DESTRY ABBOTT ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS–APRIL 23

Dirt Bike: What do you prefer: B.I.T.D., the WORCS Series, Enduro, Motocross, or Hare & Hound? And why?

Destry Abbott: I would probably say the WORCS series. It’s a lot like the Grand Prix where we go over MX tracks and then a little off-road section. It’s one of the only series that has a lot of different type of races. One week we’ll be up at Washougal racing through the woods and then in Arizona racing in the desert. You have to be a good versatile rider to do well.

DB: It’s great that you contest so many different series, however, might it be better to concentrate solely on maybe two different series?

DA: I really only go after three different series (H&H, WORCS, BITD). Each series only has about 6 to 7 races in it. It keeps me busy, but it’s not overwhelming and it helps to keep me focused on racing. Besides, I would get bored if I didn’t get to race all the time!

DB: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?

DA: My greatest accomplishment would probably have to be winning two National H&H championships (and hopefully more). I also would rank my two Gold ISDE Gold medals up there.

DB: How important of a role did your father play in your rise to the pro ranks?

DA: My dad was a huge part of my success in rising to the pro ranks, and still is to this day. I also have a wife and two kids that support me in everything I do. I don’t know if I would be where I’m at now if it wasn’t for my family.

DB: Do you like having a teammate to race with, or do you prefer the individuality?

DA: Team races are really fun to do because it’s something different, but I prefer racing individual races more. There’s always pressure regardless of whether it’s a team race or individual, but I would rather a negative result only affect me.

DB: Is the ISDE less important now as it had been in the past?

DA: I think the ISDE has changed a lot here for the US riders. When I was growing up it was a really big event to do, but it seems like it has lost a lot of its steam. I feel a lot of it has to do with each of the riders spending over $10,000 out of our own pockets to go over there. Then when we’re there we don’t get a lot of support to try and win. It just gets really frustrating with all the politics that go on with it. After saying that, it’s still one of my favorite types of racing.

DB: Will we see you race the Washougal National?

DA: I hope to be able to race Washougal this year, but that’s not going to be up to me. Washougal is definitely one of my favorite MX tracks.

DB: What do you feel is the most physically demanding series that you are racing?

DA: I would have to say the WORCS series is the toughest. It’s basically like doing a 2 hour-plus MX race.

DB: If you couldn’t be pro, what would you rather be doing?

DA: I was actually looking into becoming a fire fighter or police officer when my racing career took off. I was attending college and working towards a degree in Fire Science, but when the opportunity to race full time came along I decided to grab it:) I haven’t regretted it for a moment! If my pro career hadn’t happened, I would definitely hope to be employed in one of these fields.

DB: How are your riding clinics going? What made you decide to start these clinics? How do you have time to do clinics?! (kudos to your schedule, it’s packed!)

DA: I’ve always liked talking to and dealing with people. I decided to do some schools on the side, during the week, but I never thought it wood take off like it has. I’ve actually had to cut back on my riding schools, so I don’t lose focus on my racing. I’m hoping to do something with my schools after I finish racing.

DB: Will you contest any GNCC rounds?

DA: I was actually supposed to race the first couple of rounds until I messed up my knee. After the summer break, I would like to hit one or two of them. It would be tough for me to go back there and win, but it would be a good experience for me.

DB: How’s your web site going (www.destryabbott.com)?

DA: My web site is going great! I had no idea it would take off like it has. Some days it’s a full time job just keeping up with all my messages on the message board. But it’s also a lot of fun. I get the opportunity to talk to people and answer questions. I also post my race stories, which seem to be a big hit. I know I always enjoy reading about other people’s races, so I thought this might be something people would like to see. It’s also great for my sponsors.

DB: Thank you very much, and good luck racing!

DA: Thank you!