Greatest Off Roader

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Jan 18 2007, 03:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>We seem to have got in a rut here!

Many of these guys have also continued involvement with their sports after their racing carreers, which again I feel adds 'greatness'.
So my all time off roader is........Roger de Coster.
Hey whats up Burky, (I thought for a moment there you were avoiding me). Good to see you through in a chime.

If the title of this topic were: "Most Influential Rider/Driver" Than for sure I would have thrown in names such as M. Smith and De Coster, also, a name you left out is Mickey Thompson. As you say, maybe we were in a "rut" (nice pun by the way, I don't think most would get the wittiness, pun intended I suppose.) Anyway. Yes there have been great riders that have accomplished many accolades. and certainly, De Coster is amongst this short list. I don't think I need to list off all the championships that boy from Belgium (De Coster) achieved, I think it’s well enough known amongst people that follow off-road racing. However, for me, to say the "best" implies fastest, ballziest (if that’s a word), spectacular, and accomplished all in one, and for that my vote is Pastrana. But keep in mind, I have seen Pastrana with my own eyes during performances, I have not seen De Coster. Having said that, if we were talking about most influential...then my vote is De Coster. After all it was he that managed Travis to that decimating win over his competition in the Des Nations that has made so many Motocross highlight films. Do you remember? Seeing Travis on a 125 literally fly over the 250s and 500s on a massive down hill looking more like an air show than a motocross race? And who coached that performance, yes, De Coster.

Jumkie...I had totally forgot about Pastrana in the Des Nations. Was that the same year he dominated the 125 Motocross series? The highlight of that year had to be I think (Washougul??) when he wheelied all the way thru the woop section like it was nothing, he had something like a 58 second lead on the second place rider.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L8Braker @ Jan 18 2007, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Jumkie...I had totally forgot about Pastrana in the Des Nations. Was that the same year he dominated the 125 Motocross series? The highlight of that year had to be I think (Washougul??) when he wheelied all the way thru the woop section like it was nothing, he had something like a 58 second lead on the second place rider.
Yup. He wheelied over the stutter bumps as if they were as flat as a pancake to the amazement of everybody. Do you remember the highlight when he flew off the hill literally flying over guys on 250s and 500s struggling to get down? Then like a mirage enters this soaring rider, and at first you think there is no way the guy is gonna make the drop. But he does and wins! Imagine a 250 guy entering a race against the premier GPs and wins, that would be out of this world.

Stefan Everts, 10 x World Motocross Champion.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L8Braker @ Jan 18 2007, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Jumkie...I had totally forgot about Pastrana in the Des Nations.
By the way, Pastrana was the youngest rider ever to be invited to the Des Nations (2000) and won the ....... thing his first time around.

The first race he ever raced in pro Motocross, he won the race also. Then dominated the season.

Incidently, he "becomes the youngest ever title winner in American rally history. Pastrana has dominated rallying in the USA this year driving his BFGoodrich Tire's shod 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI prepared by Vermont SportsCar. He has earned three rally victories, four 2nd place finishes and a Gold medal at the inaugural X Games Rally event where he narrowly beat out his hero and WRC legend Colin McRae."

The guy is only 23 but has won enough to credit a lifetime. He was only 14 when he became the Freestyle Champion in 1998.

Here are a few of his accomplishments:

2006: Redbull X Fighters: Gold - Freestyle
2006: Dew Action Sports Tour Portland: Gold - Freestyle
2006: Summer X-Games: Gold (3) - Moto X Best Trick, Freestyle, Rally
2006: Dew Action Sports Tour Denver: Gold - Freestyle
2006: Dew Action Sports Tour Louisville: Silver - Freestyle
2005: Summer X Games: Gold - Freestyle, Silver - Moto X Best Trick
2005: Dew Actions Sports Tour, Louisville: Gold - Freestyle
2005: Oregon Trail Rally: Second Overall
2005: X-Games: Gold - Freestyle, Silver - Moto-X Best Trick
2004: X-Games: Silver - Freestyle, Bronze - Moto X Best Trick
2004: Red Bull X-Fighters: Gold
2004: Rim of the World Pro Rally: Bronze
2003: Gravity Games: Silver - Freestyle
2003: X-Games: Gold - Freestyle
2002: Gravity Games: Gold - Freestyle, Gold: Freestyle Challenge (Step Up)
2001: 125cc East Supercross Series Champion
2001: X Games: Gold - Freestyle, Silver - Step Up
2001: Gravity Games: Gold - Freestyle
2001: ESPN Action Sports & Music Awards-Motocross Rider Of The Year
2000: 125cc National Motocross Champion, Rookie Year
2000: St Louis Supercross125: Gold
2000: Daytona Supercross 125: Gold
2000: Youngest Rider Ever To Represent USA For The Motocross Des Nations, Team USA Wins Des Nations
2000: Summer X Games: Gold - Freestyle
2000: East/ West SX Season Shootout Champion; 3rd In Rookie SX Season (3 Wins)
2000: AMA Rookie Of The Year
1999: X-Games: Gold - Freestyle, Gravity Games: Gold - Freestyle, Summer Gravity Games: Gold - Doubles
1999: Horizon Award Best Amateur Motocross Rider
1999: Won First 125cc Pro Race Entered
1998: World Freestyle Champion At Age 14
1998: National Dual Slalom Mtn. Bike Winner

5 Time National Amateur Champion '92-'99
2 Time Canadian National Amateur Champion
5 Time Loretta Lynn National Amateur Champion

The guy is amazing. Period.

