Darren Murrey is seeing red these days. No, I don't mean he's mad at the world, punching his fist through walls, I mean he lives and breathes Ducati. This Washington native has been quietly making a name for himself over the last few years, finishing last year with a top-five plate in the WMRRA. Sponsorhouse.com would like to congratulate him with a one-year membership to their members-only section. Think you've got what it takes? Click here to submit your name for our Privateer Profile.
By Gregg Lowley

How long have you been racing?
Four years—three have been with a WMRRA expert license and two with an AMA license.

How did you get started in racing?
I wanted to race motocross as a kid, but I didn't get to a racetrack until I was much older and bought a used road race bike in order to try out track days. One track day in Spokane, WA and I new I wanted to race!

Why do you race?
Right to the point ... to challenge myself. I have always enjoyed riding any type of motorcycle, but to search for your best performance and a machine’s limit makes for a thrilling experience. Victory on the racetrack is very addicting too.

Which racing schools have you attended?
Early on I attended Mike Sullivan's school, who is our local master and a great teacher. I was also able to attend Jason Pridmore's Star School with my original LMP Racing teammates. That was a true breakthrough moment for me, I learned how to do a lot of things the right way before I had a chance to create bad habits.

What is your favorite track?
So far it is Laguna Seca because of the sense of history it holds in every corner and it's smooth and fast sweeping corners. Normally I do better on the tight and slow more technical corners, but I really like the pace created at Laguna from the exit of turn 3 to the entrance of turn 6.

If you could race any track in the world, which one would it be?
To narrow it down to one is nearly impossible, but staying true to my favorite red machines: Imola.

Why?
Because I like all things Italian and running a Ducati around that track would definitely be a cultural experience unlike anything in the world.

What are you doing to prepare for the 2006 season?
It actually seems like I have put in the same amount of time as if it was mid-season. First I have been getting new sponsorship in order because we have a new program for 2006 with two new bikes, then I will shift towards helping outfit the bikes, cross training on a motocross bike and workouts to develop stamina, and finally pre-season practice at Thunderhill and our local tracks to get a handle on bike setup.

What's your proudest moment in racing?
For 2005 I was able to share in the success of a WMRRA top-5 plate with my support crew, sponsors, and wife who helped me get there. I covered all of them with champagne ... that's fun!

Your lowest moment?
As with anyone who has raced for a few years there is many, but the worst was blowing a hole through the cylinder head of a brand new superbike motor in practice and knowing oil was spraying all over the side of the bike onto the rear slick at a 120 mph, luckily with no crash. This happened before the bike had ever seen a race. That is really sad.

What's the best thing about racing?
Winning. I admit sometimes you can face an uphill battle that makes for unlikely victory or podium positions, but that doesn't keep you from beating the guy running right in front of you or setting a personal best. To me that has always been another form of winning.

The worst thing?
Simple ... crashing. Having your race cut short by a mistake of yours, a machine failure, or someone else doing something foolish really makes
for a long weekend at the track.

Your weak point?
My fatigue level is ok for a 10-lap sprint race, but longer races at the AMA level will still be a challenge. I have also been working on the "commitment factor" required to run at that level which means thinking a few steps ahead and further down the race track.

Who is your strongest competitor?
I had a near "knock down battle" with Alan Schewn this past season in Open GP Twins. We both took turns setting the pace all year and by the end of most races we were side-by-side in every corner of the last lap.

Then there is the 600 supersport class that has Eli Edwards, Mike Sullivan, and KC Clarke, to name a few, that are all aggressive and push hard ever race.

Who is your biggest supporter?
Like i mentioned before I am lucky enough to have a crew that helps me out trackside: Scott Amell and Mark Appleby. I also have a very supportive wife, Christina, who has always encouraged and supported my racing desires. She rarely misses a race, and this year she will help out even more trackside. With out the support of my much-appreciated sponsors i couldn't compete at the level we have reached as a team.

Do you have a favorite racer?
That is easy these days, Rossi—he makes it look easy. I am also excited to see what Sete Gibernau can do on a Ducati. He is really a smooth rider and I think the Ducati could suit him very well.

What are your future racing goals?
With championships behind me, I only see one goal for 2006: WMRRA #1. Beyond that i want to gain more experience at the AMA level and i hope to enter a few pro. events in 2006.

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