All but one former Supercross Champion participated in the Anaheim II Supercross opening ceremonies at Angel Stadium. Photography by Kit Palmer
For motocross and Supercross fans, it was an unforgettable day and evening at the Anaheim II Supercross. Not only because of Chad Reed’s surprising win, but also because it was where every Supercross Champion of the past – and present – gathered in one place for a day of meeting old rivals/friends and reliving decades worth of memories. All 20 but one Supercross Champion, plus the two 500cc champs, were on hand for the special day, which was marked to celebrate the 40th season of the AMA Supercross Championship. The only former Supercross champ who did not attend was 1976 title-holder Jimmy Weinert, who couldn’t make the event due to a death in the family.
Supercross fans lined up to get autographs from the legends of the sport.
Many of the champs and famous stars of the past gathered at the Legend and Heroes of Motocross pits during the day, where hundreds of Supercross and motocross fans stood in a long line to meet, get autographs and have photos taken with their heroes.
Later in the night, all the former Supercross champs were introduced one by one during opening ceremonies and they then gathered for what was mostly likely a once-in-a-lifetime group photo. Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael unfortunately weren’t included, as they were busy doing a lap around the track for the crowd as part of the opening ceremonies.
These are some of the legends who took part in the historic event:
Bill Butchka: Legendary race mechanic
Bob Hannah: 1977, 1978, 1979 Supercross Champion
Broc Glover: Multi-time National MX Champion
Danny LaPorte: 25cc World Motocross Champion – 1982; 500cc National MX Champion ‘79
Tony DiStefano: Three-time 250cc National MX Champion 1975-‘77
Rick Johnson: Two-time Supercross Champion – 1986; ’88
Marty Tripes: LA Superbowl of Motocross winner 1972, the LA Coliseum race is often recognized as the very first Supercross.
Steve Stackable: 1975 500cc SX Champion on a Maico
Mike Bell: 1980 Supercross Champion
Pierre Karsmakers: 1974 Supercross Champion
Jean-Michel Bayle: 1991 Supercross Champion
Doug Henry: Former National Motocross Champion and the first rider to win a Supercross on a four-stroke.
Gary Semics: 1974 500cc Supercross Champion 1974 on a Husqvarna.
Jeff Emig: 1997 Supercross Champion
David Bailey: 1983 Supercross Champion
Jeff Stanton: Three-time Supercross Champion: ’89; ’90; ’92
Johnny O’Mara: 1984 Supercross Champion
Jeff Ward: Two-time Supercross Champion – ‘85; ’87
Jimmy Ellis: 1975 Supercross Champion
Mark Barnett: 1981 Supercross Champion
Jeremy McGrath: Seven-time Supercross Champion – ‘93; ’94; ’95; ’96; ’98; ’99; ’00
