Steve Baker Interview Update June 2010 NEW!
By Shawn McDonald
Bench Racer: So Steve? What’s been happening with you the last ten years?
Steve Baker: Actually, it’s been a great ten years. In 2000 Yamaha invited me to the Weekend of Champions where they bring together past Yamaha racing legends from all forms of racing. I got the chance to reacquaint myself to some old friends, and made some new friends from motocross in my era of the 1970's in Rick Burgett, Pierre Karsmakers and even Bob Hannah. It also gave me the opportunity to meet up with some old friends that put the word out that I would like to come back to Europe and ride some classic events. Since 2007 I have been going back to Europe and riding some TZ 750's and OW 31's. This year I will be going to Europe to ride in seven events. That’s pretty exciting for a 57 year old.
BR: The name remains the same at the motorcycle store, but something has changed?
SB: I sold the store seven years ago to the current owner, and I work in the Sales Dept. Now I get to enjoy my motorcycles and go out and ride more than I used to when I owned the store.
BR: When was the last time you raced a bike? Or is it different?
SB: It really is fast exhibition laps. It’s fairly quick. You go as fast as you want to. Some of the guys go fast like Mick Grant, Freddie Spencer. They are probably more serious than I am. It’s still fun to ride at a good pace, and be safe, and take care of the motorcycle and my body. My last road race was 28 years ago in July 1979 at Brands Hatch in Kent, England. The first year I went back I rode for Chris Walker who had a beautiful TZ painted in Yamaha Canada colors that we took to Spa Francorchamps in Belgium. The Spa track is no longer on normal roads, but a closed circuit that is much safer than it used to be. I was definitely very nervous throwing a leg over one of those GP bikes again. As I got more and more chances to ride them on race tracks, I feel more and more comfortable.
BR: A lot has changed in race bike technology over the last 28 years. How does it feel stepping back on a bike of that vintage?
SB: The bike I ride now is really well prepared and has an Ohlin’s shock on it. I feel really at home on them. I was just in Spain and the bike was a rocketship. I know the new bikes are fast, but an OW 31 that is tuned correctly seems just as fast. The monster bikes that I rode back then were the non monoshock bikes. We are not pushing it to the level of a race pace at all.
BR: Are these events in combination with modern bike races or are they stand alone vintage races?
SB: They are called classic events. They classify the race bikes into two different eras of later purpose built racers vs. production bikes turned racers. I have been to other events where it was combined with endurance races and other races before we hit the track. In upcoming weeks I will be in France for a classic event at Spa Francorchamps. I have been to classic events where they had 20,000 spectators in a small German town that had only 5,000 people living there. That was a big deal for that town. I’m going to Imatra, Finland where 40,000 people showing up. The first year I went to Spa I arrived a day early to acclimatize to the time change. That gave us a chance to walk around the pits and look at all the motorcycles. I walked around for a day with my jaw on the floor because there were so many cool pieces of machinery. There were tons of ex-works Suzuki RG 500's, MV-Agusta’s, Suzuki 14 speed 50cc racers all around you. Giacomo Agostini of course was there. As a matter of fact I am a team member with Ago. For a race in Finland the Yamaha corporation is flying over the Yamaha he won his 500c Championship on in 1975. The team owner that I ride for Ferry Brouwer from Holland makes a few motorcycles. He built a special 350cc that Yamaha made for Ago in 1975. The bike was hand crafted from the ground up including engine, transmission, frame, tank and just everything. He has a 125cc V4 Yamaha that was built in the late 60's, that he built again from scratch. He also built a 250cc and 350cc V4 Yamaha’s. Just incredible stuff. Ferry says he’s not rich, but blessed with many friends who help him build these great bikes.
BR: When you put back on the racing leathers, helmet, boots and throw your leg over a grand prix bike how does that feel again?
