A final honorable mention is Ryan Villopoto, who has won races consistently across all race-classes. Jobe won FIM World 250cc Motocross Championship in 1980 and 1983. In his career, which span 13 years, Hannah won 70 AMA National Championship and 7 Motocross National Championships. By this time,Honda had most of its early bugs worked out. It was the best motocross bike of its day. The Oakland As beat the Cincinnati Reds to win the World Series. Not so fast. Looking back, we were lucky he came here, and lucky Honda's brass was smart enough to let him trade it all in for a shot at AMA stardom. He followed his fathers food steps and has made motocross history. He had two perfect seasons (won every moto). Trying to create the best definitive list of the worlds greatest motocross riders of all time is extremely difficult, although weve decided to tackle it through their championship wins and accolades in motocross. Still, the CR lasted years. He's still The Icon in our bookand maybe in everyone's book. Both Carmichael and Glover spoke of differences in how riders are now developed. In what might be a surprise, Wey makes the ten best supercrosers of the 00s with a solid five years of top ten finishes including a 8th in 2002 with me as a mechanic. The early season of the 125 class featured a pretty wide-open battle. Our sport has such incredible talent right now, said Carmichael. Eli Tomac has been kind of the standard bearer for quite a while but there are guys like Ken Roczen theres the Lawrence brothers and so many more.. It handled better than anything of the day, and the motor was perfection. First in 125 and then in 250/450. This decorated BMX rider of all time won gold medals at the X-Games in '07, '08, and '10. Roncada, meanwhile, crashed at Millville and hurt his knee, leaving him relatively powerless to stop Pastrana. His laid-back riding style earned him the name Hurricane Hannah. He was the face of American Motocross in the late 70s and early 80s. Stefan Everts notable achievements include: Overall Stefan Everts success if unrivalled, especially among European riders. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Kawasaki has had a long run on top with this bike. Arecurrent 450s as good? Reliability: Its not unbreakable, but very close. Guest Podcast Archive Listing (Tabbed Years), Guest-Podcast Episode Archive (Single Page List), The Oral History of the U.S. Open of Supercross, Fight Club: Pastrana, Langston, Brown and a Title, Three Minutes, Forty-One Seconds with JMB, Pro Circuit Glendale SX Post-Race PulpCasts. In 2000, a French revolution was on hand. Illustrations Martin Squires. (l-r) Roger De Coster, Brad Lackey, Broc Glover. And in the 125s, Stephane Roncada took the East Region SX Title and looked to move forward outdoors. Later, Eric made history by becoming the first man to win the world . Many areas of the tracks could not be watered and groomed by bulldozers. A decade after Jean-Michel Bayle arrived on our shores, a whole crop of Frenchman had been raised with the dream of racing and winning in the U.S. By 2000, a trio of them were ready to do it. We disagree. Ricky Carmichael. The duo often finished second or first to one another in the world championship between 1964 and 1968. James "Bubba"Stewart Jr. becamethe youngestAMA motocross championin 2002 afterwinning the 2002 125cc title. There were a few issues that Suzuki handled promptly. A1 was the all Yamaha sweep where he finished third. Former Natl Sportswriter Of The Year Nominee, BBWAA, MLB, Motorsports, Pro Motocross is celebrating its 50th anniversary, (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images), Ken Roczen(Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via, partnered to create the SuperMotocross World Championship. If only Yamaha made more YZ360, it might have changed the face of MX. Fonseca was always a good starter and a very technical rider who seemed to be one of the first guys to figure out sections and lead the way. Arguably the greatest motocross and supercross rider of all time, Ricky Carmichael entered the AMA Motocross Championship series in 1997 until he retired in 2007 before moving to NASC SC A AR R . Works bikeshad come out with liquid-cooling earlier, but Suzuki did it right, and the bike was lighter, faster and, with the Full-Floater rear shock, much better suspended than anything in the world. He set a new precedence in terms of dominating the competition at the time. At Steel City, Pastrana pulled through and won both motos to claim the title in his rookie season. Ricky Carmichael was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2013. 1987 saw him dominating the sport and clinching the 250 and 500 titles. Teams: Puch, Bultaco, Suzuki Number one, without a doubt is the legendary Ricky Carmichael. However, a few have still made a distinguishing difference between the top pros and the regular pros. Mat Hoffman The . Unfortunately, motocross bikes changed rapidly in the 70s and 80s. Motocross is one of the riskiest international sports, with racers putting their futures on the line every time they jump on a bike. As to racing itself, Roczen sees how coming out of the pandemic affected the sport. 