RJ Talks with MXLarge

 

American legend, Ricky Johnson was without question one of the all-time great American riders and a rider who loved travelling to race. I remember him telling me once, he did enough international races in one off-season, that he made more in the off-season, than his Honda factory contract.

He raced for Team USA in several occasions and won every single time he lined up for the American's and his victories at places like Fastcross, Bercy and all over the World set him apart from many others.

A seven time AMA supercross and motocross champion and without question, and along with Marty Smith, Jeremy McGrath and Jett Lawrence, one of the most charasmatic riders in the sports history.

MXlarge: What races stood out for you in your career?

Johnson: There are so many. I raced with the best racers in the world, and some days I beat them. The Motocross des Nations events really stand out. Also, racing in Texas, where it was over 100 degrees outside, and passing Jeff Ward with two laps to go, was satisfying. Winning the Carlsbad USGP on ABC’s Wide World of Sports program for millions to see was awesome. There were a lot of great moments. And because of a great career, I’m fortunate to be recognized with those racers I hold in such high esteem.

MXlarge: What about countries you visited?

Johnson: I liked every place that I travelled to. I love Italy for a lot of reasons. The food is amazing, and the people are passionate. They don’t pull any punches. If an Italian person doesn’t like you, then you’ll know. If they like you, then they are very welcoming. I love Paris, because it’s so crazy and foreign to me, and also because of the history. I’ve enjoyed going to Belgium and Holland to see all of the castles. England was cool, because it’s like the light version of Europe. They speak English, and though it’s different, it’s not too different from what I’ve known. Japan has such deep history, and the fans are very polite. The fans in America wanted everything from me, but in Japan, the fans actually brought me gifts!

MXLarge: What makes somebody great?

Johnson: That’s a tough question to answer. It all depends on how you measure greatness. For me, you can’t just measure greatness based on duration. The day that Jeff Ward won the Motocross des Nations in Sweden in 1984, everyone that was there still talks about how perfectly he rode that day. I had days, such as Daytona or Seattle, where I felt out of body. Everything felt amazing. No one was going to touch me. To be in the top 10 is great, but I know that I would take on anybody from any time when I was in my prime and healthy. For me, if I’m considered one of the 10 best, then I’m happy.

MXLarge: Is Ricky Carmichael the greatest of all time?

Johnson: I don’t believe that Ricky Carmichael is the greatest of all time. He is awesome. He is a great champion. But to say that he’s the best of all time. I don’t think that he would have survived had he raced in an earlier era. He was too small. He could not ride in the 1960s with Roger DeCoster and Joel Robert, because his style would have broken the bike. He would have been injured. Yes, he’s the greatest of his time, but not all time. I’m not saying that I’m better, but to put that label on him isn’t quite right with me.

MXLarge: What do you think of the current era?

Johnson: Where it’s at now is good, but it should be better. It would be better if the riders cared more about the sport than themselves. Many of the racers might not like what I have to say, but it is their job to make the sport a better place for the next generation. Roger DeCoster, Torsten Hallman, Joel Robert and Brad Lackey worked hard to make motocross a better place so that guys like Danny LaPorte and I could have a better living. The sport started with riders in the backs of vans. It wasn’t about the money. They were good spokesmen and represented their sport. Now a lot of these racers think that they are superstars.