Gary Pettis: You can't keep an old man down
Meet Gary Pettis. A 75 year old small Mert Lawwill statured, quiet man with a HUGE talent. Flattrack Motorcycle Racing.
We first met Gary years ago in Waco, Tx. Gary and his wife arrive in an old mint van and pulling a trailer. She would go into town during the day to all the antique shops and others, then arrive back later in day to help and support Gary. Although Gary gets plenty of help in the pits from everyone, once his tires roll onto the track, it’s everyone else that needs the help. He is a very fast and fierce competitor. He knows his limits. He knows when to take chances and he still gets angry at himself when he makes mistakes. He has raced Flattrack his entire life. From world famous West Coast and Ascot, to Sturgis, Santa Fe and all along the East Coast Gary has done it. At his age you would think it would be time to start slowing down but he isn’t ready to start slowing down anytime soon.
A year ago this week after the first race of the season to defend his title disaster struck. Heading home from the races a trailer malfunction caused it to start on fire. Quickly pulling over once noticed , it took no time at all to engulf and destroy everything. Race bike, gear, tools and memories. But just like a true champion Gary and his wife did not quit. In a few short months Gary got a new bike put together and finished the last race of the season off strong. We caught up with Gary on the phone in Longview, Texas to get his take on todays happenings and see what his 2020 plans are.
XFT: Hey Gary good afternoon! What are you up to today?
GARY: Well good afternoon, I just got back from running into town to get a battery for my lawnmower. Got all the way back home with it and the thing is dead! Can you believe these parts stores can sell you a dead battery?
XFT: Actually yes I can believe it. It has happened to me before. Always make them check it before you leave. So if you are working on your lawn mower is it safe to assume you are spending a lot of time in the garage?
GARY: Yes I have. I have my bike all ready to go. After the fire and my 750 burned down, I decided to come back on a single. I got a nice Yamaha TT put together and I really like it. It is lighter, easier to handle and I can still go pretty fast.
XFT: Well you may be more prepared then some of the young guys in the sport. What are your plans for 2020?
GARY: My plan is to just hit as many races as we can. You know I have been doing this a long time. In all my years of racing I don’t think I can ever remember getting started in the season this late. Of course I am going crazy, I cant imagine what the younger guys are going through.
XFT: I know you got some sponsorship with LS2 helmets this year, any chance you could snap a pic holding your helmet and text it to us?
GARY: Thanks, But I don’t know anything about any of the taking and sending a pic thing. I don’t know or mess around with all that. I just got a facebook so maybe I can get some help and figure it out. See ya at the races!
NOTE: He then hands the phone to his wife and we had a great conversation. After the conversation, we proceeded to get 2 butt dial calls from Gary, and 3 calls that rang and hung up. We think he was trying to send a pic with his new helmet but it never came though. Luckily we had this great pic to use. You can learn a lot from the old timers, we encourage you to come meet Gary Pettis and his wife at the next event.