Location: Dexter, MI
Instagram: ellephant_89 & lowsideracing
Facebook Profile: Elle Cartabiano
Facebook Page: Lowside Racing
Nickname: Ellephant
Favorite Track: Autobahn Country Club and Pitt Race
How did you get into motorcycles? I always wanted a bike growing up and rode other people's bikes, but when I was 27 I had a buddy take me out to watch his friend do a track day at ACC on Memorial Day weekend - I instantly fell in love. I decided I needed my own bike and I wanted to be out on track by Memorial Day of the following year. I loved the Repsol look, so I found a cheap 600 for sale and showed up that next year, clueless but ready to ride!
Why do you ride? I ride because it's my stress release, my motivation to challenge myself and my ME time! I love nothing more than being in the zone in my helmet with just the sound of the bike and my thoughts. I also love learning the mechanical side of the bike - it feels good to work on your bike and complete a new project!
Career Highlight: Becoming a coach. I never thought I would do something like it - even if I wanted to. When I was asked to consider coaching I really had to come to terms with the fact that I WAS capable - I just needed to have more confidence in myself. I realized the impact of being a female in a male dominated sport and how comforting it is to other new ladies in the sport. It can be intimidating coming into this sport so the more I can encourage other women, the better.
Favorite Bike to Ride: CBR600RR - it was the first bike I learned how to ride on. I've never been able to ride many other sport bikes.
How do you prepare to go on the track? Relax. I take a minute to clear my mind and not overthink anything. I walk through different turns in my head and try to remember my visual reference points. I also enjoy a good Nicki Minaj song before jumping on the bike!
Goals for 2021: I want to become a better coach this year and place in a race. Racing was brand new to me last year and I didn't plan on making it a regular thing, but I'd love to push myself to at least get a podium.
Why do you choose Bison Track? I saw a suit made by Bison that our track buddy had ordered. It looked great and he said he loved it. I was told over and over that I was at a level where I really needed a custom suit - being a female also makes it harder to find a great fitting suit. Once we did our research and met Rob and Tosha - we were hooked and knew they were our new track family. The process of designing anything custom is exciting, especially when you see the final product. I loved that Rob was a boots-on-the-ground guy who rides just like the rest of us and he knows what people want in a suit. Supporting peers within our bike community is always important!
