LW Mag LW Magazine
Related Articles
USA’s Darryn Durham is out in South Africa to compete in the hugely anticipated Supercross Africa. It’s been 20 years since a Supercross race of this magnitude has taken place on home soil and Darryn is excited to race. We caught up with the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull KTM rider to get his thoughts on being in the country and racing against SA’s best.
Book your seat now and don’t miss the action. Tickets available here.
Full name: Darryn Durham
Nickname: Double D
Age: 25
Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania, USA
Year racing: 21 years
Machine of Choice: KTM 250 SX-F
Sponsors: Troy Lee Designs, Red Bull, Lucas Oil, KTM
Give us some background into how you started racing dirt bikes as a pro?
I grew up riding with my dad, Going riding and racing with my dad and my brother is pretty much how it all just snowballed. I started racing young and I always had fun doing it. My dad never pushed me to be a pro, he took me riding with really cool guys like Mike Jones when I was growing up cause those were his buddies. I grew up riding, racing and traveling.
What goes through your mind when you think about the realization of racing Supercross in South Africa?
It’s pretty amazing really. I didn’t think I’d ever be racing in South Africa but I have always had dreams of riding here since I saw Crusty back in the day. I’m looking forward to racing and seeing what the country has to offer.
What is your impression of South Africa so far?
It’s pretty beautiful. We went into Cape Town and had a few goo days there exploring.
How much does preparing for a race like this, against riders you’ve never raced with before, in a country you’ve never raced in before, change things up?
It’s a little different and nerve racking not knowing or never have raced the local guys but I think its kinda cool because it brings excitement not knowing what these guys are going to do.
What does your weekly training schedule consist of?
I train with Johnny Louch at the Rockwell Gym probable 4 times a week, go on bike rides, obviously ride the motorcycle. I try be on the motorcycle 5 times a week.
You’ve just moved to the Red Bull KTM team. How has the move been and what do you think it will do for your career moving forward?
I think it’s going to be a good move for my career. I really like the KTM, I’ve only been on it 3 weeks, but the bike is really good and the team atmosphere is awesome. They were all for me coming to this race and that what I’m looking for, the freedom to ride my motorcycle how I want.
What are your goals coming into this race?
I’d like to stay safe and make it home, and make it on the podium. Thanks my goal. If we could have some Americans on the podium and celebrate after it will be a fun time.
What goes through your mind when you are on your dirt bike?
Honestly not too much. When I’m out there riding that’s kinda like my happy place and there’s not much going through my mind. That’s why I’ve always really likes riding.
In your opinion, who has the best riding style in the world?
Jeremy McGrath. I’ve always thought MC had the best style since I was a kid.
What’s the difference between being a rider and a racer?
A racer will do anything it takes to better himself to do better. A rider maybe doesn’t dissect everything that he could do to make himself the best he can be.
Where would you like to see your racing career go?
I’d like to race as long as I can really. I want to win a 250 championship and then ride a 450, someday. And keep riding, and freeriding, and filming cause that’s what I like to do.
Any words for the fans that will be there supporting?
Come by and see the number 97 KTM.
Photos by Eric Palmer
