DAILY BREAD KANNON ZABOJNIK
Kannon Zabojnik is a phenom among a group of elite riders hailing from Texas, dominating micro-classes across the country. He is a four-time Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Champion at just 10 years old and is only getting faster. In 2024, The Cobra Elite rider brought home championships at The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City and Spring A Ding Ding while highlighting his season with two national championships at the ranch in the 65cc (7-8) limited and 65cc (7-8) classes. Looking ahead, Zabojnik has been working hard around the clock to continue his reign of the amateur motocross rankings. Kannon is on the Matt Cleveland program for his training regimen, traveling across the Lone Star State in search of new lines and the best dirt. In addition to his work in the saddle, Kannon credits MCT for keeping him in peak condition to compete with workouts off the bike. Zabojnik recently got back on the bike after a 3-month hiatus due to surgery. After a wait that seemed like forever, Kannon said, “Man, it feels good to be back.” We sat down with the number 5 to get the lowdown on all things Kannon Zabojnik.
Give us the basics
Kannon Jack Zabojnik, (10 years old May 2, 2014) Rowlet, Texas
Tell us about getting your first motorcycle.
My dad bought me a KTM mini when I was three. My parents did not know people still raced PWs. Dad brought it home and my mom said that her baby was not riding that because it was too fast. It sat in the garage for over a year until my dad added training wheels. He tied a rope around him and my waist to let me try it out. The rope was a “just in case” precaution. Check out my IG to see the actual video. HAHA
Describe a typical day in your life.
My typical day includes School with my Bebow (my grandma is my teacher), then my Bebow drives me to training with Matt Cleveland. After riding, I’ll play Fortnite with my friends. On mon riding days, It’s school all day (Bebow is a really nice and strict teacher!)
If you were forced to have a non-athletic career, what would it be?
I want to own my own business one day.
Tell us about your funnest family member.
My Poppy is my funniest family member. We love to watch Tik Tok and You Tube videos and laugh at all the crazy people out there. Also, driving to nationals with him is always a blast!
Best moment on a motocross bike.
My best moment on my Cobra was winning Loretta’s for the 4th time! It was beyond my wildest dreams.
Describe your training program.
My training program is designed by Matt Cleveland. We travel around Texas riding the best tracks in moto with all the MCT riders.
Favorite pre-race meal?
I don’t like to eat before I race, but my mom tries to force me to eat. It is an ongoing battle.
Gnarliest crash you’ve ever had.
My gnarliest crash was 3rd moto at Loretta’s 2023. I had three points entering the last moto. We had a flag start. 25 feet out off the gate I collided with another rider flipping over and over. I got up without my vizor in last place. I thought I had just lost the title, but battled my way back to the front. I ended up winning the overall and could not believe it.
Best road trip story.
My best road trip story is going to Ponca. Poppy and Yaya always get there early, and we all have a parking lot party waiting to be let in the gates by Motoplayground. I don’t love long drives, so Oklahoma is the closest and best!
Worst road trip story.
The worst road trip story is going to and on the way home from Mini Os 2023. Our motorhome went into limp mode, and we got stuck on the side of the road for hours.
What do you love about being at the track besides racing your bike?
I love hanging out with my friends at the track! I love riding the pit bike tracks… I hate that they are getting closed.
What are you looking forward to getting out of this sport?
Having FUN, enjoying riding tracks across the nation.
Give some props to everyone helping you out.
Helping me…Cobra, Minton, MCT, PR2, Alpinestars, 100%, Tamer, Ethika, Xtreme Kolors, Roost, TREX, ASV, Dunlop, Moto Seat, VP Racing Fuels, Moto Gypsies, Rad Powder Coating, JLR Wheels.
What are your superstitions, weird habits, or routines?
I have lucky gear. I often wear older gear at Nationals even though I have tons of new stuff. I love wearing red, black, and green gear. Those are my lucky colors. At Loretta’s I often wore dirty gear even though I had a bag full of brand new stuff. Once I start winning in a color, I don’t like to switch it up. The opposite is also true. If I lose, I take it off, and switch it up immediately. Sometimes I refuse to ever wear that color again at a race.
What is the fitness routine or training regimen off the bike?
When it comes to fitness, I try to work harder than anyone else. I try to go beyond what is asked and just outwork others. Matt Cleveland always keeps me in tip top shape.
Give us a hot take.
Hot Take- Recently I’ve been off the bike due to surgery. So everyone at home heard me asking to ride quite a bit.
Do you have any hidden talents or weird skills?
I know a lot of motocross facts! Quiz me!
