by Davey Coombs
30 Day Countdown to A1: #5 Rick Johnson
Monday, December 31, 2012 | 2:35 PM
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PrintWe are down to the top five! The Monster Energy Countdown to Anaheim is winding down, and we now begin rolling out the five best supercross riders the sport has ever seen. After much debate, discussion, bench-racing, and back and forth, we give you #5, Rick Johnson.
There was a time in the late eighties when Rick Johnson was the undisputed king of the motocross world. He was the champion of AMA Supercross, outdoor motocross, the Motocross of Nations, the Tokyo Supercross, the U.S. Grand Prix.... If it involved dirt bikes—even in that talent-packed era of Jeff Ward, David Bailey, Johnny O'Mara, Ron Lechien, Broc Glover, Jeff Stanton, Jeff Leisk, Micky Dymond, the older Bob Hannah, the younger Jean-Michel Bayle, and anyone else who showed up—it was Rick “Too Hip” Johnson that everyone in the stands expected to win.
Between 1984 and February '89, Johnson won a record-breaking twenty-eight main events and two AMA Supercross titles.
Racer X Archive photo
The epitome of cool, Johnson was a handsome kid from the El Cajon Zone, riding for Team Honda by '86, wearing trick Fox Racing gear, riding the tidal wave of supercross when the series itself was just coming into its own with TV and mainstream coverage. RJ was the first rock star of supercross, greeted as such every year at the Paris-Bercy Supercross, where the French fans went wild every time his name was said. He was inventive on the motorcycle, dedicated off it, and a thorough competitor.
If there was a chink in his armor, it was inconsistency. Johnson had a way of getting himself in trouble at the worst possible times, and it cost him more than one championship. But he also had the unique ability to transcend the sport in ways only a few others could do—men whose names have yet to called out on this countdown. He had a killer instinct that made him want to win so badly that the bigger picture might get blurred and risks taken that were not really necessary—but RJ would never settle for even second.
At the 1987 Los Angeles Coliseum SX, Johnson crashed in the first turn and started dead last. All-time underdog Guy Cooper was out front and pulling away, and it would have been amazing to see Cooper get what would have been his one and only win in AMA Supercross—but everyone in the stadium new that Johnson would do everything he could to come from last to first and win. And he did, entertaining the crowd to the finish with cool whips and no-handers off the bigger jumps. Sure, it was a dagger to Guy Cooper, but RJ didn't care. He was there to win, nothing less.
Between 1984 and February '89, Johnson won a record-breaking twenty-eight main events and two AMA Supercross titles, and he was at his peak at the very moment he met his downfall. Johnson had started the '89 season with five straight wins, then finally lost the Atlanta SX to his younger teammate Jeff Stanton after crashing. Eight days later, Johnson was in practice at the Gatorback National opener when he was involved in a random practice collision with Honda support rider Danny Storbeck and suffered a broken wrist. Johnson would never make a full recovery, and he would never win another SX in the dozen or so races he rode over the next two years. (For those of you working the stats and win percentages, an argument exists that those last twelve should not count, as Johnson was doing the SX equivalent of racing with his throttle hand behind his back.)
There was a time in the late eighties when Rick Johnson was the undisputed king of the motocross world.
Racer X Archive photo
For his wins, his titles, his creativity, and his showmanship, we rank Rick Johnson as the fifth-best supercross racer of all time. RJ paved the way for a generation of fast showmen who were coming up through the minicycle and Pro-Am ranks, even while he was still out there trying in vain to get his throttle wrist back in full working order.