I was leaning towards Pastrana, but now you've definately convinced me Jumkie. Reading more into his accomplshments you realize more and more how farking talented, and fearless the man is. He's like AntiRossi.

Has anyone seen the erzburg enduro 2006 ?
Starring Travis Pastrana, McGrath, David Knight Juha Sallimen among others.
If you havent seen it then watch it.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Racejumkie @ Jan 18 2007, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hey whats up Burky, (I thought for a moment there you were avoiding me). Good to see you through in a chime.

If the title of this topic were: "Most Influential Rider/Driver" Than for sure I would have thrown in names such as M. Smith and De Coster, also, a name you left out is Mickey Thompson. As you say, maybe we were in a "rut" (nice pun by the way, I don't think most would get the wittiness, pun intended I suppose.) Anyway. Yes there have been great riders that have accomplished many accolades. and certainly, De Coster is amongst this short list. I don't think I need to list off all the championships that boy from Belgium (De Coster) achieved, I think it’s well enough known amongst people that follow off-road racing. However, for me, to say the "best" implies fastest, ballziest (if that’s a word), spectacular, and accomplished all in one, and for that my vote is Pastrana. But keep in mind, I have seen Pastrana with my own eyes during performances, I have not seen De Coster. Having said that, if we were talking about most influential...then my vote is De Coster. After all it was he that managed Travis to that decimating win over his competition in the Des Nations that has made so many Motocross highlight films. Do you remember? Seeing Travis on a 125 literally fly over the 250s and 500s on a massive down hill looking more like an air show than a motocross race? And who coached that performance, yes, De Coster.
Avoiding you Jumkie? Nah, just busy old chap, working and chatting to the boys behind the forum.
Now you've really got me here, because I'm a huge Travis fan, the man is just unbelievable. He brings a new level of excitement into the arena every time he performs. I remember the Madrid X-Fighters a couple of years ago (can't remember exactly), and it was not just the tricks but also his antics inbetween! High revving, berm bashing, all action whooping it up to the crowd. He would have had them on his side if he had just 'winged' around the arena not touching the jumps! But thereby maybe lays my arguement,.....for the time being. Travis is a performer and entertainer first, seemingly looking for a new racing challenge. His failure to be a multi off road champion perhaps can be blamed on his desire to entertain first, whether that be the crowd, or maybe himself!
I feel we should let this young man achieve more in the racing world before we call him the greatest off roader, rather than merely a legend in his own lifetime. Perhaps he has reached the pinnacle of his x games career, what else is there to achieve? No doubt he could carry on winning x games medals for many years, but the challenge would only be to himself, and if he himself knows he has reached the limits,.....then there is no incentive. I mean, how much jumping into foam pits and soft sand can you do?
So, I would like to see Travis step into a competitive world, and pull that world apart! Then it would be more than just us fanatics throwing his name into the hat. I'm not argueing with you Jumkie, but it takes a 'great' to spot 'greatness', so I'm sticking with the great Belgian for now. However, I'm sure my arguement will become fallable in the not too distant future, and I'll willingly acknowledge you as 'Jumkie the Great'!!!!
Anyway, sorry if you thought I'd dissappeared in a puff of smoke up my own backside, but alas no! I've been chatting to Ben about a few prizes and special offers throughout the year for you guys and gals in the forum, maybe a competition or two, so i'll keep you posted. But no, I'm here, lurking in the undergrowth!

Ok, Peterhansel has just upped the ante again! 9th win on the Dakar....

Pete

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Burky @ Jan 21 2007, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Now you've really got me here, because I'm a huge Travis fan, the man is just unbelievable.

I'm here, lurking in the undergrowth!
I agree, he does have more to accomplish in racing. Though the guy has, at his age, accomplished a life time.

Good to see you back. I'm game for some competitions. I hope one of the prizes is a painting of yours. Now that would be epic.

"Undergrowth" ? Ha-ha. Still the lyrical comedienius.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (basspete @ Jan 21 2007, 07:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Peterhansel has just upped the ante again! 9th win on the Dakar....
The man is amazing. Maybe some day he will be as good as Travis.


Just kidding pete, don't get your panties in a bunch. I agree will you on this one, (even though I don't 99.999%, cuz its difficult to agree with mental case), but yes Peterhansel is the Dakar man!

Better watch out the US in gaining: 4th Miller, 8th R. Gordon.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (richo @ Jan 18 2007, 11:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>but now you've definately convinced me
That is what I think has set you apart on this forum. Most people debate but never move from their well guarded opinion (me included and guilty, but working on it). But you have shown that you are open enough to see both sides and see the point of debate enough to move from side to side. That's cool.