"An Interview with Gary Bailey"

ACR: What was your first motorcycle?
GB:  1955 Triumph Cub.

ACR: What was your first race experience like?
GB: It was a cross-country race & I was scared!

ACR: Name your 5 favorite tracks.
GB:  Unadilla, Lake Sugartree, Glen Helen, Washougal, & ???

ACR: What was your favorite race of all time?
GB: I guess I would have to say there were two. First on July 4 1969 at Saddle Back Park in Ca. when I became the first American to beat the Europeans in motocross and the second in Dec. that same year. It was an Inter-Am event with 21 European riders and I finished 3^rd overall.

ACR: What was your favorite MX bike?
GB: Again there must be two – one a 390 prototype Greeves and my new 2000 CR Honda.

ACR: Who was your heroes or idols growing up?
GB:  Sure but I guess the one that sticks in my head the most is Roger Decoster.

ACR: What are you up too today?
GB: Doing my MX schools and help the Honda Rider Club of America.

ACR: What's your current bikes owned and/or ridden today?
GB:  I have a 2000 CR125, 2000 CR250, 2000 XR400 and a Goldwing.

ACR: Do you still ride & or race today?
GB:  Ride! All the time. Yes I do a race now & then.

ACR: Who was your most feared rival?
GB:  I never feared anyone when I was racing because I knew we were equal or I was better.

ACR: What do you think of today's current crop of riders?
GB: I think the riders today are a bunch of over paid whiners. They should get less pay and way bigger bonuses.

ACR: Who was the most influential person(s) in your life?
GB: Boy I have been around so long that there has been a lot and I don’t want to leave anyone out but right now it’s my wife…she’s the best!

ACR: Name your favorite movie of all time.
GB: I like any movie that motivates you. 

ACR: Name your favorite food.
GB:  Meatloafs, all kinds of good old meatloaf.

ACR: What do you think of the current SX series?
GB: The SX series is good and exposure we are getting is good. I just think the riders should get paid more for what they do. More money for results.

ACR: What do you think of the AMA allowing 400cc 4-strokes to
run in the 250 class?
GB: I guess it’s ok for the 400’s to run in that class. A 250 4 stroke sure couldn’t run with the 250 two strokes. How do you explain that a 400cc won the 250 class? Make it an open class or something!

ACR: Who do you think is the greatest MX rider of all time?
GB:  I don’t want to pick the best MX rider of all time because there have been a lot of great ones in their time. If I had too I would say that my son David was on his way to being just that (boy I’m not prejudiced am I) but ask me who the greatest SX rider of all time is, it’s McGrath hands down, hands up without a doubt!

ACR: Anything you'd like to say in parting?
GB: Yes, no matter what you do in life, do it to your best. It’s not how you finish that matters it’s the effort you put into it and the fun you had. Ride safe and smart. 

About Gary Bailey

Gary Bailey is name that is synonymous with the sport of Motocross in the US. He's been around the sport since it's early days when he began racing motocross in the mid 60's & early 70's when motocross was just getting started in America. He was on most occasions one of the few Americans who could compete against the far superior Europeans & was the first American to actually beat the Europeans when he won July 4th 1969 at Saddleback Park in CA. Gary was one of the first to see the need for motocross schools & started to offer classes as he traveled the circuit in the early 70's which began his career that he continues today as the Professor of motocross with the still going strong Gary Bailey motocross schools. He also was one of the first SX track builders when he helped put together the track at the infamous Daytona SX which he still builds to this day. 

Gary stills helps & trains some of Motocross' best riders & runs & operates his motocross schools as well as putting together training tapes as the bikes & sport have evolved. He is certainly a foremost authority on what it takes to compete & succeed at the highest level in the rough & tumble world of Motocross.

Click here for Gary Bailey's videos and MX school