Don Valley's involvement with motorcycle racing dates back to 1983. Employee Kim Pearce (CMA/AMA Motocrosser/Roadracer 1975 - 1987) showcased the suitability of Toyota 4x4 Trucks and the revolutionary 4Runner, hauling a 22’ High Point Race trailer to events across Ontario and as far away as Daytona, USA.
Supported by print media ads/publicity in the Toronto Sun, the Toronto Star, Cycle Canada, Performance Racing News and event programs; and by attending industry shows and high profile events, it didn’t take long for consumers to respond. By 1987 approximately 50% of Kim’s annual sales were attributed to this program.
Over the years the company has enjoyed the benefits of association with numerous professional motorcycle racers competing in a variety of disciplines at various levels. These include:
Damon Bradshaw, USA (Supercross) Kevin Moore, Canada (Motocross) Bruce Both, Canada (Snowcross, and ATV) Tommy Douglas, Canada (Superbike) Terry Rymer, UK (World Superbike) John, Wade and Greg Williams (World Champion Hillclimbing Team)
Bruce Both joined the DVNT Racing Team in 1988 bringing with him a wealth of experience in the “Off-road World” of performance trucks. Within a few short months Don Valley was selling a line of modified, lifted, suspended and accessorized trucks right out of the showroom. Featuring Rancho Shocks and Steering Stabilizers, American Racing Wheels, BF Goodrich All Terrain and Mud Terrain Tires, “wild” graphics and paint schemes, "Don Valley North Toyota Performance Specialties" became an integral part of our product line. Today, we offer our customers uniquely customized “Valley Edition” Toyotas. These packages are available on virtually every model in our lineup.
In 1988 Charlotte North Carolina’s Damon Bradshaw made history by winning the Toronto Supercross. At 15, he became the youngest rider ever to win a pro Supercross event and the only one to do so in his debut race. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of this event and our return to motocross.