SB: Every time I get a chance to ride one of these bikes and be on a race track again it brings back good memories. It was a really good part of my life, and I do miss it. I also miss the people, but I get a chance to see some of them again at the races. When I was going through it in the 70's everything was happening so fast. Now everything has slowed down for me. I really appreciate being able to ride these great bikes on legendary tracks.
BR: How does it feel having fans come up to you asking for autographs and taking pictures with you?It has to be some sort of ego boost?
SB: One fellow came up to me in Spain and said it was a gift to meet me. I said to him that it was a gift for me to be able to ride again. It’s just a lot of fun. I really appreciate that people want to see me on a motorcycle again. I was always some what shy. So I’m pretty humbled when people ask me for an autograph, or comment on my riding.
BR: What does your family think of this 2nd career on riding motorcycle fast again?
SB: Oh God, my Mom still gets nervous. My wife made me update my life insurance with increased benefits. I keep it in perspective though, and keep it safe. My wife doesn’t like flying that far to Europe for a Thursday through Sunday long weekend trip so it wouldn’t be much fun for her. If I get a week trip it might be different for her to come with me. They’re all behind me doing this once again.
BR: We haven’t seen Kenny Roberts at any of these events yet have we?
SB: No. Kenny says he’s not a has been yet.
BR: Before you started on the National and then World race scene what riders did you look up to?
SB: When I went to the local dirt tracks with my parents I liked Bart Hansen from Everett. When I started dirt track racing I looked up to Gene Romero, Keith Mashburn and Gary Nixon. When I began road racing the racer I followed was Cal Rayborn. There were a lot of racers I admired and tried to learn from.
BR: What was it that made you switch from dirt tracking to road racing?
SB: I was basically building my own bikes when I was dirt tracking. A local shop in Bellingham helped me with parts and friends also helped me put together the frames and wheels together. I did fairly well in my Novice and Junior years in the A.M.A. Grand National Championship series. Midway in my Novice year I mentioned to a guy at a dirt track that I would like to try a road racer. The next week Bob Work who was employed by Fred Deeley who was the Western Canada Yamaha importer called me up and said I have a road racer if you want to try one next weekend. That was how it started. I got the fantastic opportunity of a large sponsor that could supply me with motorcycles, and was taken under the wing of Fred Deeley and Bob Work. Road racing always intrigued me. There wasn’t any television back then showing road racing, but I read all the stories on road racing in the magazines. Another reason for going fast.
BR: Did you have any dreams of your future in motorcycle racing back then?
SB: What I was thinking about was being a well rounded racer being able to dirt track and road race like everybody who wanted the AMA #1 plate in the United States. I suppose I dreamt about being number one.
BR: How did you get to Europe?
SB: Gavin Trippe the promoter of the Anglo American Match races between Great Britain and America in 1975. He introduced many Americans into the European market throughout the series which ran from 1971-1976 such as Kenny Roberts, Cal Rayborn, Yvon DuHamel, Pat Hennen, Gary Nixon, Dick Mann and Dave Aldana. Trippe also introduced the Trans-Am series as well as AMA Superbikes and big time AMA road racing and the original Super Bikers competition. Strangely enough Gavin Trippe is also the guy who helped me get back to Europe this time again. Gavin and Paul Butler who used to work for Yamaha of Europe put the word out about me and the next thing I know I’m getting to ride these bikes again. I’m very grateful to those two gentlemen I tell you.
BR: What do you do to occupy your time on those long flights to Europe?
SB: Oh God, it’s boring. I watch lots of movies and do some reading.
BR: Have you adjusted to the European cuisine yet?
SB: They usually take me out to some very nice restaurants so the food is fine. Plus I can find a Dairy Queen or Burger King if I need to get some garbage food.
BR: How do you feel about being one of the first two honoree to the Washington State Motorcycle Hall of Fame (self serving question here I note)?
SB: It’s a great honor for me. Having been a dealer for almost 20 years I got to meet a lot of great people in the northwest motorcycle industry. That has been a real treat for me. I’m glad to be a part of it. Motorcycles are a really good part of my life, and my livelihood. Motorcycles are a really good thing, and have enriched my life for many years.
