Andrew Short, the Jack of All Trades

For the average person, one very successful career in a field is usually more than enough, let alone two.

- By Kyra Sacdalan, Photography by Justin W. Coffey & Rally Zone

For the average person, one very successful career in a field is usually more than enough, let alone two. But Andrew Short is no average man, with several wins and podiums in the AMA’s Supercross and Pro Motocross championships in the earlier years of his career. When he retired, it would have been reasonable to expect Andrew to wind down a bit, perhaps stepping into prominent management, consulting or media role. Instead, while approaching the 20-year mark in his racing career, he took a wide step sideways, trading a barebones dirt bike for a top-heavy, fairing-clad rally machine. Now, the athlete famous for his cool head and consistent results may be looking at life beyond the roadbook, so it’s only fitting he offers his insights on the hurdles of competing in the international rally-raid circuit.

How many different paths do you think someone can take to reach international rally success (going pro, if not being a contender)?

ANDREW SHORT To win at a high level of any motorsport, you have to be completely dedicated to your specific discipline. With rally it’s different, because you see many competitors coming from all different types of disciplines. Having a desert background and experience will definitely speed up the process in terms of terrain reading. Many U.S. competitors come from the desert segment, but quite a few of the Europeans come from enduro. Motocross is kind of in the minority, but definitely possible because the stages are becoming increasingly about intensity and speed.