450 Words: Chatting with John Dowd
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Forty-six year old former factory Yamaha and Kawasaki rider (as well as multiple-time Southwick winner) John Dowd was looking for a good showing this past weekend on a track he knows well. Did you get the forty-six year old part? Okay, good. Anyways, Dowd’s been racing a few nationals this year in order to get the requisite number of points to hold on to his permanent number (#16) and to be honest, it wasn’t looking good.
The Junkyard Dog squeaked into the top-twenty at Millville in one moto and failed to qualify at Unadilla. He needed to come through big on the track he’s always called home. What he needed was the Southwick faithful to step up and help him into the top-ten in both motos. And that’s exactly what Dowdy did. With crappy starts but his infamous determination, Dowd ended the day with impressive 9-8 scores. He also secured the points needed to hang onto #16 another year. Racer X caught up to Dowd as he was getting ready to head out to Hooters (seriously!) to celebrate.
Racer X: Junkyard, great ride today and much better than the last two nationals. Congrats!
John Dowd: Yeah, you call those rides? At least I rode today as opposed to Unadilla. I thought I rode good there (at Unadilla), I thought I put in a good lap and it was close but not good enough. It’s pretty solid in that class (the 450s) right now. Even today I was something like 29th in qualifying and it’s like cheating for me out there on this track! So anyways, it was a good day. It was nasty but I was trying to stay up and survive.
Dowd finished 8th overall at Southwick to hold onto his #16 for another year.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Didn’t look like you got good starts, either.
First moto was horrible, I was way out there and just tried to make it though. The second moto, it wasn’t too bad. I came out okay but all-in-all, I tried to stay safe out there for the first few laps. I knew it was going to get ugly out there--especially the second moto--with guys dropping, crashing, blowing up, whatever.
Looks like you kept your number, which is cool.
Yeah that’s nice because I wasn’t planning on going to Steel City or Pala! So if it didn’t happen, it was going to be the end of an era. It’s over and I’m psyched that I get to keep it. The only bad thing is I have to do this whole thing next year. (Laughs)
You’ve raced here a ton, how bad was it out there in the second moto?
I don’t think I’ve ever raced it worse. It was pretty bad, it was gnarly out there and I felt like I was barely riding. Half of the guys faster than me fell down. It’s nasty peg-dragging ruts everywhere, it’s sloppy and deep out there. It didn’t have the standing water, but sometimes, sloppy deep ruts are worse.
Did we mention Dowd is forty-six years old?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
And despite your age, it looked like you were getting better as the motos wore on.
Yeah, you know this place is weird for me. I got tired around the halfway point but I backed it down for a couple of laps and then got better. I lost some ground to, I think, Jimmy Albertson and Justin Brayton there, but then I was able to mount another charge to get them. This place, as I’ve always said, is about finding your groove. I’m in okay shape, not great shape. I’ve been working on things to try and get better but it’s hard at my age. I’ve been watching results and it’s going to be tough, the guys are really going fast. I got work, family and all that stuff.
Most memorable Southwick for you, do you have one that stands out?
It’s hard to say really. Maybe the year that I beat Ricky (Carmichael) here. I won the overall in the 125 class. It was nasty and wet here that day as well. I won the 250 class the year before and that was really cool. I won both motos by 20 seconds or something. That was cool. Even a couple of years ago when I got second was pretty awesome. This place has some great memories for me for sure.
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so glad this amazing man got some recognition for this colossal accomplishment! I've had the chance to race and converse with him and believe him to be one of the friendliest, most respectable men in motocross. The fact that he continues to perform at the level that he does inspires me to strive for the best in my own life. Thank you John Dowd!
By the way your "biggest story from southwick" survey is missing the correct answer. It's John Dowd scoring a top 10 at 46 years of age and retaining this lifetime number yet another year. That is a MAJOR achievement!
Way to go Dowdy!!! That is so badass!
If Kawi had given him a 2012 like RV2, Dowd would have lapped the field!
WHO SAYS OLD GUYS CAN'T ROCK!!! CONGRATS!!! WISH HE WAS RIDING PALA THOUGH. I HAVE AN 8 X 10 PHOTO OF HIM BLASTING THE WHOOPS AT GLEN HELEN THAT I WANT AUTOGRAPHED!!! GUESS I HAVE TO MAKE A TRIP BACK EAST NEXT YEAR OR MAYBE HE WILL MAKE AN APPEANRACE
AT A RETRO THEMED SUPERCROSS AT ANAHEIM!!! KEEP ROCKIN DOWDY!!!
