Eric Steinbrecher
What’s your name?
Eric Steinbrecher
Where are you from?
Orangevale, CA
Who is(are) your rider(s)?
Eidan Steinbrecher
How long have you been a moto dad?
Three and a half years.
Were you into motorcycles before becoming a moto dad?
Yes. I raced for about four years, from about 8-12 years old.
Describe a typical race weekend for you.
Usually, I wake up around 6 am so that I am able to check over every nut and bolt on the bike. Check tire pressure, then I recheck every nut and bolt on the bike again. I can handle a loss due to a rider mistake but not a mistake caused by my failure on the bike.
What’s your family’s favorite meal to have at the track?
Definitely tacos.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions while spectating?
I have never thought of myself to be superstitious, but I tend to put Eidan in the same gear that he wears and has won at big races. I definitely pace and tend to cross my arms during his race.
Most nerve-wracking moment watching your kid(s) race/ride?
Two years ago Eidan was racing Mini Majors in SoCal and running top three with the big boys in the (4-8) open class. He got taken out going off the finish line jump. He fell twenty feet to the water truck road, broke his left arm, and was sore from head to toe. I was about one hundred yards away as I watched it happen. You have never seen a 40-year-old man run one hundred yards that fast. It took me back to my football days. To this day, we laugh and joke about it with Jay and Hunter Yoder about how fast this old man can actually run.
Favorite part about spending time at the track?
I truly feel that this sport has helped me recognize family is the most important thing we have. I am a work addict and it literally has forced (given me an excuse) to take time off. Time is more valuable than money and I get to spend it watching my kids have a blast at the track.
Favorite and least favorite part about traveling to the races?
My favorite part about traveling to the track is creating memories with family and friends. My least favorite part about traveling to the races is the actual traveling (driving and flying).
Craziest travel story?
About three years ago we were traveling to Washington for the Top Gun race. Eidan was in our buddies (Toalnd Bro's) motorhome in front of us. I was traveling behind them in my truck and fifth wheel when their rear tire blew out and ripped all of the wiring off which shorted out and caught fire and made the slides on the motorhome start sliding in and out. The kids were all in there as we were on the freeway with the slides moving in and out. We pulled over and everyone ran out. Thank God no one was hurt. But there we were on the side of the freeway rewiring a motorhome. Thanks to Mike Staggs we got the job done.
Most important lesson motocross teaches at a young age?
This sport teaches self-discipline and mental toughness. I feel that it lays a solid foundation for life.
Biggest sacrifice you’ve had to make for amateur motocross?
Although time is the most valuable asset, it is also my biggest sacrifice I have made. My life consists of work, fixing bikes, and practice. If we are not riding or racing then I am working. Sacrificing my time away from work is completely worth it though. My family is happy at the track and that is all that matters.
Proudest moment of your career as a moto dad thus far?
I am always proud of my son every time he throws his leg over the bike. His work ethic and smile make this all worth it. But as far as a moment goes, it was definitely when Rob Fox called to tell Eidan he made it on the Elite Dunlop team. It literally brought tears to my eyes.
What’s your favorite track?
My favorite track is Freestone.
Who is your favorite pro racer (past or present)?
My favorite present racer is Ken Roczen and my favorite past rider was James Stewart.
What is your favorite type of music?
I literally listen to all types of music. It depends on my mood!!!!
What hobbies do you have away from motorcycles?
I love to build custom cars and trucks, and my new vice is building out moto vans.
What is your beverage of choice?
I am super boring and for the most part you will only find water in my cup...
Any advice for the moto dads of the future?
My biggest advice is KEEP IT FUN!!!! Try not to yell (yeah right). Love them unconditionally, it is their passion and dream, let them live it out to the fullest. Forget about the money, it's not why we do it.
