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FT.comCongratulations Shawn on achieving every racers dream, getting that National Number of your own. hard was that to get?  [Shawn] Thanks, it had it's hard times. I love challenges so it has been a lot of fun up to this point. With the support of all my sponsors, family, fans, and friends, who stood behind me, we made it this far. Now I want to keep the number for many years to come, and one day hope to earn the number one plate.
FT.com What made you choose number 32? [Shawn]
There were some really good numbers to pick from. All through my expert/pro racing career I have always been # 33A, since I didn’t think JR Schnabel would give up #33. I considered #25 (Ricky Winsett and Randy Texter), #68 (Robert Miller) because they were numbers that were once held by pro riders from Pennsylvania. I finally settled on #32 because that put me on the list between two really great riders Kenny Coolbeth #31 and JR Schnabel #33. FT.com
How’s your new big bike sponsor, Patriot Harley Davidson working out for you? [Shawn]
This is our second year together. I’m very excited for 2006. Bob DeHaven was very supportive in the 2005 race season and again this year. The XR750’s always run good and this year one of the motors is brand new. Believe it or not everything is ready for Daytona. FT.com
What is a normal day like in the Baer household? [Shawn]
WOW, what is a normal day? Well all week I get to work in the morning around 6 and work till 4 or so, then come home and work all evening on the bikes, and also try to ride as much as possible. Just like any other racer, I’m also on the phone talking to sponsors, friends, family and fans. In the summer time when there is, no nationals going on, weekends you usually can find me supporting the local dirt tracks. To me, that’s one of the most important things a pro rider can do for the sport. FT.com
When growing up who were some of your favorite riders and what made you decide to race dirt track? [Shawn]
Seems like when I was a kid, racing was just what we did. My dad and both uncles raced. I think the biggest influences on me from a racer stand point would have to be Kenny Yoder, Georgie Price, Kevin Varnes, and my uncle Dallas. FT.com
What’s Shawn been doing this long cold “snowing here in Ohio as I type argggg” winter? [Shawn]
During the off-season I hit as many indoors as possible, mainly the races in New York. We have done some other riding and just last weekend Randy Texter got me to ride a Hare Scramble it was fun but I think I’ll stick to Flat Track. FT.com
From a rider’s point of view, how do you feel about the shortage of the singles races? And do you think we will have some more added? [Shawn]
It is very disappointing to only have 4 races for the small bikes. I think you can answer the second question better than me, let’s just say I have my fingers crossed. Seriously if the 2 race deal in Castle Rock that I heard about comes through and if that un-named someone puts a race together the night before Lima, well then we only need about 3 more races to make things look pretty good. I feel like 10 races for the small bikes would be a pretty good series.  FT.com
Hey how about the transponder thing, about time huh? What do you think about them?
[Shawn]
Yeah transponders will be cool; it just means that practice is a bit more important now. Daytona will be more exciting because you will have to get a clean lap in practice to get a good time. FT.com
Please give us a list of all your sponsors because without them no one would be racing. [Shawn]
Patriot Harley-Davidson, Lucas Oil Products, these guys are new to flat track and have been really supportive So-Cal / DeCal Works, both also new to flat track but are so excited and will be providing riding jerseys, pants and decals for the small bike program , Carlos Mann Trucking, Pro Plates, Bob Berry, Motion Pro K & N Performance Air Filters, Lancaster H-D, BRP, G&R Graphics
And there are tons of other people who help and I appreciate all of them We are continuing to add sponsors all the time. If anyone is interested in helping our program for the 2006 season they can contact me through my website www.shawnbaer.com FT.com
Where’s Shawn’s favorite track? [Shawn]
My all time favorite is a little ¼ mile track at home called Path Valley Speedway, it’s just really fast. As far as pro races I think Hagerstown and Lima will always be special since I made my first two main events there last year. FT.com
We all bet you’re loaded for bear and ready to take on the new season, what are your goals in 2006? Of course besides winning that first national.  [Shawn]
Yeah it would be great to win a National not only for me but for my sponsors. Realistically we have our sights set on making the top 20 in points, and just letting everything else come together over time.
FT.com
Tell us a little about the Baer family, is racing a family thing with you? [Shawn]
The Baer family (dad, and both uncles) started out on three wheelers. They did that for a while and then became interested in motorcycles, and it has been up hill ever since. Racing has always been a family effort for me, when I started racing my dad worked on all the bikes and took me to the races. This year I’m managing my own racing efforts along with Bob Berry as my tuner. That doesn’t make it any less family. I’m still running my dad’s adjustable front ends on all the bikes and wouldn’t think of using anything else. FT.com
In closing please say anything you’d like to all your fans and racer friends out there. [Shawn]
First I will say hello to my #1 fan Cheryl Gordon from Ohio, we’ll see you this year at the races. I am looking forward to getting the season underway. Just think only 2 weeks till Bike week. Race fans drive safe, I’ll see you all at the races. FT.com
We at Flattrack.Com appreciate you taking time out to grant us this interview, thank you, and everyone can check out Shawn’s new website at http://www.shawnbaer.com/ [Shawn]
It was a pleasure and thanks for the opportunity to talk about my team and sponsors. FT.com
Thanks again Shawn |
