Who are the best 10 Motocross riders of all time?

Looking at the legends of Motocross, Cooksey ranks his top 10 of all time. Keep in mind this is USA National Motocross only. After number 1 it gets dicey.
Riders in this Video: Ricky Carmichael, Jeff Stanton, James Stewart, Bob Hannah, Ryan Dungey, Eli Tomac, Ryan Villopoto, David Bailey, Rick Johnson, Broc Glover, and Jeff Ward.

[@67cruizer]

Young guys list. I was there to personally see Hannah, DeCoster, Mikkola, Lackey, MaGoo, Marty Smith, Mike Bell. Barnett, Glover, Ward, and O’Mara when they were kids. It’s hard to make a 10 list but the older 19 70’s guys were certainly the toughest.

[@markme4]

I would agree, Ward and Omara were bad ass. No one has ever topped Omaras performance at the 86 Des Nations on his CR125

[@scottziegler8094]

@@markme4 Ward was a badass. National titles in all classes, 3x champ in supermoto, Almost won Indy in his rookie year, truck racing............. Been my racing hero since mid 70's

[@markme4]

@@scottziegler8094I have followed Wards entire career since we were both kids, my father raced speedway back in the early 70s, I was always hanging around the pits with him, Ward and some other kids would show up once in a while and race on the speedway track. I got to talk to Ward sometimes and get his autograph. I was also a big Mickey Diamond fan, he and I went to the same high school here in Fullerton ca so I really enjoyed watching those two battle it out on the super moto tracks in their "old age" lol , Good to hear from a fellow Ward fan !

[@markallen6818]

@@markme4 Few people know this.You must be at least 50 years old to know this.Johnny O was Awesome on a 125 and always in great shape.

[@markme4]

@@markallen6818 I am

[@Ugoeh2]

I had the pleasure of watching Roger DeCoster race Bob Hannah in 1978. Who cares who won, it was magic.

[@markallen6818]

Two of the Best of all time there.Never got to see either one in person but loved watching them on TV every chance I got.Had posters of both of them on the walls.

[@mrabrasive51]

I would put Jeff Ward right near the top of any list..won everything there was to win and had a very consistent injury free career.and was a great ambassador for the sport.

[@markallen6818]

I think that He was the only Rider to Win A Championship in Every Class.That's 125cc,250 2stroke and 500 2stroke.Plus He was on The Motocross De Nations Teams that Won multiple times.I would say Ward should be in the top 5 of Anybody's top ten Riders of All Time.It's a shame some of theses great rider's career got cut short because of injuries or they could have been maybe a little higher in the rankings or made them.

[@markme4]

I agree, Ward was the one that forced everyone else to step up their physical fitness. What a bad ass he was. Watched his entire career from his mini cycle days to the night he retired in Anaheim.

[@ronb.5954]

Magoo belongs on this list.

[@CookseyMedia]

He was a badass!

[@markallen6818]

@@CookseyMedia It was fun watching Him ride.Kinda reminded me of Hannah.WFO.

[@thechronicsurroncouple6912]

MAGOO!!!

[@reese3407]

Yes magoo went 1-1 at the Desnations..

[@thechronicsurroncouple6912]

Nobody has ever, before or since kicked the entire worlds asses, the absolute best of the best, 4 motos straight like Danny “Magoo” Chandler. My favorite racer of all time!

[@johndef5075]

Roger Decoster, Bob Hannah, Marty Smith were my favorites.

[@keithlynas1808]

So many greats have graced this sport, you cant forget the best of the best....Joel Robert, Stefan Everts, JMB, Jim Weinert, Decoster, Tony Distefano, Gary Jones, Georges Jobe, Eric Geboers, and Harry Everts. Plus the only perfect SX season, Jimmy Ellis!

[@sternk13]

What, no Cairoli or Herlings?

[@ve1139]

Brad Lackey

[@67cruizer]

Mikkola, DeCoster, Wolsink, Lackey,

[@pete3445]

I think this is an “ AMA” list ?

[@sternk13]

@@pete3445 Sorry, you are correct! I saw some euro's mentioned and...

[@showtime951]

A list of "The 10 Greatest Motocross Riders of All-Time" that doesn't contain the names Marty Smith and Roger DeCoster is just a list of young men who raced.

[@markallen6818]

You Forgot Mark Barnett.He Dominated the 125 class and how about Kent Howerton,I know he won a few National Championships.If You are just considering United States Riders I Agree with most of your choices.If You considered European also,Roger DeCoster and Joel Roberts would have to be on Your list.They would be on Mine.Another one I think deserves mentioning is Gary Jones.

