Early in 1986, Donny Schmit was about to compete in his first professional race, the first round of the 125 West Supercross series. Sitting on the line at Anaheim Stadium, armed with a potent Team Green KX125, the Bloomington native had already come a long way since "getting last every race" on an XR75. He would go so much further.

Tom Benolkin burst onto the national scene in the late 70s, riding for US Kawasaki in 1981 and 82. After his early retirement, no other Minnesotan had that level of success, but throughout the 80s, District 23 continued to grow stronger. It was within this environment that Donny made his way through the amateur ranks. The relentless determination that would be a constant throughout his career was evident from the start. His first full D23 season was 1980, but only two years later, he won both Mini Expert and 100cc Expert. He would go on to win six D23 championships, capped off in 1985 with 125 and 250 titles and a 125A National Championship.

Donny and his dad, Dave Sr., racing the father son race at Mora

Boden Soderbeck leads Bruce Gates and Donny in the early 80s

At a 1983 regional in Iowa, Donny (511) cuts inside as everyone pushes wide

After riding Yamahas for most of his D23 career, he signed with Team Green in 1985. He moved up to Pro-Am in 1986. Besides the 125 West Supercross races, he could compete in a limited number of nationals and still be eligible for amateur events. In his first Supercross Main, Donny led laps and finished second. He earned his first race victory, and the points lead, two races later. He would go on to win the 1986 125 West Supercross championship. After cleaning up at the big amateur events, and showing that he could run with the pros outdoors, Donny signed with Team Suzuki for 1987.

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