Motocross fans defend sport in wake of young boy's death at track

Utah's motocross community is still operating under a yellow flag while dealing with wrenching emotions and defending the safety of its sport.

They'll close ranks and light candles tonight at the Rocky Mountain Raceways track where 8-year-old Logan Emerson was fatally injured during an on-track crash June 20. It will be a final tribute to the pint-sized racing talent.

Tears, yes. Regrets none.

And then this close-knit clan collectively expects to move on. When the next scheduled practice session at RMR rolls around Friday night, there will be no shortage of angel-faced prepubescent riders zooming around the closed dirt course. Or of supportive parents urging them on.

If there's lingering disappointment beyond the tragedy, it's the harsh public reaction by some to the boy's death in online comments for both Salt Lake newspapers. Many were sharply critical of motocross, claiming it places young riders unnecessarily in harm's way. Some went even further, vilifying his parents, Rocky and BeLinda Emerson.

Which is unfair, unfortunate and uninformed, respond parents and riders who shared their thoughts on the subject recently at Tooele County's Deseret Peak Motocross Park.

"I don't see that there's a problem," said Grantsville's Brandon Batt, 25, answering whether kids can safely participate in motocross. "As long as they're wearing the proper gear. It's no less safe than driving on the freeway to Salt Lake."

Proper protective gear usually consists of a well-fitting helmet, neck brace, chest protector, boots and gloves.

Batt has a 4-year-old and an 8-year-old both riding dirt bikes, although only his older child is riding competitively. He said his wife, Krista, isn't with them this day because she gets too nervous watching the kids practice, but she's always cheering in the stands on race days.

"Why isn't it safe?" Batt asks pointedly. As a youngster he competed in motocross for eight or nine years with his mother's blessing and sees nothing wrong wanting the same experience for his family.

Brandon's mother, Carrie Batt, is within earshot and joins the conservation. Mama Batt says riding instilled confidence in her son, and she's 100 percent supportive of her grandkids getting involved, too.

"Besides," she said wryly, "Brandon's father was a bull rider, and I didn't think that was very safe."