More than 20 years ago, factory Honda rider Marty Hart scored his first three-wheeled ATV motocross championship. After he enjoyed strong factory support in the early to mid-'80s, Hart's racing career went stagnant following the factory pullout in late 1986. Hart and his new mechanic, Loren Duncan, gave it one more run in 1989. He won his last championship that year and then retired. We caught up with Hart at this year's ESPN Great Outdoor Games to discuss his experiences.
ATVR: What inspired you to begin racing three-wheelers?MH: When I was younger, my friends and I spent a lot of time riding motorcycles. I eventually made the switch to a three wheeled ATV because i felt it was more challenging to ride. Pro factory Honda racers Marty Smith and Marty Tripes were my idols, and I wanted to be like them but on three wheels.
Most of us are aware of your factory sponsorship. How did you land it? In the early days of my career, I raced for motorcycle legend Broc Glover on a Yamaha three-wheeled ATV. Our team beat factory Honda racer Dean Sundahl-who had won approximately 40 races in a row-in a desert race. A few days later, Honda called, and we signed the deal.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming riders who dream of picking up a factory deal?Quit worrying so much about building the fastest machine on the track and focus on training and improving your riding style. When you can ride your quad to its limits, then build a faster motor. Fast machines are not the answer to winning; dedication, determination and desire are what it takes. Ride what you have and train to win.
When did you win your first championship? How many followed?When I first began racing, they did not keep up with series points. The first series championship took place in 1984, and I won. I went on to win the '85 and '86 seasons as a factory Honda racer. In December '86, Honda decided to can the team, and we went from hero to zero. The next year, everyone switched to quads, and I only entered various races that year. In '89, I decided to give it one more year and raced the Mickey Thompson series aboard a quad. I won that year and decided to end my ATV racing career.
You had some great battles on the track. Who were your toughest competitors?I battled with extremely talented riders including Jimmy White, Mike Coe, Rodney Gentry, Donnie Banks and (ATVR publisher) Sean Finley. All of these guys were great riders, but my most intense bar-banging race competitor was Kawasaki's White. My most memorable racing moments are when Jimmy and I were battling it out on the track.
What did you do when the factories pulled out of the sport?The prestige of ATV racing disappeared, and the paychecks went away, making it hard to support a full-time race career. It just took all of the fun out of it. Although I did enter various ATV races, I began racing cars for a short time and started my own glass company, which is still in business today.
Loren Duncan was your mechanic before the inception of Duncan Racing. Tell us about the young Duncan.Before Loren started wrenching on my quads, he and his dad were building four-stroke motors out of a shop in San Diego. After the factories withdrew, Loren approached me about working on my quads. I was looking for 100 percent professionalism, and Loren seemed a little rough around the edges. At one point, I even had doubts as to whether I could continue with him as my mechanic. He assured me he would get his program together, and we went on to win the '89 Mickey Thompson series. Now, he is one of the most successful and professional motor builders in the industry as well as a great friend.