Schmitty

Nice video , I loved that guy.


Just the other day I was watching some of my home video footage from Washougal back in 89. I had a bunch of cool shots of the beast on his #45 Yamaha and Donny on his # 9 privateer Honda going up horsepower hill.

that guy was awesome those were the days

Great pics!

I've seen him race minis locally back in the day. He rode 125A on his 80 at Kellogg MN one race and destroyed them!

MAC VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM


Donny Schmit was a wiry and determined motocross rider who emerged from the unlikely environs of Minnesota to become one of the most successful American racers ever to compete in World Championship Motocross. Schmit was a two-time World Motocross Champion, winning the 125cc title in 1990 before moving up to win the 250cc series in 1992. When he retired, his 15 career victories in World Motocross Grand Prix were the most ever by an American rider. Schmit retired from full-time racing after the 1994 season and tragically died less than two years later from complications of a rare disease called aplastic anemia at only 29 years of age. In the beginning, Schmit caught the attention of Kawasaki’s Team Green and signed with them and had great success in the amateur ranks. In 1986, Schmit turned pro and won two AMA 125cc West Region Supercross races en route to earning the championship in his first season on the pro tour. He caught the attention of Kawasaki’s Team Green, signed with them and had great success in the amateur ranks. In 1986, Schmit turned pro and won two AMA 125cc West Region Supercross races en route to earning the championship in his first season on the pro tour. Schmit died on January 19, 1996. The shock to American motocross fans hit home the next night in the Metrodome, when the crowd of 68,000 assembled for the supercross was told of their hometown hero’s passing. A silent tribute was held in Schmit’s honor. Schmit will always be remembered for being one of the best, if not the best, American rider ever to compete in the World Motocross Championships. His tenacity on the track and his friendly demeanor in the pits earned him legions of faithful fans.

D23s website
Donny Schmit’s career spanned twenty years. In those two decades he won many races, several state and national amateur titles, and two world championships. In 1990, Donny won the 125 cc World GP title. Then in 1992, he went on to win the 250 cc World GP title. For those of us lucky enough to see him compete and know Donny, our memories go far beyond his accomplishments. Donn y always had fun riding or racing. He was one of those people who never got tired of riding, helping others and dedicating himself to improve. He was focused while racing, yet enjoyed every lap. Before and between races, Donny was great at keeping things light and participated in lots of joking around. In the years after returning from Europe, Donny was on a mission to give back to the sport that was his life’s passion. He was always there to help, offer free advice, answer questions and teach.

District 23 introduced a new annual award in 2001. This award is based on sportsmanship, not winning races. The recipient will be a past or present racer that has exhibited the positive qualities of sportsmanship and giving, that were e xemplified by Donny through out his twenty-year racing career. These qualities include a passion for riding off road motorcycles, the ability to have fun while riding, and dedication to never let up until the checkered flag regardless of position in the race. The recipient will be willing to help fellow competitors and racers in any way, and set an example that other racers can aspire to follow.

Eligibility for this award will be any A or B class rider over the age of 16 years and no longer competing in the youth classes. The recipient will be the only District 23 racer to wear the number 401 for that next season. The winner wi ll receive a commemorative 401 award plate and plaque. The district 23 board will choose a winner from nomination forms received prior to the year end banquet. Any District 23 member or parent of a member may nominate a candidate they feel is deserving o f this award.

Our first ever winner for 2001 is Mike Nesbit. Mike was nominated for his great attitude at the races, family qualities and willingness to help anyone with trouble at the races. Mike will be presented with the award plaque at this year s 125/250 National at Millville in August.

Donnie and my brother raced the same classes growing up, and me and his brother Mike were in the same classes also, great freinds and great family. I talked to his dad last year at Millville and caught up on some of the past.. I found a Video a couple months ago of my brothers 1st A class race in 1984 and he pulled the holeshot on Donnie and after one lap Schmitty got by with realitive ease then back in the pits he told me and my dad he let him lead the first one just to help build his confidance. He was a GOOD person, and he is greatly missed around here.

I also remember him running 125/250 and open expert (now the A class) all on his 125, and even lettign everyone go at the start just so he could pick them off 1 by 1 and take the win.

Thanks for bringing him up I wish he was still around

Legend

We're coming up on 13 years now, January 19th 1996. Still can't believe he's gone.

Here's a link to some cool stories and more on the award in D23.

http://www.armca.org/donny_schmit/donny_main08.htm

The Sportsmanship award was retired in 2006. Since most of the kids riding now didn't know Donny, or ever got to see him ride the district put the award on hold.

Donny was a friend to our sport, and had more energy put into every day than anyone I've met to this point in my life.

Wow...that snow riding video was cool.

True World Champ, i was lucky enough to see him ride in person, its a shame the US didn't pick him for the des nations teams in 1990 and 1992

I've had the pleasure of being lapped by Donnie.

Excellent snow vid, Tiki. I have an old calendar with a pic of him doing one of the jumps from that track, and it still hangs in my garage.

cool thread of Donny on Motonews, the mud pic looks like it was at Killinchy GP in Northern Ireland, or HAtherton Hall iN England the same year.