Noah Fouch was planning on a career as a motocross rider. He started in the sport when he was little more than a toddler and followed the amateur circuit for about 12 years. In that time, however, he saw some close friends seriously injured or killed in racing accidents and decided a career change might be in order.

"My dad and I talked about it and he gave me the opportunity to move into a truck. I took the opportunity and I'm glad I did," said Fouch, who graduated from high school on June 12 and plans to start college in the fall.

"My dad (Brent Fouch) was racing Super Lite at the time and he kept telling me what fun it was. We found a Pro Lite that was for sale and we bought it and put it together. My first time ever driving the truck was at round one (of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series presented by GEICO) last year. I've learned from there and really like it."

Fouch, who lives in Del Mar, California, and lists surfing as an interest, remembers being "pretty intimidated at first because I didn't know what to expect." Once the racing began he was fine, however. He finished seventh in his debut, survived some subpar results at midseason to finish 10th in the point standings and closed the year with a third in the Pro Lite versus Pro Buggy Challenge Cup.

Three events and six rounds into this season Fouch is 10th in the standings again, three mechanical failures having offset three top 4 finishes. He said he is happy with his standing and "still having fun," and he no longer feels intimidated.

"What I feel mostly is the pressure I put on myself because I know I can do well. There's really just a lot of that," Fouch said. "My goals are pretty realistic. Number one is to just have fun and enjoy my time at the races. Top 5s and podiums are a bonus and I'm happy to get some of those.  

"A top 5 (points finish) would be ideal, and I know if everything comes together I    can be top 3 or maybe even the champion at the end of the year."

NOAH FOUCH AT A GLANCE

Age: 18 (20 April 1995)

Lives in: Del Mar, California

Marital status: Single

Occupation: Student

Car number: 52 in Pro Lite

Type of chassis: Huseman Ford

Engine: Ford  

Crew Chief: Mike Amezquita

Sponsors: BFGoodrich, Go Pro, Royal Purple Motor Oil, Team Associated, Surface Sun Systems, Fiberwerx

Years in racing: 14

Divisions raced: Motocross, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Pro Lite

Series points standings: 10 Pro Lite (2012)