Jeremy McGrath on Ricky Carmichael GOAT status vs James Stewart: “Stewart Was the Better Rider..
“Forget about the things Ricky won Stewart’s raw speed and technique were unrivaled, but injuries and inconsistency kept him from reaching the same championship heights as Carmichael. It took ricky 3yrs to win against a 30yrs old me. The Bubba Scrub alone is a testament to Stewart’s.. Continue Reading⬇…
Jeremy McGrath, a legend in the world of motocross and supercross, recently shared his thoughts on the debate of who is the true GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in motocross between Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart. McGrath, who himself holds a record for supercross championships, weighed in on the longstanding debate with a surprising assertion: James Stewart, in his view, was the better rider.
McGrath’s perspective is based on his years of experience in the sport, watching and racing against both Carmichael and Stewart. While Ricky Carmichael is widely regarded as the greatest due to his unparalleled consistency, dominance, and career longevity in both supercross and motocross, McGrath has a different viewpoint. He argued that, in terms of raw talent and pure skill, James Stewart was the more gifted rider.
One of the key points McGrath highlighted was Stewart’s sheer speed on a dirt bike. Stewart was known for pushing the limits of what was possible on a motocross bike, often breaking barriers with his incredible lap times and jumps. His riding style was described as more fluid and faster than Carmichael’s, and McGrath believes Stewart’s natural ability was unmatched in the sport. Stewart’s talent was evident from a young age, where he often left fans and competitors in awe with his mind-boggling speed and aggressive style.
McGrath also mentioned that Stewart had an edge in technical ability. His precision and control over the bike were second to none. Where Carmichael’s strength lay in his consistency, Stewart was often seen as someone who could completely dominate a race in terms of raw speed, often pulling away from the competition in ways that were unheard of at the time. McGrath credited Stewart’s ability to ride with a level of flair and finesse, executing some of the most difficult maneuvers with ease.
However, McGrath acknowledged that Ricky Carmichael’s achievements cannot be overlooked. Carmichael, who was known as the “GOAT” by many due to his unmatched work ethic, mental toughness, and record-breaking career, earned his status by dominating the sport for years. Carmichael’s ability to maintain his focus and consistency, especially in championship battles, made him one of the most formidable riders of all time. He often proved to be unbeatable in grueling series like the AMA Supercross and motocross championships, winning numerous titles and races, cementing his place in history.
In the end, McGrath’s comments highlight an interesting point in the GOAT debate: while Carmichael’s record and mental fortitude were key to his greatness, Stewart’s sheer talent and ability to push the sport to new heights should not be dismissed. For McGrath, Stewart’s natural skill and his ability to ride faster and more creatively were what set him apart, even though Carmichael’s consistency and legacy also hold significant weight in the conversation.
Ultimately, the question of who is the true GOAT in motocross may never have a clear answer. McGrath’s perspective suggests that there are different criteria for greatness: one can be the greatest through dominance and consistency, as Carmichael was, or through pure talent and innovation, as Stewart demonstrated. Each rider’s contribution to the sport of motocross is valuable in its own right, and this debate will likely continue among fans and riders for years to come.
