I Don't Understand The Emphasis On Young Age

It's just because Bondo is a fucking turd that's why. 

Its changed from the days the when you turn 16 you have your pro card and start racing.

I suppose when you have guys like this on the line 16-years-old starts looking very young again...

You gotta have a narrative angle on an athlete to discuss, otherwise you aren't talking. And most athletes just aren't personally noteworthy. Every once in a while there is a one-armed baseball player.

But most dudes aren't a one-armed baseball player, so you go with one of the two stock off-the-shelf narratives: this kid is young and it's shocking he's already competing with the vets, or, conversely, this grizzled vet is still going but how long can he compete with these new young kids.

Lmao, the second pic killed me

It's based on the assumption that they will get even better with time, which was probably true 20 years ago when kids didn't live at practice facilities and ride supercross everyday.

I guess I am weird because I think it’s interesting and cool. When I was 16 I was so far from a professional athlete it isn’t even funny. Seeing drew do it is pretty cool. 

Also, this will be the last 16 year old ever turning pro with the rule change. 

Some people might see young age as having more potential but not all athletes have the same career path. 

I think the younger age in most extreme sports in general has always been emphasized.   A kid doing crazy stuff , going big and competing against adults..  Some folks find it impressive.  You see it with the XGames and skateboarding ect...

It’s changed because we have super seniors in the 250 class year over year…no room for the kids to grab a seat until they’re older than they used to turn pro. When one of them is impressive enough to earn a seat it now seems to be a big deal

If the kids cant beat them and take away their jobs then that is the problem.

The people that think being 30 years old is a disadvantage surprise me….30yo may have less tenacity than a 20yo (may) but they have more experience.

Being a top athlete in your teens is rare across all sports and motorsports. Not only do they need the physical development (most ppl peak in late 20s) but also the mental maturity to perform or rather experience. Kids who play baseball or football from little young ages through college will still struggle to perform to top levels. Jett coming in and being a top contender in his teens would be the similar as LeBron going pro out of high school.

I think it's over done. Look at the facilities they have now and the competition they have during the week. I think it shouldn't be a surprise these kids are doing well. 

It's not like this is new. Back at the first supercross race in 72 at the LA Coliseum a 16 year old Marty Tripes won the main event in the premier class. He did it again the next year. Others like Ron Lechien and Damon Bradshaw won at 16 in the premier class.

In the old 125 SX days (which is the same as todays 250s) there were 16 year olds that came in and won in their first year.

I'm sure there have been others I can't remember (yes, I'm old).

The AMA has tried this rule before as soon as one of the factories has a 16 year old hot shot they want to go pro they will change it back for them LOL

It's because of available insurance... has zero to do with what the manufacturers want...