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Inherit the Wind
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Miguel Duhamel
Jeff Buchanan
04/01/2007
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Nevertheless, having a racing legend for a dad caused its share of
problems. He had to work harder for respect and acceptance. In the early amateur
years, competitors suspected he was using his father’s influence to obtain
modified parts (in actuality, he was riding a 1984 machine during the 1986
season).
Turning pro in 1989, Duhamel quickly established a promising career
completely independent from the immense shadow of his father. The emerging
prodigy delivered the ultimate homage by deliberately acquiring national number
17—the number made famous by his father during his own illustrious career—and
has worn it ever since.
 Duhamel at the office. (Click image to enlarge)
As a professional racer, Duhamel’s talent extends
beyond the magical
touch and physical artistry he brings to riding a motorcycle.
He
approaches motorcycle racing as a many-faceted, calculated industry of speed.
There are the demands on his body, which require a carefully crafted,
intense
workout regimen of weightlifting, bicycling, and cardiovascular
exercises, in
addition to strict dietary considerations. Duhamel has to
understand the
complexities of cutting edge technology in order to work
with his crew to
extract the highest performance out of chassis,
suspension, engine, and tires.
Perhaps most important is the mental preparedness vital to maintaining a
calm presence of mind when the world is blurring past at 180 mph. Despite what
it might look like to the observer, beneath his helmet, Duhamel is a study in
stead composure on the track.
As one of the top motorcycle racers in the
country, Duhamel enjoys the spoils of a devoted fan base and earns a good
living. His loyalty and dedication to Honda has been rewarded with a 12-year
association—an eternity in a sport where riders tend to jump ship from one
season to the next. An articulate, polite man with a legendary sense of humor,
he is an invaluable spokes-person for the manufacturer and has become synonymous
with the company’s racing red livery.
 Duhamel contemplating future Daytona victories. (Click image to enlarge)
But it isn’t all celebrity and
success. In 1998, Duhamel suffered a
horrific crash at the Loudon circuit in New
Hampshire, shattering his
left femur and kneecap. Testament to his willpower and
determination,
just nine months after what would have been a career-ending
injury for
most, he showed up for the season opener at Daytona. His leg was so
stiff, his mechanics had to lift him onto his bike. The fact that
Duhamel was
even going to attempt to ride was astonishing, given that
he was unable to train
in the off-season due to his injuries.
To everyone’s amazement, he won
the race. Once again, his alter ego emerged to quell the immense pain and
discomfort, allowing him to focus on the job at hand. The victory, given the
seemingly insurmountable odds, escalated him to mythic
proportions.
Miguel Duhamel has been at the vanguard of
professional roadracing for 15 years. He was racing before some of his present
competition was born and, as a result, endures nicknames referencing his
longevity. Duhamel doesn’t mind. He is a man at peace with his abilities, proud
of his achievements, and happy with his illustrious career. But he’s far from
finished, or from slowing down. Instead, he’s focused on all that lies ahead
with that signature Duhamel intensity.
www.HondaRedRiders.com
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