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 1998 U.S. Open Champion - Damon Huffman
If anyone had faith in Damon Huffman at the inaugural 1998 U.S. Open, they could have placed a lot of money in their pockets. He started the weekend with 20-1 odds from the MGM Grand’s Sports Book.
Finishing a consistent second place in both nights of racing, Huffman tucked away a cool $100,000 in his pocket as the overall winner. While Huffman captured 12 AMA Supercross Lites wins during his career, he has only one AMA Supercross main event on February 22, 1997 in Atlanta.
“It was definitely a big thrill and probably the biggest accomplishment of my career,” said Huffman. BY looking at other sports, such as golf and tennis, the U.S. Open is one of the biggest events of the year.”
Huffman hoped to use the momentum he gained at the U.S. Open to parlay a break season in AMA Supercross. Things didn’t pan out for the Valencia, California native. He finished sixth overall in supercross and 13th overall in motocross.
Before announcing his retirement from professional racing, Huffman paired with Jean-Sebastien Roy on the Blackfoot Honda team to contest the Canadian Motocross Nationals. The entire industry celebrated Huffman’s retirement at the 2005 U.S. Open. Serving as the guest of honor in the VIP area, Huffman and his winning Kawasaki motorcycle were on hand to take in the gala event.
“I've had a long career and have had a lot of success, and was very lucky to do what I've loved to do for so long,” said Huffman. “I have ridden bikes since the age of four and raced professionally for fourteen years. I have won races in seven different countries, including two Supercross championships, a World Supercross championship and the U.S. Open of Supercross. It has been a great ride. I have had some awesome teammates and have ridden on some great teams.”
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