5 Questions with dR

“Donny Robinson has been around for a long time. He’s always been known as the short guy on the track, or the little pocket rocket and so…on. But in todays elite level, Donny has been out front more than anybody else this year. He’s almost won every title there is! With the 08 Olympics around the corner every rider on the gate has plenty to think about. We caught up with dR for a few questions that he was gladly to answer. Thanks D”"Donny, has your focus changed from years past with the 08 Olympics coming up? For sure. Not only do the Olympics play a big part in my approach to the next two years, the fact that I had the season I did in ’06 makes it all the more easy to focus on the bigger picture. I’ve always wanted to be the best and win everything. In 2006 I tried to win every single title possible and I achieved a great deal, but last season left me burnt out big time. Truthfully, after the Supercross race in France I had given my last great mental and physical feat for the year. I proved to myself (and everyone that chose to believe I couldn’t do it) that I was able to win titles. For 2007 and beyond I don’t have to focus and stress about if I can win my first big title. I can train and race smart on an abbreviated schedule and with the help of my trainer German Medina, Greg Romero and all the USAC staff do all the right things to hopefully win Gold in Beijing. With only 3 Elite Men representing the USA in Beijing, How hard is it going to be to make it even if your winning titles like yourself? I’m not focused on just making the team, I want to win Gold. If you only focus on the least you have to do then you won’t achieve the great things you are meant for. I can only go out and do what I know I can do and that’s race the best I know how; everything will fall where it’s meant to from there. Has home life changed now that your a multi-title holder? Are you living large? Yes I’m living large. I live with my parents, I still have no car and my mom still washes all my clothes. Wait, no, I think that’s taking advantage of my parents and not choosing to grow up, that’s what that is. Haha. All the perks that came with winning the titles last year were great, but I’m in no hurry to spend the money on anything more than the necessities at this point. Who has been the biggest support over the years? For sure my parents. They have been with me since the beginning and I wouldn’t be here without them. My dad is going on his 18th year traveling with me to races and he still enjoys going. Even though things are looking up for me, my parents still make it easy for me to continue pursuing my dreams. This month marks a birthday for a very good friend of yours, Mario Soto who has since passed away. How has he affected your drive? It was today, 6 years ago that I got the call from Big E telling me about Mario. I still remember that I did hill sprints and cried during them all. Mario and I were close and we understood each other. How much time and suffering we had to go through to be successful. I wanted to make sure I fulfilled everything for both Mario and myself. I win titles for me, but also for Mario who didn’t have time to win them himself. Mario was first in points after the Christmas Classic in ’00. My goal last year was to also be in that same position, and I was successful at that. To win the UCI Elite Cruiser title last year was big for me because that was also something that Mario did. The 2006 season was definitely something I’m glad I was able to do for both myself and Mario and my drive will continue to be successful for us. I know all this may sound weird, but it’s how I feel. Do you still ride that tiny little seat on your bike? Why? Do you have a small butt or something? Yes, I am still running the little T.H.E. seat. Pete Dylewski was running the seat and he liked it but thought it would be better for me to promote. Was Dale the one who told you I had a small butt? He’s always peepin’ on the dance floor. Haha. Yes, that is true I have a very firm and petite rear and the light T.H.E seat fits me perfectly.”