The 30 Best Supercross Racers of All Time Tracker:
#6 Chad Reed
#8 Jeff Stanton
#9 Jeff Ward
#10 Jean Michel Bayle
#11 Damon Bradshaw
#12 Mark Barnett
#13 Kevin Windham
#14 David Bailey
#15 Ryan Dungey
#16 Mike Bell
#17 Jeff Emig
#18 Johnny O’Mara
#19 Doug Henry
#20 Jimmy Ellis
#21 Mike LaRocco
#22 Ezra Lusk
#23 Broc Glover
#24 Ron Lechien
#25 Jimmy Weinert
#26 David Vuillemin
#27 Donnie Hansen
#28 Larry Ward
#29 Mike Kiedrowski
#30 Marty Tripes
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RJ was the first of the Moto rock stars
Wish I would have been old enough to remember him. I was a kid and didn't really care who won as long as I was watching dirt bike racing. He must have been way better than on paper.
Holeshot!!....RJ is one bad dude!!! His will desire to win is second to none...you see him in those trophy trucks?!?! This guy still wants to win!!
Very good overview of RJ- he had a lot more victories left in him if not for the wrist injury. I can't help but think he would have had the 1989 SX title. Unfortunately this list has a lot of "would have, should have, or could have's" regarding each rider. Quite a few on this list had more potential if not for an injury. I've certainly enjoyed following it for the past few weeks.
Rick should have been in the top three! He was a tenacious dog for the win. For all those who were too young to see him in action, he was one of the best. He didn't give up when the win was insight. It was said that if Johnson could see you if you were infront of him, he would catch you. The only riders that gave Johnson competition was Ward and Bailey. And of course Bailey just whipped him because he just got tire at the 86' Anahiem Supercross.
I started Moto in the McGrath era so I was never impressed with Rj. Recently I started watching those TORC off road truck races, and I am more impressed with Rj driving trucks. He is awesome.. I do love his attitude.
My friend used to hang around with him so I heard some pretty good stories. RJ was a natural, he used to eat McDonalds on the way to supercross and win. I bet not too many people can claim that!!
Start watching TORC races, its awesome. I bet Rj would hand Deegan his ballsack with his eyes closed
Man, this guy could ride...and He would just flow. He still has the eye of the tiger. He won
this year at Red Bud Traxxis off road event. Nothing to do with SX but in '83 in St Louis
Pro MotoCross National (only MX National held there) I got the holeshot and Johnson passed me swapped out and I tagged him along with a couple of other riders.
Broke his hip in that race. He came back even stronger and faster.
Not bad but in my opinion if Ricky Johnson is ahead of Reed, he should be ahead of Stewart also.. They both share the same number of titles and only 4 wins separate the two.. But for some reason they have Stewart ahead of RJ but not Reed.. Dont get me wrong RJ is one of my favorites, so the higher the better.. It just looks to me the writes of this site are kissing Stewarts tail again.. He is a great rider and easily a top guy, but the media favors him in an unbelievable way.. I even remember the "special 4th place award" they were going to give him after the 2011 supercross season.. Never has a 4th place award been given before, but all of a sudden they give one the year Stewart gets 4th place.. Coincedence???
I wish a lot of today's riders would take a page out of RJ's book regarding dealing with the media and fans. The guy was a publicity magnet and always had something interesting to say about the race or his competition. It wasn't just a 20 second sponsor plug like you hear today. I love how he called out all his competitors at the 1985 Rodil Cup race for sandbagging the heat races (for those too young to remember Youtube it). You never see that kind of thing today.
At this point I'm guessing the remaining four will be 4. Stewart 3. Hannah 2. Carmichael 1. McGrath. Hannah is my all time favorite rider so to get third behind MC & RC is not to bad. Besides he should get third over Stewart since he has three titles to Stewart's two.
I was at the '83 St. Louis MX Nat. Hannah killed everyone that day going 1-1. Ward won the 125 class, Glover the 500 class.
That 1985 Rodil Cup race was hilarious. He grabbed the microphone out of Larry Huffman's(?) hand and let the rider's have it. It was pretty ridiculous how they started looking back at the end of the heat races and pretended something was wrong. Jeff Ward was good a lot of things, but I give him an F for his acting ability that night.
rj was before my time i was in the mcgrath era , but man rj is a bad ass dude , I listened to a few podcasts with him def a really cool dude for sure , and his riding ability and motor skills speak for themselves , he def is like the original rockstar !
