Hi there! My name is Anthony Cano and I am 30 years old. I live in Oconomowoc, WI with my fiancé Melissa and our 10-month-old dog, Houston. You’ll find Melissa and Houston (and my parents) with me at almost all track days or racing events – they enjoy it almost as much as I do. I work for a company named REV Group and have spent the last 8 years of my career in various Finance roles. Simply said, I work a lot with numbers.
What inspired you to start riding motorcycles on the race track?
I spent a lot of time racing bicycles and dirt bikes growing up. My father introduced me to riding and it’s been a big passion of mine my entire life. I learned about track days in 2017, and at the time had a KTM 690 with some supermoto wheels on it. I decided to sign up for an event at Blackhawk Farms and had a really great experience. It was a ton of fun, and the community was great.
What type of motorcycle do you ride, and why did you choose that specific model?
I ride a 2019 Yamaha R6. I decided to start racing in 2020 and knew I wanted to be on a 600. The R6 is a really popular choice because it’s common, so parts are easier to come by, there are tons of resources in the paddock who know the R6 chassis, and it’s just fun to ride. I’ve been really happy with the bike and where it’s taken me as a rider.
What is your favorite track to ride on and why?
This is a tough one. I am going to have to say Putnam Park comes in as my favorite track to ride. There is something about the flow and pace of the track that I really enjoy. It’s challenging but seems to fit my riding style fairly well. The second track I was thinking of is NCM. I’ve only ridden it once, but it’s a very close second behind Putnam.
What safety gear do you wear while participating in track days?
When it comes to riding, my number one rule is always safety. It’s been a consistent message in my life that safety gear is a must anytime you ride a motorcycle, and always do the best you can to provide yourself with the safest gear possible. I wear a Vircos full leather suit with an Alpinestars Tech Air vest, chest protector, full gauntlet gloves, boots, and helmet. There are a lot of great brands out there with different options – the key is making sure your gear fits correctly.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a track day?
Checklist, checklist, checklist! I always make a list of things I need to get done to the bike and things I need to pack. This helps me stay on track for maintenance, ensure the bike is fully ready to go when I get to the track and eliminate the stress of forgetting things.
The earlier I can prep for a track weekend, the better.
It’s also important to start hydrating early. Long days at the track can take a lot out of you, even if it's cooler weather. Hydrating early, getting good sleep, and eating appropriately before and throughout the weekend are all important steps to having a successful track day.
Can you describe the most memorable experience you've had while participating in a track day?
This is another tough one. I can’t narrow it down to one specific experience, because the most memorable thing for me is the friendships and relationships I’ve built within the track community. I’ve met so many great people over the years who I now call my friends and who have helped me become the rider I am today.
I really enjoy riding my motorcycle, but I enjoy just hanging out at the track equally as much because of the people around me. It’s a great community and I’m really glad to be part of it.
For riders who have a crash or off-track excursion during a track day, how do you mentally shake it off and get back out there?
Take your time to process what happened. Unfortunately, having an off at the track can happen. It's always worked best for me to take a step back and try to understand what caused it. It's never fun and it can be scary - but if you work on understanding the root cause, it can help you improve and mentally overcome any intimidations you might have. It's important to remind yourself why you're on the track in the first place - to have fun and improve. Don't get discouraged and take the time you need to get yourself comfortable and back on track. Learn from it and get back to having fun!
One tip to share with those just getting started riding their bikes on the track?
Have fun! Seriously, enjoy the experience, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The track community is unique and always willing to help – take advantage of the knowledge around you and be eager to learn.
Cool article, cool dude