Competing in the Great Northwest Nationals, April 4-6, Kernutt scoped the track in a Friday pre-race, finished third on Saturday, and took first place for his age division on Sunday.

The win was the fifth in his career and moves him within one more win of reaching intermediate ranking on the racing circuit. After that, expert ranking comes after 26 tour victories.

Chad's parents, Lori and Rick Kernutt, support their son's racing efforts and attend all his races. He is sponsored by Pine Cone Property Management, a family business.

The Kernutt name is becoming known on the BMX circuit as Chad's cousin, 12-year old Jeremy Kernutt from Eugene, also competes as an intermediate rider.

Practice times find Chad at the High Desert track in Bend, the Smith Rock track in Redmond, Oasis BMX track in Eugene, River City BMX in Grants Pass, Cottage Grove BMX and Medford's Bear Creek II track.

He has been competing in BMX events for about two years and uses a 20-inch Haro for competition. He also has built a mini-track behind his house to practice various jumps preparing for races.

Chad attends Black Butte School in Camp Sherman and is in seventh grade.

He's looking forward to upcoming competition in the 19th annual Governor's Cup races and the Red Lion Cup qualifier to be held at the High Desert track in Bend later this year.

"BMX racing is fun but the competition is rough," said Kernutt.