I've always have been very competitive ever since I started playing sports as a child. However, my drive to compete really took off when I began playing drums and competing in marching band and Drum Corps.
In motorcycle racing there isn't a much better feeling than crossing the finish line with no one else in front of you. Having all of your hard work and dedication leading up to that win is what makes it all worth it.
I remember winning my first race in the rain. On the cool down lap I stood up on my foot pegs and put my hands up in the air. I then had both feet slip out from underneath me. Luckily I landed back on the seat, but I was close to falling off and having my bike coast down the back straight by itself.
Racing motorcycles is a huge adrenaline rush. The speed, the close racing, dragging your knee on the ground at triple digit speeds is quite exhilarating. There is never a dull moment; even if you're not racing directly against someone you are always racing against the clock trying to beat your own personal best lap time. When you do so, it is completely rewarding even if you don't do well in the race.
I definitely strive to be as smooth as possible in my racing and riding. To me being smooth with acceleration, braking, turning, etc. is very important.
I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Buffalo. I currently work in the Pharmaceutical industry.