NUMBER CHECK with...Trevor Donie
Author: Brian Wilkinson	Number Check | Wednesday, 24 September 2008 09:40

Photography: Christina Stickle/Brent Stallo

Trevor Donie faced a tough decision at the end of his 2008 season; would he go pro, or would he stay in the amateur ranks for one more year? This is one of the biggest decisions that an A class rider will face during their tenure as an amateur. Make the wrong choice and risk losing your career, make the right one and, well, hello factory contract.

So what went through Trevor's head when making such a significant decision? He could stay amateur for one more year, but what if the younger up-and-coming kids hand it to him? Or he could go pro, but maybe he isn't prepared for the big show! Trevor showed flashes of great speed in 2008, but didn't seem to put together the results that he wanted. He will try and make 2009 his year to shine, and hopefully win a few amateur titles before making his pro debut. He feels that he can be on top of his game, and knows that he has more experience in the A class than the new kids.

Will this year of experience pay off for Donie? Will training at MTF with riders like Justin Barcia help him this year? We're not sure, but we can tell you one thing, it's going to be another exciting year. We are all looking forward to the 2009 season, and can't wait to see how things turn out.

 

First off, introduce yourself to those who don't already know you.
I'm Trevor Donie, 18 years old, from Howell MI. I race the 250 and 450 pro classes.

Let's jump right into things. How do you feel that your 2008 season went and why? 
My 2008 season, overall, wasn't very good. I feel that I showed some speed and talent, but could never put any good results out there.

Are you going to remain in the amateur ranks for one more year in the A class? 
Yeah, I'm going to race the A classes in amateur ranks this year and hopefully do well enough to go to the last three outdoor nationals.

Why did you decide to not make the move up to the big show this year?
I felt that I wasn't quite ready to go pro. I also want to win some amateur titles before I go pro.

Do you feel that you have what it takes to win championships this year?

Yeah, I think I have the speed and I feel really confident about my riding right now, so I'm expecting big things for '09!

Making the decision to stay amateur for another year is a big decision. Do you think you made the right choice?
Yes, I think that it will work out good for me.

There was definitely some tough competition in the A class this year. Since Loretta's, most of the top B class players have moved up. How do you feel you will do against these guys? 
I think that I have the upper hand this year. I feel like the older, experienced A rider now, somewhat like Durham and Larsen probably felt like this year. I think I have the speed, I just need to get my confidence up and put it all together.

Durham and Larsen both had a great second year in the A class. Are you on the same level now that those two were on this last year?

I'm not quite sure if I'm that same level right now, but that is where I want to be when Texas comes around.

Do you have anything worked out with a team for the upcoming 2009 season? 
As of now, I have nothing lined up, but I would like to stay on Suzuki's and continue my support from them, but who knows what will happen. I'm kind of trying to base things on how I do at Mini O's. Like I said before, I'm expecting to do big things.

What are you doing now to prepare for upcoming nationals this season?
Ill be training at MTF again, and riding with some really fast people, for example: Justin Barcia.

 

What is it like to train at MTF? How much has MTF helped you in your amateur career?

Yeah, MTF has helped me a lot throughout my amateur career, and I'm hoping to use MTF when I'm ready for Supercross. It is just a great place to ride and train for supercross or motocross, thanks to Colleen Millsaps.

 

Does riding with Justin Barcia help you out? How does he help you?

Justin is obviously unbelievably fast!! I like to try to ride with him for as long as I can and learn from him. The kid is just an awesome rider.

Do you plan on going into the big show after the 2009 Loretta Lynn's?
As long as I can excel this year and get some good results, I would like to be at Millville in ‘09.

What happens if you have a season where you don't feel that you excelled? Do you make the move anyway and give it your all?

I'm not quite sure what I would do if this season doesn't work out the way I want it to. I'm pretty motivated and confident in myself going into this year.

We wish you the best, thanks for your time! Now, thank everyone who has been helping you out along the way.

Cole Gress, American Suzkui, MSR, Oakley, Bell helmets, Pro circuit, Pro taper, Colleen Millsaps, MTF, my mechanic Tim Bennett, JP speed, and my parents for sure!!