Russellville youngster has need for speed

Confidence and hard work have paid off for Russellville fifth-grader Logan Cinotto.

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Car Smash

Only 17 months after a head-first motorbike crash sent him to the emergency room unresponsive, the young rider sped by the checkered flag first for the first time Monday at the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.

"It was pretty fun," Cinotto said.

He's been competing on a 65cc bike for two years, but riding since age 4.

In the open division Monday, he was the only entrant. So, he raced in an 85cc heat.

"I felt more confident with the 85s," Cinotto said.

The announcer at one point said, "There's a heck of a battle for second place going on," which caught the attention Cinotto's father, Chris, since the youth's bike was slower and smaller than the other riders yet he was near the lead.

Young Cinotto earned first place came from his age division against other riders who had passed him before in other races.

Back in February 2013, Chris Cinotto was videotaping his son on a practice track near St. Martins when Logan and his bike flipped end over end.

"It was the most terrifying thing in my life," the father said. "I saw it coming once he was airborne."

As a first responder and firefighter, the elder Cinotto knows the protocol for an emergency. When he reached his son and found him unconscious, he stabilized the spine and called 911.

Thanks to the extra padding and gear - particularly the chest protector with a collar prop in back - young Cinotto recovered well.

But his parents still worry when he rides, and have been known to tear up over little crashes.

"Our philosophy is we want him in the dirt, not in trouble," Chris Cinotto said.

To help cover the costs of this expensive pursuit, Logan clears sidewalks during the winter with his father's snow removal business.

The Cinottos prefer the county fair circuit for the amateur courses. But Logan has had the chance to get some tips on his riding from his "idol" and local freestyle motocross professional Terry Russell at more challenging, local courses.

"Terry's nuts, though," Logan joked of the performer who specializes in jumps. Cinotto said he prefers the speed.

His first race after the crash, Cinotto was skittish, he said. But he kept with it and eventually regained his confidence and more.

Racing is young Cinotto's choice. He prefers the accuracy demanded of racing.

"He likes to push himself; he's always taken the most difficult way," Chris Cinotto said.