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Doug Gust Interview:
Suzuki Pro ATV Motocross Racer - Continued
Obviously
your cross training is working because you after
your win at Pleasure Valley Raceway and Ballance
Moto X, but you also under went sinus surgery
during the off season. Has that helped as well?
Yes, it’s helped a lot. Before I had the
surgery I was having trouble breathing. It wasn’t
anything severe, but it was bad enough to cause
fatigue while I was racing and drain my energy
level. Now I’m feeling much better.
You
usually aren’t know for getting holeshots,
but at PVR you were close to the front in
the first moto and actually grabbed the holeshot
in moto two. What has made the difference
for you?
My Yoshimura built engine is what made the
difference. It’s built how I want it,
which is a little different than what Dustin
and Chad are running.
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Doug
Gust grabs the 2nd Moto Holeshot at
Pleasure Valley Raceway
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At
Pleasure Valley Raceway, you and Dustin Wimmer
were out front and battling. What was that
like for you?
It was really cool! That’s how it always
used to be for me and it was always a lot
of fun. Dustin is really on his game this
year and he is the man to beat. Being able
to be up there and compete with him like that
is really fun and exciting.
Do
you think the rain in the second moto worked
to your advantage?
Yes, definitely. The rain was an advantage
for me because I have a lot of experience
racing in those kind of conditions and I think
that really helped me stay out in front of
Dustin.
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| Doug
Gust Mechanic, Casey Creek, won Mechanic
of the race after Doug's win at Ballance
Moto X |
This
year you also have a new mechanic, Casey Creek,
how has it been working with him?
Casey is a real good guy. He gives 150% all
the time and things are working out really
good.
What
are your thoughts on the final two rounds
of 2008 ATV Motocross Nationals?
I’m hoping I can pull some more holeshots
and win so I can take over second place in
the points race. The next round will be a
little challenging because there have been
quite a few changes to the Red Bud track since
the last time I was there and I am just hoping
that I can adapt to them quickly.
What
do you hope to accomplish this year?
Well, the championship is kind of out of reach
now with Dustin (Wimmer) being so far ahead,
but I’m within reach of 2nd place in
points, so I’d really like to take over
2nd.
What
do you think of the current competition in
the Pro class?
There are so many fast guys out there now.
The competition has really stepped up in the
last couple of years. It’s really great
to see the sport progressing and getting bigger
with all of the factory involvement, especially
after seeing the sport almost die back in
the late 80’s.
Do
you think you will still be racing next year?
That’s a good question. I don’t
really know. I’ll see how I feel next
year. (laughs)
Seriously though, things have gotten so competitive,
and everyone is so close in ability, it’s
really an exciting time to be racing and I
feel very fortunate that I am able to be a
part of it and still be competitive. The age
thing is always on my mind, but I feel really
good and as long as I can keep placing in
the top five, I’m going to keep racing.
When I can’t be competitive anymore
and can’t be in the top five, that’s
when I’ll retire from racing.
You
have put on riding schools in the past, are
you planning on doing any this year?
I’m planning to, but don’t have
any dates set yet. I’ll probably have
a couple here at my track and a couple at some
other locations.
Is
there anything else you would like to add?
I really have to thank the Suzuki, MSR, Pro
Taper, Yoshimura, Rockstar team and the rest
of my crew, it’s been a great year and
they are a great crew! I also have to give
a special thanks to Wayne Hinson at Hinson
Clutch Baskets.
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| Doug
Gust is all business at the races, but
once at home, he sure knows how to have
a good time with his annual year end
party with a slip-slide on steroids
along with many other cool activities |
Doug
Gust at his 2007 party with the entire
race team and former mechanic (right),
Robert McClure, who is now wrenching
for Suzuk's Pro Bike Racer David Vuillemin |
Thank
you for talking to us today, Doug. Congrats
again on your round nine win, we wish you
the best of luck this season and hope to see
you up on the podium again soon!
Thank you!
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