Cal High senior Brandon Autrand is obsessed with motorcycle racing, a high speed sport that flirts with chaos.
In the sport, riders hurl themselves along the track, while seamlessly attacking apexes and straightways at breakneck speeds that would make many queasy or sick with fear.
Autrand started motocross, or dirt bike racing, his sophomore year and quickly realized how much he loved it. He decided that he wanted to take his passion to the next level and start competing in AM/FM track races a few months ago.
In order to do this, Autrand took a class to see if he was eligible to race motorcycles that can go as fast as 160 miles per hour. As the final step of the process, Autrand applied for his racing license so he could start racing competitively.
Autrand passed his test with flying colors and began officially following his dream by competing in track races in March. With motorcycle racing being such a unique sport, Autrand has earned the respect of many of his classmates.
“I think it’s pretty cool because it’s something different that not a lot of people do and is something that is pretty difficult,” senior Enrique Ramos said.
Autrand’s fearless and competitive mentality pushes him to work on his craft, and become the best racer he can.
”Anything involving two wheels I’m gonna do until I die,”said Autrand, who owns seven motorcycles, including two new track bikes.
Autrand keeps this same attitude with everything he does, and it has an effect on his friends.
“I think that’s pretty insane,” senior Alex Honda said. “I would personally never do it.”
Before he started racing competitively, Autrand started in the world of dirt biking during his sophomore year, then transitioned to street biking, which is one of the most dangerous sports there is. It is a grueling test of physical and mental strength.
Autrand struggled in the beginning, but he kept working hard on his craft, falling in love with riding even more. Once he got comfortable with riding he wanted to start racing competitively.
He saw potential in himself and pursued his talent. Autrand’s friends also saw his potential and applaud the hard work he has put in.
“Brandon works super hard, it’s always on his mind and he puts 110% into it,” senior Collin Chan said.
Since he started competing, Autrand has raced at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma County, Weathertch Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County and Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA. Most of the races have been about 30 minutes long on twisting road courses that are up to a couple of miles long.
Autrand hasn’t won any races yet, but he is not discouraged and remains confident. He said his best finish to date is fifth.
Some of Autrand’s friends say it’s scary seeing him riding his motorcycles at high speeds, but they admires him for it.
“Brandon and his bikes have been prevalent throughout my friendship with him, but recently his ability has skyrocketed,” senior Logan Hicks said.
Autrand said that his advice for people who want to try motorcycle racing for fun or competitively is to be confident and not afraid of crashing because they need to understand that it’s a part of the sport.
Reflecting on his career, Autrand says his favorite memory is coming off the track to see his dad proud of him. This is one of the main reasons that Autrand keeps on racing.
