Has the sports of Motocross and Supercross lost it's luster?

Question

A few years ago McGrath left and a sigh was heard across the land. However the young redhead freckle faced Ricky Carmichle started on a tear that lead him to breaking most of the outdoor motorcross records and earning over a dozen (15 I think) National SX/MX titles combined. Now we have the extremly talented James Stewart winning the 2007 SX series and rekindling the flame of the sport while Ricky rides 1/2 seaons as a semi-retired racer. I myself was impressed with the tallent and skill of the young Ryan Villapoto winning the Jr class in the outdoor series again this year. However it seemed to me that with the absence of Mike Laracco, partial absence of James Stewart in the outdoor series due to injury and the championship win by Grant Langston in the outdoor national Championship series, a sigh of dissappointment was once again heard across the land. Were we really ready for Ricky Carmichle to retire? Have we put too much pressure on Bubba? Do we want Langstson as Champion???

Answer 1

If it has lost its luster, it isn't showing at the Washougal Motocross Park 10 miles North of Washougal, Washington, ever since it started in 1980, it has drawn crowds of over 20,000 every year, this year was no exception, local stars like James Stewart, who just happens to be African-American, has been tearing up the track. Now that Carmichael has retired, and Kevin Windham is still around, the big challenges are in store. Don't worry about Stewart, he's coming back strong.

Answer 2

Hey man, you must have missed the Motorcross of Nations that just made its 2nd appearance in America this September with the USA taking its record 18th title.  The Team of Carmichael, Villopoto and Tim Ferry did an awesome job.  Villopoto proved that he is ready to take over for Ricky as the next great in motorcross.  I agree that Bubba has been a disappointment, he simply can't stay healthy for more then a few weeks at a time.  No matter, the sport is still getting bigger and there are more future stars to be seen.

Answer 3

I believe it was time for Carmichael to retire as he had proven all he needed to and it is such a punishing sport and better to go out on your terms than in a heap.  Personally I hate the sport simply due to having a son who does it and it is such a worry when you have someone near and dear doing such a dangerous sport.  In Australia the Supercross is nowhere near as much of a watched sport as it is in America although we do have a number of really good riders the top of which would be Chad Reed.  Daniel Reardon is also one who will make his mark in the sport possibly overseas as he is a very talented rider.  And of course a family friend Cheyne Boyd who has gone to America a couple of times and raced although not done as well as his mate Chad.  

I guess the mainstream public expect a lot from watching the sport and you get a different view of it when you are sitting in an arena with 11000 people watching your young son compete to the cheers of all.  You really dont know whether to have a heart attack or cheer along with them.