*David Trujillo at X Games Aspen 2020. Photo Credit: Lunkenbein Photography*

For David Trujillo, riding motorcycles has always been more than a passion—it’s a lifestyle. After an injury in 2009 left him paralyzed, Trujillo discovered new ways to fuel his love for two wheels as an Adaptive Motocross and Snow Bike para-athlete. Surrounded by a dedicated team comprised of his family, friends, sponsors, and mentors, Trujillo chooses to live life his own way. In this Dirt Buzz interview, get to know David Trujillo and learn more about his inspiring story.

David, thanks for agreeing to let us interview you. How have things been going, and what have you been up to during these strange times we’re currently living in?

Thanks so much for the interest in my story, things are going very well considering this uncertain time. I've been spending a lot of time with the family as well as making some more modifications to my adapted dirt bike. I recently partnered with Ride Designs to make a custom seat and have also added a front brake to my setup. I've been testing my new components and getting more comfortable! I've also been working on some ideas and side projects.

For those that don’t know your background, if you don’t mind, will you tell our readers some of your personal story, and what inspired you to become a para-athlete?

I'm a 30-year-old Wyoming native. I started riding at age seven when my parents bought me my first dirt bike, a PW80. My Dad was the one who first sparked my passion for riding as I would watch him ride. I grew up free riding and interested in the freedom of freestyle motocross. When I was 19, I decided to take some time to try out racing, practicing for an upcoming local race. On June 20th, 2009, I over jumped a step-up and broke my back resulting in paralysis. After surgery, I spent the next five weeks in rehab at Craig Hospital learning how to adjust to my new life. Within a month after returning home, I was itching to ride so my buddy Matt took me out and we tied my feet to the pegs. Since then, I've been adapting my bike to compensate for the loss of ability in my legs. I’ve modified my bike with a protective cage, electronic shifter, custom seat, custom brakes, custom footpegs, and a seat belt! I got into Adaptive Motocross racing back in 2018 when I discovered an upcoming Para Snow Bike race at X Games Aspen 2019 and knew I wanted to be a part of it!

**“I grew up watching X Games on TV, so to be an X Games athlete is a dream come true!”**
— David Trujillo

Photo Credit: M.J.H. Photography

With all that’s happening right now, it’s crazy to imagine that just a few months ago, you were in Aspen competing in X Games. Tell us about that experience and what it meant to once again compete in such a prestigious event.

Yes, it's wild to think that was just a few months ago, X Games Aspen is such a unique experience in many ways as an athlete. I grew up watching X Games on TV, so to be an X Games athlete is a dream come true! I'm so grateful for my sponsors and crew. It takes an entire team effort to make it all possible! This year I was able to watch a few events trackside thanks to Trackchair Colorado which provided Trackchairs for us adaptive athletes to get around in the snow. I was looking to improve on my previous year's 8th place finish. Practice went good, and I seeded 6th. The track this year was challenging and my goal was to get a good start and make smart decisions. Unfortunately, I got tangled up with Blair Morgan and Danny Baird at the start resulting in Blair and myself crashing. Fortunately, I was able to get back up and going but made a few more mistakes ultimately keeping me out of contention for the top spots. I had a blast with my crew and hope to be back in Aspen next year competing.

Another event you competed in last year was the Travis Pastrana Pro Challenge at Pleasure Valley Raceway in western Pennsylvania, where you were able to meet and hang out with Travis Pastrana. That must have been one incredible experience!

What an experience! On the first day of practice, we crossed paths with Travis Pastrana after checking out his bikes. We were able to get some pictures and talk with him one-on-one, which was unbelievable! He was either racing, sweeping gates, helping us adaptive riders, or signing autographs for fans. He put on such an awesome event, it was so great to be a part of! It was a very surreal moment when Travis Pastrana swept my gate for me before my first race! I got a great jump on the start battling for the holeshot and ended up 3rd out of the first corner. I got cross-rutted in a corner and wrecked, breaking off my extended kick starter. After bump starting, I was able to salvage a 9th place finish for the day. The second day I barely made it to the line. We were having issues getting my bike bump started since my kick starter was broken. The gate dropped while I was still in neutral, which put me at the back of the pack. I slid out in a corner but managed a 7th place finish for the day. I placed 5th overall in the Para class for the weekend. Overall it was one of the best weeks of my life making memories with my crew!

You also connected with another of your heroes, Doug Henry, and have since stayed in touch. Tell us about your experience meeting Doug, and what it means to you to have the support and guidance of such a legendary racer.

The first time meeting Doug Henry, he came over after one of the practice sessions during X Games Aspen 2019 and was asking how I was feeling out there. For the top athlete to take the time to try to help me out was awesome. He's a great role model for us adaptive athletes on and off the track. I've since been able to race against him a few more times, and I trained with him in Wyoming this January before X Games. I learn and grow most by watching and racing with the top competitors.

