Mindset and Innovation
Innovation is most certainly at the tip of the spear in the world of motorsports and, more specifically, motocross and supercross. I can say my love for the sport grows deep.
I can remember specific times when the Superbowl would be on Sunday afternoon, but the supercross replay would be on at the same time. My choice was the supercross replay, even though I already knew the results.
The sport of motocross is one of the sports that are more mental than physical. You must have the psychological understanding and belief to know what you see in front of you and how to complete each obstacle in the most efficient manner possible.
You must do this while the risk is present, and knowing that in each lap, there will be an obstacle that you have never seen before.
To be a good motocross and supercross rider, you must possess a deep belief because events happen in the blink of an eye without thinking about it. Subconscious programming. Where you don’t think about it, you just respond appropriately.
Practice reps, practice reps!
The right mindset takes an honest look at the present condition and then finds innovative ways to improve performance.
Innovation is a term that is continuously being used in Silicon Valley. But outside of technology, innovation, growth, change for the better is the basis for our improvement in the area of sports performance and life. Innovation refers to the methodology to think about new concepts, better products, methods, organizational processes, and improvement of current products, and maximal performance in riders.
In the world of contemporary motocross, which I will label from 1995 to 2020, there have been many great riders—some of the fittest, most focused athletes in all of the sports. But seven athletes have helped shape the landscape that we see today.
Before I list these guys, I must say the sport was always in good hands with the greats, like the great Jean-Michel Bayle, Ricky Johnson, David Bailey, Jeff Stanton, Bob Hannah, Jeff Ward, Joel Smets, Roger Decoster, Johnny O’Mara, and others I am failing to mention.
In the sport of motocross, there are many different types of innovation that athletes and teams pursue. These innovation efforts are often tied to the awareness and intelligence of the team managers and technical leaders, and, of course, it always falls on the athlete’s lap to do what is necessary to win daily while continually looking for ways to gain an extra 2-3 percent a year.
Up Your Mental Moto Game
If you can do this, you will level up every 2.5 to 3.5 years (6- 10%). That’s the difference in a rookie 250 rider becoming a coast champion and a legit outdoor threat, or never reaching his physical peak and racecraft limits. This is the proper way, and the only method I would advocate.
I had that choice to go another route when I got hurt during my football playing days. During rehab, I was approached in many instances to take the short cut. I thought hard about it, but when I evaluated my sports experience, I believed it was one of the purest things I had ever done. I did not want to taint it with a decision that, in my eyes, would put my entire athletic career into question. I was able to get back to 100% and even better, but it took me about 1.5 to 2 years, which was a lifetime in a young pro athlete’s career.
So when I say innovation, I am talking about a more disciplined nutritional plan, sleep, exercise, upgrading your mental game, the right performance coaches, choosing a compatible companion, associating with people that you value and desire to build meaningful relationships with, and lastly associating with people that see value in you and want to invest in you.
This is leveling up. It is everything. I am not talking about drugs or supplement shortcuts. One of the reasons I am still strong today and in shape is because I never put my body through synthetic growth spurts, which can cause issues, if not immediately, most assuredly in the future.
I do understand those that choose this route because sports, in general, is a competitive road. It is not for the weak-minded and those lacking in the ability to work.
With that being said, athletes, parents, and families invest so much into the development of a young gun, and when faced with the option of not being able to pursue a lifelong goal, they make a concession. They choose the synthetic shortcut. Often the potential to earn millions of dollars are on the line, and the go-to backline is, “Everyone else is doing it.”
Yeah, other athletes are doing it, but some clean athletes are great. It is hard to believe, but elite athleticism can be attainted with the right approach. My NFL measurables numbers are still atop for defensive backs, and I was clean.
Innovation is vital in the sport of motocross. Mental, physical, mechanical, and spiritual growth are necessary components to maximizing the opportunity.
So back to the seven contemporary guys that I see as game-changers in the sport of motocross.
Learnings from the 7 Mental Giants of Motocross
They are listed in no specific order, as greatness always has the company of other rare individuals.
