Mike Gowdy started riding motorcycles in 1976 at the age of 14.  Two years later, he and some friends raced for the first time.  Mike grew up in a small Texas town called Shamrock.  The population at that time was only 2000 and everyone had motorcycles and would ride nearly everyday.

In 1978, Mike got his first race bike, a Suzuki RM125.  Very shortly after that, he are 3 or 4 of his friends started racing.  At the age of 18, Mike moved up to the 250 class after purchased a Can Am 250, which he didn't like very well.  Considering his size and weight, Mike couldn't keep this bike on the track.  Shortly thereafter, he lost interest, stopped riding and went to college.

Twenty-five years later, in May of 2003, Mike's good friend, Gary Davis, shamed him back into racing and he's been loving it ever since.