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Doug never retired after the first injury. That was never really an option. He got hurt at Budds in ‘95, Honda sacked him and showed up in ‘96 on a Yamaha.
Christophe Pourcel
"Brake Bracket" ~ Disappeared due to non-payment of contracted wages or is this still a source of speculation? Seems like he still had plenty of gas in the tank at the time.
RC ~ retired in his prime - lack of a challenge? Who knows what the record books would look like if he'd stayed around. Hard to believe it's been almost 17 years since he walked away.
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I saw him racing some of the two stroke nationals last year. At least he’s able to ride now.
Lack of a challenge...
Remember, RC had another perfect season in the works when he left half way through the 2007 MX season. When I say "lack of a challenge", it's in reference to what he had accomplished and what was left for him to achieve. Already had 2 perfect seasons, working on a 3rd, etc., but everyone can look at the record books. Maybe he just didn't feel like sticking around unitl he was running at the back of the pack so he could also hold the "most career starts" record?
Alex Frye, Chase Bell, Ashton Hayes, Zach Bell, Ian Tettel, Kyle Corman, Justin Weeks, Jon Jon Ames, Shane Bess, Nick Paluzzi? Stroupe, Kyle Regal? Gavin Faith, Bas Vassen, Eric Saunders, Trevor Donie, Jesse Nelson, Sean Cantrell? Jake Canada? Tommy Weeck? Zach Freeberg? Tristan Charbonneau, Bradley Taft, Blake Green, Jordan Bailey, Tanner Stack, Joey Crown, Challen Tennant, Rookie White, Daniel Baker, Justin Summers, Chris Alldredge, Zac Commans, Brandon Layton, Keith Tucker, Landon Currier, Justin Hoeft, Nick Evennou, Jimmy Nelson, Dennis Jonon, PJ Larsen? Billy Payne? Turbo Reif? Ben Riddle, Justin Buckelew - that's enough for now
Chase Bell? Was HE the son of Mike Bell.
he was not - him & Zach are brothers
👍
His wrist was a constant issue even before that. There was mention of him glueing his hand to his bar.
It happened the same outdoor season where he passed Tomac on the outside at Thunder Valley. He was never really the same after that injury.
Page 1 of this thread:
My bad. I was thinking of the year before in Jerez 👍
Well he started running a limited schedule that last year as the Fastest Man On The Planet was hitting his stride. Good move RC.
From back in the day of 40 minutes plus two laps:
Mike Hartwig (Back) : https://motocrossactionmag.com/mxa-interview-the-brief-but-spectacular-career-of-mike-hartwig/
Pat Richter (Knee): https://racerxonline.com/rider/pat-richter/races
Mark Blackwell (Eye): http://hof.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=131
Pat Jacobson (Paralyzed): https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2013/04/18/legends-heroes-tour-to-honor-jacobson-at-seattle-supercross/
Guy Cooper- Jumps were just too small to hold his interest.
Don't know how others will view this, but I haven't seen this name yet - Mitch Payton.
Think it's safe to say he found something else to scratch his itch and seems to have done alright with it.
Pit Row
Damn if this thread isn't depressing. Reading through it, I couldn't help imagining how some of those listed would have changed the history of this sport if not for injury. Rick Johnson, (still in his twenties) announced his retirement in 1991...the same year McGrath won his first 125 title (also twenty), and only two years before McGrath's first premiere 250 title (1993). David Baily was only a few years behind Johnson and was 26 when he was paralyzed. I am imagining Johnson and Baily (if both un-injured) would likely have still both been racing at or near 100% into the early 90's when Stanton, Bradshaw and McGrath became household names.
Broc Hepler, concussions.
JLaw, buffoonery.
Didn't he invent Hamburger Helper after he hung up his boots?
Obvious answers are Pastrana, RJ, and Bailey.
Hansen Sr comes to mind as well. Jett Reynolds unfortunately.
All but Reynolds have been mentioned.
Thanks
The original Captain 'Murica!
Love the fishtail exhaust!
Reynolds is still racing, so I personally wouldn't include him unless he decides to walk away. There's still plenty of time for him to have a successful career. He just turned 20 years old in January.
Rough start nonetheless.
Fair point Mav. I would counter that by saying Pastrana was basically done at 20. Hope Jett can keep it going.
Donavon Mitchell (paralyzed)
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