KELSEYVILLE >> Brian Bartlow’s 2016 racing season adds another successful chapter to his list of racing accomplishments.
The Kelseyville motorcycle rider claimed five flat track championships this year and an overall No. 1 plate along the way. A professional road racer since 1994, he has raced most motorcycle brands but has found most of his success on Kawasaki bikes. He has won more than 500 races during his lifetime and has set track records at venues throughout the country in supermoto, street, motocross and now flat track divisions. He competes locally on Nor Cal Short Track circuit at the Lakeport Speedway.
In 2009 Bartlow started up his own race team, Feel Like A Pro. A rental race bike program allowed riders to rent a state-of-the-art Kawasaki 250 Ninja in race trim. The rental included the bike, a mechanic, tires, gas, pit setup and a VIP area for riders and family to hang out during races.
In 2012 Bartlow brought home 282 podium finishes with 166 wins and 13 track records. He sold the business to his good friend and mechanic David Seyl in 2013.
More recently Bartlow has joined forces with Kawasaki again to form Feel Like a Pro Dirt, a training program that helps riders become better dirt bike riders.
“Dirt bike riding is one of the best training tools to be a better street rider,” Bartlow said. “It helps build focus, balance and most important confidence.”
Flat track racing began in the 1930s and was immensely popular until the mid-1980s when interest began to wane. The sport has experienced a resurgence of late, according to Bartlow.
Through the efforts of Bartlow and Lakeport Speedway promoter Dave Furia, riders on the Nor Cal Short Track circuit can rent a bike and gear onsite. You don’t have to own your own gear and you don’t have to maintain or transport the bike. All you have to do is show up and race.
Bartlow also has a 12-acre training facility in Kelseyville where riders from across the United States come to train during the camps he offers. He is still an active rider in the sport as well. Bartlow won the overall No. 1 plate last year on the Nor Cal Short Track circuit and this year he won the overall No. 1 plate for Lost Coast Flat Track.
“I have been very fortunate to have had a great career in motorcycle racing,” Bartlow said. “It allowed me to build a name that gained the respect of others. Our sponsors are a big key to the success of Feel Like A Pro Dirt. I am also proud to bring our county business.”
To learn more about Feel Like A Pro Dirt, check out our www.feellikeaprodirt.com
