This week we're doing something we've never done for the Privateer Profile: feature two people at once. It helps that Riley Basher and Carly Benton are brother and sister. They're hoping to someday be in the same league as some of the more famous road racing siblings, such as the Haydens or the Bostroms. Sponsorhouse.com and RoadRacerX.com would like to congradulate Carly and Riley for being this week's Privateer(s) of the Week.

How long have you been racing?
Carly: [We’re] Just about to start [our] second year.

How did you and your sister get started in racing?
Riley: My dad bought my sister and I pocket bikes for Christmas 2004. After a couple days of riding them, though it was freezing cold we were hooked. My dad searched the Internet and found a place to race them down in Oregon and asked if I wanted to try racing. I told him Of course, so he signed us up. We started racing in March 2005 at McMinnville, Oregon in the middle of a monsoon. With several inches of water on the track the bikes would not stay running and we had to call it a day after about four laps around the track, but that didn’t dampen our excitement or enthusiasm.

Why do you race?
Carly: Because it is so much fun and I love to go fast!

Riley: Because I love to be competitive in everything I do and motorized racing is just a lot of fun. I love it! The people we have met in different places and tracks are all great! Everyone is very helpful to newcomers especially. I would recommend pocket bike racing to anyone.

Which racing schools have you guys attended?
Riley: The Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association’s and Northwest MiniMoto Racing League

What is your favorite track?
Carly: McMinnville, Oregon

Riley: The MAC track in McMinnville, Oregon

What’s your proudest moment in racing?

Riley: I have two at this point: The first was when I won my first race on July 17, 2005 at Portland International Raceway and got to carry the checkered flag around for a victory lap.

Second was when I received the first-place trophy at the OMRRA Awards banquet for the CAG class and got to give an acceptance speech for the trophy. I’m glad my dad made me practice what I was going to say before I got up in front of all those people!

Carly: When I beat my brother in a qualifying race at Portland International Raceway and he went back to the pits and almost started crying. I would have beat him in the main but, my bike stalled and I couldn’t get it started again.

Your lowest moment?
Carly: When my bike kept dying on me two race weekends in a row. One in Oregon and one in Washington. It’s not very much fun pushing your bike around the track.

Riley: When my bike ran out of gas just after I took the lead in my first race ever and I ended up with a DNF. The gas cap on my bike stripped out the day we got there and would not take anymore than a half a tank at a time without spilling out all over the place.

What’s the best thing about racing?

Riley: The thrill of competition! There is nothing better than passing someone on a bike that out powers yours by more than double. Out riding them in the corners and keeping them from passing you back in the straights. The only way to see who has more skills! Corners.

Carly: Getting to spend a bunch of time with my new found racing friends and my family and of course GOING FAST on the track!

The worst thing?
Carly: It normally takes up my whole weekend so I don’t have as much time to spend with my friends from school.

Riley: Your bike breaking down or running out of gas.

What do you consider your strong point as a racer?
Riley: I feel fearless in my Superman racing suit! Always looking for the next person to PASS!

Carly: I’m not intimidated by bikes with a lot of POWER and love to push the envelope whenever I get the chance.

Your weak point?
Carly: I need to spend more time working on exiting corners with more speed.

Riley: Racing in the Junior GP Open class on a 8.5 HP or higher European made bike because I don’t get a lot of track time on them and it is considerably more power than I’m used to on my CAG.

Who is your strongest competitor?
Riley: Nathan Agmata, #66 the 2005 OMRRA—second place in CAG class. He gave me a heck of a run for my money this year! We both started racing at the same time, Our bikes are evenly matched but Nathan is about 20 lbs lighter than I am so it was very difficult to pass him whenever he got the holeshot on the start.

Carly: Terry Hart Jr., the OMRRA 2005 Season Junior Champion.

Who is your biggest supporter?
Carly: My Dad

Riley: That would have to be my Dad, because he drives me to and from the races, works on my bikes and is a big support whenever I feel down about something. Also He and my mom pay for everything out of their pockets so I can have fun and do what I love to do.

Do you have a favorite racer?
Carly: Bennie Taylor OMRRA 2004 Season Junior Champion

Riley: Yes, Alan Schmidt, 2004 and 2005 Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association’s number one points Winner. Alan is lighting fast on the track and is a lot of fun to talk to. Some day I hope to race with him on the big track.

What are your future racing goals?
Riley: To beat TJ Hart Jr. in the junior overall points standings for the 2006 season and to beat Elana Meyers in the 125GP class in 2007 season. She is the youngest rider to be given professional status on the big track at PIR by OMRRA. At 12 years old She is someone I will have to beat to be number one!

Long term I want to race for a factory team.

Carly: To start racing on the big track and race in the 125GP Class at OMRRA and WMRRA. Some day I would love to become a fully sponsored professional factory racer

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