FAST & LEFT A FLAT TRACK FILM

The arena is a dirt oval. The gladiators have a steel-shoe on their boot that keeps them and their motorcycles balanced at high speeds. Every weekend, they travel great distances for the opportunity to pass the checkered flag first. This is flat track motorcycle racing.
Flat track is one of the oldest forms of motorcycle racing and it has a rich history in the United States. Perhaps even more captivating than the bikes and the speeds however, are the people that make up this sport.
Directed / Produced / Camera / Edit: Evan H. Senn

[@danabuch324]

The reason an old Bultaco is still fast is because the frame dimensions and angles were perfect for flat track. When Doug Schwerma started Champion Frames he patterned them after the Bultaco frame. I know, I was there. I worked at A&A Racing for Mr. Ray Abrams an built parts for all of the TZ750 flat trackers and many other motorcycles for Kenny Roberts, John Gennai, Rick Hocking and many more. I raced a 1973 Yamaha MX250 engine in a Champion Frame. When I tell kids we used to race 4 days a week and our longest drive was 1-1/2 hours to Lodi, they have a hard time believing me. From A&A Racing in Redwood City. Wednesday=short-track at Fremont, 20 minute drive. Friday=TT at Fremont, 20 minute drive. Saturday=TT at Hayward, 15 minute drive. Drive to Lodi after the Hayward race Saturday night, sleep in front of the track and race Lodi TT on Sunday. Worked, raced, ate and made love to my girlfriend. That was pretty much it. Oh yeah, and trying to stay out of jail hanging with Gennai, Hocking, Neil McGregor, Ray Abrams, Bill Butler etc.

[@robertaustin-y7j]

Oh no you're not lying about what you working for that shop you really did do it and you really didn't build parts for some big name writers and from the 70s and 80s and let me tell you those are some legendary writers back in those days I was growing up as a kid watching that out of the San Jose fairgrounds and big mile there and all that oh yeah

[@jordanbabcock9349]

Opening with Snyder in the Bultaco leathers. Maaan, my family has a broken past but I grew up racing flat track and watching this man. What a great soul. He may not remember me but I will never forget a 9 foot tall legend quicker than lightening!

[@SHADYxx178]

Is that bill Snyder?

[@numberthreetube]

What a great film and a real window into the beating heart of this sport. This film is about so much more than Flat Tracking, it's about the way things were, the way things SHOULD be, and proof that amazing humans DO still exist, taking care of each other and makign the most of our time. Thank you Evan.

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you so very very much.

[@numberthreetube]

@@evanhsenn - Truth is TRUTH Dude - this is a great film and really captures the spirit of the culture. I've recommended it to lots of people with great feedback. Don't know if you've ever thought of doing a follow up - but that would be great as well. Or even a comparison to the European counterpart (they call it "Speedway"), your take on it would be amazing I'm sure. Maybe someone (@KZbin? @Netflix?) could have you turn it all into a series - you clearly have considerable talent with capturing the vibe and true humanity behind the subject - it would be rad to see lots more motorcycle content from you Dude. Keep on keepin' on - and thanks again for what you've already done.

[@russellhelms2835]

@numberthreetube you are so right in your comment. This video/film is just fantastic! I watch it and just disappear back into the times of the past! I’m still into MX bikes of the 1980’s, but my childhood was in the 1970’s. Those were better days, and this video is simply all that rolled into an experience. Amazingly done!

[@Maxtowers71]

Man, this video deserve much more views, it's so well done and truly a declaration of love for this sport... as many other "minor" (what an awful term) sports, these niches are where i believe you find the true sportsmanship and true passion... no big teams, no networks and half time multi-million dollar commercials... just sweat, gasoline and true passion. Much love from ol' Italy

[@thewobblywelder8362]

I know half of these folks in this film. You definitely nailed the Kansas racing vibe. I have to say this is the first time I’ve heard Ryan Stewart’s song. Awesome job guys! Thank you!

[@marchebert9813]

My dad raced in the late 60's when I was a small child. This could have been a film of one of his races. I wish he could have seen this movie. Well done!!