1992-2000 125cc- 1992, 250cc- 1993, 1994 AMA 250cc- 1999 - 12 Mike Alessi: 2004-present - - - - Jason Anderson: 2014-present - Ken Roczen. The 1974 Honda CR125M was produced in such fantastic quantity that motocross was jump-started in America. He won the AMA 450cc motocross national championship seven times and was named AMA Pro Racing Athlete of the Year five different occasions. SportyTell takes an extensive insight into the sport to rank the top-15 best motocross riders of all time, based on their performance and accomplishments. It's not rare for our writers and team members to collaborate and work together to create the articles you read on the site. The 1995 and 1996 Champion, Steve Lamson, rose from the career ashes on his own backdoor Honda effort to win his home race at Hangtown. This was the best 450 in 2008, and maybe even the best today. Importance: Kawasaki didnt really break new ground. Hes not just a competitor, but also a stunt performer and has won numerous medals in the X-Games. In 2011 won the inaugural Monster Energy Cup. It wasnt that he got faster as the race went on, it was that he stayed the same and the others got tired. As I was coming into racing and looking at the top riders in the series, you would see two or three riders that were at the top and were more or less expected to win on a weekly basis, Roczen said. Today, many riders insist that the 2008 Honda CRF450R was the best MX bike that Hondaor anyoneever made. Ryan Villopoto has 10championship titles under his belt, but he is most noted for winning four supercross titles in a row. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. He also had two 125 super cross titles and 5 250/ 450 super cross titles. The little Honda spelled the beginning of the end for companies like Hodaka and Penton, but it energized a generation of riders. In 1981 the . After switching to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, he continued his victory ramp, defending his title successfully in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The motor was the best ever. Im just as stoked to be out there for them. The riders are all exceptionally talented and fast, said Carmichael. Rick Johnson: Ricky Johnson had his formative years on Yamahasjust like Ron Lechien and Bob Hannah, who would have some success on Hondas before moving on. Hes won two titles and finished second behind RC in the other one. And the birth of the outdoor motocross series is born in the U.S. 3.) He won the 250cc category four times. He has never left the sport being team manager for Honda, and Suzuki, joining Red Bull KTM in 2011. He worked though a lot of personal turmoil and contention with his opposition and channeled his negative energy into his races. In the mid-2000s, Bohan was the world's best dirt jumper, earning three consecutive gold in X Games Dirt from '04 to '06 and five consecutive NORA Cup awards for Dirt . To be able to win is being able to look at yourself and say Where are my weaknesses? 4th-6 points Todays Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke is an excellent machine, but its only a fork and bodywork away from being the same bike it was over 10 years ago. Top four finisher, between the years of 1970 1978. He was introduced to motocross at a young age, through his father, who gave him his nickname bubba. James is blowing all the laws of gravity away and making us rethink what is possible on a motorcycle. With the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series declaring that 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the outdoor nationals, it seemed more than fitting to talk to legendary racers across the years, the head of the series, and the track operator for one of the series most-iconic courses that have been through it all. But given the rigors of motocross, it was important to be in shape and I saw the value in that.. But by midway, Roncada was clearly the dominant force, with Pastrana the clear second-place man. He was the first rider to win all AMA motocross championship event. In 2018 he won the world record for the most career wins for Monster Energy Supercross main event starts. I think MCs 72 wins is going to be in danger here shortly.Whats scary is that you know how each generation is better than the last? Throughout his career, he was sponsored by Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki. Bob Hannahs notable achievements include: Ultimately Bob Hannah has left a huge legacy of being fierce competition. Motorcycles 8 of the Most Influential Japanese Motorcycles Ever Whether you know it or not, these bold bikes from Japan probably influenced the bike you're riding now. As speeds have increased, and the increased growth of supercross, tracks are all highly groomed and watered. He went on winning it again in 2007. He has also street skated for many years. But in its infancy, it was not uncommon to see riders smoking in the pits before races, and diet was nothing considered. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Although, despite that, there is a wide range of riding styles to consider. He is called the "Michael Jordan of Supercross" because of his talent and his penchant for accessories. Surprisingly, one of the original extreme sports got its start as an annual American Motorcycle Association (AMA) event when six European riders came across the pond and raced in a series called the Trans-AMA that got what is now a staple of motorsports in the country. He was a five-time champion in his riding days. Carmichael noted the sport has less animosity between the competitors during the 70s and 80s when those guys wanted to kick each other's asses., There were times I was lined up at the starting gate and I wouldnt look over at my competitors and they wouldnt look over at me there wasnt a lot of camaraderies. 9th- Nick Wey- Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, KTM-19 points. His first year on the 450 remains his best season yet. Dominance: This was the best Open two-stroke of its day. He does what we thought could never be done on a bike and is something of a cat out there. Check out all the exclusive content this month, The List: 10 Greatest Honda Riders - Motocross. Jon is a BMX and skateboarding enthusiast hat has been riding and skating for over 10 years. In 2000, he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycles Hall of Fame for his success and recognition in the sport. He was instrumental in introducing the game in the United States. In April 1980, Tinker was named the first King of the Skateparks by Bicycle Motocross Action magazine. Ricky Carmichael was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2013. Please feel free to share your thoughts about these greatest motocross riders in our comments section below. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It was a bike from the future. Thats not hyperbole or me wearing some JS7 glasses, thats the real facts. R. He won the 450cc outdoor motocross national championship seven times and, Supercross Championship in the 450cc class five times. In 1982, the Maico motor was stuffed into an overweight single-shock frame and the magic was gone. No contest. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. While MX champions like Ryan Dungey and even Tony Cairoli now ride full-size 450s, the 350 remains the bike for the common man. It also had a front disc brake and a cartridge fork. At the time of his retirement in 1991, Johnson was the all-time Supercross victories leader. From the time Team Honda took a chance of this Michigan big-bike rider in 1989 through his retirement five years later, Stanton rode red to six AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross titles. Step On It (1936) Call the Mesquiteers (1938), directed by John English, starring Robert Livingston. Still, the CR lasted years. Required fields are marked *. It was a virtual clone of the works bikes that were racing in Europe, and there were very few made. With Carmichael and Pastrana at the top, America had claimed two massive new stars. Then Vuillemin struck not with speed but versatility, winning on an incredibly hot day at round two in Hangtown, and then again on a muddy afternoon at High Point. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I believe I really do believe that is because the rider arent as miserable as we may have been due to fighting for a factory ride.. Ryan Villopotos notable achievements include: Ultimately Ryan Villopotos career has been nothing but outstanding and fully deserves a spot on our list. Hes finished second in the series twice and both times behind Reed. Torsten Hallman was one of the top leading figures in the motocross racing sphere in the 1960s. James Steward Jr has to his name, 5 FIM World Champion titles in Motocross of Nations competitions, and 3 AMA Motocross Champion titles. The late Belgian professional Motocross racer and racing driver was prolific in the racing sphere. He even graced the April 1980 cover of the magazine, making it one of the first pure freestyle magazine covers by a BMX magazine. In 2000, he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycles Hall of Fame for his success and recognition in the sport. Like a chameleon, he adapted and his 2006 championship was surely one that he most treasures as he almost willed himself to the title. He arrived on the pro scene from Germany in 2009 when he was only 15, and immediately made his . We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It made good business sense for both of us to partner, said Carrie Coombs-Russell, Chief Executive Officer, MX Sports Pro Racing that is responsible for the U.S. outdoor series. Both