Let's talk about famous dirt bike riders. I know; there is more than a handful because motocross history goes back quite a few years. We all have our favorite dirt bike riders and many had outstanding track careers before some of you got started. The list is a mix of famous dirt bike riders with some big tracks for others to follow.
7 Most Famous Dirt Bike Riders You Should Know
I'll stick to some of the names that stand out in motocross history who've established themselves as top-of-the-line professional dirt bike riders.
Let's start with Ricky Carmichael in the first position. From 1991 to 2007, Carmichael made his presence known on the track winning races, awards, Supercross and National titles and multiple championships across the board battling the expertise of riders such as James Stewart and Jeremy McGrath. Nicknamed "The Goat" Carmichael changed careers in 2007 to join the NASCAR circuit.
Next is Bob Hannah, aka, "Hurricane." From 1976 to 1985, he dominated the course as one of the most competitive dirt bike riders of all time winning seven titles including both National and Supercross championships. Hannah was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2000.
Third on the list is Roger De Coster. Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994, De Coster's professional career ran from 1967 to 1980 with stand out achievements that include winning 37 Grand Prix races and five 500cc World Championships.
Ricky Johnson takes fourth with a long list of riding credentials under his helmet. Beginning in 1984, he won his first national championship. He later became part of Team Honda managed by former champion, Roger De Coster. Johnson was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2012, he became part of the elite with induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Another AMA Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee is legendary rider, Jeremy McGrath. His riding skills and techniques earned him long term recognition as a Supercross specialist after winning seven of the championships from 1993 through 2000. His riding history also includes 17 wins in AMA Motorcross Nationals.
In sixth place is French rider, Jean-Michael Bayle, World Motocross and AMA multi-winner and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee. Racing against such competitors as Rick Johnson and Jeff Ward, Bayle earned his place with multiple titles including World 250cc Championship, French 250cc Supercross and French National 125 Motorcross.
Making the seventh slot is Jeff Ward, king of the 80's with AMA motocross and supercross titles across the board. Ward had the distinction in 1989 after winning the 500cc Motocross Championship to become the first winner of all major AMA national titles. After retirement, Ward moved to Indy racing and currently, competes in off road racing.
Depending on which magazine you subscribe to, who you speak with and your own personal preference, the list is going to have other top-notch riders like James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Travis Pastrana, David Knight and Stefan Everts. The list is just a sampling of a few of the great dirt bike riders that go down in motocross history as riding at the top of their game.