[@CookseyMedia]

Great insight, I considered Gary Jones.

[@jhmonthetube6339]

Commendable list from a guy who isn’t old enough to have actually seen the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s riders race. If you had seen them, Tomac and Villopoto wouldn’t be in the top 20. Hannah, Stanton, and Marty Smith were incredible to watch. Like Carmichael and Johnson they have a no excuses will to win.

[@patd4u2]

Hmmm, Brad lackey, Marty Smith, Danny Laporte, Gary Jones etc.

[@CookseyMedia]

Lacky mostly rode GPs, Marty and Jones were close to the top 10.

[@patd4u2]

@@CookseyMedia That makes me feel better.

[@firefighta4984]

The only person that wasn't mentioned that I thought of after seeing this list was Jeremy McGrath. Is there a reason why? He won the 1995 250 outdoor title and also in 1993 and 1996 he brought home 2 win for USA in des nations. I know he was long of "supercross" but the dude was a badass on 2 wheels. Just curious your thoughts, i listen to all your podcats/content thanks.

[@CookseyMedia]

All time outdoor only, I didn’t take Des Nations into consideration.

[@douglaslarge4289]

Yes ,McGrath was so technically smooth, Bubba may have studied him, and then took it to the next level!!

[@momot9051]

No mention of our very own David thorpe

[@CookseyMedia]

@@momot9051 Sorry, he is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats and one of my favorites, but this is limited to American Motocross.

[@dougwilson7336]

McGrath wasn't as good outdoors as he was indoors.

[@stevencunningham4680]

You forgot Marty Smith , Roger DeCoster , Tony D. , Bengt Aberg , Pierre Karsmakers , Jim Pomeroy and many others. I guess you'd have to make another list based on the fact that these guys are legends and not just won championships but their other accomplishments like what they contributed to the sport and so on. The list could go on and on.

[@tonyhannibal1580]

Can Magoo get a mention, just for having balls like coconuts🙂

[@stevencunningham4680]

@@tonyhannibal1580 I forgot to mention Danny but he should be at the top of the list.

[@tonyhannibal1580]

I'm in the UK got to see him in the flesh at the British round of the 500's he didn't disappoint one of my fave state side riders total loon RIP Danny chandler 🙂

[@ronaldtravis970]

Great List Cooksey 🤘and pretty accurate in my opinion 👍 good stuff Bud ! And yes fun to talk about .

[@michaelreid7528]

Nice video. Really enjoyed it. Defo would have more GP riders in the mix but that’s coming from my own prospective. I’m Irish . Only watch AMA but myself 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidwood1923]

Thanks for Sharing... That was Fun

[@moparone7962]

I was glad just to witness Carmichael's dominance at the many outdoor nationals I attended. That dude was hammered down, all the time, just as fast on the last lap as his second lap.

[@CookseyMedia]

He is 1 without even an argument.

[@johnnyskied]

I got to see RC and JS259/JS7 at both Hangtown and Washougal. Stew went 1-1 in the 125s and didn't have a spot of dirt on him. I think Ryan Hughes got 2nd and dude looked haggard and beat down. I was at Hangtown in 07 for one of the classic RC vs JS7 battle. They were on another level!

[@brianlarsenis]

I got to line up next to Ricky Carmichael at Loretta's one time back in the day. Happened to get a good start and was close to him for half a lap. After that, he might as well have been on a rocket to Mars. He's the best I've ever seen.

[@Tmogangsta714]

Marty Smith. Made mx what is today and jonny Omaha whipped the world greatest 500 riders ass on a 125

[@CookseyMedia]

Both amazing!

[@markallen6818]

Johnny O'mara will Always be remembered by outrunning The 500's at The Motocross De Nations.He was Awesome on a 125 and one of the most Fit riders during His Career.

[@showtime951]

I agree 100%. As an homage, when driving through Nebraska I will always stop by the childhood home of Jonny Omaha, a true Champion. That dwelling is vacant now so I will usually pleasure myself in the garage, sometimes with my alpaca, sometimes not, but always on the stopwatch.

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

You don't have Mark Barnett on here? He was the man on 125's and also Marty Smith.....I love Bailey but find it hard to put him in the top 10....he only got those 500 titles because lack of competition in that class , while having a bike that was 10 rimes better and still Glover beat him regularly in motos.

