Photos By: Roy Bloodworth
& Harlen Foley
Interview:
Dustin Nelson - 2006 Yamaha Factory ITP Quadcross
Champion
|
|
| #94
Dustin Nelson .- Ten Quick Facts |
| Birth
Date: |
11/14/1977 |
| Weight: |
175 lbs |
| Hometown: |
Ramona, CA |
| ATV: |
Yamaha YFZ450 |
| Occupation: |
Test Rider / Pro Racer |
| 1st ATC/ATV: |
2004 YFZ450 |
| 1st Bike: |
1983 PW50 |
| Started Racing: |
6 Years Old |
| Favorite Food: |
Mexican |
| Hobbies: |
R/C Car Racing |
|
ATVriders:
We all know that your racing career began on two wheels,
so when and what were some of your major accomplishments
on two wheels?
I won a handful of amateur nationals when I was growing
up with the biggest coming at Loretta Lynn's in 1993
riding the 85cc 14-15 STK class. I turned pro at the
end of 1994 when I turned 17 and raced supercross and
nationals through 2004. The highlight of my pro career
was winning the AMA 4 Stroke National series in 1999.
How many years have you been
a test riding for magazines & manufacturer?
I began testing with Yamaha in 1999, and I have done
magazine stuff here and there ever since.
How long have you been working
with Yamaha?
I've been testing for Yamaha for 8 years and just
signed my first racing contract with them for the
next 2 years to compete in the ITP Quadcross Series
How long have your been with
Dr. D & what do you do?
I've raced for DR.D for 5 years and I have worked
there for 2 years. I go to the shop 3 days a week,
while I'm there I run the tubing bender, help with
proto-typing new products and of course I'm a test
rider.
| |
| After
racing Motorcycles for 20 years, Nelson switched
to ATVs |
When and why did you decide
to switch to ATV racing?
I had a lot of fun at my first ATV race and did well
enough to attract support from a few of the top aftermarket
companies. I had already committed to doing a full
season of 4 Stroke Nationals in 2004, but I decided
to race an ATV on every off weekend that I could.
When it came to making the decision of where to focus
my efforts for the 2005 season, I chose four wheels
instead of two.
What are some of the major
differences between racing and ATV and a motorcycle?
There's not as many places to pass, which makes passing
on an ATV more difficult, and it takes a lot more
thinking and set-up because there is just not as much
room. On the physical side of it, an ATV demands stronger
shoulders and you use different muscles in your back.
How many years have you been
racing?
I started racing motorcycles when I was 6 years old,
so 23 years, and only three of those years on an ATV.
What are the different types
of events that you have raced on either two or four
wheels?
I've pretty much have stuck with motocross besides
a few Supercross races on a motorcycle, and I also
competed in the 2005 Baja 1000 with Doug Eichner,
which turned out to be a disaster.
What was your first event
that you have ever raced on an ATV (year, event, location,
class, finish)?
2003 ITP Quadcross race at Glen Helen on the back
track, and I finished in 2nd place in the Pro Class
How
does it feel to now be the ITP Quadcross Pro Champion?
It feels really good. I feel like I worked hard to step
up my speed and my bikes have always been top notch.
I accomplished what I set out to do, and I'm proud of
that. I'm also very happy with the opportunities that
have come with the championship, I have just signed
with Yamaha and Red Bull, two companies that will not
only help my program, but the growth of the sport as
well.
What is your favorite track
and why?
Speedworld MX. It's just a really fun track that you
can ride very aggressively, I like to try to push
myself harder every lap and Speedworld lends itself
to that.
What are your plans for the
2007 racing season?
I will race the entire Yamaha/ITP Quadcross Series
as well as all WPSA events that don't conflict.
What is the most memorable
race that you have experienced?
It would either be coming from behind to pass Kory
Ellis for the win at Speedworld last year or passing
Jeff Spooner in the final corner at Glen Helen to
pull off the win.
Who is the most influential
person in your life, that you can always count on,
and who has always been there for you?
When I was young my dad was really into my racing
and did everything I could have ever asked of him
to help me along. Now that I've grown up, my wife
Mindy has been there for support and to make my life
as easy as possible.
| |
| Dustin
Nelson sporting Yamaha Blue after signing a
two year deal with Yamaha, and he also signed
with Red Bull for 2007 |
I know that you are married,
but how long have you been married for, and do you
have any kids?
Mindy and I have been married for 2 years and we have
2 great kids. Our daughter Jaycee is 2 and our son
Trevor is 7 months.
Also how does your wife feel
about you racing?
She likes the racing, I'm sure she gets a little nervous
every once in a while but overall she likes it.
What does your training schedule
look like as far as both on and off the track training?
My training off the track is mostly chasing my 2 year
old around, she's crazy. Lucky for me, I get to ride
quite a bit. Between Yamaha testing, DRD testing and
trying to ride my own bike every so often, I ride
a lot.
Do you have anything rituals
that you do before the start of every race?
Some deep breaths and some good stretches, and I'm
good to go.
What is the reason behind
you running motocross over doing something, like the
WORCS series?
Motocross is what I've done my whole life, taking
more time away from my family to try something new
just hasn't fit into my schedule.
| |
|
Dustin
Nelson sporting Yamaha Blue after signing a
two year deal with Yamaha, and he also signed
with Red Bull for 2007 |
Any changes for the 2007 season
as for sponsors?
Yamaha has come on board, Red Bull and I will be wearing
Thor gear from head to toe.
Besides work, and racing,
what are some of the other things that you like to
enjoy in life?
I love to go to the desert. We have a long travel
sand rail that is so much fun, it's really cool to
get in that thing and tear up the dunes, its just
like a big quad.
Where do you see yourself
in five years from now?
I see myself still racing and hopefully being successful.
Any
sponsors you would like to plug in here?
Yamaha, MotoworldRacing.com, Dubach Racing, Red Bull,
Thor, Ohlins, SRF Racing, Galfer, ITP, Tag Metals,
Custom Decal, Team Industries, Maxima, GPR, AC Racing,
PWR, Quad Tech, Velocity Filters
|
