We Went What?

My name is Brett Smith. I'm the creator and editor of We Went Fast, a motorcycle media brand dedicated to motocross history and personalities, past and present.

We Went Fast began as an Instagram account where I posted photos of my own amateur racing days from the 1980s/90s. I have no claims to fame but I did once finish behind Ricky Carmichael in a moto at Loretta Lynn's (and I have a photo to prove it!).

The website launched in 2018 as both a passion project and of necessity. In the late 90s I covered District 14 races for "Cycle News". Today, however, most of the publications I've written for are gone or no longer have print versions (Dirt Rider, Mini Rider, Motorcyclist, Cycle News, ESPN).

So I started my own media brand and I only produce the type of stories that I love to write: thoroughly researched longform written/audio pieces about motocross and off-road. Most are history lessons. Sometimes they're profiles on current or former racers. All are evergreen.

Why Patreon?

Because I don't want to spoil your reading and listening experience with incessant popups and lengthy commercial reads. We Went Fast is clean, clutter free void of chaos.

With no quotas to fill, I can focus on meaningful content instead of going for easy clicks to show advertisers they're getting their money's worth. So, to make money, I sell merchandise and started this Patreon page.

The money I make from Patreon allows me to pay for all the unexpected costs of operating a well-running website; I didn't know what a "plug-in" was before I did this. I also didn't know the importance of regular web maintenance (as shocking as that new rider who doesn't know what an air filter is, ha ha).

What can you do?

If you value the writing and podcasts at wewentfast.com, then click that orange button that says "Become a Patron" or click "Join" in any of the tiers. You can even pay for a whole year all at once (for a 5% discount!) If you don't want to commit to a monthly draw but still want to throw cash my way, hit me up on PayPal. Or buy merchandise at wewentfast.com/shop.

Patreon is simple and secure—you enter your info once, choose a level of support and done! Your credit card will be charged that amount each month, automatically. You may edit or stop any time you wish.

What do you get?

The We Went Fast Patrons are an altruistic bunch. I've learned that most don't care about getting anything at all. They're genuinely happy to have a part in helping this work continue.

But that won't stop me from offering lots of fun benefits, including free swag, stickers, discounts and–my favorite–a private Vimeo feed where I post videos from my large collection of moto archives, most of which cannot be found anywhere else on the internet.

I hope you'll join!

Brett