So far, Haavisto is pleased with his fourth year as a pro: “I guess I’ve basically been reaching my goals. This is a goal-reaching season. I wanted to race full-time as much as possible and spend lots of time practicing. In California, finishing fifth was pretty awesome, because after a long winter of practicing, it was exciting to finally reach my goals and show that everything is coming together. This should be a good year.”

He appreciates the edge he gains from his Razr MX tires. “They grip on corners real good, and get you off the start and put you up front,” he told Maxxis.

Haavisto started riding at age five, but he can thank his friend Kenny for his start in the sport. A few years ago, Kenny’s interest in racing sparked a friendly rivalry at the track. Haavisto was hooked, and he hasn’t looked back.

At press time, Haavisto ranked fifth overall. And this is his lucky year in more than just his professional life: He and his wife are expecting their first child, a boy, in September. At age 24, he still lives in his native New Hampshire.