[@Rebu1lt]

Agreed with Barnett! I was like what! No Bomber! Lol I'm biased cause he's my uncle thoe 😂

[@michaelharris4651]

Yeah , I loved Bailey to he was one of the greats of that era !

[@heartfanjim01]

Yet he smoked the European guys when he raced them.

[@markgriggs3636]

I realize that this is top 10 outdoor, but just as a side note. I think Ryan dungey's stat of 34 convective podiums over maltible years in supercross is the most impressive stat there is

[@austinhart9318]

Awesome Show as always! I know your just doing USA but what about AC222

[@mxracer158]

Solid choices. I liked how you kept each rider within their respective years of racing and then racked and stacked them. Yes this will date my age by as a kid I too wanted to be David Bailey smooth on my 80. I have mad respect for everyone of these guys. That level of skill, that level of determination is unreal. IMO no one could top Danny Magoo Chandler for determination though. The next generation is beginning to come into their own, Sexton, J. Cooper, Forkner, etc etc.

[@jamespolucha6911]

Hard list to make because how far back do you go, jimmy smith, Danny Magog chandler, Jim pomeroy first American to win a go mx race, JEREMY MCGRATH, Malcom Smith, RODGER DECOSTER, brad lackey man there’s so many back in the day and that’s when you had to really know how to ride because the bikes went fast but 3-4 inch suspension you had to handle it

[@ericmiles1852]

Carmichael would have had 12 titles if he didnt retire.. the one he retired and im sure he would have still won the next year also. I believe 08. I believe he could have won possibly 4 all the way up to 2010. He was that much faster and had that much speed to work with

[@mitchellkalina8191]

No doubt. Carmichael was just too good to beat for a title by the end of his career. People like to mention Stew but in my opinion he never would've beat Carmichael for a title outside. Carmichael had his speed matched pretty much everywhere but was so much more seasoned and savvy. He would take his few 2nd place finishes and still win the title easily. Dude had all the speed and ability augmented by ruthless determination. Very difficult to beat.

[@jealousyxanderblood7894]

90% of this comment section doesn’t understand cooksey made this list ranking on OUTDOORS ONLY. List would be very different if it was a supercross metric.

[@CookseyMedia]

Thank you for listening!

[@jealousyxanderblood7894]

@@CookseyMedia of course, love the show and hope you can do it full time soon

[@markallen6818]

@@CookseyMedia I think alot of Supercross and Jeremy McGrath fans missed the Words Outdoor Nationals and non European.

[@santiagobenites]

You've made an excellent list, with a slight bias towards more recent champions, but I did like how you justified your choices by pointing out differences in the number of races scheduled in the older seasons vs. newer ones. Nicely done.

[@CookseyMedia]

You are correct about the recency bias. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@buffetline2605]

Jeff Ward! Ultimate competitor. Good list

[@mixerguru]

jeff Ward fact: one of the first scenes in "any given Sunday" this little kid (like 8 yrs old)riding a wheelie on a mini bike is Jeff Ward bad ass before there was bad ass

[@dougdickason]

I could knit pick a few spots but can't really dispute the list except for one....Rick Johnson behind Ward, Glover, and Bailey...RJ won a few titles on Yamaha and never was on those amazing works Hondas and won his Honda titles on a production Honda.RJ was the face of this sport, the McGrath before McGrath, and I would say Ward and Bailey were his top 2 threats but he had them covered for the most part. Honorable mention goes to Kiedrowski, Larrocco, Emig and Glover. My top 10: 10). Bailey, 9). Stanton, 8). Hannah, 7.) Ward 6.) Johnson, 5.) Tomac, 4.) Villopotto, 3.) Dungey, 2.) Stewart, 1.) Carmichael. The reason I picked RD5 over RV2 was because he has more 450 titles and way more 450 race wins (I have RV2 ahead of RD5 in SX rankings). Dungey has the second most 450 wins with 39 to Villopottos 12. Dungey was real close to RV2 in 2011 on a Suzuki and RV2 edged him out when Dungey had some bad luck like losing 25 points when his bike ran out of gas in Texas with 2 laps to go and a huge lead, and he had a few other issues and still almost won the title, and the year Rv2 really had Dungey covered as you called it, was 2013 when Dungey was fairly new on the KTM, the bike most said he would never win on, and it was not a good bike despite Dungey winning the MX title the year before on it. I almost put Dungey second but James is such an icon and his speed , his perfect season, I had to put him second.

[@ericmiles1852]

I hated rick johnson but he was the best in the 80's. Threw away a 250 title in 84 . Busted wheel. And didnt have a 125 career.

