Yeah, Jett versus Eli is cool. But the battle for tenth in AMA Pro Motocross might be the most intense of all

WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
PHOTOS: ALIGN MEDIA

“Bro, that wasn’t a moto; that was a street fight in hell, with helmets on,” said Malcolm Stewart. He had just finished 10th in the second 450 Pro Motocross moto at Hangtown, a triple-digit scorcher that presented an open invite for riders to conserve energy and cruise home. Heck, the second motos that day were even cut five minutes short to help the riders beat the heat. Yet, the riders couldn’t back it down. Malcolm, in tenth, was under pressure, hounded to the checkers by veteran riders who know what they’re doing and know what they want: any position, anywhere, at any cost. It’s the unspoken spirit that drives racing at the highest level. Podium guys get the attention and bonus money, but the guys behind them—even the guys way, way behind them—are trying just as hard. Or harder. Is the difference between, say, a 12th and a 13th really worth this type of effort?

“It was stupid,” joked Coty Schock, who finished that moto in 12th.