RACING AN ATV AFTER 40

RACING AN ATV AFTER 40

Eight racers who despise the phrase “with age comes a cage”

By Rob Baumsteiger

Racing after 40 isn’t about clinging to childhood dreams or trying to relive past glories. It’s about embracing life to the fullest and proving to ourselves and the world that we can achieve more than we ever imagined, regardless of age. In this feature we’ll talk to eight racers over 40, who each compete in different disciplines and classes, to understand why they remain so passionate about the sport and how they continue to race long after what many would consider their prime. Through their stories, we’ll uncover the motivations that drive them, the challenges they face and how they continue to push the limits of performance, despite the passing years.

Dave Porter

Age: 62

Series: ATV MX National Championship

Class: 30+B/40+B

ATV: Honda CRF450 Hybrid

Dirt Wheels: You’re 62 years old and competing in the 30+ B Class. What drives you to race at a high level?

Dave Porter: I love competition—it’s what fuels me. I’ve been racing in the 40+ and 50+ classes for years, going up against the same guys. It was great, but I wanted something that would challenge me. This year I decided to jump into the 30+ class and line up against a new field of racers. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew that my fitness, skills, and relentless drive would give me a real shot at not just being competitive, but proving I belong at the front.  This year I proved it by winning the 30+ B Class.

DW: Looking back on your racing career, how has your passion for the sport evolved as you have aged? 

DP: I don’t waste time looking back or wishing for the way things used to be; there’s too much ahead to focus on. My passion for racing grows deeper daily. Every new day brings a fresh challenge, and I embrace each with everything I’ve got.

DW: You’re competing against riders who are often half your age. How do you stay competitive?

DP: I’m obsessed with the grind—running, cycling, hitting the gym and practicing almost daily. I fuel my body with clean eating and treat it like the machine it is. Losing? I can’t stand it. That feeling drives me harder than anything else, pushing me to train smarter, work harder and constantly chase the next level. This isn’t just a routine, it’s my life

Chase Cunningham

Age: 46

Series: ATV MX National Championship

Class: 40 A Class

ATV: Honda CRF450 Hybrid

Dirt Wheels: Have you adjusted your racing setup to accommodate changes as you age?

Chase Cunningham: My setup hasn’t changed, but what has evolved is the ability to build better race machines with cutting-edge technology. Advancements in equipment have dramatically improved comfort and control, allowing me to push the limits harder. I feel as competitive as ever if I can keep my nerves sharp.

DW: What advice would you give anyone over 40 considering ATV racing but thinking they’re too old to start?

CC: Start slow, get comfortable, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. There’s no need to break the bank by transforming your quad into something beyond your current skill level. The latest generation of ATVs are incredibly capable right out of the box. With nerf bars and a kill switch, you can hit the track and be competitive in the lower classes.

DW: You’ve faced major injuries; how did you bounce back physically and mentally?

CC: Injuries are an inevitable part of any sport. I broke my collarbone in the first race, a tough setback that could have derailed everything. A few days after surgery to have it plated, I went to the next round—not to compete at full strength, but to earn crucial points. I was down, but I refused to be out. By the following round, I was back on the gas, determined to make up ground. In the end, I clinched the championship by just three points. It was the most vindicating victory of my career.

Glenn Brazaitis

Age: 47

Series: AZOP/WORCS

Class: 30+ B/Open B

ATV: Honda Roll Lobo TRX250R 

Dirt Wheels: At what age did you start racing? 

Glenn Brazaitis: At 42, I gave racing a shot after a good friend shared how much fun he had at his first race. His excitement got me curious, so I looked into local ATV racing and found the AZOP series. My first race was in Page, Arizona, one of the toughest on their schedule. Halfway through, I felt like quitting, and by the end, I wasn’t sure I’d make it. But somehow, I pushed through. Crossing that finish line was an unforgettable feeling.

DW: What do you love about racing?

GB: It’s the amazing people I’ve met along the way. The racing community is full of cool, friendly people who make the experience better. The second thing is the competition. There’s nothing like battling with someone at your level, pushing each other through every turn, and fighting to hold your position to make that perfect pass.

DW: You ride a Lobo 250R two-stroke in the era of four-strokes. Why did you choose to race it over something new?

GB: I grew up riding two-strokes, and there’s just something about the power of a 250R that I love. Older technology offers a more engaging experience and requires a rider who can truly appreciate the challenge. Plus, there’s something special about being out there on a quad that’s 30 years old, especially when you’re one of the few rocking a vintage ride.

