By Angela Hayes | Special to the Advertiser

Seven-year-old Pearce Yeargan is living his dream.

Fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the local dirt bike racer is scheduled to compete Feb. 27 in the Monster Energy Supercross in Atlanta.

One of 15 contestants from across the United States chosen to compete, he will take part in the KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge event.

Billed on the KTM website (www.ktsmjrsx.com) as a way to “experience life as a professional racer for a day,” Pearce will meet with professional racers, sign autographs, walk the track, practice twice before the race, and receive the use of a bike and gear during competition.

“It’s really exciting.” Pearce said.

“When the opportunity came across, we just had to go for it,” said Brittany Yeargan, Pearce’s mother. “Since Pearce was 4 years old, it’s always been a dream of his. One day when we went to watch the professionals ride motorcross, he asked his dad, ‘Do you think I’ll ever get to do that?’ Never did we dream that he’d be picked to ride!”

It’s a dream Pearce has worked hard for.

A total investment, not just monetarily but mentally and physically, Pearce averages several hours of practice a week, and it’s paying off with a long list of accomplishments.

The Mid-South XC Series Champion (50cc open), he also recently won the 2015 SECCA Harescramble Series. With his future looking bright, he will begin racing with the GNCC Series this coming March.

Following in the footsteps of his role model, four-time National Enduro Champion Russell Bobbitt; his dad, Brad; and grandfathers, Pearce has an innate passion for racing.

“He’s come a long way in a short period of time,” said Brad Yeargan, a former rider who now acts as coach proud of his son’s achievements. “It’s neat seeing him accomplish more that I have.”

Brad Yeargan will act as his son’s mechanic at the family event, while mom and sister, proudly wearing Pearce Yeargan’s No. 5, will cheer him on from the pit alongside family and friends who are making the trip to Atlanta, along with over 200 local spectators who know of Pearce’s growing reputation within the sport.

Parts of the minibike race will be televised along with all the professionals on one of the Fox Sports channels.

As Pearce continues to embrace his dreams, the Yeargan family thanked all of those who have supported and played a role in helping him progress within the sport.