Rate these riders who left too soon

I don't know that Reynard should be on that list. He had lots of injuries but he a full career. But outside of him, Stroup and Hepler are by far above the rest of those guys.

Stilez Robertson should be on the list, but of the ones you have listed Zach Bell is my biggest “what if”. He entered and exited the sport so fast we never really got to see his potential. He’s also the reason I learned about 6d helmets and their safety technology which probably isn’t something a rider wants to be known for.

JLaw did get a second at Daytona in the 450 class. That was pretty good! 

Wish we got to see Weston Peicks full potential. 

Hepler was probably the best of that group who had the most potential.  But man. RC, left too soon. ( Even though it was a very full career) That guy could have probably won at least a few more outdoor titles.  If he had raced to 30-32 years old.  

we saw it.

Helper is at the top of that list for me.  He was fucking laying down some incredible rides but just kept getting head injuries if I remember correctly.  He was my hope to see someone that could run the pace to battle with James.  I don’t blame Broc at all for leaving the sport, I think he made the correct decision and did what was best for himself long term. Which just makes me respect him even more.

Yep, RC, Dungey and RV left titles on the table leaving early. Don’t blame them but they definitely could’ve had more wins. Makes you wonder if Jett will exit early also, will he have incentive to keep racing?

I’ll never forget Zach Bell’s crash in Arlington. I was in the stands. We thought he was dead. 

Bonds was really fast, he didn’t leave by choice though. 

Could even add TP199 to that list if we’re talking moto careers. Obviously he found his calling with X games and FMX, and was successful anyways both financially and career wise. 

Jason Lawrence could have been a multi time champ with his talent. He beat Dungy for a 250 SX title and we all know how well Dungy did. 

Trettel was a baaaad man on an RM85. He was one of the few who could outrun a young Tomac, at times. Terren O’Dell (did a season with Rock River and ghosted) was another fast dude who left the building early. If you saw these guys on minis then you know what I am laying down here… 

And, let’s not forget Brett Downey (RIP). He was usually in that same mix. 

I vote Stroupe. I was bummed his comeback got derailed.

Hope he is doing well now.

The best guy ever that left too soon was Bayle. I know he doesn't exactly fit the list because he wasn't pushed out of the sport due to injury or personal reasons. He simply walked away when he was on top. Had he been truly motivated in 92' he might have been the only rider to win all three titles(250SX, 250MX, 500MX) back to back. 

We could go all day with riders who were cut short from injuries or their own doings, but for the sake of time, in my mind the riders you named are as follows....Ian wins every time if for no other reason we never got to see one of the most prolific amateurs on the big stage 

1.Ian Trettel

2.Broc Hepler

3.Austin Stroupe

4.Nico Izzi

5.Robbie Reynard

6.Brian Gray

7.Zach Bell

8.Jessy Nelson

9.Bobby Bonds

10.Jason Lawrence

James MFing Stewart. Dude got injured, then WADA-ed, then collided with Dungey and was out again, then faded away. I was really hoping to see him ride one comeback race, win it, and then retire. 

Insert David Bailey

Correct not his choice, the choice of Langston being a prick did him in

Rick Johnson, David Baily as said above.

Nobody mentioned Damon Bradshaw either

All the down votes must be cause we did not pick from the list.. lol  Hell, I never even heard of most on the list.

Bayle was 23 when he retired.

RJ,his career was cut short due to his wrist injury

KW and Bradshaw both quit while at their peak,both also came back a few years later

JS7 had lots more years left in him when he got suspended,derailed his career.Always hoped for a comeback

Add Carmichael and Villopoto. 

Big Hepler fan here. I occasionally bug Matthes in his DMs to do a reraceables on a Hepler race. Remember Hangtown 04, when Roncada was giving Stewart all he could handle? A rookie Hepler was just a few seconds behind them most of the race. 06 Millville comes to mind too when he came back from injury and spanked everyone in the rain.

What about Prado....he left Kawasaki too soon......

KW didn't quit.  He broke his leg in 02,  had a two year deal for 01-02 that ran out, then came back for the 03 nationals on the 450.

You forgot Jorge!

Wait, was that too soon?!? 😆

I don't know about that. Some of those later years were tough to watch. Always felt like he was one small mistake away from another disastrous crash.

He got plenty of titles and was always spectacular. To me, it was just a bit past his time even before the Dungey incident. He already had several concussions, the speed gap between him and the field had shrunk, and he didn't have the consistency to keep it together. The flashes of brilliance (Toronto) were always great though.