Oldest 450 SX class ever?

Gordon Liddy
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Location
Butte, MT, USA

Is this the oldest 450SX class ever?

 

Ricky retired at 27 yrs old.

 

Kyle Chisholm    37

Vince Friese      34

Eli Tomac    32

Justin Barcia     32

Malcolm Stewart   32

Jason Anderson   31

Ken Roczen     30

Joey Savatgy   30

Shane McElrath   30

 

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Shakybonez15
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Killa,Kali, CA, USA
1/12/2025 9:37am

i think so its pretty interesting to see this change.

6
TeamGreen
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1/12/2025 9:41am

Who cares. Save this kinda thread for the off season.

Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…

We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.

So, Gordo is making a good point. 

20
1/12/2025 9:42am

I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. 

Could be that their training and recovery has evolved, they aren’t overtraining as much as in the early 00’s when everyone was on the RC work till you’re broke type of training. 

I also think that guys staying in the 250’s till their mid to late 20’s has also been a big reason why the 450 class is more of a 27-33 year old age class now. It gives more time for the guys in 450’s to keep their rides.


Also, the sport growing the past few years has brought in a lot of new teams and rides which keeps all our favorite riders active. 

It’s a great time to be a fan of the sport. 

9

The Shop

-MAVERICK-
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1/12/2025 10:11am Edited Date/Time 1/13/2025 1:20pm

Jett Lawrence: August 7, 2003 (21)

Rider Fisher: February 7, 2003 (21)

Colby Copp: July 31, 2001 (23)

Grant Harlan: April 11, 2001 (23)

Justin Rodbell: September 2, 2000 (24)

Jorge Prado: January 5, 2001 (24)

Sexton: September 23, 1999 (25)

Kevin Moranz: August 2, 1999 (25)

Hunter Lawrence: August 1, 1999 (25)

Hunter Schlosser: March 12, 1998 (26)

Scott Meshey: February 3, 1998 (26)

Mitchell Harrison: January 27, 1998 (26)

Tristan Lane: December 24, 1997 (27)

Justin Cooper: August 31, 1997 (27)

Benny Bloss: March 27, 1997 (27)

Jerry Robin: March 18, 1997 (27)

Alexander Nagy: May 19, 1996 (28)

Aaron Plessinger: January 25, 1996 (28)

Cooper Webb: November 10, 1995 (29)

Marshal Weltin: October 22, 1995 (29)

Jared Lesher: September 22, 1995 (29)

Bobby Piazza: September 12, 1995 (29)

Ryan Breece: July 16, 1995 (29)

Anthony Rodriguez: July 12, 1995 (29)

Justin Hill: May 7, 1995 (29)

Logan Karnow: November 27, 1994 (30)

Cade Clason: November 17, 1994 (30)

John Short: October 19, 1994 (30)

Shane McElrath: August 11, 1994 (30)

Austin Politelli: August 11, 1994 (30)

Mitchell Oldenburg: July 13, 1994 (30)

Dylan Ferrandis: May 31, 1994 (30)

Ken Roczen: April 29, 1994 (30)

Colt Nichols: March 22, 1994 (30)

Joey Savatgy: February 19, 1994 (30)

Jason Anderson: February 17, 1993 (31)

Bubba Pauli: March 29, 1993 (31)

Justin Starling: March 12, 1993 (31)

Eli Tomac: November 14, 1992 (32)

Malcolm Stewart: October 27, 1992 (32)

Fredrik Noren: March 23, 1992 (32)

Justin Barcia: March 25, 1992 (32)

Gared Steinke: July 26, 1991 (33)

Vince Friese: October 19, 1990 (34)

Kyle Chisholm: December 6, 1987 (37)

Average Age: 28.45

21
smee113
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Houston, TX, USA
1/12/2025 12:11pm Edited Date/Time 1/12/2025 12:11pm

I think the amatuer model of the 2010's ruined alot of the talent that went pro in the later half of the 2010's. Too much time practicing at facilities and not enough time racing eachother. They can't compete with the generation that came before them, so there's nothing pushing the current 450 guys out. It looks like the talent that will push them out will be the class of the 2020's.