JD is one of the reasons I keep racing, let's just say we are close the same age, but I have a full head of hair. The guy is core to the bone, doesn't have the ego that makes most older guys park it. He just has fun and that's what the sport is all about. I'm almost tempted to buy a KX, but naw, love my YZ too much and besides JD will always be a Yamaha guy to me!
SeattleMX is correct,, J D finishing top 10 is for sure the biggest story at southwick.
Very inspiring Mr Dowd. Congrats to for u whipping the kids,,,,,,,
Had anyone seen that stand under Dowd's bike? I'm trying to find out who makes them.
GO DOWDY! Still going strong!
I am 40 and still race a YZ125, one of the reasons is because of the Junk Yard himself...great showing at Southwick John
JD = best old timer ever. If RC and JD got it on today, I mean right now, I´d put my bucks on JD. He´d kick RC´s arse, which makes him.............? That´s right, the GOAT. LOL.
I wish I could still race... I'm in my 40's too! Good job Dowd!!!
Maybe he's the GOGOAT Greatest Old Guy Of All Time.
Like Metty, here's another guy that's easy to like. I can't remember him ever really saying something negative about anyone or anything, and he's had a lot of interviews.
Unbelievable!! This guy is awesome. I am in my mid 30s and he keeps me inspired to stay in shape. Keep it up year after year Dowd inspiration to everyone!!
Dowdy should go for it till he hits 50!!! Look at what Jeff Fredette has done. 30 something consecutive ISDE finnish`s.
I say cover dammit !! he didn't get it when he got 2nd a few years ago, or every suscriber should Boycott !! lol Show some love to us "Old Guys"
I did his ride day at 338 but now I'm in Afghanistan having just read this. Luckly I internet once in a while. Way to go Dowdy! See you at the National next year!
I have a photo of him on my desk that I took when he was a Factory Kawi rider during one of the KROC events at Englishtown, NJ. Its an old photo, but I keep it displayed because he has such awesome style on the bike, such a great personna, and is an all around great guy. So stoked he gets to keep his number. Will definitely make the trek to 338 next year to see him ride one more time.
Really though, Dowd is a family man, Moto Dad who just happens to still be Rocket fast, Isn't that the type of rider we all want to be, When I was in IRAQ and called my son he complained that "No Unadilla, what if John Dowd retires Dad ?" and that was in 2007, Stay safe Deployed !
lawrence, hansen, and cp need to hire John Dowd as a trainer, some slaps will be good for them!
WAY TO GO MR. DOWD!! WHO'S THE NEXT OLDEST GUY TO HOLD A NATIONAL NUMBER?
when john can no longer score 25 pts., retire his number. 16 should stay with him
Shite! in 4 more years he'll be 50. I don't think a top-ten is out of the question. What a great racer though, my best memory is of him tailing Carmichael in the 125 class at Hangtown.
-Motovator
It would be cool if he can hold that number until he's 50 (half century)
I have to admit I am a nascar enthusiast. I attended the southwick race and it was bar none the most boring motorsport I have ever witnessed. So friggin slow! My buddy told me you have to be in shape to race dirt cycles. How? You rely on a motor for Pete's sake! I will not be back! Can I get my $ back? Later Motorcross!
TO THE NASCAR FAN WHAT IS MORE BORING THAN WATCHING CARS GOING AROUND AND AROUND FOR 2 TO 3 HOURS!!!!!! I WAS AT SOUTHWICK AND THAT RACE WAS AWSOME.... I AM A FIFTY YEAR OLD RIDER AND COULDNT RIDE THAT FAST ON A FRESHLY GROOMED DRY TRACK!!!!! GO BACK TO NASCAR. ILL BE RIGHT HERE!!! DOWDY MEET YOU FEW TIMES ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND YOUR STILL A BAD@#$#$$!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep watching those left hand turns nascar fan, real exciting
A great memory for me was him tailing RC at SouthWick in the pouring rain.
A SCALE OF BADASS-NESS 1 BEING NONE 5 BEING CHUCK NORRIS AND A 10 BEING JYD I HOPE YOU KEEP YOUR NUMBER TILL YOUR 50!!
I believe dowd was riding a 2012 kx450
How many people can say they beat Carmichael outdoors?........not too darn many! Guy is incredible!
Is a 46yr old finishing in the top ten against six and seven figure professionals a good thing for our sport? HMMmmmmmmmmmm?
I remember when they called Dowdy old in 94. He was running up front on the Noleen team I think before Craig got hurt and he got the ride. 94!!! unbelievable!!!
of course its good for the sport...better yet its good for mankind!
