Last weekend at the Winter Nationals I had the chance to catch up with Danny. The fire has been lit and results are coming. This rider wants more!

The first Tuesdays 10, Danny C. Link!
http://bmxactiononline.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=26&func=view&id=9140&catid=13

INTRO
During my BMX racing days I got to spend time around many #1 Pros. Teammates alone list up like Stu, Kevin McNeal, Ellis and Mike King. Today I have become a big Danny C. fan and feel his 2 AA #1’s are not his last.

Danny is approachable and always sports a smile. Kids love him just like many of the great riders before him. Danny is dead serious in the gate yet funny off. If you are attending a Pro Race stop by to say Hi.

At the Winter Nationals the AA Pros voiced concern about the flow of the Pro Section yet Danny was one of the few riders that could flow the section without problem. When the point was made to change the jump Danny was the first to head out to help the ABA make the changes. Once again, Class act Rider!

Tuesdays 10, Danny Caluag
GRH1
Danny, When did chasing a top spot in the BMX Pro ranks become a vision in your life? Was there some result in racing or things that happened that set you chasing the ABA Pro title?

Danny
I love BMX racing and how competitive it is. I always try to do my best and have fun with it. When chasing the top spot in the BMX Pro ranks it just happened by doing what I love which is riding my bicycle. I got a couple of good results then broke my leg. Didn’t think much about the title but just wanted to get back on my bike and have fun with it. Race after race I was performing well and as soon as you know it I was up for the title.

GRH2
After years of racing, then winning the ABA AA #1 Pro title, you backed it up with a 2nd title. (Note: Danny also took the Cruiser Title) How did things change after that? It seems like you needed to take a little mental break or change when it came to your BMX Approach. How did racing play out after the 2nd title?

Danny
During that year a lot was happening. The Introduction of the Random gates. Focusing on both the ABA title and the Olympic Dream. It definitely took a toll on the body. Getting the 2nd Pro Cruiser title was not easy. It was hard due to the fact that I just had the realization that I was not on top anymore and just give my plate to Khalen and still had to go up and defend the Cruiser title. It had taken a lot out of me and I lost focus do to the fact that I was not the top #1 anymore. I was in the number one spot in ABA pro points for 23 months out of 24. That one-month that I was out was because I broke my leg and when I came back I was the points leader again. It was hard to face the facts that I was not the number one guy anymore.

GRH3
Did the timing of the Olympics effect your chase for Gold? Did reaching ABA Pro #1 twice and the efforts needed to reach #1 have effect on that path of racing?

Danny
The Olympic dream did play a factor. There was just too much on the plate. From picking and choosing my races that year definitely played a factor in the chase for both ABA title and Olympic dream. But in the end I would not change anything from it. That’s life and you pick and choose your battles and ultimately what happens in the end is what is all said and done. You can't change the past but you make a future for yourself.

GRH4
During the times after passing the #1 plate you seemed to be taking a mental break and started looking forward at life. What was going on? You and Stephanie Barragan (Female Pro) have been together a long time. I heard you 2 were and are ready to take that to another level.

Danny
Losing the title and moving on with life was a big step. I proposed to Stephanie, we have been to together for about 9 years. We are taking things slow but I would like to finish my degree and see where life takes me.

GRH5
When did you start to miss the #1 plate? Results, Photos and Video have you racing at a new level! What gives?

Danny
I missed the #1 plate instantly. I mean who would like to give up something that they always want and desire. I look back at the past year and seen what was lacking in me. It was the desire to have fun and to be the best. I refocused and again started having fun at what I am doing. I got to see the brighter things in life. You can't drown yourself in the negativity out there, fix your weaknesses and keep improving your strengths.

GRH6
How have you changed your approach to racing today? What are your goals for 2010?

Danny
Main thing I changed was to have fun with racing. Got to remember that racing is racing and anything can happen. So don't be disappointed with the past and just move on. My goals for this year are to have fun and always do my best and never give up.

GRH7
The Winter Nationals this past week had 54 AA Pros racing and you were flying. What happened over the weekends racing?
(Note: Danny ran all week in the 1 or 2 spot in class)

Danny
I felt good and had fun but I had simple mistakes here and there. Things I have to work on for the next race. Racing in the rain is always fun too but your rolling the dice with fate. Just got to move on to the next race.

GRH8
Will you be heading to the UCI Supercross races or focusing on the ABA title alone? How do you feel about those races and where Pro Racing is today?

Danny
I will pick and choose my races. I opted not to go to Madrid. We will see which ones I will do. You can't be superman and do everything. You have to know your limits and I know where mine are. Supercross races are fun. I like certain events and facilities. But my biggest concern and many Pros feel the same way, when is enough just enough. They make these Supercross track big and exciting but how big is to big or making a hip jump on a 40 mile a hour track so that you can make racing closer and exciting so there is more drama. My biggest fear with these tracks is basically what happened to the Athlete from the Republic of Georgia, Nadar Kumaritashvili. The sport of bobsled tries to keep pushing the limits and so does Supercross BMX. How far is too far. I mean look at Chula Vista race how many athletes got hurt over the berm jump. Knees shatter, arms broken. I love racing these tracks but some safety measurements should come into play. I know I am venting a little but many athletes don't voice their concern and stuff should be said.

GRH9
With all the countries that showed up in AZ how do you see racing on a global level today? How has the growth internationally changed your plans?

Danny
A lot of countries came to AZ and it was cool. Shown a lot of potentials out there but it’s not going to change my plans. My plans are simple and that’s to be the best I can be and never give up.

GRH10
You are young enough to focus on the next Olympics! Did following the last Olympic race give way to any gold medal dreams?

Danny
As a child I always dreamt about being in the Olympics. Racing can take me there. 2012 is just around the corner and got to focus on what needs to be done.

As always, Thank you Danny!