World Motocross Grand Prix champion rider Donny Schmit is born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Donny Schmit was a wiry and determined motocross rider who emerged from the unlikely environs of Minnesota to become one of the most successful American racers ever to compete in World Championship Motocross. Schmit was a two-time World Motocross Champion, winning the 125cc title in 1990 before moving up to win the 250cc series in 1992. When he retired, his 15 career victories in World Motocross Grand Prix were the most ever by an American rider. Schmit retired from full-time racing after the 1994 season and tragically died less than two years later on January 19, 1996, (the day before the Minneapolis Supercross), from complications of a rare disease called aplastic anemia. He left a big hole in the hearts of the motorcycle world.
In 2002 Donny Schmit was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
A jump at his hometown track in Millville, MN, "Holy Schmit" is named in his memory.
