2021 Bison Track Sponsored Rider, Elle Cartabiano

2021 Bison Track Sponsored Rider Elle Cartabiano Dexter Michigan

 

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!

2021 Bison Track Sponsored Rider Elle Cartabiano Dexter Michigan 2021 Bison Track Sponsored Rider Elle Cartabiano Dexter Michigan 2021 Bison Track Sponsored Rider Elle Cartabiano Dexter Michigan 2021 Bison Track Sponsored Rider Elle Cartabiano Dexter Michigan