[@dougdickason]

@@ericmiles1852 that's what I'm saying. He was the guy for his time. You know Rick Johnson turned pro at 13 and was racing those California off season series with people like Hannah and Glover at age 13. He couldn't race the big series until age 16.

[@chrisedwards5002]

@@ericmiles1852 1982

[@pete3445]

Agree. RJ is close to top 5. I think Marty Smith belongs on the list too.

[@dougdickason]

@@pete3445 where would you put Marty though? He was a 125 guy, which doesn't bother me, but the little class gets looked down on though. I could see him between 11-15, but since he didn't do a whole lot, other than on 125, it's hard to move him higher.

[@Certifiedshowoff]

Wish I could have seen Ricky in his prime… in his farewell tour he was still winning against stew, which later would turn out to be my idol. The fastest man on the planet still didn’t have nothing for an aging goat. Great list man!

[@basedlord88]

I saw him and Bubba in an epic battle at Washougal many years back, remember watching him fly over the scrub jump 😂

[@dhedburg64]

Jeremy McGrath. Changed the game both indoor and outdoor. Ask everyone of the newer riders on this list who they looked up to and wanted to be like. McGrath.

[@CookseyMedia]

Yes, but he only has one outdoor title.

[@R00RAL]

@@CookseyMedia Have you spoken to him? As far as I understand he wanted to do Indoor only.. or focus on one or the other. Which one paid more ?

[@spacemanspiff8837]

most wins, most supercross titles, but not top 10. beem me up scottie, there's no intelligent life down here.

[@slimbrady6691]

​@spacemanspiff8837 This list is based on outdoors only, genius.

[@scottparsons2031]

Jeff Ward had championships in the 125-250-500 and supercross

[@sburns2421]

I love lists like this because everyone may have the same five or six guys, but we can debate the remainder. With that said, the most naturally-talented racer I ever watched in person was Jean-Michel Bayle. 1991 when he won the Supercross, 250 Outdoor, and 500 Outdoor in the same year will never be matched. He effectively pulled a Bobby Jones and quit at the top to go roadracing.

[@rogershipman3578]

Championships decide your overall standings (rating) over your career. But the most talented American rider to ever swing a leg over a motocross bike was Ron Lechien. I saw him holeshot, lead start to finish, and win two 45 minute moto's against Ward, Barnett, Johnson, O'Mara at 16 years old on a YZ125. In fact he did it two times that year at different races. Ending up 4th for the year his rookie year as a pro!

[@markallen6818]

I remember Him,didn't know that he did that good His rookie season but knew He was a good Rider. How many National Championships did he win?

[@showtime951]

Lechien did for "talented", what homosexuals have done for rainbows.

[@wernerdriver4996]

Pretty good list there's so many more honorable mentions

[@CookseyMedia]

Damn near every Champ deserves mention!

[@toddjohansson5837]

I’d put Villopoto 2nd, Stewart 3rd and Tomac 4th. Other than that, good list 👌🏻

[@flyfishincrazy]

Cooksey this is the best video ever! Great job!

[@Wennywya]

The title is kinda missleading since you didnt meantion a single MXGP racer anyways great video. My list would be way different since im way too young and most of the riders on the list were done before I was even born ('02)

[@thomasdoheny8096]

Your list very accurate but Ricky Johnson handled Jeff Ward

[@randycollins5314]

I don't think I saw Jeremy McGrath 🤔 my all time favorite rider is Danny Magoo Chandler 💯 check out what he did at Trophy 🏆 des Nations 🤯 he was a crowd pleaser ❤👍

[@CookseyMedia]

I remember, also remember him on the Maico. He was a badass!

[@zerocool675]

I think it’s cuz he was solely focused on motocross and not including supercross. if it was across both disciplines you’d have to include MC.

[@michaelbrajkovich1999]

McGrath only had one motocross title. Supercross goat, but not a top 10 motocross guy.

[@claytonandrews7234]

McGRATH CANT BE ON THE TOP 10 LIST. HE ONLY WON 1 MOTOCROSS CHAMIONSHIP. IF YOU TALK JUST ABOUT SUPERCROSS THEN McGrath is number 1 period. 7 titles and to this day nobody was ever as fast along with smooth and perfect precision on a supercross track. Hit table tops and Triples with his bike a third lower than anyone else. Getting back on the wheels and just steady running away from every other rider there. Yes Carmichael finally figured out how to beat him after McGrath had his titles and was coming to the end of his racing days. Carmichael never was smooth on any track. He was just WTFO EVERY LAP OF EVERY RACE HE ENTERED. AND SOMEHOW SOMEWAY KEPT THE BIKE ON 2 WHEELS JUST ABOUT EVERY RACE HE ENTERED

[@morijin8792]

@@claytonandrews7234 let just say McGrath is slow even we put them all in their prime he still not beating rc,stew,etc in mx🤣🤣

[@IvarEriksson83]

It’s great to see the sport evolve to a point where we have so many past greats.

