The Roger DeCoster Story
No one's name is more closely identified with motocross racing than Roger DeCoster's. The Belgian star won his first 500cc World Championship in 1971, before any of the young riders now racing for Team Suzuki were even born.
DeCoster went on to claim four more world titles, in 1972, '73, '75 and '76, establishing a style and defining the sport for many top-caliber riders who followed. In the process, DeCoster rode to 16 victories in Motocross de Nations and Trophy de Nations events.
While DeCoster's most significant racing success came on the world circuit, held mostly in Europe, he also showed his unmatched skill in the United States, winning the Trans-AMA series in 1974, '75, '76 and '77. So dominant was DeCoster that many race watchers simply called him "The Man."
 All of those amazing achievements came while DeCoster was riding a bright yellow Suzuki. He rejoined Suzuki for the 1995 season, but in a different capacity, as team manager for the U. S. racing team. Since then, DeCoster has overseen the reemergence of Team Suzuki, first as a serious contender and then a championship winner. Since 1995, Team Suzuki has captured East and West Coast AMA 125cc Supercross championships, won the AMA 125cc and 250cc Outdoor National Championships as well as the FIM World Supercross Championship. In 2001, Suzuki again finished the season on top of the U.S. motocross scene, with Travis Pastrana claiming the AMA 125cc Eastern Region Supercross Championship title.
For the 2002 season, DeCoster continues to help develop Suzuki's RM race bikes, and looks forward to seeing Kevin Windham and Travis Pastrana racing under the 250cc Sobe Suzuki team banner, along with the new in-house 125cc Blimpie Suzuki team of Danny Smith, Shane Bess, Buddy Antunez and Branden Jesseman, go on to more success and, hopefully more championships.
"I don't know anything but racing," DeCoster said. "After all these years, I still enjoy the racing. It's kind of a hobby for me. I think anytime you can do your job and earn a living with your hobby, you're pretty lucky."
 |
Back to Article Archive
|
