Michael Harris Bio:
Some of my earliest memories were from my dads go-kart shop in Long Beach. My first race was at eight years old at South Gate Raceway (Trojan Speedway). By age twelve it was Willow Springs, Riverside International, Pomona, ect. Although go-carts dominated our early history, my dad decided to move to motorcycles because he thought they would be less expensive. My first bike was a 80cc Kawasaki Bushmaster that I started racing at Ascot.
The year 1968. I was blessed to have a Father that enjoyed racing as much as watching his son. I've raced on a Sachs 100, Suzuki TM400, DKW 125 Honda 250 and 125 Elsinores, Ossa Stilletto 250, Bultaco 250 Mk VIII, Honda 500 CR, Yamaha 175 IT, Kawasaki 175, Suzuki 125 and a Honda 250 CR. I think there was only one track in So. Cal, Claude Osteens that I didn't race. I was very fortunate indeed. CMC, AME, CRC, AMA, SRA, DRA, and IKF for go carts. Just like a lot of you, Dove Springs would occupy family weekend.
In 1979 I started racing Desert events with the Masterlinks. In 1984 I sold my bike, and gave up riding to afford a house, wife, two daughters and numerous pets. After an injury that hindered working Iron( I am an Ironworker) I returned to college and became a RN. I've worked as a psych nurse, med-surg, recovery room, rehab, and step down. Although I do not practice nursing anymore, I have kept my license. Thinking that I could bribe my youngest to get better grades, I promised her a new motorcycle, a Honda 100, if she brought home nothing lower that Bs'. Well, she delivered, and so did I. Then I thought, well this is boring, just sitting here watching her ride, so I bought a used KTM 600 DXC. And now I'm hooked again on being a part of the racing scene. My daughter on the other hand has lost interest. There must be some kind of irony in that.
Anyway R3 seemed like a logical place to fit in and the people there are really great. I can't say enough about the things they do for others. I think Karen, my wife, understands. After all, we met in the desert. Her father used to be in the Desert Barons and later the Masterlinks. Her brother Murray still rides and is a member of So-Cal. I am looking forward to meeting all of you, mostly standing upright and unscathed, so be safe and enjoy life.
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