[@aussiedorsmith9293]

Loved the film ! Memories flooded back from back in the day, at Hayward and Fremont. Was great fun. So nice to see all these racers showing, and living the “love”. ❤️

[@BlackPete...]

Wow... Standing ovation for you, Evan. That was one beautiful bit of storytelling.

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you so very much.

[@Gymgray]

What a wonderful story. The feelings were communicated very well. You felt that you could experience the adventure. Thank you..

[@f9qo]

That was really well done, nice job! The part about people helping each other was super cool.

[@alanwhitten8682]

Class from start to finish. Just like everyone in it. Love from a fellow biker from Ireland. As we say here "keep 'er lit". Thank you!

[@djantix1200]

Amazing look into the flat track world. Everyone sounded super stoked and very family oriented. Nice film, well done!

[@chase.dillon]

Wow - great film! Flat track racing deserves more attention than it gets! Motorcycle racing is so fun to watch.

[@dannywoody5497]

Wonderful documentary. Thanks so much nice to see people getting together like family and having fun.

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you so very much.

[@harryodum5598]

I remember when I was a junior in high school in metal shop and I built my first hot shoe. The teacher came up to me and says what are you doing wasting Time what are you making, I said I’m building a hot shoe To race my motorcycle I don’t believe he cared for my project too much he only gave me a C but it fit like a glove on my foot and I used it for at least 10 years those were the days before big money came in and found flat track

[@timothyguenther7318]

Makes me wanna go racing, great job

[@supercuda1950]

If you are tired of primadonna NASCAR drivers, this is the racing you need to see. This is America's gift to the racing world and the competition is intense. There is everything from the guy that hauls his bike in his pickup (as seen in movie) all the way to the factory teams that show up in semi's. There are pro classes and amateur classes, so everyone can find a class to compete in. Don't be surprized how fast the "little" guys go. It's good to see the racers working on their own stuff. Not only does it put the condition of their ride in their hands, it also gives them an appreciation of what they are riding. This is grass roots racing at it's best. Great video, I hope you do more.

[@jimmypea2207]

You won't find any cry babies in flat track but there are plenty in NASCAR. Shut up and race.

[@sammylacks4937]

I absolutely concur. I first heard of flat track and tt racing reading about it and races in motorcycle mags when King Kenny was the man. I never got the chance to see a race untill the internet and smart phones brought everything to us. I use to love Nascar before it was taken over by " movie stars". Flat track is cool and I plan to go see an actual race.

[@dustinharris8057]

What track is that

[@johncarl5505]

So insecure

[@maxamumdawg5494]

i totally AGREE 100% + flat trackin is REAL BRAVERY

[@timoneill8283]

Sorry im out of the loop ive been a motocrosser most of my life but i love flat track. I raced 1 event at hannegen speedway and it changed my life

[@evanhsenn]

It's the best! Glad you're out there racing.

[@codycallaway2911]

Wonderful film.

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you.

[@sparkme123]

Thanks for posting, great story!

[@kaimuerte5479]

Was für ein absoluter Hammer Film...ich bin sprachlos.

[@bjornschafer3262]

Thank you for this great movie. Nice pics, music and a perfect story. I love to see it

[@davidly5793]

I just can't believe this video only has 2k views, the quality is awsome! Sheers for the good work and awsome film 🙌

[@blacklight4460]

Great film! Pitching it in slide-ways is what it's all about.

[@Archibaldtimms]

This is GREAT! GREAT MUSIC! Saw Morehead against Springsteen in about 86 in Maryland... first time I saw flat track.

[@wolfgangzrx]

We love ya and are thinking about you Brad Backer! Get well soon!

[@practicalplinking6133]

Lodi Cycle Bowl, Salinas Airport and Salinas Fairgrounds were great venues when startin out!!

[@nathanbuck7572]

Thank u for this epic beyond well done movie made my day real people doing real things

[@meandthemrs7403]

This makes me want to come to Kansas next summer and go to as many races as I can for a week. Seriously.

[@DougDavisRacing]

Thanks for this great film.