Stefan Everts – Mental Contribution – Intelligence – A Scientific Approach
Success in sports is usually associated with aggressiveness, strength, and competitive aggravation. But the great athletes can channel emotions and use their intelligence to compete at a high level in the most efficient manner possible. They do not allow themselves to be controlled by the way everyone else is doing it or by the emotions of competition. Stefan everts rode a motocross bike beautifully and effortlessly, almost as if he was strolling through the woods on a trail ride. His style of standing on the pegs and allowing the bike to do all the work requires an extraordinary level of fitness. He mastered the science of riding at the right speed at just the correct pace to win. He brought a level of mental intelligence to a sport that always seemed to reward pure aggression. People like David Bailey should not go without mentioning, but again we are talking about the years 1995 – 2020.
- Ten times World Champion
- 101 GP victories in total
Ricky Carmichael – Mental Contribution – Work Ethic – “A Mind Prepared To Suffer”
The Redheaded Jackal Ricky Carmichael. Nothing but respect! I had seen Ricky at a few test tracks when I was out with Metty, and he was always friendly, respectful, but business-like, as I would expect. But he was an assassin on the track. I can remember at Hangtown when Stephon Roncada was on Suzuki given Ricky the business, and Ricky came around the start and straight tried to put Roncoda down where the tractors park.
What Ricky brought to motocross/supercross racing was next level preparation.
It wasn’t that guys did not prepare, guys like Jeff Stanton and Ricky Johnson had related training programs. But in the mid to late nineties, after Stanton lost his title to McGrath, there was an era high on talent and partying.
The goal was to get an excellent start, sprint for 4 -5 laps, coast, and then sprint again the last 2 -3 laps, if needed.
Before you read further, I want to say that I have the utmost respect for Ricky Carmichael and his accomplishments. His 150 wins and 11 Championships are up there with people like Edwin Moses, The Boston Celtics, and Micheal Jordan’s individual and team success.
It is easy to find a great video of Ricky and speak of his highlights. But progress is most often in the nuances and in the ability to learn from failure. So, I am focusing on those critical moments in Ricky’s career that changed the landscape of motocross. Watch the video!
Ricky’s First Couple of Seasons in Supercross
After Ricky’s rookie season in the big bike class, it is common knowledge that he had enough of bad finishes and crashes due to what he felt was a lack of fitness, which always leads to other issues, like loss of focus. If you watch the video I included, you will see Ricky in his struggles, a little heavy in the belly, and need to level up.
He decided to get serious about training and his diet because, as he said it, “I was either doing to win or quit.”
This is when your mindset is everything. Ricky brought a new type of preparation and work ethic to the sport that most young guns are following to this day.
Greatness is never produced in isolation; it is a direct result of those that push the individuals to perform at the highest levels. With that being said, here is the list of great riders that pushed Mr. Carmichael to elite levels of performance: Steve Lamson, Kevin Windham, Tim Ferry, Mickael Pichon, Robbie Reynard, John Dowd, Tallon Vohland, Sebastion Tortelli, Ezra Lusk, Ryan Hughes, Damon Huffman
- 162 total Wins
- 16 Titles
Chad Reed – Mental Contribution – Mental fortitude – “Excellence over the Long Haul Ownership.”
Peak performance on race day is the goal for each rider. To perform each weekend, you must overcome all of the unforeseen circumstances and be able to ignore the noise.
It’s one thing to have a great race, heat, or lead a few laps. Still, it is another thing to put together 2, 3, 4, 5 years of elite-level performance either on top of the box or on the podium, especially when you are competing in the American supercross and motocross discipline. To do this, you must have consistent preparation, which leads to regular high-level performances.
To maintain a high level of confidence, athletes that believe in themselves have a belief that they belong in the front despite bad weekends, so they never allow themselves to get comfortable with anything less. They must have the mental toughness to overcome the challenges and personal situations, which can be extremely difficult.
Chad Reed always took ownership of his career, whether that was deciding not to ride a series, starting his team, or spending his dime to go racing. What he brought to the sport was an appreciation for excellence over a long period. A “never out of the conversation” attitude!
Chad nothing but respect! Your commitment to excellence and love for competition till the end id rare even amongst the elite of the elite.
The Royal Court that pushed Chad Reed to greatness: Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey (I know these two could easily be on this list of mental giants, but I am giving respect to elders and those that paved the way). In all likelihood, you could go back to the Decoster’s, Hansens, and Laporte’s, but I am speaking of contemporary mental giants from about 1995 to current times.
- 61 total Wins
- 4 Titles
Travis Pastrana – Mental Contribution – Ability to Overcome Fear and Anxiety – “Just Do It Already”
False expectations appearing real. Travis Pastrana has defied odds and has been the perfect example of what you can do when you take control of fear, free your mind of clutter and do the unthinkable.
