Donny missed the first few 125 West rounds in 1988 because of a preseason injury. He won races but couldn't overcome that early points deficit. When Supercross headed east, Donny raced the 250 class. He was just outside the top ten in his first race at Pontiac. At his next race in Tampa, Donny was in third early in the Main behind championship favorites, Jeff Ward and Rick Johnson. He then passed Johnson for second. RJ, who was riding with a "secret" broken finger, was dicing with Ron Lechien for third. They slowed each other down as they fought, but once "Dogger" was past Johnson, he quickly passed Donny, as did "Too Hip" a lap later. Donny's fourth place made him the first Minnesota-born rider to get a top five in 250 Supercross.

Taking a break from his Pro-Am schedule in 1986 to race at Plainview

He was consistently in the top ten outdoors as the Motocross tour headed to Secession MX in South Carolina. Donny finished seventh in the first 125 moto but won the second moto. With all the contenders having uneven scores in the dusty conditions, his 7-1 tally gave him the overall. He became the first Minnesota-born rider to win a US Motocross National.

Visualizing a perfect berm shot while walking the Cambridge track

His results were on the upswing as the late-season Millville round approached. Donny didn't disappoint the loud and enthusiastic home crowd, winning the first moto in dominant fashion and the overall. Donny's fifth in the 125 Motocross championship earned him the 1987 Rookie of the Year award.

Back with US Suzuki in 1988, he finished second in 125 Motocross. His only win was at Millville where he secured the overall with a thrilling come from behind ride in the second moto. Neither Suzuki, nor any of the other teams, signed Donny for 1989. The factories were putting an increased emphasis on 250 Supercross. His strong outdoor results were just not enough to offset his injury plagued 250 Supercross season.

Donny leads the way in the first 125 moto in 1988

Without a ride for the first time in his pro career, Donny showed up at Pro Circuit early in 1989 and asked for help. Mitch Payton was happy to do just that. Donny and his eventual wife, Carrie, would travel the 125 Motocross circuit in a E-150 Ford Van. Donny and his Honda had one of the best privateer seasons in the 125 class since the 70s. The three in front of him were all factory riders on strong teams. He beat every member of Team Suzuki and was never out of the top ten overall despite two DNFs, one mechanical issue, and several first turn crashes. The US teams still showed little interest in signing him.

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