From Cobra Kid to Elite Team Manager – Clay’s Journey Comes Full Circle
We’re beyond excited to introduce you to Clay Elliott, the newest member of the Cobra MOTO family and our Elite Team Manager. But here’s the thing – Clay isn’t really “new” to Cobra at all. In fact, his story with our bikes goes back over two decades, and it’s exactly the kind of journey that shows what Cobra MOTO is all about.
It Started with a 50 JR
Picture this: a young Clay Elliott, just like many of our kids today, when his parents brought home his first Cobra – a 50 JR. That’s all it took, Clay was hooked. Soon after, he moved up to the King Cobra, and in 2003, he was one of the first riders to throw a leg over our brand-new Cobra 65. Fast forward through years of dedication, countless hours of practice, and that relentless drive that every motocross parent knows so well, and Clay finished his final year of competition tied for 5th place in Arenacross points in 2015. That’s the power of starting young and dreaming big – something we see in every rider who joins our Elite Team.
From Competitor to Coach
When Clay’s competitive racing wrapped up, he didn’t walk away from the sport. Instead, he found his calling in something even more rewarding – developing the next generation of champions. Since 2010, he’s been coaching young riders, and in 2019, he co-founded Driven MX Training with Jason McConnell, creating an impressive 70+ acre facility in Ohio. “Motocross forces young athletes to learn a strong work ethic,” Clay tells us. “If you don’t work hard or put in the extra effort, you won’t be successful in this sport. The off-track habits that Elite riders build will carry them through life long after their racing career ends.”
What Makes Clay Different
Clay brings something special to our Elite Team – he’s been exactly where these young riders are now. He knows what it feels like to line up at the gate with butterflies in your stomach. He understands the dedication it takes from families to support young riders and make this sport work. And he’s experienced both the highs of podium finishes and the challenges that come with competitive racing. What sets Clay apart is his focus on developing the whole rider. He’s not just coaching lap times and holeshots (though those matter too!) – he’s building champions who understand that the mental toughness and character they develop through motocross will serve them long after they hang up their boots.
A Message for New Families
If you’re new to motocross and feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, Clay’s advice is to start with proper coaching. He recommends checking out www.motorcyclecoaching.com to find certified coaches in your area. These professionals can guide you through everything from gear selection to finding the right tracks, and eventually help set goals for competition.
“Parents should be there to aid and assist their child’s efforts and match them accordingly,” Clay explains. “You can’t force a kid to want to learn or want to get better – it has to come from them.”
Looking Ahead
Clay’s vision for Cobra MOTO’s Elite Team is simple but powerful: “I want to build and elevate the program so that every young racer wants to race nothing but a Cobra motorcycle.” He’s committed to making sure our Elite riders get the support, training, and opportunities they deserve. And here’s something that makes us smile – Clay has a 2-year-old son who isn’t quite ready for a bike yet, but when he is, he’ll be starting on our new Cobra CX1E electric motocross balance bike. The next generation of Elliott riders will be Cobra riders, just like Dad.
Welcome to the Family, Clay
At Cobra MOTO, we’ve always believed that our greatest strength isn’t just in the bikes we build – it’s in the community of riders, families, and champions we support. Clay Elliott embodies everything we stand for: passion for the sport, commitment to excellence in design and manufacturing, and genuine care for developing young talent.
Ready to learn more about our Elite Team program or connect with other Cobra families? Follow us on Instagram @CobraMOTO and join the conversation.