5
1/12/2025 12:27pm

Who cares. Save this kinda thread for the off season.

TeamGreen wrote:
Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.So...

Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…

We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.

So, Gordo is making a good point. 

“In denial” “can’t see it”

Strange take dude.. 

I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the season. 

When there’s nothing else to talk about, then yeah sure. 

But fuck me what a boring topic of conversation. 

21
Kyzer138
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Fantasy
1/12/2025 12:37pm
“In denial” “can’t see it”Strange take dude.. I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the...

“In denial” “can’t see it”

Strange take dude.. 

I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the season. 

When there’s nothing else to talk about, then yeah sure. 

But fuck me what a boring topic of conversation. 

Did someone force you to open this thread and comment on it? 

11
Herr Lich
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Location
Sydney, NSW, AU
1/12/2025 12:38pm Edited Date/Time 1/12/2025 1:04pm
iudi2006 wrote:
I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. Could be that...

I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. 

Could be that their training and recovery has evolved, they aren’t overtraining as much as in the early 00’s when everyone was on the RC work till you’re broke type of training. 

I also think that guys staying in the 250’s till their mid to late 20’s has also been a big reason why the 450 class is more of a 27-33 year old age class now. It gives more time for the guys in 450’s to keep their rides.


Also, the sport growing the past few years has brought in a lot of new teams and rides which keeps all our favorite riders active. 

It’s a great time to be a fan of the sport. 

I think the causation goes the other way.  Riders staying in the 450s longer mean 250 riders have to stay in the 250 class because there are no 450 rides.  That, and the financial incentives to stay in the feeder class. 

2
3
1/12/2025 12:50pm
iudi2006 wrote:
I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. Could be that...

I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. 

Could be that their training and recovery has evolved, they aren’t overtraining as much as in the early 00’s when everyone was on the RC work till you’re broke type of training. 

I also think that guys staying in the 250’s till their mid to late 20’s has also been a big reason why the 450 class is more of a 27-33 year old age class now. It gives more time for the guys in 450’s to keep their rides.


Also, the sport growing the past few years has brought in a lot of new teams and rides which keeps all our favorite riders active. 

It’s a great time to be a fan of the sport. 

Herr Lich wrote:
I think the causation goes the other way.  Riders staying in the 450s longer mean 250 riders have to stay in the 250 class because there...

I think the causation goes the other way.  Riders staying in the 450s longer mean 250 riders have to stay in the 250 class because there are no 450 rides.  That, and the financial incentives to stay in the feeder class. 

If a 250 rider is faster than the 30 year old shouldn’t they get the 450 ride? Unless teams are keeping older riders for the “clout” they carry which I could see.

wreckitrandy
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4218
Joined
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Location
Granite Falls, NC, USA
1/12/2025 1:06pm

Who cares. Save this kinda thread for the off season.

TeamGreen wrote:
Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.So...

Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…

We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.

So, Gordo is making a good point. 

“In denial” “can’t see it”Strange take dude.. I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the...

“In denial” “can’t see it”

Strange take dude.. 

I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the season. 

When there’s nothing else to talk about, then yeah sure. 

But fuck me what a boring topic of conversation. 

Waiting, patiently,,,, for the blockbuster, viral, interweb seizing thread that you are about to enthral us with....

1
Herr Lich
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Location
Sydney, NSW, AU
1/12/2025 1:08pm
iudi2006 wrote:
I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. Could be that...

I think it’s pretty awesome that our athletes are able to go further into their careers while still maintaining their elite status and ability. 

Could be that their training and recovery has evolved, they aren’t overtraining as much as in the early 00’s when everyone was on the RC work till you’re broke type of training. 

