"It kept me alive"

Ronnie Renner, 28, a father of two, has one of the most dangerous jobs around – and there’s hardly anyone better at it. The American is one of the world’s top freestyle motocross riders. In this interview he talks about why his victory at the 2005 Red Bull X-Fighters in Mexico City has had a decisive influence on his career, how the spectators benefit from his history as the class clown, and what tricks he will use to try to win in 2006.

What are some of your memories from last year’s Red Bull X-Fighters Night in Mexico City?

I remember the unbelievable energy in the arena. The opportunity alone to entertain 42,000 people was really quite an incredible adventure. And then to also win in front of this crowd, was one of the most emotional instances of my life. It was of one of my greatest victories, and certainly the most significant of my career.

What was so significant?

I would not have gotten as far until now as I have. But this victory kept me alive in the sport. It is normally no big deal whether I win, as long as I can give a good show. But I do so many shows and travel so much that life had already started to get a little boring. The crowd in Mexico inspired me again to give everything I can.

The crowd loves you not only for your tricks, but also for your dance interludes. How did this all start?

I was pretty much the class clown in school. I always loved to perform in front of other people. And at parties, I was always the first one on the dance floor and would show my crazy side. For me it was always important to make people laugh. At FMX events, I started to use dance breaks, because I wanted to be different than the other drivers. I then planned to dance only if I had been riding well, but meanwhile I do the dancing even if I have been riding poorly. To make up for it – and because people expect it from me.

This means that the reaction of the crowd would be more important to you than that of the judge. Is this really true?

It is the greatest feeling if the fans and judges are into it. Of course, there are judges who think the dancing is uncool, that is, not “hard core” enough. To be honest, this really doesn’t matter to me. The reaction of the fans is more important to me. And it was actually the fans who brought me victory in Mexico. Their applause is extra fuel for my engine.

After your victory in Mexico City last year, you described it as “an epic night which will be hard to beat”. Can the Red Bull X-Fighters be even more spectacular in Mexico City in 2006?

If Travis Pastrana takes off with his show, and if Nate Adams jumps like he always does, then it’s going to get pretty wild. The two will definitely risk more than what is sane. It will be an interesting evening.

What tricks will you be showing us on March 31?

I am working on a few new jump combinations. My favorite one is a Barrel Roll, which is a combination of a 360° and a Backflip. But it’s not easy at all.

How so?

To put it simply: The motorcycle is simply not made to rotate on two axles at the same time. It contradicts the physics of my bike and the laws of reason to combine a Backflip with a 360°. But I think it could still work.

You have been on your motorcycle already for three years now. Your sons are three and six. Do they already know how to ride?

The smaller one can’t yet, he is still practicing on his bicycle. But the older one is already really fast and in control when he rides. He wants to practice tricks the whole time too, but I try to hold him back. Racer is simply still too small to be a Superman.

Your sons are called Racer and Rider. What did your wife have to say to this name choice?

I would have thought it would have been more difficult. The question is what our third child will be called, because there are no more cool names that start with R. Maybe we’ll call him Turbo.