BR: I imagine you will get a few people who will come up to you and tell you about the time they saw you at Sidewinders or Graham Speedways at the dinner?
SB: You mentioned Graham. That was so much fun. I have a lot of good memories from that track. I always remember the guy up on the hill at Sidewinders and was always jumping around waving the flags. It wasn’t Bouncing Bob Malley though. Many good memories from all the northwest race tracks.
BR: Remember any good elbow bashings with dirt trackers up here like Randy Skiver?
SB: Randy was one year ahead of me in the AMA dirt track progression of Novice to Pro. I have a picture of me and Randy racing against each other at the Monroe indoor track. The first race I remember Randy from was in Coupville on Whidbey Island, Washington. I was on a 100cc Suzuki and he was on a Honda 90. Of course the little Suzuki two stroke was quicker than the four stroke Honda. But I could hear this Honda coming from behind me and it was Randy. He never shut off the throttle. I never got the chance to road race against Randy. In dirt track Randy was much more physical than me. I was kind of small and little to throw a 750cc dirt tracker around.
BR: Many racers, and indeed any group of older people, who hated each other when they were racing for money and fame now are good friends, and really happy to see each other. How do you feel about seeing old competitors?
SB: I also notice that. I saw that when I went back for the Yamaha Weekend of Champions that they invited me to. Everybody’s egos had drastically deflated from when they were actively in competition. They were all a lot more friendly. You get to know people more now, and make friendships with them. Like Bob Hannah is a friend. He’s a character alright. Before I just thought he was an arrogant person. There were a lot of neat personalities there that it was great to be a part of. Kenny was there also, and Kenny is Kenney. Kenny is a nice guy too. Depending upon the mood he is in and if he wants to act inappropriately he can.
BR: What was it like riding the TZ 750 powered mile dirt tracker at Indianapolis?
SB: I rode mine at Indy and at Syracuse in New York. At Indy I broke the transmission. I missed a gear, and then clunked it in gear and broke the tranny. So I got to watch Kenny ride his TZ 750 powered bike and it was a fantastic race. At Syracuse it was a day race and the bike didn’t work because we had no traction at all. At that time I wasn’t riding very much dirt track so to jump on something like that and also being from the northwest I didn’t ride very many mile races anyways. I rode as a Junior two times at the San Jose Mile race. It was a fantastic thing to be able to throw a leg over a TZ miler and it sure was fun passing Harley’s once you got traction. I really feel we got short changed when Harley Davidson got the AMA to outlaw those bikes in two races. It would have given a lot more enthusiasm to the sport, instead of taking it away.
BR: Is that one of the reasons Dirt Track lost it’s appeal?
SB: I always enjoyed watching dirt track racing when there were different brands out there on the track. Everybody wants to be super dominant. If I could, I would like to be that. For the good of the sport the different manufacturers and the different riders is what keeps the spectators interested in the sport and keep on coming back for more. Right now Kawasaki is using their EX 650 for dirt and Harley is going to be using their 1200 for road racing. I think that you need that to keep it interesting for all the spectators.
BR: What do you think when you see Valentino Rossi or Nicky Hayden in modern Moto GP?
SB: I’m in awe. The lean angles and corner speed they are going. The racing for the most part is so close throughout the entire race. During my career in the 70's there was some good, close racing. There were other times when we would get spread out on the course. If you look at qualifying times now it’s amazing how close they are with the top eight within one second some times. The manufacturers are designing their bikes very competively against each other with R&D and testing. The classic motorcycles that I ride now I still keep a finger on the clutch. I think back during my years riding for the Yamaha factory and they were always trying out so many new things on the bikes all the time. During one race weekend in Sweden they cut the steering head off my bike, repositioned and welded it back on again. All because they got some information from Japan. I don’t think they would be doing that now. I came through an era of road racing where they experimenting in leaps and bounds and constantly trying out new things.
