Donnie Kaelin

Remember When?

Donnie Kaelin

02-03-07

Donnie Kaelin, Jeffersonville, IN, raced his first race in 1981 on a borrowed YZ 125 that belonged to Billy Abel. He was 14 years old and was at a track called Dry Branch Motocross near Buffalo, KY. which was co-owned and operated by the Willian's. He was impressed by Billy Abel's and Tommy Watts speed that day at Dry Branch and so he began his quest to participate in the sport of motocross.

He also was influenced by the older guys in his neighborhood. They rode Elisinore Hondas on a track behind the University of Louisville East Campus off of Shelbyville Road. Donnie had a "Z" he would ride in a circle around these guys when they would take breaks. When Donnie first started competing he race his Yamaha YZ 125 and Kawasaki KX 125 in the 125 class and schoolboy class. But his first bike was a 250. He used to go out in the garage and just sit on it. "I thought it was so cool." His favorite track was Nevin Park in Corydon, IN where he he rode 80's all the time. But today, Kaelin has a long list of favorites ranging from Daniel Boone, Podium One, Ballance, Poplar Ridge to Mammoth East and Broome Tioga in New York.

As a young rider, he marveled at all of the pros of his day and had posters of such riders as Bob Hannah, Jeff Ward, Broc Glover, Rick Johnson, Johnny O'Mara, Danny "Magoo" Chandler, Chuck Sun and David Bailey plastered all over his bedroom walls. He also followed two of the fastest Kentuckians careers at that time, Billy Abel and Tommy Watts. Some of his past sponsors were Bob Hook Chevrolet, Simple Green, WD 40, Yamaha of Troy, VP, Scott, JT, DG, F&S Suzuki, Bill's Pipes, Honda of Troy, Westwood, and his parents. Besides motocross, Kaelin also rode BMX bikes all the time growing up. "Friends would always ride to the track at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park after school everyday." He graduated from Oldham County High School and attended 1 year of college at Eastern Kentucky University and also the University of Louisville.

While competiting in motocross, Kaelin had a few mishaps with a broken collarbone, broken thumb, ribs and a collapsed lung. But some embarrassing moments have occurred also such as forgetting to turn the gas on, or forgetting to take out the silencer plug. He said he has even been at the gate and reached for his googles before and forgot that they were in his vehicle. But his greatest achievements were never giving up, having fun, staying relaxed and focused and working through his injuries to do well in a race series. His biggest disappointments were the down time from the injuries and the two strokes going extinct.

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Donnie is very close to his family, who live in Peewee Valley, KY. He also is very proud to tell you that his Grandfather is doing great also. He is getting ready to turn 101 years old. Kaelin gives credit to his Father for making a difference. Kaelin had this to say, "The one person who involved me in motocross that made the difference would be my Father! Thanks Dad!" Kaelin is single and works for a local healthcare provider in Louisville covering the East and Southeast regions. He attends Southeast Christian Church and enjoys hanging out with his dogs when at home. And he still loves the sport of motocross. He lives only 10 minutes from Podium One.

Kaelin owns a Honda CR250r that he races in the 30+, 25+ Unlimited and/or 250 class depending if it is an indoor or outdoor race. "I really enjoy getting pumped to do motos on race day by watching the younger riders, like Daniel Baker, Logan Spoonamore, and Tyler Bowers." "I like going to Loretta's for the amateur championships and feeling that level of excitement and the buzz there. I want to pull for the underdog family!" Kaelin added. He continued by saying, "I have really enjoyed the sport year after year and have been happy with the progression of the track and motorcycles. I want to keep it easy and have fun. I will continue to stay in decent health and eat smart, ride my BMX bike at Extreme Park in Louisville, and go to Wednesday night practices at Podium One. I am looking forward to running in a race series in 2007. I would like to do more arenacross and Supercross Fair races in this region sometime in the future."

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