One of the most likable riders you can find on the freestyle circuit is New Jersey’s Derek Burlew. Derek grew up racing motocross on the East Coast but realized freestyle was more to his liking. “I was doing tricks and racing for fun, then someone got me into doing tricks at Monster Truck shows, which just led me to where I’m at now,” says Burlew, who finished eighth overall in the 2005 IFMA series.
Some of Derek’s major accomplishments include finishing runner-up in the 2003 IFMA points and finishing seventh in the 2003 Vans Triple Crown of Motocross. He has also made several Gravity Games appearances but has a major accolade missing from his resume: X Games medalist.
He finished out the 2005 IFMA series in second place but was sidelined by a broken leg when a backflip went awry.
Asked about his plans for 2006, Derek says, “I just want to get my feet back underneath me to get back to where I was and be healthy.”
Residence:Cliffwood Beach, NJ Hometown: Cliffwood Beach, NJ Birthdate: 9/5/83 Competing Since: 1988 Bike: YZ 250 Sponsors: Ogio, Works Connection, HJC, Pro X, UNI, Empire Suspension, Thor
What are your career championships? -State Championships NY, NJ, PA
-6th Place Loretta Lynn's
FUN FACTS
I drive a 2000 Chevy van
If I could buy any car, I would get Brand new Lexus GS 400
How did I get started in the sport? I was doing tricks and racing for fun, then someone got me into doing tricks at Monster Truck shows, which just lead me to here
Favorite Class in school Gym & Cooking
Additional Occupation besides riding None
Favorite Track Raceway Park
Best Riding Moment Hitting a huge sand dune
Worst Riding Moment Came up short on a 90ft. triple, and broke my back & leg in 4 places, and had to get reconstructive surgery
Besides Motocross, my next favorite sport is Football
Hardest thing about being a rider Injuries and constant traveling
Best thing about being a rider The adrenalin rush
Favorite Type of Music Everything from Tom Petty to Eminem
Food I can't live without Roast Chicken and pork roll
Favorite brand of clothes Anything free
Favorite Movie The Negotiator, Dumb & Dumber, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2
Favorite Actor Jim Carrey and Samuel L. Jackson
Favorite Color Blue
Favorite Vacation Spot Florida
Favorite Book Don't have one
Hobbies Playing video games, wake boarding, riding 50's, football
If I could kick anyone's ass it would be Anyone who talks crap about me or my hommies
If I could date a supermodel, I'd date Supermodels are dumb. Hilary Duff and Britney Spears
What's buried in my closet right now? Clothes and shoes
How often I watch Jerry Springer Never
The scariest thing on my medical chart is Broken back, compound fractures, head contusions
My worst nightmare is Not being able to ride or being in a wheelchair forever
The word or phrase I overuse Dude, Hey, Let's gooo! Yewwww!
My career goal for the next 3 years Make it to the X-Games and Gravity Games, to stay in the top 3 in IFMA, and to continue having as much fun as possible
