Canaan
“I’ve been around it my whole life,” said the 16-year-old rising senior who plays football, wrestles and is on the track and field squad at Mascoma Valley Regional High School.
“It was pretty cool to be in front of the hometown.”
The races meant even more because the event is named for Farnsworth’s father, Shawn, who died in 2011 during a hill-climb race in Ohio.
This year, the annual Shawn P. Farnsworth Memorial Hillclimb drew participants from states including Michigan, West Virginia, Minnesota and Illinois.
Farnsworth first got on a motorcycle at age 3, being taught by his dad. His mother, Yarrow, used to compete, as did as his grandfather. His uncle, Michael Farnsworth, manages the MX 47 track and Sheldon Farnsworth helps out with the upkeep. Farnsworth has passed his knowledge on to this brother, Roman.
“It’s just kind of been a family tradition,” Farnsworth said. “You don’t normally see too many 3- or 4-year-olds out there. Most people out there start young because it’s in the family.”
Farnsworth competed in three races, placing second, third and seventh.
“It was a good feeling to get on the podium at home,” he said. “Everyone out here is like family to me.”
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.