I also think that guys staying in the 250’s till their mid to late 20’s has also been a big reason why the 450 class is more of a 27-33 year old age class now. It gives more time for the guys in 450’s to keep their rides.


Also, the sport growing the past few years has brought in a lot of new teams and rides which keeps all our favorite riders active. 

It’s a great time to be a fan of the sport. 

Herr Lich wrote:
I think the causation goes the other way.  Riders staying in the 450s longer mean 250 riders have to stay in the 250 class because there...

I think the causation goes the other way.  Riders staying in the 450s longer mean 250 riders have to stay in the 250 class because there are no 450 rides.  That, and the financial incentives to stay in the feeder class. 

If a 250 rider is faster than the 30 year old shouldn’t they get the 450 ride? Unless teams are keeping older riders for the “clout”...

If a 250 rider is faster than the 30 year old shouldn’t they get the 450 ride? Unless teams are keeping older riders for the “clout” they carry which I could see.

Yep, I agree. The 450 riders staying longer in the class blocks the 250 riders from coming up but the antidote to this for the 250 guys is being faster. However, I think teams are increasingly conservative with their picks. They figure it's a safer bet to stay with an old trusted rider than take a risk on a 250 rider who's unproven in the 450 class. 

1
1
Nairb#70
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Ivoryton, CT, USA
1/12/2025 1:44pm

Yeup, but they are still fast. At least this early in the year. It seems like expereience and good sense is worth more these days than youthful exuberance.

1
TeamGreen
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1/12/2025 1:53pm Edited Date/Time 1/12/2025 1:58pm

Who cares. Save this kinda thread for the off season.

TeamGreen wrote:
Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.So...

Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…

We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.

So, Gordo is making a good point. 

“In denial” “can’t see it”Strange take dude.. I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the...

“In denial” “can’t see it”

Strange take dude.. 

I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the season. 

When there’s nothing else to talk about, then yeah sure. 

But fuck me what a boring topic of conversation. 

Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣

28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.

One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet Class”. But, I’d argue that Chase is cherry-picking since he’s not old enough! 

I’m jus’ saying’…

2
Johnny Ringo
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1/12/2025 2:04pm

And I thought the 30+class at my local track was fast…

11
TeamGreen
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Location
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1/12/2025 2:09pm

And I thought the 30+class at my local track was fast…

🤣

3
1/12/2025 2:26pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.So...

Uh, no. You must be in denial if you don’t see it. Hell, the way Eli is riding…

We could be looking at a 32 y/o Champ.

So, Gordo is making a good point. 

“In denial” “can’t see it”Strange take dude.. I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the...

“In denial” “can’t see it”

Strange take dude.. 

I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the season. 

When there’s nothing else to talk about, then yeah sure. 

But fuck me what a boring topic of conversation. 

TeamGreen wrote:
Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet...

Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣

28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.

One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet Class”. But, I’d argue that Chase is cherry-picking since he’s not old enough! 

I’m jus’ saying’…

Where are you getting this idea that I “don’t see it”? 

Yeah, I can see it. I just don’t see paramount significance in it. 

 

9
lumpy790
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York, SC, USA
1/12/2025 3:15pm

How about most experienced 450 class ever.

8
lumpy790
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1/12/2025 3:18pm

And I thought the 30+class at my local track was fast…

Just wait for Lorettas in 5 or 6 years!

2
sandman768
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1/12/2025 3:22pm

The Vets will stay until the young guns push them out….

3
kage173
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1/12/2025 3:56pm
smee113 wrote:
I think the amatuer model of the 2010's ruined alot of the talent that went pro in the later half of the 2010's. Too much time...

I think the amatuer model of the 2010's ruined alot of the talent that went pro in the later half of the 2010's. Too much time practicing at facilities and not enough time racing eachother. They can't compete with the generation that came before them, so there's nothing pushing the current 450 guys out. It looks like the talent that will push them out will be the class of the 2020's.

