Pro Snowboarder Tries His Hand at Flat-Track Racing
X-Games star Jack Mitrani learns from the best.
Flat track racing takes some major skill, and some major cojones. Even among motorsports, it’s not for the faint of heart. Combining nearly all of the most dangerous aspects of various forms of racing, it takes lightning-fast reflexes, a real feel for the track, and a light touch.
Recently, professional snowboarder Jack Mitrani decided to try his hand at flat track racing. He got in touch with Harley-Davidson’s factory-sponsored flat track team, featuring riders Jake Johnson, Kenny Coolbeth, and Brandon Robinson, all very accomplished riders.
Jack Mitrani is no stranger to high-speed, low-traction sports that require a sharp mind, quick reflexes, and an intuitive understanding and a distinctive “feel” to get things just right. As a professional snowboarder, he uses those very same skills, albeit in a different context. The risks and payoff – broken bones and X-Games glory, respectively – are also shared between the two sports.
Like any other racetrack, there’s a “groove” where rubber builds up from vehicles repeatedly using the ideal racing line. Flat track is no different. According to Jake Johnson, staying on the rubber is the key to maintaining traction during a flat-track race.
During a race, though, everyone is fighting for that line, and it’s impossible for everyone to be on top of it. So what do you do? Countersteer and slide – and stay smooth. It’s described in the video as being an experience “like driving on snow or ice.” As stated above, Jack Mitrani is no stranger to snow.
Possibly the most important tip from the video is “slow hands, slow feet.” Staying calm and making smooth movements will make us all better, safer riders. Thanks for the tip, guys!
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