[@chrismoody1342]

As a kid from the mid 60’s practically every kid in my neighborhood had a motorcycle. Being from Kansas there is literally no terrain for us to construct a proper motocross track. So we just chased each other in a oval track till the thing became established as a track with all the vegetation denuded. We spent nearly every minute away from school riding and sliding. I went onto race motocross when I could afford a proper bike and transport myself to and from the regional tracks. Did ok and podiumed often. The ole flat track riding honed a lot of useful skills. 66 years old now and still riding bikes, not your cruisers but performance bikes. Got two in the garage. Still got that desire for WFO. 😎

[@charlesross1682]

Flat track is the coolest of all motor sports to me it's pretty much unchanged through the years. I call it dirt track ballet. The weight of bike and man on that steel slipper.

[@roykwon3106]

Great Film !! Really Nicely Done !! I Love My Flat Track Family !!

[@Nyghtprowler]

Awe man sad to see Brad Baker walking. He's a true champ, that boy could ride a bike. Great video though! Was awesome to see.

[@MrAymardo]

This is a pure gem!

[@monsterliu7314]

Nice Movie！Always a big fans of dirt track bike ,but never have a chance to see or in a dirt track race. sad point for born&raised in the China.from your movie I`am kind of know what this races about.thanks about this.This encouraged me to modify my own bike to a Dirt Tracker.I apologize for my limited English ability I`m also a new English speaker

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you so very much! I hope you make it to a track soon... or build your own!

[@UrbanLegend1]

This is so beautifully made. Got hooked

[@grikney]

Love the slo- mo!

[@hemidart7]

Where drifting began

[@ilichmejia1552]

Beuatiful film, what a cast of characters! Very well shot and edited!!!!

[@Team-fabulous]

Wait till I tell ya... That was fecking epic 🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you so very much.

[@Team-fabulous]

@@evanhsenn you're welcome.. Really interesting

[@davrodrawvro8285]

Very good film

[@cleartrueblue]

What a beautiful thing.

[@maxzunker4100]

Awesome!!

[@TheStevemcqueen68]

Well done, Bill. a true sport mans

[@evanhsenn]

I do love Bill... what a guy.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

A great film, every word still rings true. Someone needs to put a good motorcycle under Jeffery Carver

[@dcarter001]

I enjoyed that.

[@todh8033]

Very well Done !

[@jameswulzen590]

I'm 84, still love the flat track days I was in during the 60's, 70's then on to road racing, loving the speed and the thrill of it all, only thing as good is sex.

[@SempreGumby]

Just started doing this with AHRMA on a 1971 BSA 650 twin.

[@evanhsenn]

Fantastic! Have fun out there.

[@aussiebaz5363]

Excellent.

[@angielocke7745]

Nice job it is funny how they all say the Same thing - you go fast

[@mikegraves9682]

I saw Mert Lawwill race at Ascot Park when I was ~12

[@rader1175]

I did to at Columbus Ohio, race was called Charity Newsy at Ohio State fair, he had them covered till he broke last lap. I think our local hero then won Ronnie Rall. # 52 Markel burn't his tire up trying to ride outta the groove. Saw King Kenny in 75 at Indy mi. on 2 stroke.

[@jordanbabcock9349]

2 minutes in talking about all the Kansans! Yall got me ready to buy a bike and hit Jeeps this spring!!!!!

[@evanhsenn]

Yah buddy! Keep it alive down there!

[@gotuxy]

What an awesome little doco! 👍 Props to all involved. Have you made any others?

[@evanhsenn]

Yes I have... www.evanhsenn.com

[@gotuxy]

@@evanhsenn You know what to do. Upload!

[@tedecker3792]

Baseball, apple pie, and WFO!!

[@niladisify3811]

Oh man... what am I doing with my life... is money everything !

[@udubidub]

happy times

[@charlesharper7292]

R.I.P. Gerald Jessup.

[@larshansen7862]

Look up , Ole Olsen

[@krippleandthekid]

Who sings the flat track song?

[@evanhsenn]

That’s my buddy, Ryan Stewart. vimeo.com/376942078

[@LDHope]

simply love it. well done. great spirit. thank you.

