TransAm Vet Classic Profile | Kevin Barda

Ignite TransAm Vet Classic Profile | Kevin Barda

Age: 51
Hometown: Apple Valley, California
Classes Raced: 50 Expert, 45 Expert, 40 Expert, anything I can get in!
Sponsors: Fly Racing, N2 Dirt Sports, BMB Cycles, Eks Brand Goggles

Kevin Barda was a local pro when he was younger and realized he had a talent for running while he trained off the bike. Now he’s classified as over-the-hill but was able to turn his gift for running into his career. We caught up with him this weekend at Glen Helen to hear what he had to say about his first Ignite TransAm Vet Classic appearance after spending most of last year recovering from injuries.

This is our second annual TransAm Vet classic and I believe your first? What do you think of the event?

It’s awesome, last year was a rough year I had two pretty big injuries and missed pretty much all of 2018. It was really good and the weather was amazing.

What do you think of a race that’s just for old dudes?

It’s good, I think maybe for next year have a mini class for those that have kids. Maybe not skill level, but just an 85 open where everybody and anybody is welcome. Vet races are nice because they make the day shorter and all that.

What role has motocross played in your life? Have you been a lifelong racer and participant?

Yeah, my dad raced professionally on flat track and dirt track racing. I’ve been around motorcycles my whole life, raced back in the 80s, then stopped racing for about 15 years. Went to college on a cross country scholarship and got into running heavy, then got back into it in my mid-30s. It’s definitely what I do.

You’re a track coach according to my dad. What’s that like and how did you end up in that career?

Actually, when I turned professional in motocross back in the 80s, I needed to be fitter so I started running and I found out I had a knack for it. Then I ended up going to school after I quit racing and ran cross country and track for a university on a scholarship and just naturally after I graduated, I started coaching. I’ve been doing it for 25 years or something. On the side, I also coach three individuals who aren’t in college who are trying to qualify for the Olympic trials and the marathon.

Getting back to the TransAm how has the racing been going for you?

Good, I’m getting my butt handed to me by a couple of guys, but also beating others guys, so it’s okay. Considering the whole 2018 season I had when I was off the bike all year basically due to breaking my neck in February 2018, so missed a lot. Getting back feels good, it’s a good day. I’m doing three this weekend, so I’m dead right now, I’ve got one more to go and I don’t know how I’m going to get through it.

Tell me about your bike. Why did you choose it and what have you done to it?

Absolutely nothing, it’s completely box stock. Even the tires! Nothing is done to it, zero. Completely stock and I went with the Yamaha. I liked it when I did the shoot out with Kris Keefer last year, and I like the Yamahas their fast. You don’t have to do anything to them, you can just ride them.

What are your thoughts about vet racing in general? Is it good to have age divisions to split up the guys?

Yes, because the closing speeds are so different. People are so much faster, slower. I think sometimes we have too many class divisions maybe? Which thins the individual races because I think a lot of these guys take it too seriously. I’m in the expert class and we’re just old guys going in a circle, you know? I always joke that the best day of racing is the day I get to drive my own car home, if I’m driving my own car home then it’s a total success. Take that for what it’s worth.

You’re obviously well aware of what happened with TWMX. What are your thoughts about the new Swapmoto Live platform?

So far it’s good. I was talking with Donn early about where he is at and how much work it’s taken to get to where he is at and make it viable. I think it’s going to blow up once the business end of it settles down and he’s able to actually work on it. I think it’s going to be good, he is well respected in the industry. People know who he is. He’s always been really creative and just the way he did the layout of the magazine, the way he presented it, the way he incorporated personal stories, you know? He always had a little bit of a different angle with TransWorld, I always liked it because of that. Now with him being an owner, now he’s got that freedom to really be creative, I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do with it. I’m excited for him.