Don Kennedy started motocross in 1977, after 16 years of successful racing for his Country in amateur and professional races, both here and in Europe. He started Kart racing in 1993 in Formula 100B's.

After a year in this Formula, he graduated into gearbox racing in the 250s class. After many wins at club level in 1994, he decided to race at the final round of the 1994 National Short Circuit Championship at Fulbeck and finished 5th.

In 1995, and only the start of his second year in Gearbox racing, he registered to compete in the full series of the National Short Circuit Championship, with his 1993 Jade chassis and 1987 KTM engine. Donald won the 1995 championship with 109 points, 7 points clear of his nearest rival.