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you!

[@moeheisenberg7410]

Jay Springsteen who's the best racer in the country

[@oldshovelhead]

Wow what a great film!!! Really fantastic job on this. We NEED more motorcycle movies that is for sure. This one made me want to watch the 1972 On Any Sunday. I've been a rider for over 50 years- movies like this show the real side of the motorcycle family. Thanks!!

[@JonasMarcinko]

That was awesome! I've always wanted to try it. Thanks for creating this.

[@MrTuktuk222]

Did my first flattrack race last weekend in Germany, and experienced exactly the vibes you captured so nicely in this video. Awesome mixture of nice people and addicting in all aspects! Flattrack FTW 💪🤘

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you! Ride safe and keep racing.

[@harryodum5598]

Did they race any speedway racers? The Europeans like those Speedway I was stationed there in 1964 and part of 65 before being deployed to Thailand had a 54 BMW and went to every flat track race and I can fine

[@montyroach_rides]

Excellent film! Flat track is the purest form of great racing. The people involved are the best. Much respect to all.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

I'm almost 80 years old, used to have a t-shirt that read... "If you ain't turning Left... You ain't Shit"... 'Nuff said!!!... Happy New Year...

[@robinoconnor1203]

Mark Brelsford was my hero during the seventies, he was spectacular on the mile ovals.

[@mchristr]

I've been a flat track fan since childhood (the late 60's) and this is pure gold. Thanks for posting.

[@rangerlongshot]

When I started racing in AMA District 36 (Central and Northern California) in 1968 Class C dirt track was the most popular bike racing in the country. You could race 3-5 times a week all spring and summer. Then in the early 70's MX exploded and in the mid/late 70's road racing did the same. Over the next couple decades sort of faded but it's great to see it never disappeared. You did a fantastic job with this. You really captured the spirit.

[@criagfurness8305]

Well done Evan - what a lovely documentary , story telling at its finest

[@dubstepscratch127]

Going to my first flat track ama race this weekend as an amateur 250cc class. This was such an exciting and emotional documentary, well done and so authentic to my local dirt tracks. Thanks for putting this together

[@evanhsenn]

f course! Follow me on social and let me know how it goes.

[@teemlee51]

First rate film!!!! @23;37 Rest in speed brother... Shared a lot of years racing in ABQ. and Pikes Peak with that man.

[@ericmartin5720]

I watched Kenny Roberts at the San Jose Mile as the 4th corner flag man. The TZ750 was unreal, Roberts was trying to ride the groove, but it wasn’t working. He went out into the marbles on the way outside and flat out boogied, it was art in motion.

[@orrinkelso9295]

That was trip down memory lane! Used to race in the early 70's at tracks in SoCal. Brown Field, Dehesa, Elsinore, El Centro. Mostly TT but some flat track too. I quit when I got married and started a family. I see a lot of guys never stopped. Great film! Thanks.

[@Abbeville_Kid]

They’re still racing at old Perris.

[@Hustler9g]

Really love the passion and community in flat track this film shows

[@richardgreen7811]

MEMORIES ... In 1968 I raced Flat Track as a novice in Flint, Michigan at the Dort Raceway 1/4 mile track. I had a Bultaco with a Pursang 250 mounted on a Sherpa S frame. I sucked. That said, I followed some of the best riders in the country around the track and learned a ton from them. Guys like Bart Markel (aka Black Bart) and Bill (Charlie) Chapel. While I was fearless, I was not talented as I learned early from Bart. On one occasion I was actually in 2nd during the start of the race until turn 3. That's when Bart artfully "slid" inside my turn and within inches of my left foot. Scared the crap out of me. I later found out this was just one of his ways to have fun with new riders. Bart was a factory rider for Harley Davidson and rode a Sprint on the 1/4. He was the Maestro with that bike and could make it do things others would never think of. How did he get the label "Black Bart" ? If someone was in front of him at the end of a heat, he would routinely put that sliding routine on them but instead of it being a play maneuver, he would go faster and deeper into the turn then bump their front tire with his back tire. Most recovered without falling but they got the message and also needed to wash out their leathers. He worked at AC Spark Plug, weight 140 lbs, and would fight anybody on the track at the drop of a hat. He raced the 1/4, the 1/2, and the Mile. During the 60's, he held more Grand National Championships than anyone. It's so awesome to see these guys in their 50's and 60's still riding. What's changed from then to now ? Only one thing I can see ... at the start of a heat, we had to hold our clutch hand level with our shoulder. That way nobody could jump the start. Other than that, just technology.

