“Unbelievable”: MotoGP stars talk World Supercross

Respect and recognition exist between riders at the elite level of motorcycle racing. Achievers in every discipline know the effort, mentality and sacrifice it takes to make a difference – and usually from a very young age.

MotoGP is one of the most-watched series in the world with almost three million spectators entering the 22 circuits per year to enjoy the fastest competition on two wheels, and then millions more watching through screens around the globe.

The official record top speed sits at just over 366kmph (set by Red Bull KTM at the Italian Grand Prix in 2023) which means the prototypes are hurtling along well over six times faster than World Supercross machinery. A few less jumps though!

MotoGP is spectacular but also limited by the capabilities of the machinery and there is often only one optimum racing line. The exclusivity of the $2million prototypes (and the sport’s rulebook) forces precious and limited track time for the riders outside of the GPs and only a few test days. The combination of these factors mean that MotoGP athletes often turn to offroad and dirtrack riding for a lot of their training routine.

RIDING WITHOUT LIMITS

Quite a few of the current grid are obsessed by motocross and the physical demands of the sport. They also feel liberated by the possibilities to make their own lines and style as well as refine their feeling for traction, which is a valuable currency in any motorsport but especially true for MotoGP.

The fandom stretches to supercross, with a passion. “One season I was so addicted to supercross that I watched every practice session of every main event and all the YouTube videos I could find,” admits VR46 Pertamina Enduro Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio. “It was my best pastime, especially when I’m at home on the bicycle.”

“One season I was so addicted to supercross that I watched every practice session of every main event and all the YouTube videos I could find.” – Fabio Di Giannantonio

“Absolutely,” says Primac Pramac Yamaha’s Jack Miller when asked if he watches supercross.

NOT SO DIFFERENT?

MotoGP stars are hitting braking markers and apexes in a matter of inches. It means they have some sort of appreciation for the exactitude that supercrossers need in the rhythm sections. “The pinpoint accuracy those boys have….” says Miller. “When they put the tuff blocks up then the track feels half as narrow again. The amount of height the jumps give you…?! You hit a 5ft lip and wonder how high it can shoot you, and then you try one in anger and think ‘OK, now there’s the potential’ and to be able to fall out of the sky and hit the same mark and keep it on-line…? I can only imagine how much of an enclosed feeling it is.”

“I tried it once but it’s so scary!” ‘Di Giannantonio says of supercross. “You have to be so precise on the calculation of the jumps and it feels risky.”

“I tried it once but it’s so scary…You have to be so precise on the calculation of the jumps and it feels risky.” – Fabio Di Giannantonio

“Motocross and supercross can also be like motocross and road racing because they are working much more on the lines for supercross,” he adds. “The track preparation facilitates acceleration and lining-up for the jumps and it becomes about rhythm. Similar to us. Of course, they don’t need to manage the tyres like we do but there are similarities for the precision.” 

Motocross is a precarious activity for MotoGP riders and there are several high-profile stories of injuries picked up on the dirt instead of the asphalt. That doesn’t stop some of the more capable or more assured GP guys from having a go.

“I had a [supercross] track built at home and had to pick apart the sections to understand what I had to do and needed a few days,” Miller says. “With much stiffer suspension you soon figure out that you are nowhere near where you need to be. I’d love to have another crack at it with the knowledge I’ve gained of setting up a bike…how I didn’t kill myself I don’t know!” 

THE SHOWMEN LIKE THE SHOW

Whether they are turning wheels or watching them, MotoGP riders are just like everyone else when it comes to the wow factor of supercross. “I made the journey to Pheonix two years ago,” Di Giannantonio says. “It was huge, and I loved it. A great show. Even a person who is not passionate about bikes will get ‘into it’ because the show is unbelievable. The riders go so fast.” 

Miller will be keeping a careful eye on 2025 World Supercross. As a compatriot and peer of riders like Jett and Hunter Lawrence, Jack brings an extra worldly appreciation of supercross’ potential.

“The audience is there and if World Supercross keeps attracting the calibre of riders they have…it should be global.” – Jack Miller

“It’s a sport that deserves to be global and there are many stadiums around the world and many fans; whether in Australia, the UK or France with Bercy every year,” he says. “The audience is there and if World Supercross keeps attracting the calibre of riders they have…it seems the riders want to do it. It’s cool that it is global and it should be global. They are selling motorcycles all around the world.”

The two FIM championships share the same international scope but fans in Sweden, Canada and South Africa won’t find MotoGP on their shores, so World Supercross is ready to provide the adrenaline.