[@CookseyMedia]

Right, so many legends!

[@darwest8833]

I agree with most, but I was surprised that Jeremy McGrath was not mentioned. Is this Americans only? I would have expected Jeffrey Herlings and Roger Decoster to be there as well. Overall great job and fun to watch, Thank you.

[@GearheadRob319]

Darwest883. Yep, i agree.

[@basedlord88]

McGrath was a super cross specialist, he wasn’t very good at motocross, only won one championship outdoors

[@DJ-tn9zk]

Honorable mention to Kevin windham, if it wasn't for rc being so dominant he could've won 3 or 4 titles... dude was and all around good guy, he was good for the sport

[@morijin8792]

Lol then what about James and Reed if rc not around dude u think Windham have a chance 🤣🤣

[@mikeb.7183]

@@morijin8792 Kdub was the better rider, always silky smooth never made mistakes he just didn't have the get the hole shot and out run them mentality the the Bubba's and Reeds have.

[@morijin8792]

@@mikeb.7183 😁😂Let's say bubba just more talented Ang gifted rider to bad he race in wrong era hahaha

[@greysoncamblin-morrow7581]

@@morijin8792 K-dub was on par with reed during there primes from 2002-2008 K-dub simply suffered on a long history of injury's that cost him big in the late 90's and early 2000's

[@morijin8792]

@@greysoncamblin-morrow7581 what a joke James Stewart will fuck him sx/mx prime James will make him look like amateur 😂🤣💪

[@co70]

I honestly think tomac is second on the list ahead of stewart talking strictly outdoors. Yeah stewart has the 24-0 season, but tomacs speed and 3 straight years of winning the title is better than the 24-0 IMO. And the competition to is just simply alot stronger than the 2000s after ricky retired

[@alandrummond5890]

and on top of that he was dominant in his unsuccessful/injury years too

[@co70]

@@alandrummond5890 don’t forget that minute and a half win over dungey too. Looked like he could’ve had an undefeated season too

[@flyfishincrazy]

BS a typical 🤡 Tomac fan would! Hannah, Bailey, Ward, Stewart, Dungey, Villo all better than pie face Tomac!

[@bradsilvester2448]

But JS7 changed the whole riding style which everyone is adopting now in some form

[@paulf144]

Did you say Tomac's speed??? James Stewart is THE FASTEST rider ever in the small bike class, 250F or 125, and he didn't even ride the 450 Nationaals much. Don't forget Kawi was WAY behind in 450 development. James stopped racing MX until he got on the Suz and he was pretty much done by then.

[@federalpipingco.inc.7700]

All these guys and others are Ironman. MX is brutal on your body. A great sport to watch and do.

[@mixerguru]

Motocross is forever changed changed the way it looks after 2003 when he perfected the Bubba scrub. Soon after racing on every race track in the world, racers changed the way they ride the impact was like like Kenny Roberts putting his knee on the ground in the 76 British GP with home made sliders. James Stewart changed racing dirt bikes forever . In among legendary rock star racers Stewart was Mozart.

[@dustinsmith4068]

That's a really good list. I can't think of an argument to change anything. It's weird watching some of the older heroes sliding down the list with time, but every subsequent generation should be improving upon the other.

[@CookseyMedia]

I had a little recency bias, but you are right.

[@royomacdonald7924]

Good Top 10 Cooksy Do a top 10 Non American 🇺🇸 Do a top 10 Best Riders without a title Do a top 10 of the Best 1 Title Holder Really always interesting 👍🏼😊🇿🇦

[@twotwentyswift]

It's hard as hell to argue with this list and it's order. Well done Cooksey!

[@CookseyMedia]

Thx!

[@DaveEPie]

Hannah was a joy to watch on a bike. Like moving artwork.

[@johndef5075]

He had that fire inside. Had the pleasure of watching him and Marty battle it out at USGP in mid 70s. They left the Europeans farrrr behind!

[@frankdillon6127]

Joel Robert/Sylvain Gebors Suzuki Works Drivers early 1970. saw them at the first Carlsbad Calif International Motocross.

