Ripon resident Ricky Taylor is on pace to earn a spot in the USA BMX Race of Champions in just his first year in the sport.  

He is currently leading the California North 10-year-old novice/intermediate division with 97 points — three ahead of the next closest competitor with one state race remaining in the regular season. The next state race takes place Sept. 24 at Oak Creek BMX in Roseville. A win assures him the No. 1 ranking for the State Championships the following day at Oak Creek.

Taylor has kept busy in his inaugural season, competing in 31 local races and 12 state events. He began at the novice level, winning one state race, two national races and 10 total before moving up to intermediate. Most recently, he vaulted into the top spot of his division after a first-place finish at Santa Maria BMX on Aug. 20 and triumphed n again last weekend at Oak Creek, bringing his season win total to 25. As an intermediate, he has won 15 races including four state events.

His goal is to hit the 30-win mark by the end of the season, which promotes him to the expert class.

The Ripona Elementary student also hopes to advance to the Race of Champions, which takes place Nov. 24-25 at Tulsa Expo Square in Oklahoma. Taylor would race against other state champions. A win there would land him the coveted Race of Champions No. 1 plate.

Taylor trains five days a week at Spreckels Park BMX in Manteca.