@667 You know its funny you bring up some of the descrimination issues they went through because I was thinking about a video I saw where Big James was talking about some of the situations they encountered. No doubt it had to be tough to be in their shoes, especially in the south. From what I remember I dont really think they were poor. You cant be truly poor and race motocross.
Js7 famiy was broke. They lived in the hood. Winterhaven, fl is nasty.
Six6seven: For being discriminated against kawasaki gave him the world. The kid was factory from 60cc machines.
"wealthy white people" what's that mean? Nobody discriminates Sean hackley. They weren't poor. Motocross has only recently turned into a rich fest at amateur nationals. In the 90s alot of fast kids went to school. I.e. RC,TP. Rc dad was an electrician. Wealth engulfs the sport today. But back in the childhood days of today's stars, few riders were "loaded. " They came from middle class (or stewart's case lower middle class) working families. They went to school, rode 3 times a week. I don't know how many people remember Sam Yanatelli and Broc Sellards on Mini's, but they weren't loaded and they were nationally competitive firecrackers who went to school during the week and their parents worked.
There was no MTF where people room/board their kids for years upon years on end (i.e. Martin Devalos) and "homeschool" them so all they have to is ride ride ride.
Js7, RC had factory rides but came from Working families. Davi Millsapps was about the richest kid in motocross back then. He's one of the few who drove around in the Diesel pusher motorhome, had brand new tires every moto etc. And Davi's mom opened up MTF. Everyone else was rolling up in Pick up trucks, tents and class C motorhomes was considered upper class at the track. Enclosed trailers were big things back then as well.....