After a successful motocross season last year, Oakley’s Adam Fink, 21, finished only two spots away from qualifying for a National Outdoor Race.

But then came a speed bump.

As Fink, a 2007 Freedom High graduate, started to train for this season, a broken kneecap from few years ago that never fully healed began to hurt him. This year, it began to hurt again just short of the series’ first race of the season, on May 21. Fink was forced to undergo surgery on the knee and not resume racing until July.

“I went to the doctor and he told me that I had to have surgery on it,” said Fink. “I wanted to get back for the July 2 race at Thunder Valley in Lakewood, Colorado. But the July 16 race at Red Bud in Buchanan, Michigan seems more likely.”

In 2010, Fink earned enough points in the Lucas Oil Motocross Champions American Motorcyclist Association Pro Racing series to earn his AMA license in the 250 class.

The series, which visits cities all across the United States, draws racers from around the world. As many as 100 hopefuls race to qualify for 40 spots in each event, and 30 to 35 seeded riders are guaranteed spots. This is especially difficult for Fink, as he gets only two 15-minute attempts to qualify, and limited practice time on the track.

If Fink returns on July 16, he’ll have missed six races – half of the season – which has prompted him to attempt qualifying for every race. That trip will take him from coast to coast, matching him against top names like Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, Dean Wilson and Broc Tickle.

While the broken kneecap has kept Fink off of his bike, he has fought his way through various injuries throughout his career. “One year, before I got my pro card, I finished in the top 20 with a broken ankle,” Fink said. “Last year, when I was trying to get the card and qualify, I was racing with broken fingers.”

Fink is a privateer, which puts him at a tremendous financial disadvantage when racing, as many of his competitors belong to factory teams. Still, Fink isn’t without local backers.

“I really want to thank all of the sponsors as well as my friends and family,” he said.

For information on how to become a sponsor, e-mail Fink at adamfink717@yahoo.com, or call Bryan Fink at 510-812-4295.