Santo DeRisi 5-22-03
- Updated: May 22, 2003
Santo talks with GNCC announcer, Rodny Tomlin then pops the top on some podium bubbly at the Rausch Creek GNCC.
ATV Scene: How long have you been trying to get on the pro podium?
DeRisi: I started racing the GNCCs in ’95. I’ve been chasing a pro podium finish for the last five years, so the Rausch Creek third place was a long time in the running. I’m really happy to finally get up there. I honestly think I can win a couple events this year, I’m looking forward to doing that next.
ATV Scene: You’ve always been pretty devoted to the sport and your personal racing program. What do you owe your recent success to?
DeRisi: Yeah, there’s no doubt, I love the sport. This year I’ve been training more than ever and I’m really watching my diet, trying to eat healthy in order to go faster. It looks like it’s working.
ATV Scene: Tell us more about DeRisi Racing Suspension
DeRisi: I love helping people with their racing. That’s how it all started. I think I can really put my experiences and knowledge into helping our customers go faster. As for right now, we’re concentrating on suspension components, mainly shocks – but we have a lot of little bolt on components coming soon too.
ATV Scene:Is it your full-time job?
DeRisi: Yes, and then some!
ATV Scene: So you’ve got your own line of DeRisi shocks?
DeRisi: They’re not available just yet, but they will be in the very near future.
ATV Scene: So what makes DeRisi shocks better than other brands?And how does a customer get them?
DeRisi: I’ve put a lot of research and time into the shocks. They work extremely well. I get real detailed in my questions to the person. In order to make a set of shocks that will work properly for the person I need to know how they ride, their weight, A-arms etc. I feel my customer service will be better than anyone’s and if any of our products happen to break, we’ll fix them or replace them free of charge. As far as getting them, look us up at derisiracing.com
ATV Scene: What do you think of the pro production class?
DeRisi: I think it’s good for the sport and we’re on the right track with it, but we need to get more companies behind it. If not the manufactures, maybe the dealers. Regardless, the sport is going the way of the four-stroke, that’s for sure.
ATV Scene: What’s the best thing about the sport?
DeRisi: The people. All the ATV racers and families are friends with one another.
ATV Scene: What’s the worst?
DeRisi: Lack of support. We put a lot into the sport and really don’t get much back.
ATV Scene: Married?
DeRisi: I will be marrying my Heather next summer.
ATV Scene: What’s your kind of race track?
DeRisi: I’m used to rocky terrain like we have back home in North Carolina, so I guess I would say a rocky-technical track like Rausch Creek or Morgantown, NC.
ATV Scene: Have you ever raced motocross?
DeRisi: Yes I have. I raced the Birch Creek GNC this year I won the 25+ class. A few yeas ago I finished top five in the Open A and the 16-24 class at the North Carolina GNC. I love motocross! I would race both the GNCC and the GNCs but it’s just way too much to try to do, especially when you’re trying to run a business as well. I’m getting a lot more involved in the motocross stuff, we’re even sponsoring Tavis Cain and Chad Lohr this year.
ATV Scene: Who helps you out?
DeRisi: DeRisi Racing, Duncan Racing, MetLife, ITP, IMS, Douglas Wheels, Motion Pro, Braking, GPR, AC Racing, Quad Tech, RPM, Maier, VP Fuels, Outerwears, Liquid Performance, Smith Goggles, Moose, Roll Design.
ATV Scene: Parting words?
DeRisi: I’m looking forward to winning a national. I want it bad. I’ll leave you with that.