Travis is the type of friend you had, like a six-year-old that gets you to climb on the edge of the second story house and attempts to tell you to jump off the roof. “It won’t hurt that bad.” You look at him like he is crazy as he tries to show you how easy it is. You think about it but decide not to.
He then launches himself off the roof, lands on his feet, and rolls on the ground after a scream. He says, “I’m alright; I just need to put a mattress on the ground next time!”
You slowly climb down, and he tells you don’t be a wuss. You climb back up, jump far off, but aim for the bushes to break your fall. Amazingly, you’re ok, but your only thought is you’re alive: you’ve made it through another playing with Travis!
You are heartbroken when he moves to another state, never seeing him or talking to him, only to find out he is still launching himself off roofs, and the sport is called parkour. He is making millions of dollars doing it. It all makes sense because it’s Travis.
I’d like to think that is what Travis did for the motorcycle world. He defied reality and created something from a simple jump off a roof.
“Iron Sharpens Iron” the incredible riders that helped to inspire a new style of riding a motorcycle: Nate Adams, Brian Deegan, Carry hart, Mad Mike Jones, Mike Metzger, Jeremy Stenberg, Larry Linkogle, Kenny Bartram
Jeremy McGrath – Mental Contribution – Mental Dominion
7 Supercross championships. As the story goes, Jeremy didn’t start riding motocross until the age of 14 because he spent his younger years riding BMX. That experience helped him transform the way a motorcycle was ridden specifically on supercross tracks where technique and racecraft are a valuable resource.
His greatness still resonates to this day, and it is easy to forget how to dominate he was until you look at the record books. The only person that had a chance at that record was James Stewart. Now that he is retired, it seems like an untouchable feat. The amount of wins needed in a season is incredible. 7 Wins a year for ten years still wouldn’t get you there. This greatness and ability to dominate the game for so long is the definition of mental dominion. You need to be dominant and in control of all levels of preparation to do this. An incredible feat, and the standard for supercross wins.
- 102 Wins
- 2 Championships
Other men of honor that pushed McGrath to supercross heights – Jeff Emig, Jeff Stanton, Mike Larocco, Larry Ward, Ryan Hughes, Damon Bradshaw, David Vuillemin
Antonio Caroli – Mental Contribution – Balanced Tactician and Mental Intelligence in Sport
Antonio Caroli is the perfect combination of pure speed, technical precision, style, race decisions, and competitive spirit. Rarely will you rattle Caroli. He is arguably the fastest, most consistent rider we have seen in the last ten years. The only other comparable rider with championships would be Eli Tomac, but I still look at Eli as part of the new school with quite a few years left on his resume.
In 2019 the KTM Factory rider Antonio Cairoli showed speed and immaculate precision by winning the opener. He started the season with four wins in the first five races. He has been winning for a long time.
To open the 2020 season, he started on the podium. Whether he wins the championship or not, he is the perfect combination of pure speed and mental fortitude. Rarely rattled, never overrides the bike, just fast, precise, and a rider that will always give the team a chance to be in the championship.
- 89 Total Wins
- 9 Titles
Royal Court: Clement Desalle, Jeffrey Herlings, Gautier Paulin, Tim Gasjer, Romain Febvre, Jeremy Van Horebeek, David Philippaerts, Maximilian Nagl, Ken De Dycker
The Trailblazer: James Stewart – Mental Contribution – Mental Fortitude and Innovation
James Stewart is the progenitor of today’s riding style necessary to win races. Most of the techniques we see today are the direct derivative of James Stewarts’ classic style. You can’t watch a race without seeing the traditional James Stewart scrub. He is genuinely an innovator.
But what separates him is the fact that he is a trailblazer, as he is undoubtedly the first black American to win a supercross race, and additionally, the first black American to win supercross and motocross championships.
He did all this with the help of an incredibly close family, supportive industry professionals, and support staff. But he faced tremendous opposition and challenges along the way because of his speed, style, and race, as in color. You cannot tell James Stewart’s story without mentioning these facts, specifically his race.
It would be a disservice to everyone, those who helped him, those who opposed and criticized from a biased lens, and most importantly, James, and a sport that grew for the better from his rise to motorsport stardom.
