On the Radar | Ben Kongmany
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Ben “Prince Kong” Kongmany
Age: 8
Hometown: Bond Head, Ontario
School and Grade: Sir William Osler / Grade 3
Number: 76
Bike: 2016 KTM 50 SXS, 2016 KTM 50 SXS, 2015 KTM 65 SX
Race Club: AMO
Classes: 50cc (7-8), 50cc, 50 GP and 65cc (7-9)
This week, #76 Ben Kongmany from Bond Head, Ontario, is ‘On the Radar.’ | Kongmany photo
How did you get started in racing?
I rode an ATV at 3 years old, and really wanted to a dirt bike and my mom said no way. At 5 she got me a Suzuki JR and I never rode an ATV again.
What is your favourite track and why?
My favorite sand track is Sand Del Lee, I love to ride sand. Favorite hard pack track would be Motopark. It’s the best.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I have so many, but Cannella, Ward, Watling, C. Wrozyna, Denniston, Dillon, Scotts, and Stewart.
Ben hopes to repeat as champion in the Canadian National Arenacross Tour this season | Bigwave photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Facciotti, Thompson, Wright and Wrozyna are my top guys.
Who is your hero?
My dad is. He works on my bikes all the time and is always with me at the track. He helps everyone out with bikes and fixes them. He also changes everyone’s tires.
What are your goals for next season, and what is it going to take to reach them?
I hope to race the KTM Jr SX Challenge this year in Toronto March 4th, hit some Areas and Regionals for Loretta’s 2017, hope to Podium at Walton TransCan Grand National Championship in the 50cc 7-8 and 50cc GP classes, and win back to back National Championships with the Canadian Arenacross Tour.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My holeshot at Loretta’s in 2015 was awesome, my mom has it on video and the commentator says some funny things about my name. Called me “King Kong.” I like that nickname. I won the championships in both 50cc classes with AMO this year and placed 6th overall and 8th overall in my first year of the 50cc (7-8) class at Walton. I also won both East National Championships with the Canadian Arenacross Tour this year in both 50cc classes.
Ben’s heroes are his mom and dad for all they do to get him to the races | Ben Chen photo
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Playing with my friends and camping is fun. We always have a fire.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I play floor hockey and ride my BMX bike.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank everyone who supports me. My mom and dad, Motopark Racing and being apart of the MPA program, Teamholeshot, Atlas, 6D, 100%, Dunlop, AXO, Forma Boots, Motocrossvest, MXZEN, Deft Family – Thank you.