If Stewart lands in front of Hannah on this list (no play on words intended), the message will explode. Luckily, we'll only have a few days before actual racing starts.
I don't understand how you can put Stewart in front of RJ !!! Nothing on Stewart but RJ was the epitome of SX/MX. Only the second King ever in the sport !!! He rode when the tracks were insanely dangerous and he jumped everything !!! Way ahead of his time.
In the history of motocross and supercross, there have been so many talented riders. You could argue for hours, who was the fastest, the toughest or most stylish, but three riders stand out, above all the rest in my mind; Bob Hannah, Ricky Johnson and Jeremy McGrath. All three great champions, tenacious racers, whose talent on a motorcycle was awe inspiring, but they were more than just great racers.Those three guys possessed that little something extra that transcended riding and connected with the fans. They were individuals, who marched to beat of their own drum and gave interviews so genuine, it made you feel like you knew them personally. Some call it charisma others personality, no matter what you call it, it made you want to wear what they wore and drink what they drank or ride what they rode. If there was a list of most marketable riders Hannah Johnson and McGrath would undoubtedly be on the top of that list...
Man I remember back in the late 80's with no Internet. The only tv coverage of Supercross in Australia was once a year on Wide World of Sports with Bercy. I used to record the highlights of the race until it was unwatchable, lol. I got to meet RJ at the 2003 Vegas final & get a photo with him. All he did was crack jokes that us Aussies must of travelled half way across the world to see RC when Reedy walked past. One funny guy & definately the reason I got into dirt bikes. Worthy no.5!
4-stewart 3-hannah 2-RC 1-mcgrath
Johnson should be number 3 on this list. Matthes dropped the ball on this one. What next?, Hannah doesn't beat out Stewart.?
I know it's not all about the numbers. JS7 certainly is a transformative rider, his scrubs and sheer speed, along with being the first African American to win the title puts him up there as a great. But he hasn't yet accomplished what RJ did both in numbers and impact on the sport. He has had a bit of a sketchy relationship with fans, riders, the media and race teams. The world was different back in the 80s and while it's hard to compare, I think RJ (at least at this time) is "greater" than JS7.
ACmx960, I see we agree. Pinkfld42, out of curiosity why do you think Stewart should be ahead of Hannah? Is it because he has more wins than Hannah? Stantdm, Johnson should not be ahead of Hannah. Hannah was the first King of SX and had three straight titles. Johnson only had two titles and only one more win than Hannah.
SX King: McGrath
MX King: RC
MX/SX King: RJ ! (The first GOAT)
The best! Now we are getting to the nitty gritty! I dont care what anybody else thinks at this point. I would call it a toss up between RJ and Hannah Because they both raced the Supercross when it was not so safe as it is now. What I mean is they give the riders cusion (yes small) nowdays but nothing like the early 80's it took more than presion it took balls also Whatch RJ work his way from last to first and then finnaly passing Cooper to win! He was the only one jumping the sand pit lap afer lap. Now Bob Hannah had more desire and both of theM would have beat RC's record. Then if a frog had wings it would not hit its but when it hopped. My vote for nbr ONE is to flip a coin for either Hannah or RJ..... It was not Storbeck's fault and he took a lot of flack for ruining RJ's career. It was not Tripes fault that Hannah hit the log, I bet Bob thought he could play launch of of it!
Ok lets see what happens next!
LETS RACE!!!!!!
Hannah was a phenomenon in US (but even at his prime he can beat the gp guys during the USGP), Johnson was the king all around the world, MX, SX, AMA, USGP, MXdN, Intenationals SX, RJ behind Hannah is not serious imho (even into a supercross rankings), Hannah was really great and extraordinary fast but not at the level of the prime RJ (86/89)
RJ is one of the most regular decent dudes to ever race a bike at that level and was a win at all costs scrapyard dog on the track , always fun to watch.. a great rider and some killer HPP era Hondas.....worthy of at least #5....no matter where Havoc7 ends up start icing the servers as the same old twelve year olds ( with this weeks new name) on their moms vodka and tear soaked laptops (mostly used for booking uncles/clients) sit locked in the basement little fingers ready to rock........
