Photography: RRMD

If you were at Mini O’s this year and you noticed the same kid in the top-ten in what seemed like every moto, don’t bother introducing yourself, because were doing it for you. Daivd Buller Jr, who hails from Acworth, GA, ran a ridiculous schedule by racing in 12 different classes, and if that wasn’t enough for this young man, he managed to run in the top-12 in over half of those classes.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking this was a one hit wonder; the kid has put in top-ten’s at Whitney, Branson, and Vegas. Although he has suffered some bad luck at Loretta’s, Buller’s on a mission to change that, and hopefully take home a podium this year at the ranch. Through what his dad calls the three D’s (desire, discipline and dedication) Buller is hoping to take his riding to the next level and put his stamp on the podium this year.

David, start out by introducing yourself to the Vurb Community?
OK, I am David Buller Jr. I am 16 years old, out of Acworth GA. I have raced motocross since I was seven years old, and have loved every second of it. I was born in Chicago, and then moved to Canada, and when I was 12 we moved down to Georgia. This year I have moved up to the B class.

You have posted a number of top ten at some of the bigger races, what do you think it is going to take to get you to that next level and take home a title at a place like Loretta’s?
A lot of time, effort and hard work. The three D’s (as my dad would say.) Desire, Discipline and Dedication. . I have to want it more than I ever have. And over all, give 100% and have fun. If I am doing that and it gives me a championship, it’s an added bonus.

By your own high standards you struggled last year at Loretta’s, take us back and tell us what went wrong?
Well the major problem has been my mental outlook on Loretta’s. I train as hard as I can, putting in the motos. But when it came down to it, I got nervous, tightened up and didn’t give it my all. Also a couple crashes have thrown me out of the mix. In 2006 I crashed in the six-pack and hit my head pretty hard. This past year got ran over right after the six-pack. A little bad luck. This year is going to be different.

You have some pretty strong competition in your class, guys like Anstie, Tomac, Hayes, etc., who do you think is your strongest competition going into next year?
Well to be honest everyone is really fast. My biggest competition going into next season is myself. Working past all the butterfly’s and putting together an amazing year of racing. And racing like I practice, not worry about the other competition. Just me and the track.

This year at the Mini O’s you raced in 12 different classes. Tell us what kind of training it took to run a beast of a schedule like that?
A heck of a lot. (laughs) Currently I’m going to school so I can’t get on the bike everyday. But when I get home I go to the gym every weekday. I have a routine that I do, that works on high reps with medium weight. Then the odd day I work out with my dad and we work on strength. He knows how to push people, especially me.

You finished in the top 12 in over half the classes, how did you stay focused through all those races?
I just have to go to the line and say to myself, “I am going to ride hard, smooth and get a good start.” While I’m riding I just focus on pushing forward, and try to stay relaxed so I don’t get arm pump, and squeeze with my legs.

They say there is no off-season in motocross and with Lake Whitney just around the corner how are you preparing for this years race?
Keeping to my regimen, trying to ride as much as possible. I have to train as hard as I can for any race. Wherever I go, I have to ride to my fullest potential.

You had past success at Whitney, what are your goals heading into this years race?
This year I would like to concentrate on starts. At the Mini O’s this year, my starts were holding me back. If you have the speed, but get a bad start it makes it hard to place well, for anybody. Especially now that I am riding the MX B Lights where everyone is really fast. Then ride hard consistent moto’s, focusing on the task at hand. My plan is to race the track corner to corner and if I do that hopefully that puts me in the top 5.