A Candid Q&A with American Flat Track Star Brad Baker
- Jan 19, 2017
In this candid Q&A, the K&N-sponsored racer gives us some great insights into what the new flat track series will look like for both racers and fans. Baker also gives us a look back at his 2016 racing season and his exciting racing team news for 2017. K&N: What are a few highlights of your 2016 flat track season?
The next national, I found myself watching from the sidelines after an engine failure when I was leading the main event in Austin, Texas. That would stay repetitive for the rest of the season. I would have one or two good races then have an engine failure while leading or in the top 3. However, even with the bad luck of engine failures, I still managed a few podiums and a second consecutive Summer X Games bronze medal. I also finished the AMA Pro season and my last race with the Harley Davidson Motor Company by winning the Santa Rosa Mile by 13 seconds.
BB: Yes, I ended the season with an amazing 5 week trip to Europe. I spent most of my time training with my good friend, Ferran Cardus. Ferran is the Spanish Dirt Track champion and will be competing at the American Flat Track season opener in Daytona in March aboard my 450 Hondas. One highlight of the trip was getting the honor and pleasure to ride with legend Valentino Rossi at his beautiful Motor Ranch in Tavullia, Italy. Vale and I have made plans for him to come ride with me in April between the Argentina and Austin GP.
K&N: What are your feelings on the changes to Pro Flat Track that are coming next season? BB: I have a really good feeling about the changes that have been made by AMA Pro (American Flat Track). I think the changes will benefit the sport which benefits riders and teams as well as the fans. For the fans, the flat track class structure has been confusing to understand for quite a few years. Unlike motocross and road racing, where classes have been separated by engine CC and bike size, flat track has been separated by a rider’s skill level riding the same bike. This is still a factor in other motorsports but it's much easier for a fan to distinguish the classes by the sound and look of a bike. Obviously, the more skilled riders compete on the bigger and higher horsepower machines. I'm positive the racing will still be close and fun to watch even on the smaller and more technical courses. For the riders and teams, the sport is now more marketable, which means more OEM brand involvement and outside sponsorship opportunities. Flat track has a lot positive momentum in growth behind it right now and I believe these changes in 2017 will add to that.
BB: I have had a great relationship with K&N for many years now. They are longtime supporters of the sport I love and it means a lot that they have believed in me for so long. I trust K&N because they have the best air and oil filters on the market when you are looking for performance and protection. I trust them whether it's in my race bikes or my pickup truck! K&N: What are your thoughts on your upcoming 2017 season and what are your goals?
BB: I am really excited about the 2017 season! I am riding for Indian Motorcycle with an all new team behind me. The current Grand National Champion, Bryan Smith, will be my teammate and the man behind his success, Ricky Howerton, will be our Team Manager. With the already proven capability of the Indian Scout FTR 750 mixed with my talent and knowledge of my team, I think we are going to have a solid first year together. The goal is to win races, stay consistent on my bad days, and recover the #1 plate at the end of the year! We would like to congratulate Brad Baker on a positive 2016 and we look forward to what is ahead in 2017. | ||||||
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