I remember when Johnson beat Hannah's SX record in 1989. The announcers said it would last a long time. Nobody saw McGrath coming and RJ's record was beat a mere 7 years later in 1996. I applaud all of you who claim you grew up in a later era, but take the time to look at these riders before you. I feel old when people can't remember Johnson, or McGrath, so be prepared to carry the torch, when people don't know who Carmichael, or Villopoto are. It will happen.
Hannah and RJ the best and forget about the goat stuff!!! WE old dudes know!
If it doesn't finish 1. MC, 2. RC, 3. Hannah, 4. Stewart it's a Bureau of Land Management conspiracy to get us all to quit riding.
I believe RJ should be in front of Hannah
are they including 125 supercross js was awesome on 125 nobody could beat him cr got his ass kicked and so would rj
tantdm, therealmofo: Be careful, some of these guys at RacerX will ban you from the sight for critisizing their bias...but I agree with you comletely regarding the Stewart love fest!
@MOTOWANNABE--If thats what they want to do fine.. But the media acts like the whole sport would die without him, its crazy.. But to anyone who says Stewart should be ahead of Hannah is blinded by Stewlove.. Hannah won 3 straight titles.. Stewart has earned only two and never repeated as Champ, couldnt defend his title.. That speaks volumes right there.. Stewart and Reed should be right next to each other in this poll, same titles and only 4 wins seperate them..top 3 should be 1-Mcgrath; 2-Carmichael; 3-Hannah; 4 Stanton; 5 Ricky Johnson; 6 Stewart; 7-Reed.. Sorry but tiles should carry more weight in these polls.. Too bad the Racer X guys love fest with Stewart dont see it that way..
One other point, even RC said his toughest competition in supercross was Reed.. Not Stewart..
RJ was my Mr Motocross, at our MC club days us kids would watch video,s of RJ yes videos kiddies" Lol and then go out on the local track an ride as hard as I could , ha ha. 2strokes 4 life Braaappp!
What's next? Stewart over Hannah C'mon RacerX. @ therealmoto agree with your post.
It amuses me how worked up some people get over this stuff. RJ was the best in possibly the strongest era of SX. To me, he has to be ahead of Stewart. In terms of wins, some of you forget that the series has more races per year than previously. Those who saw how dominant Hannah was in the late ‘70s won’t argue with his spot in the top three. Oh, and to those who call RJ the first rock star of the sport, two words: Marty Smith. Look him up if you don’t understand.
#4- Robbie Knievel
#3- Cameron Diaz
#2- Elvis (the one from Terrafirma not fat Elvis)
#1- Pizzacorner
Nothing about the rankings has bothered me up until this point. Why in the world should JS be ranked above RJ. Are we so eat up with political correctness now that minority "historical significance" plays a part in our decisions as DanRad seems to think? Is JS going to be #1? Looking at things objectively, putting aside race and ethnicity as they should be irrelevant, JS should be next to Reed. If he wins the title this year then a jump to #3 would be in order.
They probably have Stewart in first, otherwise they'll be called racist.
Major messageboard meltdown coming in a couple days.
you list makers r so full of S*&%...
lets look
RJ 2 championhips 28 wins
JS7 2 championships 44 wins with like a 50% podiums
CR22 2 championships 42 wins 80% podiums
additionally JS & CR have already raced longer and will add to their wins column in all likelyhood
how good you r with the media means s#*% this is sports, the best baseball or football or MMA fighters get ranked on the accomplishment within the sport not how well liked they are by the media...
the top 5
1-MC 7 championships
2-RC 5 championships
3-BH 3 championships
4-JS7 2 championships 44 wins is the tie breaker
5-CR22 2 championships
6-RJ 2 championships
putting RJ in front of Reed simply shows you don't understand sports at all and like the AMA make up rules as you go...
heres one revise the list and re-issue the correct list...this isn't bench racing...your compiling a list of accomplishments of the sports greatest athletes...RJ's may have been cut short but that is what the record book shows, clearly JS7 & CR22 are ahead of RJ and I'm not a fan of JS but that's how it is.