Bench Racer: So Steve? What’s been happening with you the last ten years?
Steve Baker: Actually, it’s been a great ten years. In 2000 Yamaha invited me to the Weekend of Champions where they bring together past Yamaha racing legends from all forms of racing. I got the chance to reacquaint myself to some old friends, and made some new friends from motocross in my era of the 1970's in Rick Burgett, Pierre Karsmakers and even Bob Hannah. It also gave me the opportunity to meet up with some old friends that put the word out that I would like to come back to Europe and ride some classic events. Since 2007 I have been going back to Europe and riding some TZ 750's and OW 31's. This year I will be going to Europe to ride in seven events. That’s pretty exciting for a 57 year old.
BR: The name remains the same at the motorcycle store, but something has changed?
SB: I sold the store seven years ago to the current owner, and I work in the Sales Dept. Now I get to enjoy my motorcycles and go out and ride more than I used to when I owned the store.
BR: When was the last time you raced a bike? Or is it different?
SB: It really is fast exhibition laps. It’s fairly quick. You go as fast as you want to. Some of the guys go fast like Mick Grant, Freddie Spencer. They are probably more serious than I am. It’s still fun to ride at a good pace, and be safe, and take care of the motorcycle and my body. My last road race was 28 years ago in July 1979 at Brands Hatch in Kent, England. The first year I went back I rode for Chris Walker who had a beautiful TZ painted in Yamaha Canada colors that we took to Spa Francorchamps in Belgium. The Spa track is no longer on normal roads, but a closed circuit that is much safer than it used to be. I was definitely very nervous throwing a leg over one of those GP bikes again. As I got more and more chances to ride them on race tracks, I feel more and more comfortable.
BR: A lot has changed in race bike technology over the last 28 years. How does it feel stepping back on a bike of that vintage?
SB: The bike I ride now is really well prepared and has an Ohlin’s shock on it. I feel really at home on them. I was just in Spain and the bike was a rocketship. I know the new bikes are fast, but an OW 31 that is tuned correctly seems just as fast. The monster bikes that I rode back then were the non monoshock bikes. We are not pushing it to the level of a race pace at all.
BR: Are these events in combination with modern bike races or are they stand alone vintage races?
SB: They are called classic events. They classify the race bikes into two different eras of later purpose built racers vs. production bikes turned racers. I have been to other events where it was combined with endurance races and other races before we hit the track. In upcoming weeks I will be in France for a classic event at Spa Francorchamps. I have been to classic events where they had 20,000 spectators in a small German town that had only 5,000 people living there. That was a big deal for that town. I’m going to Imatra, Finland where 40,000 people showing up. The first year I went to Spa I arrived a day early to acclimatize to the time change. That gave us a chance to walk around the pits and look at all the motorcycles. I walked around for a day with my jaw on the floor because there were so many cool pieces of machinery. There were tons of ex-works Suzuki RG 500's, MV-Agusta’s, Suzuki 14 speed 50cc racers all around you. Giacomo Agostini of course was there. As a matter of fact I am a team member with Ago. For a race in Finland the Yamaha corporation is flying over the Yamaha he won his 500c Championship on in 1975. The team owner that I ride for Ferry Brouwer from Holland makes a few motorcycles. He built a special 350cc that Yamaha made for Ago in 1975. The bike was hand crafted from the ground up including engine, transmission, frame, tank and just everything. He has a 125cc V4 Yamaha that was built in the late 60's, that he built again from scratch. He also built a 250cc and 350cc V4 Yamaha’s. Just incredible stuff. Ferry says he’s not rich, but blessed with many friends who help him build these great bikes.
BR: When you put back on the racing leathers, helmet, boots and throw your leg over a grand prix bike how does that feel again?
SB: Every time I get a chance to ride one of these bikes and be on a race track again it brings back good memories. It was a really good part of my life, and I do miss it. I also miss the people, but I get a chance to see some of them again at the races. When I was going through it in the 70's everything was happening so fast. Now everything has slowed down for me. I really appreciate being able to ride these great bikes on legendary tracks.
