Background
Schmit started racing when his father bought him a Honda XR75.
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Donny Schmit
Edit ProfileCareer
He signed with Kawasaki’s Team Green as an amateur. In 1986, Schmit turned pro, winning two American Medical Association 125cc West Region Supercross races in his first season on the pro tour. In 1987, Schmit signed with Suzuki, winning the American Medical Association Motocross National in the 125cc division at Anderson, South Carolina.
By 1988, Schmit was racing in the 250cc American Medical Association Supercross division, but was injured and decided to stay with outdoor motocross.
That season, Schmit had seven podium finishes in American Medical Association 125 motocross, including a Millville victory, and finished runner-up to George Holland. Schmit left Suzuki after 1988 and rode the American Medical Association outdoor nationals as a privateer.
He finished 1989 ranking fourth in the American Medical Association 125 Motocross. He was the top-ranked non-factory rider.
At the season"s end, Team Bieffe Suzuki offered Schmit a sponsorship to ride in the Grand Prix world championships.
Schmit was an immediate success, winning the 1990 125cc world championship. In 1991, Schmit was injured at the Hungarian Grand Prix, causing him to miss much of the remaining season. He rode for Chesterfield Yamaha for two seasons, finishing third in 1993 and seventh in 1994.
At the end of the 1994 season, Schmit retired from full-time racing.
In 1995, Schmit returned to the American Medical Association Nationals at Millville, finishing fourth place for Honda of Troy. He had been awaiting a bone marrow transplant.
His 15 career victories in World Motocross Grand Prix were a record for an American rider. In 2002 Schmit was inducted into the American Medical Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
A jump at his hometown track in Millville, Minnesota, "Holy Schmit" is named in his memory.
Achievements
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He was a two-time Motocross World Champion, winning the 125cc title in 1990 and the 250cc championship in 1992. Schmit also won the 125 national at his home circuit in Millville and finished the year ranked fifth. He was American Medical Association"s Rookie of the Year. In 1992, Schmit rode for Chesterfield Yamaha, and won his second world title, along with five 250 General Practice wins. He also won the Four-Stroke Motocross Championship for CCM in San Bernardino, California.
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Born
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Died
January 19, 1996 (aged 29) -
Nationality
United States