Budds Creek 1995. Doug Henry battling Jeremey McGrath for 2nd behind Mike Larocco, due to a strange right boot switch with John Dowd, a steel plate, arm pump, and a divet at the takeoff all combined to whiskey throttle off the now named Henry Hill, one of the scariest things I’ve seen on a MX tracks……
In what remains one of the most terrifying moments in motocross history, Doug Henry’s crash off a steep Budds Creek jump not only changed the trajectory of his career—it etched his name permanently into the dirt at the now-iconic “Henry Hill.”
The 1995 AMA Motocross season was already heating up with fierce competition between Mike LaRocco, Jeremy McGrath, and Doug Henry in the 250cc class. At Budds Creek, nestled in the heart of Maryland, riders were fighting not just for championship points but for pride on one of the more technically demanding tracks on the circuit. What transpired that day, however, would transcend the race itself.
The story begins with an odd boot swap. Doug Henry, known for his gritty determination and technical prowess, had reportedly switched boots with teammate and fellow Yamaha rider John Dowd. This seemingly minor equipment decision, combined with the steel plate already inserted in Henry’s leg from a previous injury, created an unfamiliar and unstable feel as he rode through the intensely rutted circuit.
By mid-moto, Henry was engaged in a heated battle with Jeremy McGrath for second place behind LaRocco. The two riders were pushing the pace in a way that had fans on their feet. Henry, always one to ride on the edge, began experiencing severe arm pump, a condition where muscle fatigue causes numbness and a loss of control in the forearms. It’s a familiar enemy to many racers, but in Henry’s case, it couldn’t have struck at a worse time.
As the pack rounded into the back section of the course, they approached a fast, blind jump that had already caused problems in practice. A hidden divot—subtle but deep enough to kick the rear wheel—lay in wait at the base of the takeoff. With Henry already struggling to grip his throttle and brake properly due to the arm pump, the uneven takeoff sent him slightly off balance.
In motocross, split-second decisions can mean the difference between glory and disaster. As Henry hit the lip, a combination of factors aligned in the worst possible way. The strange feel from the boot switch, the numbness from arm pump, the unexpected compression from the divot—all contributed to what riders dread most: an uncontrolled whiskey throttle.
Henry was launched into the air with no control over his acceleration or body position. He flew terrifyingly far beyond the intended landing zone, ultimately slamming down into the Maryland clay in a violent crash that sent medics scrambling. Spectators fell silent. It wasn’t just a crash—it was one of those moments in racing where time seems to freeze.
Remarkably, Henry survived, though the injuries were serious. The crash shattered his back, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and casting uncertainty over his future in professional motocross. But in true Doug Henry fashion, he refused to let the crash define him. He would return not only to race again but to innovate, eventually pioneering the four-stroke revolution that transformed the sport in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In the aftermath, the jump where the crash occurred was never looked at the same way. Riders and fans began calling it “Henry Hill” out of respect—and fear. It became a landmark, not just because of the crash, but because of the grit and courage it represented. Every lap taken over that jump today is a silent tribute to a rider who pushed the limits of body and machine, and paid the price for it.
Today, Doug Henry is celebrated not just for his championships, but for his indomitable spirit. The 1995 Budds Creek crash stands as one of motocross’s most sobering reminders of the sport’s dangers—and one of its greatest stories of resilience.
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