SEEING 100% BETTER

It’s not just bones and muscles that deteriorate when we get older; eyesight goes, too. Don’t let those aging eyes become an excuse why you can’t keep racing. Pro-Vue prescription goggles will have you reading lines in the track and seeing through the dust better than you remember. The RX lens goes behind the goggle lens and attaches to the tear-off posts of popular 100% brand goggles. They can accommodate the thickest prescriptions, along with progressive and other options. Prices start at $239 at www.pro-vue.com. If you have more questions, call Pro-Vue at (507) 534-1247. 

John Pellan

Age: 54

Series: GNCC Racing/EDT National Series 

Class: 40+

ATV: Suzuki LT-R450/Honda ATC200S & ATC200X/Yamaha Grizzly

Dirt Wheels: After such a long career in the ATV industry, what’s the driving force that keeps you competing on the track? 

John Pellan: I feel like I shorted myself when I went all in trying to take ATV racing to a higher level. I became so busy promoting ATV race events, covering the sport as a photojournalist, and helping other riders that I no longer had time to ride or race myself, and I was in my prime years. I kept thinking that ATV racing was too cool not to take off, so I figured I could land a big sponsor within a year, which would allow me to get back to racing, but that never seemed to happen. The best thing I’ve done for myself is to make up for lost ground on passion to get back where I was when I found the sport at age 10.

DW: How has it been for you to race in the 40+ class?

JP: I’ve found a bigger level of respect, camaraderie, and friendship with fellow 40+ classmates, way more than I remember in other classes. I think we’re all more appreciative of the blessing of being out there competing instead of home watching TV, like many guys our age. Competing in the 40+ class has been the best part of my career, and I’m enjoying some of the best years of my life. 

DW: What could the ATV racing community do to support older racers?

JP: If a promoter doesn’t put as much or more effort into the Vet classes, they are doing it all wrong. And, I say that as a former ATV National promoter. Most of the 40+ guys like me are living a life-behind-bars sentence in that we’re absolute diehards and a promoter’s best customer. Not only do we tend to be a smarter bunch of riders on the track, but we’re also more educated about the sport and business in general. 

William Shelburne

Age: 47

Series: WORCS Racing

Class: 40+C and 4×4 Open

ATV: Yamaha YFZ450R/Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 S

Dirt Wheels: How has your passion for ATV racing evolved? Is the fire still as intense as it was when you first started?

William Shelburne: My passion for ATV racing is stronger now in my 40s than it was in my 20s and 30s. I’ve developed a deeper respect and appreciation for preparing my quad and ensuring my body is race-ready for every round. I’ve learned to savor the journey and truly embrace each moment. Being at the track, meeting lifelong friends, and soaking in the atmosphere of competition and camaraderie have become just as fulfilling. It’s about the connections, the memories and the joy of doing what I love.

DW: What are the main differences you’ve experienced when racing a 4×4 in WORCS versus a sport ATV?

WS: You can’t just muscle your way through on a 4×4; it’ll wear you out. Instead, you’ve got to ride smarter, mastering precise brake and throttle control. Another game changer is the suspension travel. The 4×4 glides through braking bumps and chatter like it’s nothing, and terrain that shakes you to pieces on a sport quad. After a race on the 4×4, you’re noticeably less tired, which is a huge win for me as I edge closer to 50. It’s all about riding efficiently and staying in the game longer!

DW: As you get closer to 50, why haven’t you moved to racing side-by-sides?

WS: The biggest reason is the expense! But honestly, after driving them, I have to say they don’t deliver the same adrenaline rush and pure excitement as racing an ATV. There’s something about the raw, connected feel of an ATV that a side-by-side can’t match.

Beau Baron

Age: 44

Series: WORCS Racing

Class: WORCS Pro

ATV: Honda TRX450R

Dirt Wheels: Beau, you race ATVs and side-by-sides. Regarding overall racing and recreational riding, which do you prefer?

Beau Baron: As a family, the side-by-side is perfect when we want to ride together and have a good time. But, if I’m being honest, nothing compares to the thrill of an ATV. Racing on an ATV just feels different. It’s all about those handlebars over a steering wheel. 

DW:  How does your approach to racing differ from when you were younger? 

BB: When I was younger, it was all about going as fast as possible right from the start. I had a “kill, kill, kill” mentality—sprint ahead of the pack and hope I could hold my lead without my quad breaking down. As I got older, I realized racing isn’t just about raw speed. It’s about focusing on your equipment and ensuring your prep and setup are spot-on. You can’t win a race if you can’t finish it, and that shift in mindset has made all the difference.

DW: Have you faced any specific challenges as a racer over 40 that you didn’t anticipate?

