Fred Greer is living proof of the old saying You’re only as old as you feel. The 65-year-old has been racing motocross since 1974 and has influenced generations of motocross racers. Although Greer admits he does not race as often as he once did, he said he has no intentions of quitting motocross.
“Most of these guys are more serious about winning than I am,” Greer said. “I like to win, but I just like to ride more than anything.”
But through the years, Greer has won several championships and sportsmanship awards. He won the NEA Motocross Championship in 1984 at age 40.
Greer said in his younger days, he would race every weekend during the season. However, now he said during the summer the weather gets too hot for him to race every weekend.
“Riding motocross is pretty strenuous and it takes a lot out of you,” Greer said. “Generally during July and August, I tend to slow down. But when it starts getting cool in September, I’ll race every weekend.”
Greer said that during his more than 30 years of motocross racing, he has gained wisdom as a rider. He said finishing a race unhurt has become more important to him than winning one.
Greer recalled only one major crash which caused him injury. He said just last year, he landed wrong after a jump and he was ejected off his bike.
“I fractured the roof of my mouth and loosened some teeth. (It also) cracked two ribs and broke my nose,” Greer said. “I’ve been hurt before, but that was probably the scariest (wreck I’ve been in.)”
Greer said his doctors advised him to stop racing for at least six weeks after that crash, but he said he was back on the track after about four.
Greer even has his own race team though he says it so much a formal team as it is a group of people who just enjoy racing together. Greer’s current team includes his son, Josh, as well as Michael Potter, Shawn Templeton and James Hymas.
Greer said his first race was in Lafe in 1974. He said he finished last place while riding a 1973 Yamaha Enduro. Greer currently rides a 2009 CRF 450R Honda.
“As long as I can hold my motorcycle and start it up, I doubt I’ll ever quit,” Greer said.
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