MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT
By John Basher

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tilford (left) and Alan Olson (right) are a winning combination.

    Preston Tilford is a local SoCal racer with unlimited potential and backing from several great people and sponsors. The MXA wrecking crew has come to know Preston very well, and we have nothing but great things to say about him. Tilford has pro level speed, a charismatic outlook on racing, and determination. The only difference between Tilford and most of his competitors? Preston is black. I caught up with him this past week to talk about racing, the future, and why it doesn’t matter what the color of your skin is.

MXA: How long have you been riding and racing?

I started riding when I was 12, so it’s been seven years since I started. I’ve been racing REM for about three years now. I really like the long motos, because it’s good for training. Plus the schedule goes pretty fast, so I’m not out at the track all day long waiting for my race.

Before the amateur season began, you made waves in the motocross industry by signing with Vance & Hines to be their test rider. In return, they support you in the Amateur Nationals. How did that deal come along?

I was racing REM, and Alan Olson from Vance & Hines saw me and asked if I could test some pipes for him. A couple of months before I signed with the team I started testing various exhaust pipes for him. He had me riding all of the time on a bunch of different bikes. Then Vance & Hines approached me with a deal, and I jumped at the opportunity.

Why did you decide to ride Yamaha’s?

Obviously Alan and his son, Tim (Yamaha’s Media Relations Coordinator) have close ties with Yamaha. I don’t know all of the specifics on how everything came together between Vance & Hines and Yamaha, but that’s the way that they wanted it.

What’s your plan for the next couple of months?

I’m planning on racing the Prequel at Glen Helen. I also would like to race amateur day at Hangtown, as well as Mammoth and Loretta Lynn’s. I rode Loretta’s last year, but I was on a different program. I had help from my parents, MXA, and John Burr Cycles. I rode Kawasaki’s.

    “It’s just that there aren’t many black racers. I always try to make sure that I present my image well.”

Is it difficult being a black person in a sport that’s comprised mostly of white people?

It’s not that difficult. It’s just that there aren’t many black racers. I always try to make sure that I present my image well. I don’t want to be one of those guys that people don’t like. I also always have to make sure to be careful of what I say. But you know what? It’s really worth it, because I love to go riding.

That’s very unfortunate that you’re under the microscope just because of the color of your skin. However, it’s great to see that there are more black people becoming involved in motocross.

It’s definitely good. The sport is really fun, and I’m glad to see that more people are starting to enjoy it.

Jim Tarantino held the nickname of “King of Saddleback,” because no matter how deep the competition, he seemed to have everyone handled at Saddleback. If there’s any “King of REM,” I would have to lean towards Tony Amaradio. Still, you’re making quite a name for yourself by beating some stiff competition at REM.

Yeah, I love the track. I live ten minutes away from Glen Helen. It’s my home track, and I love coming here. It’s cool that all of the guys at Glen Helen are my friends, and we get to hang out and ride.

I’ve seen your mom now for the last couple of years. Is she a mother that sits back and lets you do your thing, or does she get really involved by making sure you are doing your motocross homework?

She’s very hard on me! She’s always making sure that I stay on top of things, that I ride, and that I eat healthy food. She wants to see my succeed because she understands that I’m good at racing motocross.

Do you plan on turning pro next year?

I don’t know. We’re still figuring that out. If I’m ready to turn pro then I’ll go for it. If not, then I’ll do another year in the amateur ranks.

It’s pretty neat that you have former factory mechanic Alan Olson helping you out.

I’m so happy that he’s helping me! I’m truly blessed, and it’s great working with him. He has helped me realize that being a professional motocross racer is what I really want to do as I get older.

Is there anyone that you would like to thank?

I want to thank God, Vance & Hines, Thor, Renthal, Parts Unlimited, Alan Olson, Josh, Terry, my family, and everyone that supports me.