Cogs rippin' it up...

Cogs rippin' it up...

Name:
A. Michael Collins  a.k.a. “Cogs”
Home City/State/Province:

Shoreline, WA

Age:

40.

How many years have you been racing?

7.
What Race Organizations do you belong to?

WMRRA.
Do you belong to any other M/C Organizations?

The Cretins Motorcycle Club.
What is your current racing motorcycle?

‘65 Honda CB160 a.k.a “Kid Banty”.

Did you have a previous racing motorcycle?

No.
What tracks have you raced on?

Pacific Raceway, Spokane County Motorsports Park, Mission Raceway Park, Portland International.
What is your favorite track?

I pretty much like them all.
What is your most memorable racing experience (good or bad)?
Good:  Winning the championship in 2005; getting into the sub-2:00 club at PR; watching Tamra’s lap times fall.
Bad:  My horrific crash this year–I am lucky to be here.  And if anyone thinks this is toy-bike racing, think again!  Getting flicked at 75 MPH and having the bike crash into you is no joke!
Why did you start racing?

I really wanted to push my skills and learn what it feels like to become one with the machine and the track.  It’s an amazing feeling when you know you hit a turn just right.
Why do you like racing?
When you get home after a race, you don’t really remember much about it because it is so in-the-moment.  It’s liberating; when you’re racing, nothing else matters.  Plus, it separates the doers from the bullshitters. I mean, it’s a feat just to get out there on a bike that you’ve stripped down to every last bolt, build it back up and then go like hell on it!
Do you have any other remarks?
Despite my crash, I have no regrets about my racing career and it is easily the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.  If you’re considering it, come on out and talk to all of us.  It’s really as good as advertised…better, really.