Defined as the sport of racing over rough ground on specially strengthened motorcycles, motorcross is the ultimate "adrenaline rush" for a Putney man who has been racing for several years.

Ben Cochran, 23, has two bikes: a 2002 Suzuki RM 125 and a 2003 Suzuki RM 250.

An acquaintance told Cochran about racing and told him that he should try it.

Cochran practices at many different places but mainly on a self-made track by his home or in the mountains.

"I try to practice at least twice a week, usually when I get off work," Cochran said.

Practice makes perfect. Cochran has won two series championships, one third place series championship, and has placed first in over 20 out of more than 70 individual races.

"The difference between a series and an individual race is that a series is a certain number of races within a particular time frame, whereas an individual race only lasts for one day," said Cochran.

Cochran races in Greeneville, Tenn.; at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, Tenn.; The Smokey Mountain Expo Arena in White Pine, Tenn.; and the Daniel Boone track in London.

"The Smokey Mountain Expo Arena is the only place I race that is indoors. That's where I go in the winter," Cochran said.

Cochran goes at least three times a month. He went from Class D, which is the beginner's class, to Class C, which is the amateur class, within only a year.

Cochran, who works as a miner at Randy DLLC in Cawood, said he plans to keep racing.

"I want to go as far as I can and do whatever I can with it," he said.

He is looking for a sponsor to help with finances. In return, Cochran would put the company's name and/or logo on his uniform or bike.

"Right now, I'm just racing for fun and for a hobby, but I would love to make a career out of it. Of course, I would have to find the right sponsorship first," Cochran said.