[@marvel9r421]

Top 3 was my pick. The Super Kid Ricky Carmichael, James Bubba Stewart, and The Beast Eli Tomac. I mean just unstoppable freaks of nature. Eli still out there doing his thing at his age. These three are just what I dare say an out of body experience. How special would it be to see them race together in an outdoor just one time... I know it won't happen, but hey never say never baby. It'll be a special classic. So many I think should be listed like Doug Henry, Mike The Rock Larocco, Mike Kiedrowski is another notable, Mike Brown, Jeff Emig, I know I'm forgetting much more. But definitely those top three for sure if going raw speed and talent with chips for sure

[@lj362]

That year Ricky led like 98% of the laps as well

[@mikeherrmann5360]

I learned something today Stewart had a perfect outdoor season. Shoulda found room for Omara in there

[@CookseyMedia]

I wanted to, based simply on him being one of my favorite riders.

[@markallen6818]

Thanks for mentioning His Name,with All those other Great Riders How could You mention Johnson and Bailey without Johnny O.He was right there with them at Team Honda.

[@randybrown7023]

Bob Hannah but no Marty Smith? Come on

[@rickstout5524]

Pomeroy and DeCoster, please….

[@ryans2118]

I liked ur top 5 in order. Thats my thoughts exactly. If we went by records, ya a different story. Remember when tomac won first place, beating dungey, in second place by 1min 30 sec. First race of season. Unheard of. The interview afterward, dungey was pretty much speechless cause he knew to win the next race, he better figure out how to shave off a 1 min 30 second a moto? Good times! Lets see whats going to happen this year?!

[@mattyroberts8230]

Should've titled your video "top 10 best AMA motocross riders".

[@johnnyskied]

You have to add Stewart even without his perfect season...just his raw speed factor alone changed motocross and supercross just as much as RC changed the physicality of the sport. RC has said that the only time he had to go outside his comfort zone was chasing stewie. His race craft wasn't as good as RCs and he didn't know how to turn it down a notch. He was too much like Ricky Bobby...win or die trying.

[@NSR969]

…..while taking Adderall his entire career. That’s why he was Never the same after his Illegal Drug Suspension, because he couldn’t cheat anymore. He just Pouted his way in to obscurity, like a whiny b!+€h. His brother, Malcolm, has a way better personality, rides his @$$ off & presumably doesn’t use Illegal Enhancers. James had an insecure vibe about him, while still giving off an Unjustifiably Entitled attitude. I Don’t miss bubba: Glad he’s gone.

[@dennisdreher1038]

raw speed yes but go back and watch the 05 - half of 07 RC dominated him and made him crash, so who rode more out of their comfort zone and I'm a huge fan of JS7

[@johnnyskied]

@Steve D lay off the crack!

[@johnnyskied]

@@dennisdreher1038 I already said RC had better race craft. Bubba didn't know when to turn it down a notch.

[@reggieoverton121]

@@dennisdreher1038 you mean when JS7 was on a 250 racing against RC on a 450? Cmon man! 😂🤣

[@TGC1023]

Ricky Carmichael was fastest on a Kawasaki, Honda or Suzuki?

[@jeffboyd7780]

Carmichael also is the only rider to ever lap the entire field in a moto.

[@keithlynas1808]

Hannah did it too....Racing World

[@keithlynas1808]

1978

[@markallen6818]

I watched RC do it.Also the best achievement that I thought He did was being The First Rider to Win Every Moto in an Outdoor National Season.That's just unheard of.

[@doctodd6755]

Think Jett-law may be your next undefeated racer on your list as long as he stays healthy

[@vinceedwards3978]

Very interesting. I had hoped you were going to put Mark Barnett in the top 10, but it is hard to argue your list. Also noticed you didn't have Jeremy McGrath on the list, but it seems you did not consider Supercross championships.

[@CookseyMedia]

Barnett was so hard to leave off, but there are so many good riders. Yea, this is outdoor only, or MC would be an easy #2 pick.

[@markallen6818]

@@CookseyMedia I like and Agree with most of Your list but seems like Mark Barnett deserves to be on this list just by the way He dominated the 125 Class.Didn't the AMA make a rule after Barnett won all those 125 Championships that you had to move up to a higher class?

[@hisoverlorduponhigh90]

I have seen them all. The fastest rider I ever saw, was Mark Barnett.

