter season. Ride on Parker, Deacon, and Deklen! Your community is rooting for you!
by Alexia Hannigan
