LACOTA -- If anyone thinks Michael Jordan is resting on his laurels after retiring from professional basketball, think again.
Not only is the former NBA superstar busy overseeing his basketball camps, a string of Michael Jordan restaurants, Michael Jordan cologne and charities such as the Boys and Girls Club and Special Olympics, he's now turning some of his attention to motorcycle racing.
On Wednesday Jordan and several other aspiring racers tested their skills at Gingerman Raceway in Lacota as part of the Skills and Techniques for Advanced Riding (STAR) Motorcycle School. Each year, the school, whose chief instructor is motorcycle racing champion Jason Pridmore, conducts a weakling course at Gingerman and other sites in the United States.
"They're (Jordan's team) here just for the day," said track owner Dan Schnitta.
Although the weather hovered at an unseasonably cool 58 degrees, Jordan and the other riders appeared to be enjoying themselves as they sped around the 1.8-mile track.
"He's having a blast out there," said track manager Bob Gilroy.
But it wasn't all fun and games for Jordan and the other motorcyclists training with him. They were being filmed for a documentary on motorcycling that is tentatively scheduled to air on the SpeedChannel, a cable television channel that features auto and motorcycle racing program.
"I'm glad that there are people like Michael Jordan promoting safe motorcycling," Schnitta said. "They come out here and they can train safely."
Jordan is being asked to help promote a motorcycle racing team that will compete nationally. But before doing so, he wants to become proficient in motorcycle racing, Schnitta said.
Like other celebrities, such as actor Paul Newman and NASCAR racing star Dale Earnhardt Jr., who have visited the track, Jordan kept a low profile during his brief stay in the South Haven area.
"The reason people come here is they want to get away and they want a quiet place," Schnitta said, adding that often he has to sign agreements with celebrities that he won't allow the media to approach them during their stay.
Under one of those agreements, he would not allow a reporter to interview Jordan.
Jordan, however, did take time to meet with Schnitta's family, including his son, Zachary, 19, and his friend Ian O'Brien, 18.
"He was very friendly, very nice," said Zach, who is a student at Grand Valley State University.
His friend agreed.
"He was so friendly, it was amazing," Ian said. "When he was playing basketball, he made you want to watch it on TV."
"He's like the Babe Ruth of our generation," Zach said.
