NUMBER CHECK with...Darryn Durham
Author: Brian Wilkinson	Number Check | Wednesday, 27 August 2008 04:52

Photography: Brent Stallo

With such an impressive 2008 season in the amateur ranks, it came as a surprise to hear that Pennsylvania native Darryn Durham would decide to sit out Millville and Southwick. Not only did Darryn "Double D" Durham have a successful season, he also made history a couple times along the way. He took numerous championships throughout the year, including a sweep at Mammoth Mountain. He is one of only four riders in the history of the event who has swept all three pro classes. Durham also was awarded with the AMA Horizon Award at Loretta Lynn's, which was split between he and long time friend PJ Larsen. This was the first time in history that this achievement was awarded to two people. With only one outdoor national left in the 2008 season, will Darryn decide to make his debut to professional racing this year, or will he hold off until 2009 and make his debut under the lights at Anaheim 1? It is a question that a lot of us can't wait any longer to hear an answer. We get the inside scoop from Double D himself. Sit back, relax, and read on!

 

Darryn, you had an impressive week at Loretta Lynn's. Tell us a little about your week, and give us your thoughts on how you did.

I felt like I didn't ride very well, but the end result ended good.

 

For the first time in the history of this event, you and fellow rider PJ Larsen were both awarded the Horizon Award. How does it feel to receive such an aspired award?

It felt good! Me and PJ battled all week and both won a championship, so I think the split decision was cool! We are good friends, so it was all good

 

You've made history more than once this year. Once at Mammoth with the sweep in all three pro classes, and then again at Loretta's, being the first split decision recipient of the prestigious Horizon Award. How does it feel to achieve such accomplishments in your amateur career?

It feels really good. I was kind of a late bloomer, but I really made it happen this year and I'm stoked on my year.

 

How many titles did you win this year?

I think nine.

 

After coming off a very successful amateur season in the A class, you decided to sit out the remainder of the outdoors. Explain why you made the decision to not race these outdoor nationals.

Well, I was still working on my deal and I just decided to wait and get everything figured out.

 

What have you been doing since Loretta's? Have you kept the same training regime, or have you changed your program to prepare for your professional debut?

I'm still on my burgers and french fry diet. It has worked for me pretty well and I'm going to keep it going into the Supercross season.

 

Steel City is your home track. Will you be racing your first professional outdoor race in front of your home crowd?

I was really trying to and I am signed up, but I won't be there.

 

So when will the world see the professional debut of Darryn Durham?

The U.S. Open!!

 

What a race to make your debut! What are you goals going into your first professional Supercross race?

I really want to set my expectations high, and I think I can be on the podium.

 

Do you have a contract signed as of now for the remainder of 2008 or the 2009 season?

Not as of now, but I should soon!

 

So, when you make your debut at the U.S. Open, you will have a team behind you? Can you give us any clue to who you will be riding for?

Yes, and it looks like it will be a blue bike!

 

What advantages do you feel that you will have with the support of a team behind you?

I think it will help to have a team with a mechanic and factory bikes and stuff.

 

Yeah that definitely helps out. What are you doing now to get ready for you big Supercross debut?

I start testing next week, and I'm just going to start pounding out laps.

 

Best of luck to you Darryn. Here's where you take this time to thank everyone who has helped you out throughout the years.

Rockstar Suzuki, Cole Gress, PR2, Cernics, Answer, 661, Oakley, DVS, CTi2, Dunlop, Ogio, Maxima, Pro Taper, One Industries, and my Dad.