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PAGE 12THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, FEBRUARY 5,2003 www.durhamrcgion.com 'Best season' for Rider of the Year A.J. GROEN/ Statesman photo Courtice resident Peter Ruegsegger was named Rider of the Year at the CMX Annual Awards Banquet in Toronto. 'I just love the sport' says motocross racer Peter Ruegsegger BY BRAD KELLY Staff Writer COURTICE - Peter Ruegsegger brings a number of different elements elements to a motocross track. The most important of all. though, is that lie is a winner. That was confirmed at the CMX Annual Awards Banquet in Toronto recently when the Courtice resident was chosen Rider of the Year. "It was a total surprise, but it was an honour that they gave me the award," says the 15-year-old. The top award is presented to a rider who has completed the race season with outstanding achievements, achievements, made improvements to his riding ability, presented himself in a sportsmanship manner and been a role model to other riders. Six other awards were presented to Ruegsegger during the evening, including making a clean sweep in the Spring Scries with an overall win in the Novice 125 and Novice GP class, completing the Provincial Scries Scries with third place results in both novice classes, while also winning both classes in the Fall Series. Impressive accolades for someone someone who began racing just five years ago. "I would definitely say this year was my best season," offers the Grade 10 student at Courtice Secondary Secondary School. "Everything just went right. I can't point out one specific specific thing that 1 changed," in riding style to produce a number of podium finishes. "A lot of people say I'm a smooth rider, but I'm not any different than anybody else." Reaching top speeds of SO km/h, Ruegsegger raced on motocross tracks throughout Ontario nearly every weekend between April and November. The busy schedule is obviously obviously something he thrives on, based on the plethora of trophies lie walked away with from the banquet. "1 just love the sport," he says, adding his interest in motorbikes was sparked while watching his father father Rudy race. As for the dangers generally associated associated with the sport, Ruegsegger admits to breaking both wrists as the result of an accident. But the conse quences involved don't enter his mind before the flag drops to start a race. "There's a risk to everything, but I like to do it and it's worth it. 1 get to meet a lot of nice people. "If 1 take racing too seriously 1 get butterflies (before a race), but if I'm just out there to have fun I can usually stay pretty calm." A variety of awards were presented presented to over 70 riders at the banquet for their accomplishments in the 2002 race season. 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