Donny Schmit

Donny Schmit was an American professional motocross racer, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 17 January 1967 and dead on 19 January 1996. He began racing on a Honda XR75 bought by his father, rode as an amateur for Kawasaki's Team Green and turned professional in 1986, winning two AMA 125cc West Region Supercross races in his first season. He was named AMA Rookie of the Year in 1988 and in 1989 was the best placed non-factory rider in the AMA 125 series. Signed by Team Bieffe Suzuki for the Grand Prix world championships, he won the 125cc world title in 1990 and, riding for Chesterfield Yamaha, the 250cc title in 1992. His 15 Grand Prix victories were a record for an American rider. He died of aplastic anemia and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2002.