John Long takes Longevity Racing to the Indianapolis 250 GP with his son, Barrett Long as the rider. Long has been racing himself for over 39 years. John Long, is an accomplished American racer who raced in several GP’s, the Isle of Man and tied for Superbike and 250 US Champion in 1978. Longevity racing goes as far back as the 40’s on Daytona Beach when John’s father raced BSA’s. Longevity racing was coined in the 1970’s when the second generation of Long’s began winning races. The beat goes on”¦Barrett entered his name as a Wildcard entry hoping to get a chance to race with the big boys – an opportunity that does not come along very often.
Perry & Kellee Melneciuc are helping Barrett take on the 250 challenge. Perry was a top 250 rider in the states back when they still had 250 racing. Perry has since been the factory mechanic for Zemke, Bostrom and Hacking.
It is going to be an exciting weekend with the GP boys in America.
~http://www.longevityracing.com/barrettLong/index.html~
Barrett Long Bio
Barrett Long was born in Miami, Florida in 1984. Shortly after he was born, (3 months) he went to the 8 hours of Suzuka where his dad was competing. He continued to travel the world watching his father race. Barrett started racing pocket racers at six years old. He was 125cc Florida Champion at age 16.
Barrett keeps himself busy when not racing fishing on his Boston Whaler catching lobsters, treating friends to huge feasts at his loft apartment. He is an outstanding BMX bicycle rider. He also is closely involved in the art movement in Miami called “Art Basel”. He professionally moves and hangs paintings by the likes of Picasso and Warhol to and from millionaire’s houses. He installs art exhibits in museums and galleries. Barrett himself is an award-winning artist. In between racing seasons he is still trying to graduate from Miami Dade College.
In his free time, he also helps run Long’s & Sons, the historic motorcycle dealership his grand daddy started in 1936. This shop still resides in one of the original spots along the Miami River.