Growing up in a highly academic family, James Compton’s early passion for motorcycles and hot rods took a back seat to education and sports.  After completing his education at the University of Washington, the former UW full back traded in his helmet and pads for a motorcycle helmet and leathers.  James began road racing in 1992.  After a 12 year race career highlighted by competing in AMA Pro Superbike and Formula Extreme classes, James once again shifted gears. He decided to hang up his leathers and has spent the last 13 years working in the AMA paddock as a mechanic, tuner, crew chief and team manager.  At the track he excelled as a race mechanic, quickly catapulting his career to higher levels.  His attention to detail, intricate knowledge of the bikes, and previous race experience as an AMA rider allowed him to offer great insight both on the track and in the pit.  During that time, James had the privilege of working with some of the finest riders and teams in the world including Ben Spies, Cameron Beaubier, Steve Rapp, Jake Holden, Jason Pridmore, Jason Curtis, Bobby Fong and Michael Beck.