[@Luscombe47x]

Just awesome. Has a real 'On Any Sunday' feel to it.

[@cjholmes4329]

Magnificent documentary! Personally I have always been a big fan of Speedway racing but Flat Track is such a grass roots, American form of motorsport. It's interesting to see the steel shoe is fitted over a WORK BOOT!

[@s_wggns]

Seriously amazing film, you killed it man!

[@robertf4540]

I grew up in the '70s in Socal. Flat Track racing and Speedway were my favorites. We used to go to the 1/2 mile track at Ascot Park in Gardena to watch the races. Also to the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa to watch Speedway. It was an epic time to be a fan!

[@pinslayer4579]

Some of the greatest motorcycle racers in the world have dirt oval's at their homes Rossi comes to mind Hayden's it really does teach you how to become one with your bike. Glad HD didn't succeed in killing the sport completely it's coming back thankfully.

[@Horsewithnoname88]

Flat track boring? Hmmm. Go watch a Springfield mile. 4-5 lead changes a lap, drafting strategy, planning just the right time to pull out of the draft to slingshot past the guy in front at 130 to win by inches. Flat track boring? Yeah right.

[@holeshotv311]

Yes Sir! Once that adrenalin monster gets his claws into ya, it's over.

[@fireblade95]

I love flat track racing and I'm in the UK, closest we've got is speedway

[@lincolnstovall9471]

Full throttle to fullslide, between sanity and the Fing hospital. Rush to withdraw, bipolar to serenity. Livening life

[@james44mag31]

On the edge of out of control that's where the fun is!

[@betabob3033]

This is the only motorcycle racing film that comes anywhere close to the original On Any Sunday, by Bruce Brown. I've been riding and racing for over 50 years, and this film captures the feelings of bike racers better than anything out there. Excellent photography, editing, and interviews. Super job, thank you!

[@evanhsenn]

Thank you, that means a lot.

[@petrekguitars]

Thanks for that great Video. It´s very intensive and has a spirit of freedom...That´s awesome Mate. Best Regards Nik

[@kingkirk3916]

.. awesome award winning film.. what a great waste ofa 1/2 hour kk#38

[@thewobblywelder8362]

Good to see you again at Stockton old man! I’ll never forget our last journey years ago getting lost on the way to Marquette from Wichita. Love you man! -#55 Kramer

[@tedecker3792]

My flat track number plate from the 1960s hangs proudly in my shop. I was never that good, but oh my god it was fun!

[@krazeplumber13]

Red McKeen 27x

[@rafaeltorres5009]

I am here after @garagemetallica share it. Great movie guys!

[@bartmotorcycle]

Wow what a great video. Would you be ok with me using some of this footage for a video about flat track racing I'm making?

[@evanhsenn]

No Bart, you may not. But I'd love to see what you create.

[@wawaron1407]

Beautifull movie, beautifull sport, beautifull peoples. Touching the heart of what is America... "Bravo"!

[@patch33]

前半の綺麗な編集映像からのクラッシュシーンは、やっぱり危険性を再認識 15:15 そこはトルクレンチ使えよ😆

[@woodey028]

Bultaco Bill is one cool dude.

[@zebulawheeler456]

Love flat track racing we got a track in castle rock Washington always fun to go watch

[@f4tweet]

I saw my first Flat track in Savannah, Ga. In 1967. I was hooked.

[@BULPIN847]

Great to see a bunch of good old old school folks with great hearts, flat track, T T love that stuff

[@marvinacklin792]

I just started crying and yelling when I saw this…so fine, magnificent!!!