Cora Leonhardt
Spinal Cord Injury T10-T12
Background:
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Began racing Motocross at age 13, developing a passion for two-wheeled motorsports.
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Experienced a life-changing motorcycle accident on June 19, 2022, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
Racing and Advocacy:
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Became the first paralyzed female to road race in the United States on October 22, 2022, demonstrating resilience and determination.
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Achieved first place in nine different regions/classes in the 2023 WERA Motorcycle Road Racing Championships.
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Advocates for inclusivity in motorsports, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of physical limitations.
Plans for 2025:
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Aspire to become the first paralyzed female to race in MotoAmerica, breaking barriers and setting new standards in adaptive racing.
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Continue to promote adaptive racing opportunities and inspire others through community engagement and events.
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Focus on proving that passion, talent, and drive can overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of dreams.
2024 Results:
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Continued success in adaptive racing, building on the momentum from previous achievements.
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Engaged with the racing community to raise awareness and support for adaptive athletes.
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Highlighted the possibilities within motorsports for individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Tony Pitcock
Spinal Cord Injury T6 complete
Background:
Began racing at age 5 with his father, overcoming significant adversities, including severe injuries from an industrial fire and racing accidents.
Racing and Advocacy:
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Adapted to racing with a spinal cord injury, actively promoting awareness through the Virginia Spinal Association.
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Showcases his adaptive motorcycle at events to inspire others with disabilities.
Plans for 2025:
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Promote The Bike Experience USA and new charity The Ride Again Foundation, focusing on safe racing environments for disabled riders.
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Compete in ASRA's 2 HR Endurance Race Series and Sprint Race Series, including the finale at Daytona International Speedway.
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Participate in WERA National Endurance rounds as schedule permits.
2024 Results:
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Limited to three rounds due to a spinal cord-related illness but achieved multiple podium finishes
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Continues community engagement through bike shows, highlighting adaptive racing opportunities.
Jason Griffin
Right Arm Amputee
Background:
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Jason Griffin, hailing from Easley, SC, lost his right arm at age 2 in a tragic accident involving a riding lawn mower. Despite this, he developed a passion for motorcycles, receiving his first bike, a Suzuki JR50, at age 3.
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Raised in a racing environment, Jason's father was the long-time president of the Greenville Enduro Riders, an AMA chartered club. Jason and his brother grew up in the racing pits, participating in races before shifting focus to other interests during their teenage years.
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After a period away from racing during his teenage years, he pursued education, earning a degree in Computer Aided Design Engineering and later a Bachelor's in Psychology and Biology, followed by a Master's in Biology. The unexpected passing of his younyounger brother, John, who had taken up flat track racing, led Jason back to the sport in his brother's honor.
Racing and Advocacy:
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Inspired by his late brother, Jason began racing flat track on his brother's bike, with his father as his mechanic, traveling across the country and achieving several AHRMA points championships. He became the only amputee Pro AMA Flat Track racer in the United States.
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His racing career highlights include being named "AMA Sportsman of the Year" in 2006, winning the AMA Pro Twins Hot Shoe National Championship in 2010 and 2011, and achieving numerous top finishes in various championships.
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After a significant accident in 2017, Jason retired from AMA Pro racing but continued as a race promoter and competitor in regional events. He also pursued para-cycling, training for the US Olympic Para-Cycling Team, competing internationally, earning medals for Team USA
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Continues to promote racing as a USA Cycling Race Director and works with adaptive cycling riders, while also being a real estate investor and educator.
Plans for 2025:
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Jason aims to inspire others through his racing endeavors, sharing his story and enabling those who dream of riding motorcycles. His goals include winning his first ASRA road racing championship with TBEX, humorously noting his determination to succeed with "one hand tied behind my back."
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He plans to continue mentoring for The Bike Experience USA (TBEXUSA) and The Ride Again Foundation (RAF), organizations focused on empowering disabled riders.
2024 Results:
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Competed in several ASRA, WERA, and AHRMA road race events, achieving multiple wins and podium finishes aboard his TBEX Suzuki SV650.
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Inducted into the Hotshoe Hall of Fame for his contributions to flat track motorcycle racing.
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2023 Highlights:
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Joined TBEX after meeting the team at the WERA final round, where they were crowned WERA Endurance Series National Champions.
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Current Involvement:
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Jason remains active in the racing community as a USA Cycling Race Director, hosting grassroots series for aspiring cyclists and working with adaptive cycling riders.
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Off the track, he is a real estate investor, conducting seminars to share his expertise in the field.
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Mark Lapansie
Spinal Cord Injury T7
Background:
Started riding dirt bikes at age 7, transitioned to street bikes at 18. Spinal Injury T7 resulted from a crash in September 2018 caused by a car accident, leading to paralysis.
Racing and Advocacy:
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Inspired by a parade lap at the Indianapolis MotoGP, completed a racing school, and obtained a racing license.
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Spent 2016-2018 gaining experience in racing.
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Reconnected with racing through The Bike Experience USA after his injury.
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Adapted his bike with hand controls and returned to the track in May 2020.
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Competed in the WERA/N2 National Endurance Series in 2021 with Robby Cichielo and David Hunt, achieving a respectable result.
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Contributed to TBEX's success in the series, winning the Relay class championship in 2022.
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Focused on individual sprint racing in 2023, achieving a first race win in June before health issues paused his season.
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Current goal is to recover and prepare for future racing seasons.
Goals for 2025:
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Compete in entire ASRA Midwest regional championship and select rounds with WERA
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Win a regional championship
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Continue to set personal best lap times at all tracks visited
Highlights & Accomplishments:​
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First spring race win at ASRA Gingerman June 2024 (Lightweight GP Amateur)
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First sprint race podium at WERA PIRC August 2023 (3rd-Formula 2 Novice)
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2022 WERA/N2 National Endurance Series Relay Class Champion (Team: The Bike Experience USA)
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Graduate of Yamaha Champions Riding School (PIRC, August 2022)
Mike Mays
Spinal Cord Injury T9/10
Background:
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Owner and operator of Mays Moto, a motorcycle shop in central Indiana.
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Racing and Advocacy:
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Began racing at 19 in District 15 AMA Motocross, progressing from novice to expert over four years until his injury.
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First disabled rider to work with Mike Petrocini at The Bike Experience USA.
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Acquired road racing license in 2024, with plans to return to racing.
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Sponsored two riders in Moto America and aims to compete in the full season of Super Hooligans in 2025.
Plans for 2025:
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Plans to race with The Bike Experience in sprint and endurance races at the amateur level.
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Joe Pomeroy
Spinal Cord Injury T7
Background:
WERA Lifetime Expert #2. Competed as a rider for Team TBEXUSA Racing in the Endurance Series, riding a Yamaha FZ-07 legal in WERA LWT and F2 classes.
Racing and Advocacy:
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2022: Part of Team TBEXUSA Racing, crowned N2/WERA National Endurance Series Champions in the Relay class with a Yamaha FZ-07.
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2001-2012 Achieved 5 National Championships and over 30 Regional Championships in WERA Racing.​​
Highlights & Accomplishments:​
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Creator and administrator of the Facebook group "Paraplegic & Adapted Sportbike Riders and Racers," fostering the participation of paralyzed riders in roadracing.
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Actively engaged in multiple motorcycle forums and Facebook groups, well-known within the roadracing community with over 20 years of involvement.
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Plans for 2025:
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Obtain additional sponsorship for myself and The Bike Experience USA through proven race results, professional appearance and large social media presence.