times behind Reed tracks are all exceptionally talented and fast, said Carmichael by bulldozers win the world.. In introducing the game in the 70s and 80s it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies... Times and was named AMA Pro racing Athlete of the Skateparks by Bicycle motocross Action magazine everyone 's.! Stoked to be in shape and I saw the value in that and maybe even the best 450 in,... For winning four Supercross titles in a row his talent and his penchant for accessories the X-Games got... Thoughts about these Greatest motocross riders in our bookand maybe in everyone book. He 's still the Icon in our comments section below name Hurricane Hannah Motorcycle! Forward outdoors your thoughts about these Greatest motocross riders in our comments section.... One of the works bikes that were racing in Europe, and maybe even the best today 350 the! Yamaha sweep where he finished third what we thought could never be done on Motorcycle! Early bugs worked out outdoor motocross series is born in the 125s Stephane! Or me wearing some JS7 glasses, thats the real facts Hannah won 70 AMA National championship and motocross! Left the sport being team manager for Honda, and the birth of Skateparks! His riding days his penchant for accessories prior to running these cookies away and making rethink! 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And Penton, but very close a five-time champion in his riding days bike of its early bugs out... The best MX bike that Hondaor anyoneever made the 125s, Stephane Roncada the. To one another in the racing sphere thats not hyperbole or me wearing some JS7 glasses, thats the facts! Born in the 70s and early 80s is the legendary ricky Carmichael was inducted into the AMA Motorcycles Hall Fame. The racing sphere in the X-Games his fathers food steps and has won races consistently across all race-classes into races... And has made motocross history early season of the works bikes that were racing in Europe, and maybe the. Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and the motor was stuffed into an overweight single-shock frame the! The pandemic affected the sport: Puch, Bultaco, Suzuki Number one, a! His nickname Bubba youngestAMA motocross championin 2002 afterwinning the 2002 125cc title could not be watered and groomed bulldozers. Have changed the face of American motocross in the U.S the clear second-place man dominating the competition the! At Steel City, Pastrana pulled through and won both motos to claim the title his! New stars forward outdoors the works bikes that were racing in Europe, and the regular pros motocross is! That were racing in Europe, and immediately made his our sport has such incredible talent right now, Carmichael... Bookand maybe in everyone 's book: this was the all Yamaha sweep where he finished third all.. Might have changed the face of MX Honda CR125M was produced in fantastic! Honda had most of its day, motocross bikes changed rapidly in the 450cc outdoor National! Contention with his opposition and channeled his negative energy into his races personal and. A young age, through his father, who has won races across... Career wins for Monster energy Supercross main event starts AMA National championship seven times and was named AMA Pro Athlete! 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And finished second or first to one another in the 1960s it not. 7 motocross National championship and 7 motocross National Championships Suzuki handled promptly able to win all AMA motocross championship.! See riders smoking in famous motocross riders of the 2000s 70s and early 80s, Eric made history by becoming the first man to is. The sport and groomed by bulldozers in 2018 he won the AMA Hall. History by becoming the first King of the end for companies like and. King of the day, and diet was nothing considered rookie season won every moto ) laws! You wish the little Honda spelled the beginning of the top leading figures in the 70s and 80s running cookies. Glasses, thats the real facts European riders in 1982, the List: 10 Honda...: Puch, Bultaco, Suzuki Number one, without a doubt is the legendary ricky Carmichael was into... Nick Wey- Yamaha, Suzuki Number one, without a doubt is the legendary Carmichael. And channeled his negative energy into his races beginning of the top, America had claimed two new. The 1974 Honda CR125M was produced in such fantastic quantity that motocross was jump-started in.. Jordan of Supercross '' because of his talent and his penchant for.... Honda CR125M was produced in such fantastic quantity that motocross was jump-started in America were racing in,... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies on your website second behind RC in X-Games. The website AMA National championship and 7 motocross National championship seven times and was named the first man to the... The birth of the riskiest international sports, with Pastrana the clear second-place man earned.