Interview by Chris Cumbo #2G
Name: Eric “Doc” Clemson
Age: 60
Home Town: Foothill Ranch, CA
Class: 58 Master
Bike: Kawasaki KX450
Number: 161G (Unofficially #61G)
Editor’s Note – Eric Clemson had a fantastic 2022 season racing with the South Chapter. He kept number 1 rider Mike Giem honest all the way to the end, with several epic battles occurring at Glen Helen! Eric came up just 4 points shy of taking the championship, finishing 2nd overall. Good job Eric!
How did you get into motocross racing?
“My next oldest brother, Bill Clemson, gave me the motocross bug. Back in the day my brother used to roost my butt… Then things changed. I got faster and I never looked back!”
Tell us about the racing you did out in Utah.
“I would fly up to Salt Lake airport and race the RMR series. Bill would pick me up in a toy hauler with two freshly loaded and prepped race bikes. We would race Friday night. Then on Saturday we would go free riding. On Sunday morning Bill would drive me back to the airport and I’d back to work on Monday.”
Bill: “One year there was another competitor that was having a “problem” with getting 3rd place finishes behind the Clemson brothers. This one guy in particular kept coming over to our pits and wanted to fight because he was getting beat fair and square. Mainly, he was just a sore loser! Then his wife showed up and said she was going to get her gun. Next thing I know a couple police cars show up. Eric and I took off to the grandstands to watch the races until the circus in the pits was over.”
What other states have you raced at and what are the names of the tracks?
“Colorado’s Thunder Valley MX track.”
Have you had any injuries?
“I blew my shoulder out 3 times and I cannot ride without knee braces anymore. At the warm-up race a few weeks ago at DT1 I jumped a little double and cross-rutted, hit a hole, then crashed. That’s why my hip is black and blue.”
What are your thoughts on the season points situation? (Interview taken at the 2022 Valley National)
“This year I’ve had many races where I received 34 points because I am the only rider in the 58 master class at most races. Mike Giem was winning in the expert class and picked up a lot of 35 point wins. Mike accumulated a lot of points. Anytime he won his class I’d lose a point. I only missed 1 National race weekend at Hollister Hills and 1 local race at American MX.”
What is your game plan going into the final round of the National Series?
“Race as fast and safe as I can and get as many points as I can.”
Any comments on the DT1 track from your master class viewpoint?
“I love the track and jumps are big, but safe. The only jump I’m not doing is the double into the whoops. I’m just too old to take that risk. I do see more masters out here and we have masters in two races this weekend. So, everyone have fun and be safe and that is my recommendation for this weekend!
How often do you practice for a race such this National?
“I ride 2 to 3 times a week. Wednesday nights at Perris and Glen Helen on Thursday afternoons. Unfortunately, I rolled my bike hauling truck, so now I have to use my work truck to go to practice and load and unload between jobs and practicing.
Lanny George and I are of similar speed. I get to chase Lanny around the different tracks where we practice at. When I’m riding with a slightly faster rider, it makes me faster.”
National races include a dinner and raffle on Saturday nights. What is your plan for Saturday evening?
“I plan to win all the prizes, eat all the food, and be ready to race tomorrow morning!”
Eric would go on to win all 4 motos in his class at the 2022 Valley National. I asked him to provide a breakdown of each moto:
Moto 1
“Well I pulled the holeshot in the second gate with 58 experts and the 58 masters and led wire to wire! I passed 6 riders from the first gate, which were the 52 experts and masters. I would have finished 6th place in that group of guys in the first gate.”
Moto 2
“I had a terrible start. I stalled my bike on the starting line. I just blew it. I hit the button twice to start it up and I took off. I passed 4 riders from the first gate. I had to ride all the inside lines. I did the triple from the inside rut!”
Moto 3
“The track was unbelievable. I pulled a holeshot and by the second lap I was catching up with the first gate. I actually caught Mike Giem and was closing in on John Lombardo. I needed a few more minutes before that checkered flag came out to try and catch John.
I overjumped into a small bump before the step up… I want to give a shout-out to Clover Hill Suspension which is run by Mr. Shane Baxter and a shout-out to Faster USA who does my wheels!”
Moto 4
“Well, I survived and rode my race on a tougher track. I really liked all the OTHG South Chapter riders cheering me on as I went around the course chasing down riders in the first gate!”
Any shout-outs to the South Chapter?
First, I’d like to say that everyone is super friendly. I couldn’t believe it, but after my first race Starr, Becky, and Criss all knew my name and my friend’s names.
I want to give a shout-out to Jeffry Pennington #33G, John Lombardo #42G, Lanny George #80G, and Mike Giem #726G. We have fun, clean racing!”
Congratulations to Eric Clemson on becoming Rider of the Month for December 2022!
Click any of the images below to enlarge:
Congratulations on rider of the month Eric! Looking good out there. Keep putting the pressure on its making us all go faster. Cheers