BB: I never thought I’d still be racing at this level in my 40s, but here I am, still winning races and chasing championships. Over the years, I’ve noticed that recovery takes longer. It’s not just about riding hard and training hard anymore. I’ve had to get smarter about my workouts, practice routines and how I manage my body. Listening to it has become crucial, knowing when to push hard and when to dial it back, rest, and recovery. It’s all part of the process.

David Ham

Age: 53

Series: WORCS/Best in the Desert/Legacy/AZOP

Class: ATC Open/ATC Expert/ATV 50+ A

ATV: TPC 450R Trike, Honda TRX450R

Dirt Wheels: What unique challenges have you faced racing three-wheelers, especially as someone over 40? 

David Ham: I didn’t start racing until I was 38, which is considered late for most racers. But, my real challenge has been getting three-wheelers recognized and accepted in racing events. When I first got into it, many tracks and racing organizations weren’t as open to three-wheelers, so we had to push hard to prove they still had a place. The more I raced, the more I realized I belonged on my three-wheeler. I feel much more confident, more in control and, honestly, faster on my three-wheeler than on any other bike.

DW: Do you feel that age is a barrier in motorsports or have you found it to be an advantage?

DH: There’s a reduction in peak athleticism as you age, but I’ve found that experience more than makes up for it. My ability to read the terrain, anticipate what’s coming up and choose faster lines gives me an edge. It’s not always about raw speed; it’s about strategy, efficiency and knowing when to push or hold back. My preparation, both for my body and my bike, has improved with time. I’ve become smarter in how I train, how I recover and how I maintain equipment. Age might bring some physical challenges, but it also brings wisdom, which can make all the difference.

DW: How does racing make you feel?

DH: You cannot wipe the smile off my face when I am out there racing! It makes me feel more alive. I’m usually the oldest guy racing in my class, but that’s part of what makes it special. I love lining up against younger racers; they push me to be my best. Racing is where I feel free, focused and completely in the moment, and it’s pure happiness on three wheels.

Jeff Henson

Age: 58

Series: WORCS Racing 

Class: 50+ B

ATV: Yamaha YFZ450R

Dirt Wheels: What brings you back to the line in 2025 after many years off from racing?

Jeff Henson: Until 2012, I raced everything from Quadcross, WORCS, GPs and desert racing, including several Baja 1000 runs. I had a hard crash pre-running the Baja 500 in 2010, and I thought it was time to give it up. In 10 years, I got to the point that I couldn’t sit on an ATV without intense pain and stiffness. I had two complete hip replacements in 2022 and regained more flexibility than I think I ever had—and no pain! I started riding again and hopped on a friend’s YFZ450R last year at the track. I fell in love with sport quads all over and ordered a new YFZ the next day! After much badgering from some of the “old guy” WORCS racers, I’m returning to racing WORCS at age 58.

DW: What are you most excited about in your return to racing?

JH: Racing a quad is half the fun, but I’m mostly excited about spending the weekend with new and old friends. Most ATV racers are the best people you’ll meet. Even though we’re competitors, we help each other until the gate drops; I missed that! I’m not the local pro or national A-class racer I once was, but I’ll be out there racing the 50+ class with like-minded crusty gearheads who hate the thought of retiring to a sofa. I can’t wait for the smack talk at the finish line!

DW: What would you say to someone who wants to race but feels too old?

JH: You have to keep moving, man! And, you must force yourself to do it! Is racing 100 percent safe? No, but you could argue that racing is safer than riding trails or dunes because we all go in the same direction. I must remind myself that I’ve got more titanium parts than my YFZ does. To the guy or gal thinking they’re too old to start racing for the first time, many veteran racers out here are ready to support you.

11 RACE PROMOTERS OFFERING 40+ CLASSES

Most series have Vet classes for 30+ and are open to racers of all ages, but these have classes for 40+ and older:

WORCS/West Coast National XC series: www.worcsracing.com

GNCC/East Coast National XC Series: www.gnccracing.com

AMA ATV MX National Championship: www.atvmotocross.com

NE-EDT/East Coast TT and Short Track: www.ne-edt.com

Extreme XC/Indiana: www.extremexc.com

MWXC/Midwest Cross-Country Racing in Indiana: www.midwestxc.com

Southern Roots Race Series/Georgia and South Carolina: www.southernrootsracetour.com

MSXC: Kentucky/Tennessee/Illinois/Indiana: www.midsouthxc.com

AMA District 38/California: www.amad38.com

NYOA (New York Offroad Association)/New York XC: www.xcracing.com

TX4 Cross-Country Series/Texas: www.tx4racing.com

And more! Did we miss your series? Drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us all about it!