BR: How does it feel having fans come up to you asking for autographs and taking pictures with you?It has to be some sort of ego boost?
SB: One fellow came up to me in Spain and said it was a gift to meet me. I said to him that it was a gift for me to be able to ride again. It’s just a lot of fun. I really appreciate that people want to see me on a motorcycle again. I was always some what shy. So I’m pretty humbled when people ask me for an autograph, or comment on my riding.
BR: What does your family think of this 2nd career on riding motorcycle fast again?
SB: Oh God, my Mom still gets nervous. My wife made me update my life insurance with increased benefits. I keep it in perspective though, and keep it safe. My wife doesn’t like flying that far to Europe for a Thursday through Sunday long weekend trip so it wouldn’t be much fun for her. If I get a week trip it might be different for her to come with me. They’re all behind me doing this once again.
BR: We haven’t seen Kenny Roberts at any of these events yet have we?
SB: No. Kenny says he’s not a has been yet.
BR: Before you started on the National and then World race scene what riders did you look up to?
SB: When I went to the local dirt tracks with my parents I liked Bart Hansen from Everett. When I started dirt track racing I looked up to Gene Romero, Keith Mashburn and Gary Nixon. When I began road racing the racer I followed was Cal Rayborn. There were a lot of racers I admired and tried to learn from.
BR: What was it that made you switch from dirt tracking to road racing?
SB: I was basically building my own bikes when I was dirt tracking. A local shop in Bellingham helped me with parts and friends also helped me put together the frames and wheels together. I did fairly well in my Novice and Junior years in the A.M.A. Grand National Championship series. Midway in my Novice year I mentioned to a guy at a dirt track that I would like to try a road racer. The next week Bob Work who was employed by Fred Deeley who was the Western Canada Yamaha importer called me up and said I have a road racer if you want to try one next weekend. That was how it started. I got the fantastic opportunity of a large sponsor that could supply me with motorcycles, and was taken under the wing of Fred Deeley and Bob Work. Road racing always intrigued me. There wasn’t any television back then showing road racing, but I read all the stories on road racing in the magazines. Another reason for going fast.
BR: Did you have any dreams of your future in motorcycle racing back then?
SB: What I was thinking about was being a well rounded racer being able to dirt track and road race like everybody who wanted the AMA #1 plate in the United States. I suppose I dreamt about being number one.
BR: How did you get to Europe?
SB: Gavin Trippe the promoter of the Anglo American Match races between Great Britain and America in 1975. He introduced many Americans into the European market throughout the series which ran from 1971-1976 such as Kenny Roberts, Cal Rayborn, Yvon DuHamel, Pat Hennen, Gary Nixon, Dick Mann and Dave Aldana. Trippe also introduced the Trans-Am series as well as AMA Superbikes and big time AMA road racing and the original Super Bikers competition. Strangely enough Gavin Trippe is also the guy who helped me get back to Europe this time again. Gavin and Paul Butler who used to work for Yamaha of Europe put the word out about me and the next thing I know I’m getting to ride these bikes again. I’m very grateful to those two gentlemen I tell you.
BR: What do you do to occupy your time on those long flights to Europe?
SB: Oh God, it’s boring. I watch lots of movies and do some reading.
BR: Have you adjusted to the European cuisine yet?
SB: They usually take me out to some very nice restaurants so the food is fine. Plus I can find a Dairy Queen or Burger King if I need to get some garbage food.
BR: How do you feel about being one of the first two honoree to the Washington State Motorcycle Hall of Fame (self serving question here I note)?
SB: It’s a great honor for me. Having been a dealer for almost 20 years I got to meet a lot of great people in the northwest motorcycle industry. That has been a real treat for me. I’m glad to be a part of it. Motorcycles are a really good part of my life, and my livelihood. Motorcycles are a really good thing, and have enriched my life for many years.
