At 9 years old, Bellingham’s Zach Johnson has already learned how to combine grit and graciousness with safe motorcycle racing.

Zach, who recently began his second year on the Northwest Supermoto USA circuit, was the only sub-teen north of Seattle who raced Supermoto last year.

Since Supermoto involves racing mostly on pavement, the sport demands a high awareness of safety and sportsmanship. Zach, who recently produced an Internet flyer seeking sponsors, has caught the eye of his elders because he has those qualities.

“It’s amazing to see the growth Zach has made over the last two years,” said Ron West, Northwest Region president for Supermoto USA. “I’ll give him a little coaching, and he’ll do exactly as I ask. He’s very coachable.

“He’s a real racer but he’s not over-dedicated,” West said. “There’s a balance between being competive and being fanatic. He doesn’t win every race, but he’s competitive in every race. He’s gracious when he doesn’t win or when he has a bad day. He’s remarkable.”

Zach, the son of Bob and Janet Johnson, is especially proud to be a third-generation local motorcycle racer. Zach’s grandfather, C. Jack Johnson, was among the first to bring Harleys to Whatcom County, Zach’s father notes.

Racing definitely seems to be in Zach’s genes.

“I didn’t have to push Zach,” said Bob of his son, who will be a fourth-grader at Birchwood Elementary. “On the day before his fourth birthday, he climbed on a four-wheel vehicle in our backyard and wanted to drive.”

Zach recalls how lucky he was to have local motorcycle legend Steve Baker play a role in Zach’s first motorcycle.

“We were at Steve’s shop a few years ago and he said, ‘You need to load this up for Zach,’” Bob said, recalling how Zach acquired a Suzuki 50, which he still loves to ride.

And Zach’s reaction to the memory of getting that first cycle? “Cool!”

Last year, Zach began riding a KLX 110, a pretty big, loud bike for any kid.

“We did some modifications on the suspension, clutch, transmission,” Bob said, indicating how the bike was designed for Zach to shift effectively. “I give all the credit to Brian Billings at BBRP, a motorcycle machine shop. Brian and other local people have given Zach a huge amount of help.”

Zach’s first year on the circuit produced a remarkable secondplace point finish. He won one race, in Redmond, Ore., and was second or thid in most of his dozen races. Zach says he’ll never forget his first Supermoto race last year, since it not only came on his father’s birthday, but in challenging weather conditions.

“It was April 1,” Bob said. “It snowed, hailed and rained at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, but Zach came in second. I’ll always remember that day. What a great birthday present.”

“That hail felt like needles going into my face,” Zach said, “but I wasn’t about to stop.”

“I was just holding my breath,” said Janet. “I was praying and sending good vibes to Zach.”

“I was just whooping and hollering,” said Bob. “Boy, was what ever exciting. I don’t think Zach really understand how tough that was. He was riding on the edge, but he stayed smooth and breaked well.

“You always recognize the dangers and talk about them,” said Bob, a maintainance technician for the Washington State Department of Transportation. “If it’s not safe to do a pass, you have to learn that.”

Janet, a para-educator at Alderwood Elementary School, says Zach’s emphasis on sportsmanship and safety has made it easier for her to watch the races.

“It’s worked out for me to be able to watch him because he’s a smart rider, a smooth rider, and he stays under control,” she said. “He’ll push himself, but not past the limit.”

Bob was proud when Zach left one race, feeling there was something wrong with the bike and that it wouldn’t be wise to continue. It turned out Zach’s instincts were correct.

“I really want to grow up into a championship racer,” said Zach, who was thrilled to meet world champion Jeremy McGrath last month in Skagit County. “My goal now is to be season champion. I’m also looking for financial support from businesses and others. I’ll advertise your business on my bike, so I would really appreciate whatever help anyone can give me.”

This season, Zach finished second at Monroe late last month in his second race. In his first race, riding a loaner bike, he was sixth in McMinnville, Ore.

His father says that after every race, “That bike gets cleaned up and torn down (inspected), so Zach knows he doesn’t have to worry about the bike.”

Zach is also encouraged that he has inspired other kids to take up Supermoto.