There are no excuses in motocross racing, and only results matter for the riders and the men who train them. Shane McElrath and Jessy Nelson must each cope with injuries, track conditions, and their competitors if they hope to finish in the top 10.
Joey Savatgy shocked the MX world by taking both motos in round one of 2016, but staying on top isn't easy. Ricky Carmichael takes Joey under his wing and shows him that the way to have it easy on race day is to go through hell while training.
Jeremy Martin might be the two-time defending champ, but his results so far have left him trailing his rival. With a new training regimen at a world-class track on his family’s property, he’s trying to chase down Joey Savatgy.
Teammates Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger have very different personalities, and while they might have similar lap times in practice, one of them is among the series’ points leaders while the other hasn’t yet managed a single podium finish.
Alex Martin, an eight-year vet in the 250 class, is racing again in 2016, but still has never won a moto.
Cooper Webb was the pre-season favourite to bump up to the 450 Class circuit, but in motocross, each rider has to earn his keep. A wrist injury and strong challenges from other riders like Jeremy Martin could endanger his chance at a contract.
With the surprise retirement of Ryan Dungey and the crushing injury of Ken Roczen, the outdoor 450 Class finds itself with an absence of superstars and an opening for a new champion. KTM and Yamaha have bet heavy on new riders, but will it pay off?
While Dean Wilson tries to complete the long road back from a string of major injuries that nearly cost him his career, the race at the front of the field is between the favourite, Eli Tomac, and the hard-charging challenger, Marvin Musquin.
Former pro cyclist-turned-trainer Aldon Baker has been arguably the most influential figure in MX over the past decade, building a reputation for turning racers into champions. Current points leader Marvin Musquin is among those in his program.
Heading into RedBud, the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship title is within reach of Marvin Musquin, Eli Tomac, Blake Baggett and Jason Anderson. But, in this high-stakes world, overcoming mental challenges from injury or trash-talk is crucial to win.
2017 has been a vintage season for Blake Baggett, calling to mind his peak seasons of 250 Class racing. But for Baggett and the other riders competing for the overall AMA MX title, another challenge is always waiting.
No matter how brilliant a rider is, all the hard work and determination to win can be destroyed by injury or mechanical failure and victory can be snatched from their grasp. Making a comeback after a major set-back requires perseverance and luck.