What can we say about Samson except that he’s all about “the left curve” of Flat Track!
Hailing from Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture in Japan, he started riding Flat Track 20 years ago, took 10 of those years out to start and bring up his family, and returned to the track 3 years ago.
I just ride a Flat Track. I only run the left curve, but the course conditions change every time and it needs skill to control the bike. This technique captivates me!” ~ SAMSON HANANO
THE BIKES
Samson runs two bikes, a SUZUKI RM-Z450 and a 2009 Honda CRF450R. He talks about them below…
“I had a longing for an American Flat Track bike, so I imported a rolling chassis from C & J Racing in the US in 2005. The engine was SUZUKI's RM-Z450, and I thought about a lot of colours but chose to paint it light blue.” ~ SAMSON
“My 2009 Honda CRF450R was owned by a friend Yamashy who died suddenly last year. My friend was good at bike wash and maintenance, he also loved racing, so I am practicing to race on this bike for him. I made a new purchase of the exterior and put custom stickers on myself.” ~ SAMSON
THE STYLE
There’s nice detail on Samson’s custom graphics. Adam’s always been influenced by Japanese style since his early days at Fashion School in London. He had this to say about Samson…
“We’re honoured that Samson chooses to run 250LONDON graphics and kit. We kick about a lot of countries and continents these days, 250 is certainly out there, but we are particularly flattered that Japanese riders are buying into our brand because they most definitely have their own discerning sense of style.” ~ ADAM WAITE, 250LONDON
Samson keeps the bike in tip top condition - and clean - in memory of his friend Yamashy
ON THE TRACK
Japan isn’t actually enforcing a full lockdown, like much of the world, but social distancing means contact with others is reduced by about 80%. On a normal month, Samson would ride at his home track,the Offroad Village in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, 2-3 times per month, so he can’t wait to get riding again. In fact, he’s got some racing planned this year too, if some of it can go ahead…
“We are planning to participate in two series of Japan PONCUP and FEVHOTS, both of which will be in a total of 10 races, with a light class of 150cc or less and an open class of 450cc. Unfortunately this month it has been postponed due to COVID-19.”
Hanging with friends in the pits and having a good old stretch
OFF THE TRACK
When he’s not racing, Samson goes Fishing! He enjoys lure fishing and judging by the photos on his Instagram account, he’s pretty good at it. He shared a couple with us. We think Samson is cool…
That was our guy Samson Hanano and that was his story - but there’s more to come from this rider so check him out on Instagram here!
For more stories like this, head to The Pits!
Penned by Jennifer Johnston