Submitted photo Fort Dodge’s Tracy Bachman with his wife, Lori.

Even at 52 years old, Tracy Bachman still considers himself young at heart.

The Fort Dodge resident, who has been racing motorcycles since he was four years old, will get a unique opportunity on July 20.

Bachman will compete in Millville, Minn. at the Lucas Oil Spring Creek MX Pro National. He will race in the 125 All-Star Class.

“In a class that seems to be dominated by teenagers, I’m sure at age 52, I’ll most likely be the oldest,” Bachman said. “This is going to be a no-pressure no-expectations race for me … however, I would like to be able to beat a few guys.”

The Pro Tour is a group of riders that travels around the United States.

“It’s a pretty neat thing. A cool opportunity for me,” Bachman said. “They expanded the 125 All-Star races to cover every round of the national tour.

“Storm Lake Honda had a bike and gave it to me to use for this one race. I’ll practice one time and then go to the race.”

Bachman is a 48-year racing veteran who has his own track.

“It’s been open for years,” Bachman said. “Justin (Brayton) came back and rode on it, and I let some other kids as well.”

Bachman has also participated in some other competitive events in recent months.

“My last competitive race was in May at Winterset,” Bachman said. “I was in the Justin Brayton Shootout. I was there for the weekend doing some practicing and racing.”

Bachman is a former tri-state champion in the 125, 250 and open classes. He placed sixth in the pro overall at OMA off-road nationals as well.

“I met my wife (Lori) and started our family because of racing,” Bachman said. “Later as we traveled, we got to wok with thousands of kids at churches and schools as a ministry — and still do.”

With as much that goes into practicing and racing, Bachman knows he couldn’t do it alone.

“I want to thank my wife for putting up with my ‘younger’ activities,” Bachman said. “I also owe a lot to Storm Lake Honda. They’ve been a major sponsor for me since 1995, and they’ve been great.”