|
 Born
April 29, 1979 in Belleville, Michigan, LaDon Brent Hall followed all the steps
to be a chip off the ole’ block. As the son of a motorcycle drag racing father,
LaDon of coarse started riding motorcycles at a young age but most of his
hobbies centered on cold weather activities since Michigan offers a short
motorcycle season. During the fall and winter months LaDon kept busy bow hunting
and playing ice hockey.
LaDon’s first motorcycle was a Honda Elsinore 50 that he competed on first at
the Sand Drag Strip at Milan Raceway. That led to motocross, which transitioned
to a KX 60, then eventually to a 125 and 250. During his time racing motocross
LaDon also spent a lot of time at regional Dragbike and IDBA events with his
father, Don Hall. The photo below is of LaDon on his dad’s dragbike.
As LaDon got older his dad assisted him in getting started in drag racing. He
started out racing on a Kawasaki ZRX street bike before Don helped him build his
own dragbike. Most of LaDon’s experience has been at Kanawaha Valley Dragway in
Southside, West Virginia because of it’s close proximity to the college he
attended. When it came time to build his own dragbike, he and his dad purchased
a rolling chassis made from a converted 1975 KZ frame. They took the engine from
his dad’s old laydown bike to use in LaDon’s bike.
LaDon’s first exposure to a national
event race of his own came in 2000 when he attended the Prostar event at
National Trails in Columbus, Ohio. There he got the opportunity to meet Rickey
Gadson and discuss the necessities to compete in the 600 SuperSport class. That
same year he also attended the Prostar race at IRP in Indianapolis, Indiana but
soon had to focus his interest on finishing his education.
After LaDon received his Bachelors
degree and his MBA he accepted a job as a Systems Analyst and
moved to Columbus, Ohio where he has spent the last couple of years racing at
National Trails. After last season LaDon and his dad determined that the current
block and cylinder head from his bike had seen better days. They also thought
the chassis could use a couple of upgrades too. They purchased a GPZ1100 engine
that was already setup with an MTC 1327 kit and auto trans, plus a few other
goodies from APE. The decision was also made that their homemade covers and
outboard supports were due for an upgrade. After replacing the homemade versions
with PMFR outboards and covers the chassis is currently being powder coated
while the body is at the paint shop. LaDon hopes to have everything together and
running this June.
Now married with a new baby girl,
LaDon’s wife Jessica is still trying to adjust to the Hall family’s interest in
motorcycles. LaDon said she at least is getting comfortable with motorcycle and
racing in general and recognizes how important racing is to LaDon and encourages
his interest.
LaDon is hoping to win a new ZX14R through Kawasaki’s Zero to Hero Challenge
taking place this year. LaDon has entered the contest, which sadly is now
closed, and hopes to be a finalist. Four finalists will win trips to the Rickey
Gadson Drag Racing School with the two top finalists having the opportunity to
race Rickey one-on-one for a chance to win a ZX14R. Here’s to luck in being
picked and skill in beating Rickey.
Other Areas of Interest
Residence: Columbus, Ohio
Spouse: Jessica
Children: Maria (5 months old)
Occupation: Systems Analyst
Home track: National Trails Raceway
Crew Members: My Parents and Cor Karrsen (Engine Builder)
History of racing bikes and classes: Kawasaki ZRX & Z1000 (Street ET)
Current race bike / class: Kawasaki GPZ Dragbike/Super Pro Motorcycle
Goals: From a personal stand point; my goal is to make sure that I strive
to be the best Father I can be for my Daughter. My Wife and I were blessed with
a daughter five months ago and our lives have definitely changed to say the
least (all for the better).
Interest outside of racing: Most of time outside of work and racing is
spent on learning the ropes of parenthood. My five-month-old daughter keeps us
busy but I could not imagine a more rewarding task. After things settle down I
hope to pickup archery and bow hunting again. My Wife claims my hockey playing
days are well behind me at this point:)
Favorite foods: Italian
Daily driver: 2008 Ford Fusion
Classic motorcycle: 1984 Ninja that was originally purchased by my
father. I can still remember the day that he brought it home from the
dealership. As a five year old, it looked like nothing I had ever seen before.
It ended up being my first street bike as well. I still own the bike and ride it
every once in a while.
First motorcycle: Honda Elsinore 50. One of the few bikes I have ever
owned that was not a Kawasaki.
Hero: My parents are my hero’s. They made sacrifices in their own life to
make sure that I was given every opportunity to succeed. It is hard not to
appreciate that and admire their decisions.
|