Awesome again. I enjoyed the heck out of seeing him get 2nd or 3rd in 2003 when he was 'only' 38, on a KTM. Some guy named Carmichael won that day, and Windham and Ferry were up there, but again, Dowd got 2nd or 3rd OA.
the comments say it all ! dowd is motocross!!
hey nascar boy are you kidding me. thats all i have to say on that. dowd is a machine. i will always enjoy watching him ride. I was at unadilla and every time he went by the fans went nuts. dowd you are a bad ass dude
JYD is a prisoner to the #16, now he has to do it again next year. Haha.. Craig is right, when and if that day comes when he can/t defend it, retire the #16. The man is a legend. He deserves it. Dowdy, I'll never forget stopping at the Mcdonalds in Sidney, N.Y. off of I88 after Broome-Tioga one year. There you were so cool and down to earth. You Don't remember, but my son and I will never forget. Thanks.
mabe john and his son will qualifi for the same nat some day
hey nascar guy,you are fu$#ing idiot and i want to fight you! any fat fu#$ can drive acar. southwick,a wet one at that,aint the best track to show off the true spectical that modern mx is,so i will forgive you.it is however a brutally rough test of physical fitness the likes no nascar driver could even imagine.i am a prettyfast 50 yr. old frmr local pro. the fact that dowd can line up race with and even care about still riding at this level is nothing short of amazing ! he shoulid go on a nation wide tour giving motivational speeches on achieving the immposible.
Great ride Dowdy!!! its nice to see you ride again.
Mr Dowd.......Please do not come to the MTA VET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. We all do not want to have to ride that fast!
I too , in favor of his # 16 being retired when John finally does give up racing, to bad the AMA does not have the class and common sense to do it though...John should be racing until he's 50..Also, with all of the different companies out there, I think that it would be a great P.R. move if he was a sponsored rider for the days that he does come out and race National events. I know he gets help now, but a full ride for the day would be great! I'm sure there is a team who can get a bike set-up for him, just so John can continue to get National pts, until he's 50...
I am getting close to the 40yr old mark and I am happy to see Dowdy keeping the fire going and hauling the mail in each of his nationals! I look forward to the Nationals he is riding just to watch in amazement at how fast he is riding with guys half his age that get paid to be in top shape and have full factory backing. PARTY On DOWDY!! Looking for you next year! Take care and Continued success! I ALSO THINK HIS #16 should be retired if and when he cannot defend it anymore. >>Anyone starting a petition for the "AMA should Retire DOWDY's #16" when time comes? :)
MX825 just a correction, Dowd rode for Team Boyesen in '94 not Noleen. At 54, Dowd is my hero!
Don't pay attention to NASCAR boy, he's doing this to get a rise. Maybe in high school he had a really fast car....but couldn't get the girl. The guy racing motocross got the girl and hes bitter. BTW motocross riders rank top 3 as the most physically demanding sport in the world. nuff said.
I think maybe he has already earned that # for life. Maybe all us vet riders should petition the AMA to retire that #16 now. And when John races The Southwick National maybe he should have that red backround,or maybe a different color. The simple fact he qualified not to mention he finished in the top 10 should earn him a place in the motocross hall of fame. Cause he already has The Old Guy Record many times over. The saying goes "40 is the old age of youth,but 50 is the youth of old age" so maybe John will win Southwick when he's 50,or at least another podium. Do you think anyone would break that record? See you at southwick John !
Mr Klean thanks for the correction. I was a teanager on a 125 then. Now I race the vet classes with two little boys riding. Mr. Dowd has always been my hero. Celebrating at Hooters adds to the legend!!!
Age is just a number! Def qualifies for "biggest story from southwick". Good going JYD! Another year in the books, the legend continues. Bring on 50!
It seems like Advil would be a natural sponsor for him. There's more of that in the pits of most vet riders than even the sports creams.
Great dude, Talked to him that morrning, He was at #21 for time after the first round. He said he hates the timed stuff for qualifing. He said oh well it is what it is.
. Ahhhhhhhhhh nice to have the internet back after the storm...I know you guys missed me!!! LOL
Man, what an inspiration. I am so stoked for JYD. I wish I had made the trip to the 'wick to witness it myself. Please come back next year Dowd!
You all said it.
Dowd is one of the best stories in all of motocross, hell all sports for that matter.
Dave Despain should have him on wind tunnel!
John Dowd, You are a great guy and a good rider and congrats! I met you in Michigan 5-6 years ago at a ride with my brother Doug-FMF. You must be in tremendous riding condition. Keep it going!
Tom Muellner Jr.