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Interviewer's
Note:
First let me say that Dirtrider.net appreciates
Donnie Hansen taking the time out of his busy schedule.
I personally got involved in dirt bikes around 1985-86
and had the privilege to read about then current
stars Rick Johnson, David Bailey, Jeff Ward, Jeff
Stanton, Ron Lechien, Broc Glover and Johnny O'mara.
I have the utmost respect for these guys and I always
appreciated the fact that they would refer to the
riders before them and give them recognition for
their accomplishments. Riders like Donnie Hansen,
Roger DeCoster, Mark Barnett, Bob Hannah and many,
many more have given a great deal to our sport.
<DRN>
How much of winning is the man; how much is the
machine? My uncle once told me that in the beginning
of the sport a great rider could come out on any
equipment and win the race, it was 70% man and 30%
machine then.
<DH>
I have to agree with your uncle. The top
riders of today are athletes at the top of their
form. They have trained hard to get where they are,
and must have the ability to win on any bike - stock
or "works". Look at Jeff Emig at the U.S. Open -
there is a prime example of man over machine. I
am sure the bikes ridden by Albertyn, Carmichael
& Lusk were tuned to their highest potential, but
Jeff beat them, all because he had the talent and
determination to win.
<DRN>
Considering only the outdoor
MX scene at the moment, is the competition closer
now because of the machines, more talented riders,
better fitness routines or less quality racers like
there were when you, Jeff Ward, Rick Johnson and
David Bailey were battling?
<DH>
The competition on the outdoor circuit is just
as close today as it was when I was racing guys
like Ward, Bailey and Johnson. The difference is
that there are more top riders than there were when
we raced.
<DRN>
I know in 1981 your team won
the first Motocross and Trophee Des Nations title
and then in 1982 you won both the SX and MX 250
title. Only 7 others have accomplished that. Considering
that and the fact that the US has not been dominant
in the MXDN's as of late, what do you attribute
to the lack of success in the MXDN?
<DH>
My personal opinion about the U.S. results in
the Motocross Des Nations in the last few years
is that the European riders adjust better to imperfect
track conditions. Our riders are accustomed to riding
on well-prepared tracks. I also feel there is more
pressure on our riders to do well because of our
previous winning streak, and the media attention
they get here in the States. When you're only thinking
about winning, and how you're going to look to your
fans, and not focusing on the race and the competition,
you lose your momentum and self-confidence. Our
riders are the most talented riders in the world,
and no one should be able to beat them. I would
like to have the opportunity to go as their trainer
one year, and work with them like Decoster worked
with us the first year we won the title for the
U.S. That would be awesome!
<DRN>
What is your opinion of SX?
Do you believe it hurts or helps the sport?
<DH>
I think Supercross helps the sport because of
the media attention it has gotten. It is more exciting
for the fans because of the tighter racing. I also
think it makes a better rider because of the various
obstacles. The riders need to be paid more, and
the tracks made safer. To me, good, competitive,
tight racing is just as exciting as watching some
young rider fly over a triple and crash his brains
out!
<DRN>
What strengths did the riders
from your era have over the current crop of riders?
For example, I believe that in your era the majority
of average riders could rail an off-camber corner
like Ezra Lusk rails a berm in SX.
<DH>
I feel the riders
from my era worked more on their conditioning. We
concentrated on the physical as well as the mental
aspects of the sport. I have seen and worked with
a lot of pro riders who only train on the bike,
and disregard their diet and training. In the long
run, the rider who is the most physically fit will
be able to compete the longest in winning positions.
<DRN>
Who do you point your students
to as role models (riders or any other person)
<DH>
I
don't point to any one person or rider as a role
model to my students; however, I have a lot of respect
for Decoster, Hannah, Ward, O'Mara, Stanton, Dowd,
Larocco and Albertyn. They share the same philosophy
of the sport as I do. Their training and dedication
is something to be admired and respected.
<DRN>
I did some research and could
not find anything specific on your accident. Would
you be willing to remind us what happened?
<DH>
I
had just won the 250 Swedish GP the week-end before,
and was feeling great. I was practicing at a practice
track in Germany for the '82 Trophee & Motocross
des Nations. I mis-timed a double jump section,
and crashed hard. I was in a coma for a couple of
weeks.
<DRN>
What have you done to overcome
the injury you suffered in Germany in 1982?
<DH>
The
main thing that helped me to overcome my injury
is staying active in the sport. After my injury,
I realized I would never be able to compete again
in the sport I loved so much. I was determined to
stay in the industry. I had a lot of knowledge of
motocross and supercross, and decided I would begin
teaching what I knew to other riders.
<DRN>
How hard was it to deal with
not being able to defend your title after the injury?
<DH>
Obviously, it was difficult for me to accept
the fact I would not be able to defend my title.
My goals and dreams were the same as the riders
of today - be the best in the world! The fact that
I was able to achieve all my goals before my accident
made it a lot easier to end my racing career. If
I hadn't won my titles - motocross, supercross &
world champion, I think I would have always wondered
if I was as good as the rest of them.
<DRN>
I noticed that 911 Joint Rescue
is a major sponsor of yours and that you have given
it a quality endorsement. Considering your major
injury how has products like 911 helped you and
how much of your recovery and day to day fitness
is a result of training?
<DH>
I have only been
associated with 911 Joint Rescue for the last year.
It has helped me with my joint aches and pains.
Prior to taking the product, I had to take several
hundred milligrams of Advil just to get going each
day. During the years, my back, knees and ankles
took a lot of abuse. 911 has helped me eliminate
the Advil, and helps relieve the daily soreness.
Staying active with the motocross schools and working
with my son, Joshua, has helped me tremendously.
The more you can keep your muscles moving, the better
you are.
<DRN>
Are there any other sponsors
who have stuck behind you after your injury who
were very helpful?
<DH>
When I started the Motocross
Academy in 1984, I started fresh with new sponsors
- the main ones being Yamaha Motor Corp., Answer
Products and Scott USA. During the years, I have
added sponsors that help make DHMA a success - they
include Alpinestars, Boyesen, CTI, FMF 911, Motion
Pro, Pro-Clean, Shoei, Sunoco, Tsubaki, Dunlop,
HRP, Mechanix Wear, NGK, Silkolene, Sunstar, Twin-Air
& Works Connection.
<DRN>
Who is your favorite rider
who is currently racing? Off all time?
<DH>
I don't really have a favorite rider. There are
so many out there I like watching. I admire Jeremy
McGrath for all his accomplishments, and the fact
he can still beat the best in the world after many
years of being on top. I like to watch Dowd, Larocco
and Ward. These guys have the best attitude, and
their stamina is awesome!
< Donnie Continues....>
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