Over the years, there have been only a few
father/son racing duos to leave their mark on
the U.S. motocross scene. Gary and David
Bailey come immediately to mind. Former
Supercross Champion Donnie "Holeshot"
Hansen and his son Josh are a father/son duo
who have recently been in the spotlight. Josh
was tied atop the I 25cc Eastern Region
Supercross Championship Series with Grant
Langston when we talked to Donnie at the
penultimate round of the series in Dallas.
en: What Is your racing relationship
with Josh?
donnlehansen: I am his consultant. We talk
during the events about lines and different
options out there compared to his competition. We talk strategy or maybe about an
obstacle that he is having a problem with. I try
to keep him pumped up during the races and
get him to charge the track.
en: Do you work with Josh on technique?
donniehansen: Not so much anymore. He
has learned well over the years and he knows
how to go about it. Technique is no problem
for Josh - he has great technique.
en: Do you think It is hard on a kid
having his dad as a coach?
donniehansen: I think it can go either way.
Josh doesn't like me pressuring him too
much, so I've got to watch that and don't get
in his face. I just have to give him a little
breathing room, and if I see something that I
think he could do a little better, I'll try and
ease into that.
en: Do you see any similarities in
his style and attitude now to yours
when you were riding?
donniehansen: His smoothness, for sure. I
was more to myself, where he is not that way.
He figures things out pretty well for himself.
en: Have you given him any advice
on finishing up the championship?
donniehansen: No. He's feeling the pressure, I think, but he won't admit it. If he finishes out third, I'm happy. He's come a long way,
and this is a stepping stone. And if he doesn't
get it this year, then it wasn't meant to be and
we will try again next year. He just needs to go
out there and charge the track and, if he does
everything like he knows how, he can win.
Shan Moore
SLllJlcrilJel. II
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APRil 13, 2005 •
CYCLE NEWS
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