Who are some other people that inspire you to keep doing what you are doing and continue to be an inspiration and example for others?

I grew up idolizing riders such as Travis Pastrana, Jeremy Stenberg, Ronnie Renner, Brian Deegan, Mike Metzger, Jeremy Lusk, and Tommy Clowers. I loved the freedom and culture of freestyle motocross. I’m also a big fan of Supercross and Motocross, looking up to legendary riders like Doug Henry, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, and James Stewart. Nowadays, my biggest inspiration is my family, crew, and supporters. I also find inspiration from all the other adaptive riders I've met, we all support each other and want to help build our sport!

**“Everyone has dreams, I'm out to prove you can chase your dreams regardless of the barriers ahead.”**
— David Trujillo

Photo Credit: M.J.H. Photography

Family is a significant aspect of racing, and from what we’ve seen, your family really goes the extra mile to support you and your racing efforts. It’s truly a family affair. What does it mean to you to know that your family has your back, no matter what, both on the track and off?

Family is everything to me on and off the track! I definitely wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without all of their support! I'm very grateful for my parents for all the time and money invested in my passion for riding. My wife Evelyn and daughters Darby and Ireland are the heart of my life and crew! They all attend every race helping every step of the way. It takes a group effort, and everyone knows they're job and works together. I'm also accompanied by my long time friend Lauren Hall which has been amazing to have along for the ride and is a great fit on my crew. Before committing to any event, I consult with my crew and sponsors. I owe everything to my support system. I only surround myself with positive people who help build me up!

In addition to riding motocross in the summer, and snow bikes in the winter, you are also a big car guy. Can you tell us more about your interest in cars?

I've had an enthusiasm for cars from a young age, thanks to my Dad and Hot Wheels! As I've aged, my interest has grown, and the cars also have. On my first day of middle school, my Dad arranged for me to get dropped off in one of my dream cars, a Dodge Viper. Five years ago, I purchased my first Ford Mustang GT to commute to work. I instantly fell in love with the journey rather than being focused on the destination! A few years ago, I purchased my current Mustang GT and joined the Mustang Car Club of Colorado. I enjoy cruises and car shows with the club when I'm not riding my dirt bike.

*For Trujillo, family is everything—both on and off the track. Photo Credit: Ray K. Erku*

Speaking of cars, we saw where you got to drive a NASCAR at Pikes Peak Raceway! Was that a one-time bucket list experience, or is there a more long-term goal there?

Thanks for bringing that up. What an amazing experience thanks to Craig Hospital for inviting me and a few other previous patients to ride in or drive the Furniture Row adapted Nascar. I believe I was the only patient to drive the car, and it was so sick! My good friend Bert from Craig [Hospital] asked me if I would be interested in coming down to drive the Nascar. I was accompanied by a professional driver giving me advice and encouragement! I felt great in the seat and was very impressed by the response of the car. I had a blast basically having the whole track to ourselves for the day. I was so excited that I forgot to turn my GoPro on until the last lap! I could definitely see myself racing cars or off-road trucks in the future.

What’s on your bucket list for races, events, and personal goals that you want to one day experience? What can we expect to see next from David Trujillo?

I plan to continue racing Adaptive Motocross and hope to compete in some new races in addition to X Games Aspen and the Pastrana Pro Challenge. My goal is to win an Adaptive Motocross race one day and keep having fun. I really enjoy showing off and sharing my story, I think it would be awesome to travel around the country speaking and putting on shows for the public! I feel compelled to give back, and I want to help pave the way for others.

*Trujillo with his family/crew at the 2019 Travis Pastrana Pro Challenge.*

Thanks for sharing your story, David! You’re a true role model and inspiration. Any words of encouragement you would like to share or people you want to thank?

You're very welcome. I had fun going down memory lane! Thanks so much for sharing my story. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along this crazy journey. I want to thank all of my sponsors for all of their support! FDC Chassis, Tucker Powersports, Answer Racing, Antigravity Batteries, Cycra, Camso, Factory Effex, Pingel, Laramie Fitness, Laramie Plains FCU, Laramie GM, Shepard Construction, 100%, Ride Designs, Mustang Car Club of Colorado, and Laramie Screen Printing! I owe everything to my crew for keeping me on two wheels. Shout-out to my wife and daughters, Lauren Hall, Dillon Hansen, Laddie Lentz, and my parents for everything you do!

I'm truly grateful to be able to chase my dreams with the people I love! Everyone has dreams, I'm out to prove you can chase your dreams regardless of the barriers ahead. Follow your heart, surround yourself with good people, work hard, and don't be afraid to fail!

Follow David Trujillo
Instagram: @davidtrujillo_17
Facebook: @trublue.riding
YouTube: David Trujillo #17

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David Trujillo: Chasing His Dreams Regardless of the Barriers Ahead