For Alberta-based rider Kirk Kostenuk, the love of motorsports started early, and only got stronger from there.
“I first fell in love with motorsports at a young age,” said Kostenuk, “back when my father would pull me around on the snow slider GT behind a 1997 Ski-Doo MXZ 670.”
By age nine, he had his first quad, but it wasn’t long before he discovered where his real passion resided.
“I realized I liked dirt biking better. When I was 10, I picked up bottles and my mom helped me buy my first dirt bike—a 2001 KX60. I loved riding as a kid and got on the bike as much as I could!”
Building a brand
That childhood love grew into a way of life. Two decades and multiple machines later, Kostenuk now runs a personal motorsports lifestyle brand called Limits Pushed Harder (LPH).
“LPH is the personal mindset I’ve grown to live by,” he explained. “The satisfaction that comes from pushing your limits in everything you do—it’s the best way to grow and achieve your goals.”
Growing up in Alberta meant being surrounded by great riding terrain and mentors. That early exposure led him to embrace freeriding, then into organized racing.
“I always wanted to go back to those cool places and experience new memories as an adult,” he said.
Connecting with a community
Through the Action Sports Club, he connected with the online riding community and learned the ropes of motorsport promotion. That eventually led to the Wapiti Off-Road Association (WORA).
“I discovered WORA through a Hare Scramble they hosted,” he said. “After attending my first race, I got into single-track XC racing. I started in B class and quickly moved to A class because I wanted to be a better rider. I knew I had to ride with the fast guys!”
In 2023, he found himself racing in Red Bull Outliers—a major highlight. That same year, he stepped up as a race director for WORA, helping organize Alberta’s off-road XC racing series from 2023 through 2025.
“Being highly involved with WORA also introduced me to the ice racing series ‘Studs on Ice,’ which means I’m now racing all year long.”
In 2024, the LPH team tackled the legendary 24-Hour Numb Bum Ice Race, a brutal endurance challenge at -17°C. After an engine failure 19 hours in, they completed a 45-minute swap and still finished second in the pro open class—earning the Innovator Award.
“Our team of four pushed the limits, racing my 2019 KTM 300 XCW over 1,500 kilometres in 24 hours,” he said. “We did everything we could to keep that bike on the ice.”
For Kostenuk, LPH is a community-builder. His content draws in like-minded people, many of whom become collaborators or new friends.
“At races, people who learn about LPH end up following me online or even becoming friends,” he said. “I’ve even connected with riders from other provinces and countries. Hopefully one day I can get out for a ride with some of them.”
Lessons along the way
Through all the speed and adrenaline, Kostenuk has also picked up some life lessons.
“You can’t hesitate—you always need to look where you’re going,” he said. “In life, take the opportunity and always have a goal to work toward. Getting back on the bike and into the outdoors is one thing I always look forward to. It’s my mental balance from everyday life and work.”
Despite years of aggressive riding, he has managed to avoid major injuries, with plenty of bumps and bruises but no broken bones.
“I always wear all my safety equipment,” he said, “and make sure it fits properly. Pushing your limits doesn’t mean wrecking yourself.”
For anyone looking to push their own limits, Kostenuk’s advice is clear:
“Do it gradually, but consistently—and you’ll see the results. Seat time will always outperform that new tire. Take the appropriate time to heal from injuries, and when you can, don’t ride alone.”
With the 2025 WORA XC race series in full swing, the LPH crew is already looking ahead to what’s next.
“This summer, I’m taking time to enjoy with family and to build a new shop,” Kostenak said. “But I’ll be back on the line for the 2025 Outliers—and then it’s back on studded tires for January 2026.”
To follow Kirk Kostenak’s journey or support the brand, check out www.limitspushedharder.com or follow @limitspushedharder on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Comments