BR: I imagine you will get a few people who will come up to you and tell you about the time they saw you at Sidewinders or Graham Speedways at the dinner?
SB: You mentioned Graham. That was so much fun. I have a lot of good memories from that track. I always remember the guy up on the hill at Sidewinders and was always jumping around waving the flags. It wasn’t Bouncing Bob Malley though. Many good memories from all the northwest race tracks.
BR: Remember any good elbow bashings with dirt trackers up here like Randy Skiver?
SB: Randy was one year ahead of me in the AMA dirt track progression of Novice to Pro. I have a picture of me and Randy racing against each other at the Monroe indoor track. The first race I remember Randy from was in Coupville on Whidbey Island, Washington. I was on a 100cc Suzuki and he was on a Honda 90. Of course the little Suzuki two stroke was quicker than the four stroke Honda. But I could hear this Honda coming from behind me and it was Randy. He never shut off the throttle. I never got the chance to road race against Randy. In dirt track Randy was much more physical than me. I was kind of small and little to throw a 750cc dirt tracker around.
BR: Many racers, and indeed any group of older people, who hated each other when they were racing for money and fame now are good friends, and really happy to see each other. How do you feel about seeing old competitors?
SB: I also notice that. I saw that when I went back for the Yamaha Weekend of Champions that they invited me to. Everybody’s egos had drastically deflated from when they were actively in competition. They were all a lot more friendly. You get to know people more now, and make friendships with them. Like Bob Hannah is a friend. He’s a character alright. Before I just thought he was an arrogant person. There were a lot of neat personalities there that it was great to be a part of. Kenny was there also, and Kenny is Kenney. Kenny is a nice guy too. Depending upon the mood he is in and if he wants to act inappropriately he can.
BR: What was it like riding the TZ 750 powered mile dirt tracker at Indianapolis?
SB: I rode mine at Indy and at Syracuse in New York. At Indy I broke the transmission. I missed a gear, and then clunked it in gear and broke the tranny. So I got to watch Kenny ride his TZ 750 powered bike and it was a fantastic race. At Syracuse it was a day race and the bike didn’t work because we had no traction at all. At that time I wasn’t riding very much dirt track so to jump on something like that and also being from the northwest I didn’t ride very many mile races anyways. I rode as a Junior two times at the San Jose Mile race. It was a fantastic thing to be able to throw a leg over a TZ miler and it sure was fun passing Harley’s once you got traction. I really feel we got short changed when Harley Davidson got the AMA to outlaw those bikes in two races. It would have given a lot more enthusiasm to the sport, instead of taking it away.
BR: Is that one of the reasons Dirt Track lost it’s appeal?
SB: I always enjoyed watching dirt track racing when there were different brands out there on the track. Everybody wants to be super dominant. If I could, I would like to be that. For the good of the sport the different manufacturers and the different riders is what keeps the spectators interested in the sport and keep on coming back for more. Right now Kawasaki is using their EX 650 for dirt and Harley is going to be using their 1200 for road racing. I think that you need that to keep it interesting for all the spectators.
BR: What do you think when you see Valentino Rossi or Nicky Hayden in modern Moto GP?
SB: I’m in awe. The lean angles and corner speed they are going. The racing for the most part is so close throughout the entire race. During my career in the 70's there was some good, close racing. There were other times when we would get spread out on the course. If you look at qualifying times now it’s amazing how close they are with the top eight within one second some times. The manufacturers are designing their bikes very competively against each other with R&D and testing. The classic motorcycles that I ride now I still keep a finger on the clutch. I think back during my years riding for the Yamaha factory and they were always trying out so many new things on the bikes all the time. During one race weekend in Sweden they cut the steering head off my bike, repositioned and welded it back on again. All because they got some information from Japan. I don’t think they would be doing that now. I came through an era of road racing where they experimenting in leaps and bounds and constantly trying out new things.
