Baker wins Horizon



Story and photos by Dewanna Comer Eight years after winning his first Grand Championship in Indianapolis in the 50cc class, Brad Baker (sponsored by Celorie Brothers/General Engineering/Micah Racing) of Chehalis, Washington, wins the 2008 AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award. This award is designed to recognize an amateur rider poised to make an immediate impact in the pro ranks.

Baker was excited about being added to the list of names that includes two Hayden Brothers (Nicky and Roger Lee), Tony Meiring, Bryan Smith, Jared Mees and Steve Bonsey, just to name a few. Last year’s winner Jeffrey Carver was on the premises for the DTGC, competing in the Pro Sport class and chasing points for the AMA Pro Sport Championship. Former winner Matt Weidman was also around during the week and could be found in rider pits offering advice and lending a hand where he could.

Baker could not emphasize enough how much his family helped to make this happen.

“My brother, dad and I have been working on our bikes getting them ready since the nationals last year," Baker said. "We have been practicing and working hard so that I would be ready to do my best. I especially want to thank my brother, Scott, because he has really worked his butt off. My mom and dad are so supportive, and they spent all this money to get me out here. I’m really happy.”

Baker enjoys racing short tracks and TTs.

“I enjoy and do well with short track and TT racing, but I can do the big stuff too,” Baker said.

Baker demonstrated this ability by making every main during this week of highly competitive racing. Rex Fish

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