by Steve Ottman
for The Beacon

BLAKE SCHROEDER, a third-grade student at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School, shows off the 50cc dirt bike he races at tracks throughout the United States. – photo by Steve Ottman

Sheboygan Falls Elementary School third-grade student Blake Schroeder has earned a spot in the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge held as part of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championships at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Saturday, Feb. 26.

Schroeder, who has three years of supercross racing experience, has raced locally at the Gravity Park dirt track in Chilton and was recently selected to compete at the Monster Energy Supercross Championships along with 150 qualifiers from around the world.

During his career, Schroeder has also raced in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas.

Recently, Schroeder has raced at the Winter Mega Trax race in Illinois and has also raced at the ATV MX Nationals, WIXC, District 17, Dirtgrinder, Hoosier Arenacross, JennerationMX, Northern MX, Motokazie and Cedar Lake Arena Winter Series.

The 8-year-old Schroeder, who started racing at 4 years old, has three brothers, Tanner, 11, Logan, 6, and, Jacob, 4, who also compete in supercross events.

Schroeder’s father, Matt, and mother, Katilyn, live in Sheboygan Falls and have constructed a dirt track in the back yard on which Schroeder and his brothers regularly practice. Tanner and his dad, Matt, prefer racing four-wheel ATVs.

Blake’s passion for racing started when he went with his dad and brother to race ATVs at local tracks.

For his 4^th birthday, Blake received a Yamaha PW50 and worked hard to race in the Nitro Arenacross Series that same year.

When his older brother, Tanner, started racing the ATV MX Nationals, Blake decided to race his DDR 50.

Since 2019, Blake has received over 10 awards nationally and numerous trophies.

Matt explained that Blake had to apply to get into the KTM Junior Motocross race and had to have good grades, good health and good racing results before being selected.

The Schroeder family is expected to arrive in Arlington Thursday night before the race. There will be two practice races before the main event and a media day to sign autographs, meet the pro drivers and TV interviews on Friday leading up to the big event on Saturday.

The KTM event provides a factory ride bike for each racer. The bike is a 2022 KTM FX-E5 fully charged, which is the first electric bike Blake has ever raced.

“This should be quite an experience for him,” said Blake’s father, Matt. “The bike will have more torque, but it will be a lot like his gas bike he has now. I would like to thank Marshall Masonry of Plymouth for sponsoring the entry fee.”

Blake said that he is excited to be a part of such an event that will be broadcast nationally on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. on CNBC and Peacock. 

The KTM Junior Supercross event is expected to attract 30,000 people at AT&T Stadium. 

“I can’t wait to get to the track and see all of the other racers,” said Blake.

Blake is also raising money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital through the Ryan Dungey Foundation.

The link to Ryan Dungey and donations can be used by going online on Instagram @schrobroracing.

Blake’s goals in 2022 include, being in the top five in points at the ATV Mix Nationals, start racing in the new 70cc class, finish in the top 33 in the Cedar Lake Arena Series, move up to a 65 cc dirt bike and be a mentor to his two younger brothers.