Rooting for Bike Number 44 – Go Miriam, Go!

Posted By Nadine Diaz

Darrigo & Diaz is proud to celebrate a very unique champion in our community—12-year-old Motocross racer Miriam Johnson, from Land O Lakes. Daughter of Johnny Johnson, a personal friend of the firm and a Tampa Business Owner, Miriam has been racing for five years. And she’s become quite the all-star in this rather unexpected sport.

Miriam currently races 85cc bikes—her number is 44—with Barney’s Yamaha at the Dade City Motor Complex. Darrigo & Diaz was so impressed with this young girl’s tough spirit that we decided to rally together for a season sponsorship, which paid for all of her entry fees for the year. We even have a banner at Dade City to show her off.

And we have a pretty good reason to stand behind Miriam. She is currently fourth place out of 41 racers in a class of both boys and girls. In her specific group of junior girls, she’s around 150 points ahead of everyone–not too shabby!

Naturally, we asked Miriam how far she wants to take it in the sport. The answer, of course, is pretty far. She plans to race as long as she can, at least until college, and hopes to make it to Loretta Lynn’s National Amateur Championship on Loretta Lynn’s property, where most of the pros get their start.

Wherever she decides she wants to go, Darrigo & Diaz is proud to be along for the ride!