Esurance – Get to know Dave

How did you first get into motorcycle racing?

I began racing with the AFM – American Federation of Motorcyclists in 1998 on a 1992 Yamaha TZ 250.
The Yamaha TZ series of motorcycles have 2-stroke engines and are purpose-built racing machines.
They are not street legal and can only be sold to licensed racers. When I purchased my very own TZ
250, it was like a dream come true.

What’s your favorite aspect?

The camaraderie between racers. It’s like I have another family at the racetrack. When I go to a race
meeting there is a sense of “coming home,” because I have spent so much time over the years with my
two-wheel comrades.

Do you have a favorite track?

I actually have 2, and can’t decide between them; Infineon Raceway and Laguna Seca Raceway.
They are both very 3-dimensional racetracks with many elevation and camber changes, creating a
rollercoaster-like experience at high speed. These tracks are considered the most challenging raceways
on the planet.

Do you have a least memorable racing moment?

Well… any of my big crashes are ones I would care to forget. My crash at the 2002 AFM season opener,
at Buttonwillow Raceway, was one of the worst. I had pole position, but had a bad start at the beginning
of the race. I crashed out of 3rd position exiting turn 1 at around 100mph! The bike was damaged and I
had a concussion, but my team helped me get the bike together for the next Formula Pacific race that day.
Unfortunately, my day ended when the shift rod broke half-way through the first lap from damage sus-
tained in the crash. I left the season opener with zero points and a concussion to show for it.

What’s your most memorable racing moment?

My first race win is up there. In 2001, I won the Formula 1 class on my 2000 Suzuki 750 Superbike. But
I’d have to say, obtaining the AFM #5 plate in 2004 my greatest achievement at this point in my racing
career. In the Formula Pacific, AFM’s premier event, number plates 1 through 5 are assigned to the top 5
finishers. I am very proud to be one of the handful of racers to receive a “Top 5” plate in the AFM.