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It always seems to be about the latest hot prospects and how these riders do when they move up to the Premier Class, such as Deegan this year or going back a few years to Hunter or Jett.
On the flip side, what rider may have gone with no titles or hype through the small bore class but made steady progression once in the Premier Class and eventually became a champion in either SXor MX?
I want to say Zach Osborn may fit this description best?
Zacho was dominating the small bore class in his last year or 2.
Weston peick & Mike Alessi come to mind
Wasn't there a stat that like the top 14 or something guys early in SX all had a 250 title of some sort? Wild
Zach-O had two 250 SX titles and a 250 outdoor title before he moved up, so I'd argue he was actually a better 250 guy than he was a 450 guy.
Even though he has 250 titles, I don't think too many people saw Dungey having the career he had.
Going back a few years Mike Larocco and Rick Johnson, although I think RJ only rode 125's for 1 year.
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Yes, Dungey may be that one guy that nobody seen coming. Crazy how that all manifested.
Jeff Stanton was a fill in rider when Broc was injured on the yz490. He was at it a few yrs.
Mike Larocco? He was better after he moved up.
When you look at Zach's entire career . It’s a testament to his belief in his ability. Pretty much written off and forgotten, here in the US. Goes over seas, has a decent run for 5 years. Wins a title in Britain and a bunch of podiums. Then returns to the US and claims a couple titles. One of my favorite MX/ SX stories.
Andrew Short
How about Jason Anderson?
Dowd?
Anderson got a lites title back when he was bullying seely didn’t he?
Not to mention he had a couple of mediocre years on geico Honda when he first came back from the GPs. He is definitely the description of a late bloomer if we’re talking years as a pro.
Side mention, I remember when he came and did a couple supercross races during the GP season on that cosworth Yamaha. He was sick on that bike. Still one of my favorite riders of all time
I will have to look up Stantons career.
Dowd didn't start riding until very late if I remember.
Mid 80’s was a crap shoot.
There were many guys who could win any Sunday.
Omara, Lechein, RJ, Barnett, Bailey, Ward, Glover, Hannah, Holland, Diamond, Magoo and then you go to the maybe the 5-8 guys, which there is a huge list. ( you get what Im saying)
That was my era when I was getting into the sport and maybe the names just are more engrained in my mind.
Sean Hamblin
Farres following a similar path?
Jeremy had a BMX background but I believe he didnt start on dirt bikes until 15 years of age.
Edit: misread the OP so not a great example but I always found it amazing the Jeremy started comparatively at a later age and achieved what he did.
I think Febvre has a similar story. He started racing motocross when he was 16-17, he was doing supermoto before starting to put effort into moto. To do that in the modern era and end up winning 2 premier titles in a highly competitive MXGP era is really impressive in my opinion and in a sense i think he qualifies as a late bloomer.
Pit Row
Frédéric Bolley in MXGP. 32nd, 17th, 13th in 3 seasons in the 125 championship. 14th, 9th, 14th, 5th, 7th, 5th the next six years in MXGP. Then back to back MXGP championships in 1999 and 2000.
Perfect depiction.
Stanton's actually a really good pull. I don't think anyone (except maybe Jeff himself) saw him having the career he had. Especially in such a short amount of time.
Zach-O .
Had to bail out of the US with no ride , did GP's , came back and took another 3 years to win.
Josh coppins had a similar rise, no 125 results to speak for, just got better and better, robbed of the 07 title,
Joël Smets
Filthy Phil, Benny Bloss
Rick Burgett?
Nobody mentioned Doug Henry yet ?
2X 125 National Champion.
I have one: Tim Ferry. He won a 125SX but didn't win a race doing it. Then later, he became one of the few to ever challenge RC for moto wins.
You're right, I forgot about that.
Didn't get any titles but Cole Seely?
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