This Week in Yamaha History: Henry in '98
Thursday, June 14, 2012 | 10:30 AM
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PrintIt was as bittersweet a win as they come—Doug Henry’s victory at the 1998 Budds Creek National set off feel-good vibes all over the track, but it took many years of pain for Henry to get to that point.
In 1995, Henry came into Budds trailing Honda teammate Jeremy McGrath by just a few points in the standings, and he led MC in a fantastic battle for second place in the first moto. If the race would have ended at that moment, Doug would have left with the points lead, but instead he created one of the most memorable (and scary) images in the history of the sport.
He accidentally grabbed a handful of throttle at the top of a huge downhill jump and launched down the mountain—maybe higher and further than anyone had seen a dirt bike go. He landed with a horrific thud and smashed his back, literally, to pieces. Henry’s season was over, and many thought his career, as well.
Doug Henry got his revenge at Budds Creek in 1998.
Racer X Archives photo
Amazingly, he would return to racing the next year, but in 1997, bad luck struck again at Budds when he crashed his works YZ400M on an uphill double. That first four-stroke was hard to tame, and Doug paid the price, breaking both arms in the crash.
This heartbreak set up his triumph at the track in 1998, perhaps the best dish of revenge ever served to a motocross track. Henry would use that breakthrough Budds win to power on to the 1998 AMA 250 National MX Championship. And since then, the massive jump where Henry touched down will forever be known as Henry Hill. And the fans at Budds Creek will never forget.
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Doug Henry is awesome, that is all.
Doug Henry was always a class act. One of my all time faves. He's had a horrendous string of bad luck follow him throughout his life, but he's always seemed to stay positive.
I remember riding the practice track at Englishtown years ago in late February/early March. We had a run of decent weather going, but it was still frozen up in Mass or Connecticut where Henry is from (I forget which). Anyway, I'm railing the inside of a turn, thinking I'm half good, when some nutcase on a Yamaha with a Henry jersey goes blowing by me on the outside so fast, I thought my graphics were gonna fall off. Yup, it was THE Doug Henry. One of my happiest memories on a dirt bike is just being on the same track as Henry at the same time.
I believe he was down 1 point, 117 to 118 if i remember right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJvHxAgOXV0&NR=1
Jim he is from CT, I have rode with him many times over the years, here and there even at his house many times. Raced with him too. Still see him. You should see how fast he still goes to this day!!
One of the Best to come from the North East. Great attiude and an animal on a dirt bike. This guy had and still has the heart of a Champion!
Yes Doug Henry iis one of the true legends in our sport. Soon as I saw the caption for the article I got goose bumps cause I kne it was gonna be about those crashes and his comeback. Too bad he crashed there in supermoto and hhe has set up his bike so he can still ride. From what people say he stil flies with that rig!! I also saw him win at the Dallas supercross the year of the mud race, but that track when it rained was like riding on ice with a layer of snot on it cause it was so hardpacked. Anyone that rode the GNC race the day after the Dallas supercross in 88 I think? can attest to that. I rode it and it was tough. Just making it through the whoops was a feat in itself.
BillC thats cool to have Doug Henry to ride with from time to time.
Good guy always will be!!!!!!!!
Nothing like Henry , but I would like to tell a story,
I geos like this " In a time long ago in a place far away called Cycle World at StPeter's MO. The Propoter ED Shultz (sp?) decided to run the Pro/ Ecpert clases backwords on the track. Well back then some of the tracks had these things we called camelhumps. This one was prettey easy riding the track foward, but going backwards we had a hill and a 190 degree turn then downhill about 30 to 40 foot. Of cours we grabbed a handfull of throttle for about 2 seconds. Well my throttle cable broke. I was on the first Monoshock 125 well I hit that thing full throttle in whatever gear I was in! I went strait up and up and up! Finnally I lost altitude. Then the bike just dropped straight down. I landed on some soft ground but still brole off both footpegs and bent the metal in my High Point boots. I dont think my feet have ever recoved? The Guy's on the starting line said they had never saw a bike that high in the air. I was lucky and the bike just fell flat on two wheels and some soft ground. I remeber just wondering when I would stop going up? Then I went straight down.
If Meuller is on this site he saw it.I think he was the person that told me that I was kinda high. At least I did not get hurt too bad. Never been that high on a bike since!
AW heck what do you care I am not trying to compare myself with Doug Henry just though some of you would get a laugh out of it! Remember this was only in 75 I think?
Hey Fred I need some tard pills after that story.........
Welker...Always good to hear a fellow dirt biker story. Every one of us who rode those ole bikes (mineTM125) can see that happening. They were not very reliable and did not have the suspension to take a hit like that! I snapped a front axle on landing once from a 15' drop off. We were not as fast or rezealiant as Doug Henry but we all have stories.Thanks for sharing!
For the last year I have worn a blue Doug Henry wrist band..on it is states " Whats stopping you? Its all the motivation I need!!! BillC next time you see Doug give him a big THANK YOU from all of us. He is a very special person!!!!
Welker Thats a great story and BD25 your he keeps all of us with a positive attitude. Me personally hate those stuck throttle stories but as long as you didn't get hurt. Bultaco's used to hang up with those mahle carbs (I'm sure thats spelled wrong) I hate when that happens!
A while back I saw some pics of him riding a dirt bike with a roll cage. Amazing man and a hell of nice person.
Awesome person, a great warrior, and one of the best heros a sport could have!
@Welker- good story! But I warn you those tard pills that fred has will make you stupid for days! lol
@JaminGeorge- I raced a 75 Bultaco 250 Pursang back in the day. But if I remember correctly the bike rode nice. The brakes weren't a $hit, cluthes burned out quick, and ate pistons like candy. I guess thats why they call them "back in those days"
Jammin George Had a friend break his 75 Bultaco 250 frame in half when landing from a jump at Ponca City. He was shaken up but not hurt, he did not fix the bike, put it in the dump then went and cussed the guy he bought it from...ah good times
Mr Mx Cannot image watching Doug hit the ground in person, especially knowing him personally, it looked terrible when I saw it on Motoworld..the fact he came back next year is amazing ..then breaking both arms in 97, seems like I remember seeing that to on Motoworld, Doug having to have some one remove his helmet..then there he was at another race,again on Motoworld, cheering on his teamate with both arms in a cast...remarkable man you are blessed to be friends with him as is BillC.....
My favorite: came out of retirement (one race) led some laps and passed RC!!! back for the lead dont remember where but it was awesome!!!!
Good read, even the comments.There are some things everybody agrees on.
About 6 years ago I was at a LL area qualifier at Budds and had my clutch hand landed on by a goon coming over Henry Hill (reversed direction) which took me out of racing for almost a year. So yeah, I'm just like Doug Henry. Haha
Is there anything else you'd want from a Pro athlete? I'm fifty years old, followed his career from his NESC days. Whenever I've been in his presence I've been in awe of his drive, his ability and his humility. What a family.
Handdragger, you're an idiot.