I stand corrected
1-MC
2-RC
3-BH
4-Jeff Stanton 3 championships 17 wins
5- JS7
6-CR22
ali is the greatest of all time
Aloha to all and Happy New Year to you all..
I would like to thank all the posters for some real fun this past year and hope that 2013 will be another great year of racing in and outdoors.
I have an early wake up call to get to LA. tommorrow so I may miss the ball big WHOOPIE ! I was out at the firewroks store and bought some item to rid myself of pesky neighbor's. I'm usually out at Anaheim by now. My neighbor said last year they were in the cul-de-sac lighting then off over my house so, I thought I would get some new ammo. Just in case........... My wife doesnt know I put her pic up but it was from one of my last bike in early 2000's YZ 2 stroke.. I figure it's better than my Pic ! LOL !
I'm going for RV-1 in the # 1 ride, unless the guard is going to change... I'm not sure were at that stage yet ! Anyhow enjoy the season and I wish all of you a Happy & Healthy 2013 .
Mr-Mx
In my ranking there's Bob Hannah, Rick Johnson and Jeremy McGrath, and then there's the rest.
The impact these three had on the sport is bigger than any amount of wins or titles other riders may have.
I still commend RacerX for coming up with such an interesting feature.
whats up with this "african american" crap? i dont see what that has to do with cuttin' fast laps on a sx track. your race has nothing to do with your racing
MrMx Happy New Year to you, be sure to annoy the neighbors, that is always great fun!! Wife and I are going to have a few drinks and sit in hot tub as the new year begins...Enjoy the race, wish I could be there to see the season kick off live, bet it will be Grrreeeaaatt!!! Oh wait, I will see it live..on SPEED...I will be in front of the flat screen, sipping down a six pack, while I watch the "Six Pack" bang bars and rip up the track!! May not be as good as being there, but it is pretty darn good!! Thanks You SPEED!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!
if this isnt about wins or championships then js wins nobody has more raw speed than js7 ever
We are just amazed that the punks are actually behaving .Probably because of the bowl games ! LOL Happy new year to you also...................
@ SpottedMarley
Special note out to you !
I looked at your web page ! It looks like we are within a few hundred miles of each other. Kid you have some great talents and I hope that you get what you are looking for this year. I beleive that great things happen to great people !
I believe you have to have really great skills in today's work place and believe in what you do ! I think you have your bases covered , and are a good guy. Very Talented !
Be proud and hold your head high !! With that being said, I looked at your workbench and learned some valuable things today. moving forward. you are a few generations behind myself but you can always learn something ,I think from anyone if you only observe and listen. I feel in closing that 2013 we be a good year for you.
I know these are only words, but words of wisdom from someone who has seen alot in his own life. Stay strong and good luck. If I run across anyone looking for your skill set I will pass on a note. Not sure if you are wanting to remain in your area , but will keep you informed..................To you and your best friend there Great New year to you both........Mr-Mx
I think I agree with chowderhead.
Even tho Stanton has more championships than JS, a little
Affirmative action seems to be going on.
I promise you the reverand Jackson is watching closely ready to call the troops in.
In all seriousness, James had a great personality and certainly has the greatest sheer speed in the history of SX. Unfortunately fame and money derailed his career.
Stewart belongs 5th or 6th.. After another title 3rd. I really hope he has a great season and shows people that they were wrong about him.
We need him...
I agree with HBT1 list 100%. And before you old timers start yapping about the good old days, im so old school i still type http://www.racerxill.com so there!
actually your first list, your second list added yaaaaaaawwwn jeff yaaaaaaawwwwwn stanton
Perhaps Ralph Shaheen hacked RacerX and replaced their list with the Ralphy list as we see above.
