Meet Carl Schlacht

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Schlacht.

Hi Carl , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m 38, from Strongsville, Ohio. I started riding at the age of three on a 50cc 4-wheeler. After wearing out the 4-where I passed it down to my little sister and stepped up to the legendary Yamaha PW50 dirtbike. I began racing locally and was instantly hooked! In 1993, I qualified for Loretta Lynn’s amateur nationals for the first time, followed by nine more years competing in nearly every amateur division up to the top amateur racing division the “A” class under the coaching of “The Professor” Gary Bailey. Two years after graduating high school I made my Supercross debut in 2005 and was fortunate enough to have met some friends while racing and soon started training in Georgia at Millsaps Training Facility.

I went on to be a main event contender in the “lites” division (250cc) through 2007 before moving up to the Premier 450cc division and now competing against some of my racing heroes. I followed his dreams of being a professional AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross racer and retired in 2014 after some injuries. Nowadays you will still find me at the track helping the next generation of little rippers as owner and operator of the Speed Farm and even racing a few times a year! Being able to coach the kids and see them improve is a blast at the Speed Farm, the #1 MOTOCROSS TRAINING FACILITY OF THE MIDWEST. We are also make motocross racing gear, custom paint helmets, design and build motocross tracks and apparel.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Growing up racing was definitely not a smooth road. I had some bad injuries over the years and setbacks but I was always able to maintain a positive attitude and engage in other hobbies while I was Recovering. Also living in the Northeast where we get a lot of snow in the winter I was usually forced to take the winters off from riding which I don’t think slowed me down but you never know.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After retiring from racing I got into the insurance industry, made some award-winning short films, and got into commercial media. I really enjoy filming and editing, You can find me at Construction Sites with a drone, Creating Interior Design Transformations, Exotic Car Commercials, Culinary, Real Estate, Yachts and of course anyone and everyone on a dirtbike!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would encourage everyone to explore with an open mind what other people or business in your field or hobby are doing. Don’t be afraid to approach people and ask questions. Whatever you are into, find someone doing it better than you and be a sponge. If you’re an athlete, who’s your favorite athlete? Study them, not just what shoes they wear or a game that you liked, but which foot do they lead with, what are their movements down to the littlest detail.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thespeedfarm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeedfarm/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thespeedfarm/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr8qAPVRy1304f4hCjCjo2Q

Image Credits
Simon Cudby, Seat Bounce Media, John Cole