[@shonbratton1906]

Great top 10

[@carmelotansengco4605]

Great list but you forgot to include the Trans-AMA and Trans-USA series. Hannah took the Trans-AMA series in '78. He beat Roger Decoster. Broc Glover took the Trans-USA title in 1981 in a time when Yamahas were not exactly the best bikes on the track and he beat Mark Barnett who was on a Suzuki RH250, at the time, the best bike on the circuit.

[@thejuice7799]

Cooksey you missed Jeff Emig who won 4 titles he should be on the list one bad dude in Motocross

[@CookseyMedia]

He got three and is a bad dude, but IMO he is just outside the top 10.

[@showtime951]

That's how he earned the nickname "the little professor".

[@stevenuhlmeyer7078]

You have to consider the era of bike innovations to. The older group was getting hammered by suspension limitations .

[@billstevenson8142]

Pretty good list but should be titled as “AMA” Many euro badasses with multiple titles: Carrillo, Herlings, Stefan and Harry Everts, Robert, Decoster, Eric Geboers

[@wxbgt01]

Can't disagree with any of the picks and top three are spot on.

[@johngenzalle9054]

Is this an American riders list? I certainly hope so otherwise you have some swapping out to do

[@CookseyMedia]

It is.

[@bermbuster6]

Sorry, you can’t put Broc Glover in front of 5 Time National Champ Kent Howerton. Can’t do it. Fair assessment though.

[@CookseyMedia]

Other than Carmichael at 1, every spot could have a legit argument. Howerton should get a mention.

[@edhenton980]

Just had another perfect season again bro so you have seen it happen again in your life time.

[@TheAmericanCentury]

I’ve been an o’show fan since the mid 80’s

[@gamergirlkayla6394]

Jeff finished 2nd in the 1999 Indy 500, not 3rd. But Jeff also got 4th in 2000 at Indy.

[@himynameistade_]

Tone down that powerpoint audio effect, wildly loud compared to the vocal level

[@CookseyMedia]

I noticed it after the 30 min download. decided to run it…

[@fxui]

Never forget #7 most impactful story in motocross the real GOAT

[@jimm2353]

RJ 10th ? Be handled Ward - Glover and Bailey .... I'd like to see what metrics you used ....

[@rtgray7]

Very good video sir. I am really surprised however that Villopoto isn't #2. I'd also put Dungey just behind him. Rv beat Tomac and Stewy straight up many times. As for Dungey, other than 2010, RD was never on a great team, with a great bike, with a proper trainer all at the same time like RV was for his entire career. I strongly believe that is was the biggest reason RV won more head to head. Suzuki practically abandoned RD after 2010 and his bike broke twice in SX then twice in MX in 2011, costing him victories 3 out of the 4 times(the other time, who knows? He almost didn't get to even start as his bike wouldn't crank until the 1st lap was almost over). But in that same 2011 MX season, RV, behind Dungey for the championship, was unhappy with his bike and Kawi gave him the 2012 at the break! Anyway, so RD switched to KTM and spent the next 3 years trying to gel with that bike. Great team and support but, the bike was not there yet. The other misfortune was when he didn't accept the invite to the Baker Factory after 2010, but RV did and the rest is history... Now, finally, in 2015 KTM delivered an awesome bike AND RD went to Aldon Baker AND he still was part of that great team. Unfortunately, RV retired by then so we never got to see those two battle while both would have been at their very peak. In 2015 and 2016, Dungey won 8 SX races both years while beating Tomac, Roczen, Reed and the rest just like RV had done in prior years. Now, I'd put him over Tomac for these reasons and because Tomac has been very inconsistent while on, arguably, still the best team and program with Kawi. Let him or RV go to KTM and struggle with that bike for several years and it would have made a huge difference. By the way, RD brought KTM their first premier class victories and championships. That should carry a lot of weight. Add to that, he was the first and only SX guy on a Wheaties box and won multiple ESPY's. He also has a superior MXoN influence over Tomac. So, I have it RC, RV, RD as top three. And, yes, RC is The GOAT by a landslide! Thanks again.

[@bradsilvester2448]

But hes just so boring to watch

[@paulf144]

I hope that you realize that by the time RV and Tomac hit the 450 class James was on the downside. He was never really the same after his accident in SX in 2010. The pre-2010 James had both RV and Tomac covered, indoors or outdoors.

[@TheBlueDogMan]

I would would have to rank Bob Hannah as # 2 right behind Ricky Carmichael. Just my thoughts and it is fun to have the kind of videos so everyone can compare their favorite riders.

[@GearheadRob319]

No mention of Mcgrath, No Decoster?.. Hmmm.

[@CookseyMedia]

Outdoor USA Nationals ONLY!

