Dave Drakes didn’t take the typical path to becoming an award-winning motorcycle engineer. At 17, he started his own engine repair and race shop, building motors to support local racers and professional MX and WMX athletes. That hands-on experience, combined with over a decade of professional engineering work, makes him a natural fit for his new role as Cobra MOTO’s Technical Program Manager.
Racing Roots Run Deep
Drakes started racing in New England in the mid-2000s on minis, traveling the country to compete regionally and nationally. Early on, he recognized his passion for the sport and pursued a certificate in motorcycle overhaul and repair while still a teenager.
His racing career gave him connections throughout the industry and firsthand knowledge of what racers need. He worked as a mechanic for a professional women’s race team early in his career, experiencing race team operations from the inside.
When it came time for college, Drakes chose the University of Hartford’s mechanical engineering program with a mathematics minor. He worked to cover costs by building engines, announcing at local races, and working part-time at race shops. He even contributed to a NASA-funded turbine research project while maintaining his racing involvement.
The Collective Experience
In 2017, Drakes founded The Collective Experience (TCE), a program that gives race fans immersive, all-access experiences behind the scenes at professional Supercross and Motocross races with their favorite riders and teams. What started as a way to connect fans with the sport has evolved. TCE has helped dozens of interns land jobs in the Supercross industry as mechanics, videographers, trainers, and brand representatives for major companies. The program also supports lower-tier racers and teams, with proceeds going directly to fund privateer racing efforts.
Drakes also runs a TCE YouTube channel featuring interviews, vlogs, and discussions from the races, staying connected to the professional racing community while advancing his engineering career.
Award-Winning Background
Drakes joins Cobra with extensive motorcycle engineering experience, including award-winning work on V-twin engine design and vehicle dynamics testing. He’s managed multi-million dollar programs for both gas and electric two-wheel vehicles, bringing expertise in cost-conscious engineering that maintains performance standards.
His approach combines technical knowledge with practical racing experience. “I can look at things from a rider’s approach and help us design things that matter,” Drakes explained.
Why Cobra
The decision to join Cobra came down to reputation and passion.
“I’ve always been a fan,” Drakes said. “If you want to win, you ride a Cobra. I think it’s really highly regarded in the industry and respected for the brand they are.”
For Drakes, the opportunity to work with young racers is what makes the role at Cobra meaningful.
“The impact we can have on a racer’s career if we do our jobs right, with our bikes and with the support that we give, we’re giving them a vehicle to carve out their future,” he said. “A future Supercross champion is going to learn their skills, hone their skills, and all of the fundamentals they need to be a successful professional on our bikes. That’s really cool to be a part of.”
He’s focused on creating products that work for every level of rider. “The path towards professional success is very narrow. Not everybody gets a chance. I think it’s a balance of creating bikes for the everyday rider to enjoy as well as a serious professional.”
What’s Next at Cobra
Drakes will lead the development of new gas-powered competition race bikes, taking programs from initial concept through production and launch. “My role is to take this new program from a thought to a tangible vehicle that hopefully, in our first year, will win some championships,” Drakes said.
Vision for Growth
Looking ahead, Drakes sees opportunities to expand Cobra’s reach while maintaining the brand’s championship-level performance.
“I’d love to see more cohesion within our product,” he said. “All of the new technologies that we’re trying to implement with the program that I’m working on, I’d love to see that cascade down to the smaller bikes and the bikes that we currently have in production.”
He’s particularly interested in connecting with racers at the grassroots level. “I’d love to see us have a bit more market share when it comes to your local everyday racer. I think that starts with the support we show on local levels and promoting to people that aren’t at Loretta Lynn’s.”
Part of that vision includes highlighting what makes Cobra unique. “I don’t think a lot of people know that our products are 100% made in the U.S.,” Drakes said. “I think showcasing the heart of the brand and what we do is going to go a long way. I’d love to be part of that new era that helps to bring Cobra to an even wider audience.”
Building Champions
Drakes understands that Cobra’s role goes beyond manufacturing bikes. “We want to make bikes that are really purpose-built and look at what the users needs are, what the customer wants, what really matters to them, and providing that and maybe exceeding expectations in the process.”
Whether a rider is aiming for professional success or simply enjoying local competition, Drakes is focused on creating products that deliver results at every level.
Welcome to the team, Dave.