It's not the facilities. It's the pro team contracts and bikes from when they're young. 

 

1
Magoofan
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1/12/2025 3:59pm

Who cares. Save this kinda thread for the off season.

Dude..... WTF.

Thread is totally relevant.

 

3
2
Nairb#70
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Ivoryton, CT, USA
1/12/2025 4:48pm

Looks like Kyle Chisolm is the oldest, and the only guy born in the 1980's.This will be his 20th season! Wow!

3
TeamGreen
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1/12/2025 4:54pm
“In denial” “can’t see it”Strange take dude.. I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the...

“In denial” “can’t see it”

Strange take dude.. 

I just don’t think it’s an exciting enough topic of conversation for the day after the first race of the season. 

When there’s nothing else to talk about, then yeah sure. 

But fuck me what a boring topic of conversation. 

TeamGreen wrote:
Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet...

Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣

28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.

One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet Class”. But, I’d argue that Chase is cherry-picking since he’s not old enough! 

I’m jus’ saying’…

Where are you getting this idea that I “don’t see it”? 

Yeah, I can see it. I just don’t see paramount significance in it. 

 

Psssst…

It’s a forum for Dirtbikers. 

1
mag250
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266
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Location
The Moon, TX, USA
1/12/2025 6:08pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet...

Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣

28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.

One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet Class”. But, I’d argue that Chase is cherry-picking since he’s not old enough! 

I’m jus’ saying’…

Math ............

math.JPG?VersionId=uTtMpy8J6MJdVrXrGL2O4rd7UXG
2
DaveB771
Posts
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Location
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1/12/2025 6:43pm

And I thought the 30+class at my local track was fast…

TeamGreen wrote:

🤣

The fast guys in +60 have been faster than me for 50 years. 

4
vdrsnk04
Posts
2221
Joined
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Location
USA
1/12/2025 6:46pm
Is this the oldest 450SX class ever? Ricky retired at 27 yrs old. Kyle Chisholm    37Vince Friese      34Eli Tomac    32Justin Barcia     32Malcolm...

Is this the oldest 450SX class ever?

 

Ricky retired at 27 yrs old.

 

Kyle Chisholm    37

Vince Friese      34

Eli Tomac    32

Justin Barcia     32

Malcolm Stewart   32

Jason Anderson   31

Ken Roczen     30

Joey Savatgy   30

Shane McElrath   30

 

You forgot to mention RV12 and RD5. Weren’t they both 27 or 28 when they retired too?

2
TeamGreen
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Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
1/12/2025 6:52pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet...

Last night’s podium makes the point. But, no worries. You don’t see it. 🤣

28.66666666666667(29) Avg age.

One of last night’s podium finishers joked that it’s the “Vet Class”. But, I’d argue that Chase is cherry-picking since he’s not old enough! 

I’m jus’ saying’…

mag250 wrote:
Math ............

Math ............

math.JPG?VersionId=uTtMpy8J6MJdVrXrGL2O4rd7UXG

That dude’s a total ‘tard (Vitard).🤣

2
Chris_Buehler
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Location
PORTLAND, CT, USA
1/12/2025 7:08pm
Nairb#70 wrote:

Looks like Kyle Chisolm is the oldest, and the only guy born in the 1980's.This will be his 20th season! Wow!

Can we talk about Chiz still having the fire to line up and compete at the highest professional level? Remember him getting in Reeds way, as a lapper, when he was racing Bubba for that sx title...........in 2009!!

1
OwenJakes
Posts
1777
Joined
6/30/2023
Location
sebree, KY, USA
1/12/2025 7:13pm

This board is a bit obsessed with bringing up these guys ages. I don’t know why. Many of them are peaking as the crossover of wisdom, performance, drive, and experience are aligning. I ran a marathon today and got totally hammered by guys in their 30s lol 

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