[@ianwashington7751]

Is it just American motorcross riders?

[@acme511]

top 10 is tough but I'd have to have Kent Howerton in there because of MX, SX and superbikers. 7 Titles in all!

[@jamesrigsby2382]

DANNY MAGOO CHANDLER ....ONE OF MY FAVORITE RIDERS BUT HE GOT PARALIZED..... SO SAD.

[@bobbygilbert6955]

Villo only had two 450 titles but don't forget about his 250 titles and the way he completely dominated the mx de nations on a 250 against 450s (I believe it was in 08)

[@brunostudley2191]

I’d put Potto at no 2 personally, James pushed the limits and paid the price. McGrath should heave been in this list also

[@jeffhicks1008]

Have no idea where you got your list from but you haven't been around this sport very long have you? I have been around since all this started in 1972 and you missed 90% of the greatest riders ever.

[@gawdszn302]

u deff got it right with 1 & 2 ..JS7 & RC

[@joaquinvillacera5323]

How about Cairoli, Gjaser and the Legendary Roger de Coster

[@jasonwright7066]

A Great list of fantastic riders but as you say it’s subjective, I’m English and I’d have put some GP legends in there who were up there with any of your top ten. The 80’s 500 works go riders were done of the best there has ever been. Malherbe, Thorpe, jobe, geboers..

[@lect0n7]

First of all, Rick Johnson belongs way higher on the list, he *dominated* the 1987 season, winning both the 250 & 500 titles in the same season...only one other rider ever did that; Jean-Michel Bayle _(in 1991)_

[@gadgetbass9175]

Magoo should have made the list somewhere, He did win all 4 motos of one of the Motocross and Trophy des Nations events.

[@jeffniemiste2461]

Marty Smith!!!!?

[@kernjennings4255]

Where is Herlings?

[@athomerecordschannel]

It is all based on what Era you came up in. Total wins and total Championships means little when it comes to where your favorites fall within "yourself" as the greatest. My list 1. Rick "Bad Boy" Johnson (and I liked him even more when he was "Magic" and "Too Hip" on a Yamaha), 2. Jean Michele-Bayle, 3. James Stewart, 4. David Bailey, 5. Johnny O'Mara, 6 Broc Glover, 7. Jeff Ward, 8. Ricky Carmichael, 9. Bob Hannah, 10. Eli Tomac...Honorable Mentions Ron Lechien, Steve Lamson, Doug Henry, Danny "Holeshot" Hanson, Kevin Windham, Jeff Emig.

[@athomerecordschannel]

Euro List: 1. Jean Michele-Bayle, 2. Pekka Vehkonnen, 3. John Van de Berk, 4. Georges Jobe, 5. Yves DeMaria, 6. Davey Strijbos, 7. Eric "the Kid" Geboers, 8. Kurt Nicoll, 9. Pedro Tragter, 10. Alex Puzar. Honorable Mentions Stefan Everts, Rob Herring, Dave Thorpe.

[@markallen6818]

@@athomerecordschannel You left off two of the Greatest European Riders ever,Joel Roberts and Roger DeCoster.They should be number one and two on anybody's list.Team Suzuki Dominated the 70's World Motocross Series.👍👍👍

[@franciscolopez3229]

Being the best doesn't need to be with the most win outdoors or indoors. It's their contribution to the history of the sport that made an impact. For example Marty Smith who may not be the first American motocrosser but he sure did heated up the sport when he stepped in. One in mind also is Marty Moates who first won USGP 500 as a privateer on a stock bike. Chuck Sun also with Asian ancestry. There so many of them you can even make another video calling it the top 100 best motocross riders of all time.

[@InformalGreeting]

Any list that doesn’t include DeCoster is invalid. Really, any list that doesn’t have him 1 is pretty suspect.

[@brucefile7430]

This list is so subjective...people could argue back and forth all day long. I would have really been interested to see a top 20 greatest list because there have been so many amazing riders...

[@CookseyMedia]

Agreed, maybe in the off-season

[@markallen6818]

@@CookseyMedia A top twenty would make it easier to not leave out some of the ones that could and deserve to be on the top ten list.

[@kevinsnow9157]

Interestingly I have the same top5 in the same order .

[@kevinholder2825]

Perfect

[@robertmartin5646]

You left out 'the Man's Rodger DeCoster

[@jmard24]

Uhhh that was pretty spot on

[@Ralyks_20]

Dont get me wrong.. Eli Tomac is definitely a great racer , possibly top 8... but Eli Tomac at #3!?!?