Barbaree Hits Fast Track On and Off the Dirt
October 16, 2008, 6:03pm
STERLING, Ill. - Ozzy Barbaree has been on the (right) track his entire life.
Barbaree, a 19-year-old White Hall, Ark. native, has been racing dirt bikes since the age of four, and shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Even with his dirt biking success, Barbaree’s Moto X passion hasn’t stopped him from pursuing opportunities off the off-road sport’s beaten path.
Barbaree is currently a sophomore at Southeastern Arkansas College, where he is pursuing a degree in Respiratory Therapy. His education-first mindset and dedication to his field led to a sponsorship from Sterling, Ill. based WAHL Clipper Corporation.
The partnership between WAHL and Barbaree grew from common values. Barbaree – all-American, hardworking and loyal – personifies that which WAHL Nation has represented for decades. The WAHL Nation supports looking good and feeling good with WAHL facial and body hair trimmers to maintain a distinct personal style.
While balancing school and strict training schedules, Barbaree still finds time to ride everyday, workout and manage his studies.
“WAHL believes in Ozzy and recognized an opportunity to help a kid who is doing things the right way,” said Steve Yde, WAHL Senior Product Manager. “The WAHL Nation values steadfast and devoted men. Ozzy exemplifies those characteristics.”
Working with Barbaree hasn’t been about big time marketing dollars, but rather helping one young man pursue his dreams on and off the track. Barbaree rides in the East Coast Supercross Series and AMA Outdoor Nationals and continues to aspire toward becoming a factory rider. But, if he were to land short, Barbaree has a career to fall back on.
“When it comes down to it, I just love to ride,” said Barbaree. “My goal is to make it to the main events, but I also understand the importance of preparing for a life after racing.”
Barbaree has participated in many sports over his lifetime, but he’s always had a racing heart belonging on two wheels.
Through his experience with motocross, Barbaree became aware of a missing link in a motocross racers’ program – education. While Barbaree’s educational career choice may not necessarily further his current career in motocross, seeking a college degree will help him build confidence and open up opportunities after his racing career wraps up, he said.
“My path may be different and more difficult than other racers‘, but anything worth doing is going to be difficult” Barbaree said.
Ozzy the Racer
Barbaree’s style is a mix between Chad Reed and Kevin Windam – riding with little effort. His idol, however is legendary motocross racer Ricky Carmichael, who, with strong support from his family, Barbaree continues to emulate. Like his sponsor, WAHL, he consistently provides a smooth and consistent ride.
Always modest, Barbaree rides within his ability, while still trying to push himself to the next level.
Barbaree recently reached a milestone in his young career by qualifying for his first national at Freestone County Raceway in Texas while steering ever closer to graduation, but he knows if he stays on course, his best career accomplishments are still to come.
“With the support of the WAHL Nation and Kurt Stewart (of Pilot Head), my confidence has grown in the sport,” said Barbaree. “The confidence both parties instilled in me personally and professionally helped me take the next step in both arenas.”
About WAHL
Now in its 89th year, Wahl Clipper Corporation is an international industry leader in the manufacturing of products for the professional beauty and barber salon trade, consumer personal care and animal grooming. Headquartered in Sterling, Ill., Wahl currently employs some 2,000 people worldwide in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Japan, South Africa, Spain and the United States. Wahl products are available in 165 countries around the world. For more about Wahl, please visit www.wahl.com.
Barbaree, a 19-year-old White Hall, Ark. native, has been racing dirt bikes since the age of four, and shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Even with his dirt biking success, Barbaree’s Moto X passion hasn’t stopped him from pursuing opportunities off the off-road sport’s beaten path.
Barbaree is currently a sophomore at Southeastern Arkansas College, where he is pursuing a degree in Respiratory Therapy. His education-first mindset and dedication to his field led to a sponsorship from Sterling, Ill. based WAHL Clipper Corporation.
The partnership between WAHL and Barbaree grew from common values. Barbaree – all-American, hardworking and loyal – personifies that which WAHL Nation has represented for decades. The WAHL Nation supports looking good and feeling good with WAHL facial and body hair trimmers to maintain a distinct personal style.
While balancing school and strict training schedules, Barbaree still finds time to ride everyday, workout and manage his studies.
“WAHL believes in Ozzy and recognized an opportunity to help a kid who is doing things the right way,” said Steve Yde, WAHL Senior Product Manager. “The WAHL Nation values steadfast and devoted men. Ozzy exemplifies those characteristics.”
Working with Barbaree hasn’t been about big time marketing dollars, but rather helping one young man pursue his dreams on and off the track. Barbaree rides in the East Coast Supercross Series and AMA Outdoor Nationals and continues to aspire toward becoming a factory rider. But, if he were to land short, Barbaree has a career to fall back on.
“When it comes down to it, I just love to ride,” said Barbaree. “My goal is to make it to the main events, but I also understand the importance of preparing for a life after racing.”
Barbaree has participated in many sports over his lifetime, but he’s always had a racing heart belonging on two wheels.
Through his experience with motocross, Barbaree became aware of a missing link in a motocross racers’ program – education. While Barbaree’s educational career choice may not necessarily further his current career in motocross, seeking a college degree will help him build confidence and open up opportunities after his racing career wraps up, he said.
“My path may be different and more difficult than other racers‘, but anything worth doing is going to be difficult” Barbaree said.
Ozzy the Racer
Barbaree’s style is a mix between Chad Reed and Kevin Windam – riding with little effort. His idol, however is legendary motocross racer Ricky Carmichael, who, with strong support from his family, Barbaree continues to emulate. Like his sponsor, WAHL, he consistently provides a smooth and consistent ride.
Always modest, Barbaree rides within his ability, while still trying to push himself to the next level.
Barbaree recently reached a milestone in his young career by qualifying for his first national at Freestone County Raceway in Texas while steering ever closer to graduation, but he knows if he stays on course, his best career accomplishments are still to come.
“With the support of the WAHL Nation and Kurt Stewart (of Pilot Head), my confidence has grown in the sport,” said Barbaree. “The confidence both parties instilled in me personally and professionally helped me take the next step in both arenas.”
About WAHL
Now in its 89th year, Wahl Clipper Corporation is an international industry leader in the manufacturing of products for the professional beauty and barber salon trade, consumer personal care and animal grooming. Headquartered in Sterling, Ill., Wahl currently employs some 2,000 people worldwide in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Japan, South Africa, Spain and the United States. Wahl products are available in 165 countries around the world. For more about Wahl, please visit www.wahl.com.
