Doug Polen

DOUG POLEN

RIDE CRAFT Be a better rider #7

The thinking man’s champion

Doug Polen set the racing world on fire in 1991 when, in his rookie season in World Superbike aboard a non-factory Fast by Ferracci Ducati 888, he thoroughly decimated the competition, dominating the series and wrapping up the championship with five races to go.

Polen did this in remarkable fashion. Out of 12 two-leg events, he was on pole an amazing 10 times. He handily won 17 of the 24 races, setting the fast lap of the day at nine of the circuits. He did this having never been to any of the tracks before (with the exception of Donington in England). And perhaps most amazing, Polen achieved this incredible feat without falling down once all season!

Polen successfully defended his world title in 1992 with equally impressive zeal before returning stateside to win the AMA Superbike Championship in 1993. He then added two Endurance World Championships to his mantle, which helped him to refine an approach to riding that provided speed with the least amount of exertion, focusing on preserving body and machine.

There’s a lot to be learned from this man’s achievements.

-Jeff Buchanan