Personalities Who Shaped The Sport
When it comes to motocross, several stars have taken the mantle over the years—but only a few can truly stand the test of time when it comes to being recognized as the greatest. When stunts get rough, only a handful of riders truly stand out from the pack. Be it innovative jumping techniques or perfect seasons, these 20 motocross drivers have pushed the boundaries of what's possible on two wheels. So let’s take a moment to admire the top names in motocross history and explore their accomplishments.
1. Ricky Carmichael
In 2002, Carmichael did the impossible. He won every single moto in the AMA Nationals season. Nicknamed "The GOAT," he trained by cycling 100 miles weekly, setting a new standard for fitness. His rivalry with Chad Reed sparked record TV ratings, and he retired with 15 AMA Championships.
The amount of money Ricky Carmichael made will SHOCK YOU! by GYPSY TALES
2. Stefan Everts
Stefan Everts dominated motocross with unmatched skill and versatility. He remains the only rider to win three Grand Prix races in different classes on the same day. Long before James Stewart popularized the scrub, Everts had already perfected his own version. With 10 world titles, his legacy is undeniable.
Michael on Picasa Web Albums on Wikimedia
3. Jeremy McGrath
McGrath invented the "Nac Nac" trick during live competition, changing freestyle motocross forever. Known as the "King of Supercross," he dominated indoor tracks despite training primarily in open fields. His signature move? Blowing kisses to fans mid-jump during victory laps.
4. Roger DeCoster
"The Man" raced when bikes had just 2 inches of suspension travel. Roger DeCoster won five world titles while simultaneously designing better motorcycles for Suzuki. He also pioneered the European training camp system, which the top riders still use today.
Clemens Anderlitschka on Wikimedia
5. Tony Cairoli
Sicily's finest export, Tony Cairoli, used BMX skills to dominate tight tracks. He's the only rider to win a World Championship race while wearing a cast. Cairoli mastered the art of starting, winning 89.3% of his holeshots during his 2012 championship season.
Tony Cairoli - The best of MXGP 2021 (FIM Motocross World Championship) by OKR Moto
6. Bob Hannah
Hurricane Hannah revolutionized motocross, becoming the first rider to earn $1 million in a season. Known for his toughness, he once raced with a broken thumb taped to his handlebar. Besides, a water-skiing accident nearly ended his career, but he fought back to win three more titles.
7. Jeffrey Herlings
The Dutch speedster holds the record for the biggest winning margin in MXGP history—1 minute 47 seconds! People gave Jeffrey Herlings the nickname "The Bullet" after clocking the fastest lap ever recorded at Lommel's deep sand track in Belgium.
8. James Stewart Jr.
James Stewart Jr. (Bubba) became the first Black athlete to win a major motorsport championship in 2007. His signature "Bubba Scrub" technique cut lap times by seconds. Stewart also appeared in a Nike commercial before he turned pro, showcasing motocross to mainstream audiences.
JS7 James Stewart Breaks Down 2020 Anaheim 1 by Monster Energy Supercross
9. Ryan Dungey
Dungey never missed a scheduled race in his nine-year career—a feat unmatched in the sport. He also has a training facility in Florida that revolutionized rider development programs. Target sponsored Dungey before he won a single pro race. They put a bet on his clean-cut image.
10. Joel Robert
What’s crazy about Robert is that he won titles despite partying the night before races. Plus, he developed the first motocross-specific boot after breaking his ankle three times. Robert never trained off the bike but had a natural talent that left competitors speechless.
11. Ryan Villopoto
RV's unique riding style involved attacking jumps at almost impossible angles. During his motocross journey, he even set the record for highest season earnings in 2013. Shockingly, he once won a championship with food poisoning, stopping to vomit between motos.
12. Chad Reed
The Australian ironman, Chad Reed, competed in four different decades. He holds the record for most main event starts at 265, proving his exceptional longevity. Later, he built his own supercross track in Florida, which is complete with lights for night training.
Darin House from Missouri, USA on Wikimedia
13. Jean-Michel Bayle
JMB pioneered the European invasion of American motocross and paved the way for future champions. Before training for the sports, Bayle didn’t even know English. He learned it by watching American TV shows while training and shocked the industry by winning both Supercross and Motocross titles as a rookie.
The 411 with Jean-Michel Bayle by supercrosscom
14. Eric Geboers
Geboers trained by chasing rabbits through Belgian forests to improve his reaction time. With practice and dedication, he mastered three different classes, each of which required vastly different riding styles. Soon, "The Kid" became the youngest world champion at age 17.
Tribute to Eric Geboers by fim-moto
15. David Bailey
David Bailey helped shape modern motocross, introducing cross-training with swimming and cycling. His legendary 1986 battle with Rick Johnson is still hailed as the greatest race ever. He even landed on Wheaties boxes, bringing the sport into the mainstream like never before.
David Bailey Motocross Champion by OwenPatterson
16. Jeff Ward
Wardy competed professionally in motocross, supercross, and IndyCar racing. As for his first national championship, he won it by using a borrowed bike, which is commendable. Since then, Ward never finished outside the top three in points for 11 straight years during his prime.
17. Brad Lackey
The first American to ever win a World Motocross Championship made history in 1982 after an 11-year quest. "Bad Brad" sold his house and lived in a van in Europe to beat the Europeans at their own game. He revolutionized training by introducing American-style tracks in his European practice compound—a bold move that other riders initially mocked but later copied.
Supercross - Oakland 2011 - Brad Lackey Interview by FELDMotorSports
18. Ken Roczen
At the age of 15, Ken Roczen became a pro and won his first GP when he turned 16. After a devastating crash in 2017, he came back from 13 surgeries and revolutionized social media marketing in motocross by building a million-follower fanbase.
Clemens Anderlitschka on Wikimedia
19. Torsten Hallman
Hallman brought motocross to America through his exhibition races in 1966. Two years later, he got tired of torn jeans and designed the first motocross-specific pants. This initiative later turned into his company, Hallman Racing Gear. He influenced an entire generation of American riders with his career.
Hero Talk | Husqvarna Motorcycles by Husqvarna Motorcycles
20. Eli Tomac
Eli Tomac’s dad was a mountain bike champion who influenced Tomac’s unique training approach. His charging style from the back of the pack earned him the nickname "The Closer." As of today, he is the driver to set the record for getting the highest prize money in a single Supercross event.
