By Nick Ienatsch

Roadracing World Editor John Ulrich told me recently, “When I look out of my helmet the track looks the same as it did when I was 19. As long as I’m not looking in a mirror, I’m good!” He still rides his Yamaha TZ250 on track for fun. John is 68 years old.

I had just returned from road racing at Laguna Seca with AHRMA and was telling John about these “fast old guys” I ride dirt track with. They range in age from 59 to 69 and know how to get around a half-mile dirt oval with style and speed, that’s for sure.

I’m now 60 and sat down with these fast racers for a few thoughts on why we do what we do, with the intention of motivating any physically older riders who still retain the young spirit of a motorcyclist. Some people our age sit on the couch, but there are thousands of us joyfully sitting on moving motorcycles. I hope you join us.