A lot of us that blaze trails always experience the harshest criticism, opposition, and fiery darts. The first child or the first to do anything must have tremendous mental toughness, belief, and a rare work ethic. I had the opportunity to be in the truck with James during his time with Suzuki. And I will say that James was polite and as a courteous an individual you could ever meet.
James Paving They Way For Younger Talent
His little brother Malcolm was also friendly and professional, even back then. But understand, as great a rider as Malcolm is, big brother, paved the way. So yes, Malcolm and James’s personality will be slightly different; James was the first. The arrow and the shield.
SIDE NOTE: Malcolm is having a great year in 2020 and has taken his mental game to another level. Sixth in the points championship is solid. At Daytona, he was passing guys on the last three laps, which says a lot about his fitness, specifically when he is just a year out from injury. He has a solid base already, which is difficult given he racing against the best in the world. Malcolm is really good and will get better! Mental Game on the Rise
Anyway, back to James…
As an athlete, you become a sort of a psychologist who can read and find a weakness in your opponent. And I have been around all types of athletes, some of the very best in the word in their sport in different disciplines, so I can say confidently that James is truly a beautiful person. He is an incredibly genuine person that is loyal but has been at the tip of the spear in terms of building his legacy not only for himself but for his entire family.
James Riding For His Legacy From the Beginning
And he built this legacy in a sport that had not seen anything like him. While the sport is full of amazing people, situations happen that people tend to ignore because, well, it makes them uncomfortable. So yes, James faced racism in the sport of motocross and supercross. I personally witnessed and heard it. All of the sporting worlds is a segment of life, and thus the same problems you see in life will most often show themselves in sport.
It happens all the time with elite level athletes. Athletes become slightly more guarded because many people around them are benefiting from their rise but not necessarily supporting their success. Any negative thing they see or disagree with is then magnified, repeated to people outside their circle, which adds unnecessary criticism and opposition. It makes you guarded!
Here my words because my heart towards two wheels is sincere. I am not calling anyone out nor slamming the sport.
So, my point is, James was placed in a problematic position all of his careers. If he didn’t win, people would look to minimize how good he was, saying someone else was faster because many did not want this energetic, talented BLACK athlete to dominate. Every time he lined up, he was racing for his legacy, his name, his family and his career. Many in the industry would not allow him to lose gracefully.
James Helped the Sport of Dirt Bike Racing, and The Sport Helped Him
Motocross doesn’t take offense to this as other sports have had significant issues, with black athletes not even getting an opportunity to play ala black potential NFL quarterbacks were considered not smart enough.
Now we know that was nonsense, but these judgments by NFL evaluators cost athletes their career or no career at all.
I know, I know I am being long-winded. But I truly love this sport, and this article is a long time coming. And I want to bring to light why James may not be so open or unwilling to converse at times; it could be he has experienced issues that some people may not know about nor want to talk about if they did know. So his love for the sport and wisdom causes him to monitor his words such that he always honors the sport that he loves.
As a fan or industry insider, it is important for people to try to look at athletes as people rather than commodities. I guess I can understand James a bit because I myself was sort of a trailblazer and have become quieter and more observant.
Often this is a sign of wisdom; it is not that you don’t trust people, but that you understand people are just people and often can’t help themselves. So before speaking, you want to observe at least and know who you are talking to.
James Is Top Three in Any Discussion about the Best Riders Ever
By all accounts, James is one of the best to do it in all of the motorsports. And based on his specific challenges, he could be considered the greatest. Yes, the greatest, given his challenges! And I have the utmost respect for Ricky Carmichael, McGrath, and others. I could argue Ricky’s dominance against some of the greatest we have seen in all of the sports.
I could write more in-depth about the nuances of race and how they play on the minds of people, but that is not my goal. My goal is to give reverence to an athlete that is appreciated and maybe sometimes misunderstood.
Ricky and James Will Be forever Connected
In my book, James is only second to Ricky Carmichael. He amassed 98 wins, not including East/West supercross (116 wins). Second only to Ricky, and without a gas fiasco, he would have three supercross championships.
You add in the fact that the sport transitioned to four strokes during a time when he rode two strokes 4 seconds a lap faster than anyone in the world. Four strokes took away about 15 percent of the human skill level and made it more about the bike.
James has done wonders for the sport and should be appreciated for his innovative winning style and for trailblazing the sport for a new demographic of riders, which ultimately means more money, more engagement, and something that all of us can share.
