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HOME: Shasta Lake, CA Machine: ALBA Yamaha YFZ450 Birth Date: December 1, 1986 Years Racing: 4 2007 Goal Win A GNC RACE or Two Win In WPSA Pro And Get some Positive TV Time for my sponsors Career Highlights: 2006 WPSA Pro-Am Champion 2005: GNC 1 - 1st Pro-Am Production 2004: ITP 8th Overall 2004: GNC Round 1 4th Production A, 2004: GNC Round 1 4th 4-Stroke A 2004: GNC Loretta Lynns 5th Pro-Am 2004: Dirt Riot - 6th 2003: WORCS Glen Helen 3rd Pro 2003: Big 6 GP - 2nd 2002: Won first racing series he entered - Mutan Motor Sports - Hollister Hills

SAGE BAKER #49
WPSA & GNC PRO CLASS
Sage Stars in a Video
Beating the Odds by Premis

Just before Christmas 2004, Sage Baker signed on to race with Team ALBA. After several weeks of trading voice mails with Alba owner Cory Hove, Sage finally was able to make contact - and he was glad he did. Cory wanted to offer Sage a ride with Team Alba racing - and Sage was stoked!

We are just as stoked to have Sage as part of our race team. He's got the talent, the drive and the dedication to be a series champion - not to mention, he's a great guy with a great personality - and an awesome family support system. His dad Brian has been a key person in getting Sage to where he is today. We've asked Sage to take a brake from building his new Alba YFZ in our race shop to answer a few questions.

Interview by Willie Daniels 2/1/05

WD: When I first met sage I never realized how young he was. I mean the guy stands about 6’3” and weighs in at about 210 lbs, not quite your average 18 year old that just graduated high school. He seemed a little shy but after talking to him for a few minutes he definitely had a lot of interesting things to say. As you read on you’ll see why this next generation racing phenomenon is slowly becoming the hottest rider in the ATV racing scene.

So Sage where are you from originally?
SB: I grew up in a small town in Northern California called Shasta Lake

Is that where you started riding?
SB: Yeah pretty much. Our family got a Honda Rancher 4x4 for Christmas and I started riding that on the trails around our house.

A Rancher 4x4 huh, did you take that thing to the track and race? LOL
SB: No No, I just rode it around the house and got all crazy with it until I cracked the frame. (laughing)

And you were how old?
SB: 13

'05 GNC Round 1 Glen Helen, Sage Took 1st Place Pro Production despite muddy track condition

After you annihilated the Rancher, what was the next bike that you got your hands on?
SB: Well the following Christmas I got a Honda 250X

So now your 14, you finally got quad that’s a little bit sporty, did you start racing at that point?
SB: Kind of, I rode it around the trails at home to and then entered my first race at a local town fair, and got 4th place.

Was the 250X bone stock or did you have some modifications done to it?
SB: It was completely bone stock.

Did that quad have the same destiny as the Rancher?
SB: Well I didn’t crack the frame but we all rode it hard

So when did you finally get a quad worthy of the track?
SB: On my 15th birthday I got a 400EX which was big step up from the 250X. At the point I started looking for some local races to compete in.

Where did you finally end up racing?
SB: This place called Hollister Hills had a race series called Mutan Motor Sports. It was a 6 race series and I competed in the amateur division.

How did you do?
SB: I won the series

Sage was stoked to get his first hole-shot in front of his new team sponsor on the first race of the '05 Nationals.

Did you have any mods on your bike?
SB: I had the basics exhaust, handlebars and a pipe but that’s it.

No suspension? I bet that was fun!
SB: Nope, just the stock setup.

So you at this point did you decide that racing was something that you were going to pursue?
SB: Yea, I really enjoyed riding, so I started going to a local track in Marysville and to Chico to practice and race.

What class did you race in?
SB: Well there are only two classes there, Amateur and Pro, so I just raced in the Pro division.

Was it hard for you to compete in the Pro division being that you hadn’t had the much racing experience?
SB: A little at first but I loved racing and the competition was fun. As Time went on I was able to be more and more competitive and I started winning races.

How often did you get a chance to practice?
SB: Well the closest track was in Marysville, which is about 2 ½ hours away. So I used to get out of school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, run home, load up all my stuff, drive to Marysville, practice then drive back home.

Sage looks forward to racing as a part of Team Alba

Talk about dedication! And you did this every week, plus you drove to the races?
SB: Yeah pretty much, it can get hectic at times but it’s always worth it once your there. Especially when you win or place high.

How long did you keep the 400EX before you switched to your YFZ450?
SB: Umm I’m not sure exactly but I think I rode the 400EX for about a year, but it was hard to stay competitive because the YFZ450 was such a better bike in all areas. I finally got my hands on one in June of ’03.

Ohhh that’s one date you seem to remember well!
SB: Yeah for sure (laughing)

Any major injuries that set you back?
SB: In Feb of ’03 I broke my collar bone and that put me out for 6 weeks, but I was still able to get 29 races in for the season.

That’s a lot of traveling to do. Did you do it alone or travel with other riders?
SB: Mostly with my dad. He and my mom have been real supportive of my racing from the start.

Speaking of family, do you have any siblings?
SB: I have an older sister in college and a younger brother.

What about you?
SB: My parents are letting me take a year off so I can ride. To see if it takes me anywhere, ya know.

And if racing doesn’t work out what are you interested in doing?
SB: I want to own a business like Alba. It’s cool how you guys are a dealer and a performance shop. Plus Alba really gives a lot back to the sport and I want to be able to do the same someday.

Have you ever had a major sponsor like Alba before?
SB: No not even close, I mean you guys picked me up and have given me full support. I’m really stoked to ride for you guys. You guys have done so much already.

So what are your goals for 2005
SB: I want to win the GNC Pro-Am Championship.

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