At this pace, Dylan Slusser eventually could become a tour guide in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., the home of the Amateur National Motocross Championships

Slusser, 13, of Butler recently qualified for his fifth national championship race, the largest amateur motocross in the world that now is in its 23th year, which is held at country music singer Loretta Lynn's ranch.

As it turned out, Slusser placed 26th in the 85cc Modified age 12-and-13 division and was 28th in the 105cc Super Mini 12-to-15 division, both out of 42 competitors.

The event brings together 1,400 qualifiers in a variety of divisions, from age 4 to over 40, as well as women's divisions.

Despite qualifying for the event, Slusser had hoped to do better.

"I was hoping to be in the top 10 in every race," said Slusser, an eighth grader who is home schooled.

Slusser did place in the top 10 once in 1999, his first trip to nationals. He placed 10th in the 50cc Class 4-to-6.

He also qualified in 2000 and the past three years.

"In the 50s, it's different. It's not as fast," said Slusser. "It's the same people every year. It's just harder because you're riding harder."

Slusser was one of about 17,000 participants who had to qualify nationwide from March to June. Riders must be top finishers in one of 64 area qualifiers and one of 13 regional competitions to reach the national championship.

Slusser qualified in both divisions, first in Walnut, Ill., then advancing to the regional in Salem, Ill. to make it back to Tennessee.

Slusser, who has been racing since he was 6, competes almost every weekend.

"Mostly all year around, since there is indoor races, too," said Slusser.

That's the beauty of qualifying for nationals: it gives riders some incredible experience they can apply the rest of the year.

"It gives you confidence when you come back," said Slusser. "It psyches everyone out, I guess.

"You have to step up every year because everyone's getting faster. I just have to keep riding and practicing hard," he added.

Slusser is deciding whether or not to hit another big race this year, one in Florida over Thanksgiving weekend.

Beyond that, he'll wait to see how he develops before deciding whether to make a shift into another category and what future plans he has in the sport.

"It all depends," said Slusser. "If I get taller, then I'll go to a different class. If not, then I'll be on 80s next year.

"I hope to keep racing, but anything can happen."