Lastly and most significantly, James has done what few athletes and specifically motocross and supercross athletes are able to do, and that is the transition to the business side of sports. Seven gear is now solidifying itself as one of the favorite gear combos of choice of young riders and even adults. James is truly an innovator and a person that can reinvent himself in many ways. Salute!
- 116 Total Wins
- 7 Titles
The Mental Game of Motocross Has Changed.
Innovation has not only evolved in the design of the motorcycles, but the athletes themselves have to take the mental game up another notch.
We should appreciate these contemporary motocross and supercross athletes for their contributions to the sport and champions that they all are.
Why Is Innovation Important for Motocross Success?
We’ve all heard the phrase “change, adapt, or be left behind.” For motocross and supercross teams to achieve success in today’s modern moto world, this is our truth.
1. Innovation Helps Teams and Athletes Grow
2. Innovation Keeps You Relevant
3. Innovation Helps Athletes Differentiate Themselves
As you read this list, do not look at it as concrete but rather how innovative riders have influenced the styles and approach of other riders. Of course, there is quite a bit of cross-pollination, so to speak. Thanks for reading, now go ride!
Ricky Carmicheal Derivatives – Work Ethic
- Jeremy martin
- Alex Martin
- Cooper Webb (Mental Warrior)
- Joey Savatgy
- Mike Brown
- Ben Townley
James Stewart Derivatives – Pure Speed, Style Perseverance
- Ryan Villopoto
- Eli Tomac
- Justin Barcia
- Ken Roczen
- Malcolm Stewart
- Trey Canard
- Max Vohland (with a lot of his dad in him, Max is a bad dude, next up!)
Chad Reed Derivatives – Consistency
- Ryan Dungey
- Justin Brayton
- Chase Sexton
- Brett Metcalfe (Brett is probably one of top 5 most consistent riders ever, in terms of finished sn longevity)
Stefan Everts Derivatives – Science of Riding
- Christian Craig (Christian’s father was pretty good as well)
- Dylan Ferrandis
- Brett Metcalfe (True student of the sport)
Antonio Caroli Derivatives – Speed and Tactical RaceCraft (Although Caroli is Italian there seems to be some similarity in styles of Caroli and French Riders Jean Michele Bayle – > Mickel Pichon -> Sebastien Tortelli -> Stephon Roncada -> David Vuillemin)
- Marvin Musquin
- Dylan Ferrandis
Honorable Mention: David Vuillemin( Intelligence, Speed), Jason Anderson ( his own style which I love, I can remember watching him in the B class at Prairie City at the Dodge Amateur National ), Josh Grant (Speed, Toughness, Grit), Dean Wilson (Smooth as your grandpapa with the Kangol hat on) and Ryan Clark (For making privateer career a truly respectable route)
A winning mindset is being a student and a person that is continually looking for ways to improve legally, morally and within the rules. Taking shortcuts may gain you money and success but often there will be a day when you will deal with the consequences. A winning mindset followed with the right actions will always prevail over shortcuts so always be a student and have faith that your work will push you to the top of the box. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
How do you get in shape for motocross?
The right motocross training will include adequate endurance training, strength training, flexibility work, and explosive plyometrics. Too much cycling will cause adrenal fatigue and wear you down. Implement training that is congruent with body position on a motocross bike.
How do you train for motocross?
Cardio, great nutrition, proper rest, 2-4 times a week of high-quality riding, and mental training.
Is motocross physically demanding?
Motocross is exceptionally physically demanding, one of the more physically demanding of all sports. Pro riders will sprint for 35 - 40 minutes on dirt tracks that are changing every lap with an extremely high-risk factor.
Is motocross the toughest sport?
Motocross and Supercross are on the list of the Top 20 toughest sports to play.
Are motocross riders the fittest athletes?
Yes, elite-level motocross racer some of the fittest endurance athletes in sports. But don't confuse endurance fitness with athleticism, speed, or the explosive power of athletes in other sports.
What is the hardest sport physically?
The list of hardest sports physically are: 1. Decathalon 2. Solo Climbing 3. Extreme Mountain Biking 4. Olympic Level Gymnastics 5. Olympic Level 100, 200, 400-meter sprinters 6. Boxing 7. Martial Arts 8. American Football 9. Soccer/Futbol 10. Basketball