Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Michael Ray shared highlights from his racing career during a Motorcycle Mentorship Ride held by the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School (AMEDDC&S) Headquarters and Support Company (HSC). Master Sergeant John Case, the HSC Motorcycle Mentor, organized the ride to promote motorcycle safety and awareness and invited Ray to speak. Ray and his family live in New Braunfels and enjoy riding motorcycles in the Texas countryside and cities when not competing.
Ray has been around motorcycles his entire life, his father being a rider himself. He began on smaller bikes and moved his way up to larger and more powerful machines as he got older. At age sixteen, Ray began his pro career winning his first national event. He competes in top racing circuits around the country with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) pro stock motorcycle drag racing series. These motorcycles accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hours in just half a second and race on a quarter mile and track reaching speeds in excess of two hundred miles per hour. Ray's motorcycle racing career spans over 25 years, from BMX to Pro Stock Motorcycle, which includes a land speed record, as well as multiple national championships.
"I cover a quarter mile in six point five seconds at 210 miles per hour. I literally have my helmet on for 93 seconds, that's from getting on my bike, moving up to the line, racing, then going back to the pit," said Ray. "It's the quickest and easiest job in the world. But for six and a half hours afterwards that we take it all apart, check everything, then put it back together and hope it all works."
Ray told the audience that what he does is not crazy because re races in a controlled environment. As a young rider, Ray focused more on competition than safety, but after a few minor racing accidents and then a major one that took him away from the sport for over four months he has made safety a primary concern. Ray has always been an advocate of wearing safety gear and helmets and told the audience always be prepared for any situation. "When riding on the drag strip we have a team of people ready in case we have a spill. But out on the road it's just you," said Ray. "One day I was out riding when a car pulled out in front of me. I landed face down on the street and thought to myself how glad I was that I was wearing my helmet."
Along with racing, Ray also teaches other professional riders. Even experienced riders train and learn from others. He encourages riders to maintain their skills.
"Riding is a lot of fun," said Ray. "My father has a saying, an accident is human error. Sometimes we get complacent. Don't be that guy. You know your bike. Take your time, make sure you're ready, I don't care how long you've been riding."
Following the presentation Master Sergeant Case lead a group on a ride. The ride introduced riders to formation riding and provided an opportunity to traverse different terrain from Fort Sam Houston out into the Texas Hill Country. The day included a local hazards brief, motorcycle refresher training, and an after action report. A pre-ride inspection and safety brief was conducted before departure. The purpose of the Motorcycle Mentorship Program is to establish voluntary installation-level motorcycle clubs where less experienced riders and seasoned riders can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding and enjoyment.
Over the past five years, the number of motorcycle accidents have reduced for Army Soldiers. Safety awareness efforts, training, and involvement by leaders are making a difference. Even so, motorcycle accidents continue to make up a significate number of fatalities.
To learn the basic and maintain their skills motorcycle safety courses are offer at Joint Base San Antonio for active duty, retirees, and civilians. To sign up for a class visit https://jbsaleadershippathway.gosignmeup.com.
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