RJ, Was the king of being cool !
Bob Hannah, the original Bad ass of SUPER CROSS PERIOD !
And with only a few days to go, I CAN'T WAIT!!! Gonna be one for the record books, one way or another. As in who knows, but will it be many different winners, a few extra dominate guys, or the all out six pack week in and week out? What ever this year brings us, I am glad to be a part of the crew here and read all the comments. Happy New Year to all you guys. Here's to an action packed 2013 SX season! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Bucky
I think Stewart is going to come out swinging A1. He has been awful quiet which means he is focused on letting his results speak. I don't know much about RJ but he and Stewart seem similar from what I have read on here.
rj was way more bad ass than stew ever was. johnson wanted to win , and i think he woulda taken out his own mother for a win. >>> one of my favorite quotes....."the bank dont ask how i got the check!" bob hannah second favorite....... " i'm going to break his leg." also bob hannah , referring to howerton's lower extremities . pussifacation has infiltrated the sport today.
I sure would like to see some dyno charts of the factory 86-89 CR250's.
@ pinkfld42,
"When Stewart is racing, all eyes are watching".
Take your quote and cut & paste "Hannah", "was" & "were" into it and you have exactly what the Hurricane did for the sport about 30 years before it was Stewart's turn.
For the sake of repetition, I'll type it again. While Stewart / RC / McGrath had maybe three guys, at most, of competition, Hannah lined up against a MINIMUM of TEN GUYS that could win at any given time. Strength of victory. They use it in determining draft picks / schedule for stick & ball sports and I think it is a pertininent tool to be used here.
how about from 82-85 works bike..............now that would be interesting
Was a huge fan of "Too Hip",so much so that when he left Yamaha for Honda's so did I.As I was such a fan it's unfortunate two things stick out in my mind about his career. I was hanging over the fence with Pshaw at St.louis when RJ didnt come around,was bummed didnt get to see him and my first mx idol "Hurricane" battle,but I dont think it would've mattered,Hannah decimated the field that day.Second drove all the way to bike week to watch RJ avenge the Atlanta loss week before only to arrive at Gatorback just as the accident happened,no "Too Hip" for Florida trip. Did get to see him win at Red Bud couple times though which was a treat.Anyone else see that tv show where they took people on dream rides,pretty cool to see RJ on a bike again.
#5 Rick Johnson=right on RacerX
Hey Larry:
What was your number in 83?
At the St.Louis race you mentioned; I wrenched for a buddy during the qualifiers and took a lot of photos in the afternoon. I may have a photo of you.
Yes, Hannah was awesome and both 125 motos were incredible.
Good memories.
@ bmd455 His # was 666
Number of hair plugs on his bald old fat head !! LOL
RJ was one of the most hardcore racers i've had the pleasure to watsh ride and meet. Working with the Iconic JT Racing got first hand helped me admire his persona. If the list was based off rider likability RJ would be 1st or second.
bmd455 - Larry's number was 427 on a Max Pitt's Yamaha
R.J. was a god!!!!!!! ---He should be 3rd. To put stewart in front of him is a complete JOKE-------If stewart had half the heart R,J. did, he would be # 1 by a mile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@bmd455
Yes, my number was 427 on a Yamaha. It was the first moto holeshot...
Heck, if you got a pic of that I would gladly pay you for it. Contact me at:
[email protected]
Bob Hannah was ruthless...my mechanic was pushing bike to the line, Bob
rammed him and knocked the bars out of his hands and down she went...
Good stuff
Let me offer an appology to RJ- I have been watching SX from day one, and you got ripped on this list. Go ahead and move yourself up to 3rd.
@Funnion breath...come see in the tower at Red Bud anytime and would gladly show
you my hair...and my race number.. along with a couple of other things I would show you.... goofball...and you are a tool.
@bmd455 I raced the 250 Pro class that day.
@ LarryWitmer No better yet I'll see you at that dive bar !!!! Pete's Simonton Lake Tavern!