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The Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship held annually at the famous Loretta Lynn’s MX track in the USA is one of the most prestigious races to qualify for and race. The race is known as one of the hotspots for scouts to look out for up and coming riders that can make it as pro riders for the major teams. Michael Docherty is one of the South African riders that has qualified for this prestigious race and will be competing this week in the Open Pro Sport and the 250A classes. We managed to catch up with Michael and chat to him about this awesome achievement.
Full Name: Michael Docherty
Nickname: Iron Mike
Age: 19
Hometown: Benoni – South Africa
Machine of choice: Kawasaki
Sponsors: Billy Docherty, G2 Trading, Parts Unlimited, Thor, Transcom Sharaf, Total Control Racing
How many years have you been racing motocross and how did you get into the sport?
13 Years, it’s my Dads fault and he is still paying for it now. My Dad was involved in Motorcycle racing and I guess it’s in our blood. I grew up in Malawi and there was not much to do for us kids over weekends and one of Dad’s friends let us use a 4 wheeler and at the age of 2, I was let loose on the beast, that’s where my interest was piqued and my love for motorcycles started.
What goes through your mind when you are on your dirt bike?
I experience a great sense of freedom which allows me to clear my mind and to focus on every turn, every jump and every rut on the circuit. At that point I think of nothing else and my mind is totally focussed, it’s me versus the track.
How long have you been racing on the international circuit for?
My first trip to the USA was in 2008 and I’ve raced in the USA for 4 Amateur Seasons, this is my 5th.
What have been some of your highlights during that time?
Winning Races is always a highlight and I managed to win a few Area Qualifier races over the years. In 2012 after coming back from a 4 month lay off due to injury, winning the Kawasaki Tennessee State Championship 250A class and a 3rd Place in the 450A class was great highlight for me.
“The track is only used once a year for the Championships so riders who have qualified in the past have some advantage but for the rest of us first-timers, it’s a clean slate”
You have been trying to qualify for the Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship for the past 5 years and finally it has come together for you and you have qualified. What needs to be done in order to qualify?
Total commitment, focus and consistency through the Area & Regional qualifiers. A committed and disclipined training programme is a key factor to making it happen.
What hardships did you go through that prevented you from qualifying over the past 4 years?
Being away from home for long periods at a young age was tough for me. However, the biggest hardships were injuries and unfortunately in this sport they are bound to happen. I have had my fair share of injuries; a broken femur, fractured wrists and a fractured/ dislocated shoulder to name a few. It’s part of the game though and the secret is to bounce back stronger and more determined.
Now that you have qualified, tell us what the championship entails and how will it affect your motocross career?
Just qualifying for Loretta’s means a lot because for potential sponsors It shows you have what it takes to grind it out and never give up and while good results at Loretta’s are important a lot can happen in one week. Most of my competitors have been to Loretta’s a number of times, they have experience in dealing with 40 degree hot and humid days followed by torrential downpours and mudbaths the next. My ability to adapt and deal with these circumstances is what potential sponsors will look out for and will go a long way in helping me achieve the next objective in my career, which is to turn pro.
How is the championship run and what are your goals for the Championship?
I have qualified in 2 classes – Open Pro Sport and 250A. We will have 3 x 25 minute Motos per class over the next 5 days . There are 35 classes competing so I have one race each day and 2 races on Friday. My final 250A race on Saturday 3 August will be televised live on NBC in the US. For more information like rider roster and race orders check out this website. My goals are to get good starts and stay out of trouble on the first lap. A clean run in each heat generally leads to good results and that’s what makes a good week at the Ranch. At the end of the week I want to feel I gave it my all and had some fun doing it.
Who do you think is going to be your main competition?
The other 39 riders who have also qualified.
Are there any other South Africans that have qualified to race the championship?
Yes. Enrico Narbonese – College B/C and Mathew Malan – School Boy 1
What track will the championship be held at?
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills Tennessee, USA.
Have you had any experience on that track?
No experience riding the track but as a spectator last year I learned a lot. The track is only used once a year for the Championships so riders who have qualified in the past have some advantage but for the rest of us first-timers, it’s a clean slate.
How have you been preparing for this championship?
After qualifying, my trainer Richard put me on an intense fitness programme and I have been putting in lots of time on the track and have also gone back to a lot of the basics; fitness, endurance and strength training combined with a healthy diet.
What is your key to getting the holeshot?
Can’t tell you as I have the Key.
What goals do you have for your motocross career?
Ultimately to turn professional and get noticed and recruited by one of the many MX Teams in the world.
Any shout outs?
Mom & Dad, Hylton Beattie – who has assisted me since 2002 on this long road, Thor, Parts Unlimited, G2 Trading, Transcom Sharaf, Total Control Racing.
Since I started racing I have to thank the following for all their support and assistance; Mike Shields & Andrew O’ Shea (Tireless Work in My Junior Days), Jim & Marcia Neese, Alistair & Anna Craik, Uncle Derek, Triangle Cycles, Greg Harvey – Automotorcycles, Jim Tarantino – TRP Distributors, Bridge Shipping Group, Russell Campbell, Butch Hirsch, Game Services, Langston Racing, Dean McMaster, Mike Strydom and Mark Gericke.
