NORFOLK -- A 13-year-old Norwood-Norfolk student has qualified to compete in the largest amateur motocross race in the world.

Madison Seguin, who is about to enter eighth grade, is hoping to finish in the top ten at the event, which could help turn her hobby into a potential career, her mother Lisa Seguin said.

"A top ten there gives a rider instant national notoriety and can serve as a stepping stone to a professional motocross career," she said,

Seguin has been riding since she was six year's old, and while she enjoys a variety of sports, motocross continues to be her favorite.

This year she qualified to race in the girls 12-15 class at the American Motocross Association's Amateur National Motocross at Lorretta Lynn's ranch in Tennessee from July 29 thru Aug 4.

This race features the top 40 riders in their class in the US, Canada and abroad. During the qualifying process she had to race in an area qualifier, which includes riders from New York and place in the top eight.

Seguin qualified in the first position.

She then competed at a Northeast qualifier, which includes all the northeast states from Maine down to Virginia. There were also girls there from as far away as North and South Carolina and Alabama.

In this qualifier Sequin placed third, allowing her to move on to the national race.

Mrs. Seguin said that while her daughter has qualified for the race, she could use additional sponsors to help cover travel and entry costs with are estimated at nearly $5,000.

A car wash and bottle drive will be held July 14 at Bob's Auto on Main Street, Norwood from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Anyone interested in contributing may send donations to 1945C County Route 38, Norfolk, 13667 or call 769-0839.