The high‑octane world of motorcycle and supercross racing rewards riders who master speed, skill, and endurance. In the United States, six athletes stand out for their record‑setting achievements, their innovation on two wheels, and their enduring influence on the sport. Below, we explore the careers, signature moments, off‑track ventures, and estimated net worths of these Picons—Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, James “Bubba” Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Travis Pastrana, and Eli Tomac—in an action‑packed overview.
Eli Tomac – The Modern‑Day Powerhouse
Eli Tomac dominates both motocross and supercross with explosive speed and relentless determination. He wins three AMA Supercross championships (2020, 2022, 2023) and four AMA Motocross titles (2014, 2017, 2018, 2021), becoming the first rider since Carmichael to double‑up both titles in a single year (2022). He clocks some of the fastest lap times in Supercross history and brings unmatched fitness and focus to every race.
Tomac bursts onto the scene with Kawasaki (2018–2021), then signs with Yamaha to launch the Yamalube/Star Racing team. He uses data analytics and specialized training to maintain peak performance, often out‑accelerating competitors through technical sections. Off the track, he engages fans through a playful social‑media presence, hosts annual track days, and partners with youth‑rider development programs.
Eli Tomac leverages sponsorships from Monster Energy, Yamaha, and Alpinestars to amass an estimated $5 million, Eli Tomac’s Net Worth that reflects both his on‑track dominance and off‑track marketability. He continues pushing the envelope, aiming to cement his status among the all‑time greats.
Ricky Carmichael – The GOAT (Greatest of All Time)
Ricky Carmichael redefines motocross whenever his name comes up. He seizes 15 AMA championships—ten straight 250cc Motocross titles between 1997 and 2006 and five Supercross crowns—and racks up more than 150 combined wins. He attacks every start gate with relentless intensity and rarely lets a single mistake derail his momentum.
Off the track, Carmichael leads RC Motorsports and runs Carmichael Training Systems, where he coaches amateurs and pros in fitness, technique, and mental toughness. He pioneers data‑driven regimens that combine strength work, nutrition planning, and targeted practice sessions. Many current stars credit him with revolutionizing rider preparation.
Carmichael turns race winnings, endorsements, and business ventures into an estimated $25 million net worth. He still invests in rider development and offers expert commentary, ensuring his passion fuels the sport’s future.
Jeremy McGrath – The King of Supercross
Jeremy McGrath stormed into the 1990s scene and transformed supercross into a mainstream phenomenon. He claims seven AMA Supercross championships—five of them consecutively from 1993 to 1997—and notches 72 wins, a record that stood for decades. He captivates audiences with high‑flying “McGrath Step‑ups,” bold whips, and perfectly timed scrubs that maximize air time.
He translates on‑track flair into off‑track success by starring in Jeremy McGrath Supercross video games, commentating on TV broadcasts, and partnering with brands like Honda and Oakley. He also leads the McGrath Foundation to support youth racing programs and assist injured riders.
McGrath channels prize money and endorsements into event promotions and charitable causes, building an estimated $6 million net worth. He continues mentoring young talent and makes guest appearances at supercross rounds, proving the sport’s king remains its passionate ambassador.
James “Bubba” Stewart – The Fastest Man on the Planet
James Stewart electrifies supercross with raw speed and innovative technique. He wins two AMA Supercross titles (2007, 2008), tallies 50 career Supercross victories, and racks up dozens of Motocross wins. He invents the “Bubba Scrub,” a low‑air technique that lets him clear jumps faster by keeping his center of gravity close to the bike and landing sooner, shaving crucial tenths of a second off lap times.
Stewart breaks barriers as the first African‑American AMA Supercross champion, sparking greater diversity in a traditionally homogeneous sport. He builds Stewart Racing, a gear and apparel brand delivering high‑performance equipment to riders at all levels, and founds the JS7 Racing Academy to teach young racers both athletic and mental preparation.
By capitalizing on sponsorships from Monster Energy, Honda, and Oakley, Stewart amasses an estimated $18 million net worth. He continues pushing the sport forward through youth clinics and motivational speaking.
Ryan Dungey – The Silent Assassin
Ryan Dungey earns his “Silent Assassin” moniker through clinical precision and unwavering consistency. He captured four AMA Supercross championships (2010, 2015, 2017, 2018) and three AMA Motocross titles (2010, 2012, 2015). He becomes the first rider since Carmichael to claim both Supercross and Motocross championships in the same year—achieving the feat in 2015—by dominating motos with near‑perfect starts and rock‑solid rhythm.
He spearheads KTM’s rise to prominence in the early 2010s, leading the Austrian manufacturer to its first AMA outdoor championship, then delivers Suzuki its first 450cc AMA title in 2017 before retiring at his peak.
Dungey partners with Race for a Reason to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and joins bike safety awareness campaigns. He turns championship earnings and endorsement deals into an estimated $10 million net worth. Even in retirement, he cultivates talent through his private training program.
Travis Pastrana – The Daredevil Icon
Travis Pastrana blends motocross mastery with death‑defying stunts to pioneer action sports. He claims the 2000 AMA 125cc National Motocross Championship, then moves on to win 18 X Games medals across MotoX and Rally disciplines. He stuns the world by landing the first double backflip on a 250cc bike in competition at the 2006 X Games.
He founds Nitro Circus, a touring crew staging full‑throttle, record‑breaking stunts globally, and produces and stars in MTV’s “Nitro Circus Live.” He also co‑hosts motorsport podcasts and competes in NASCAR and rallycross, proving his cross-disciplinary versatility.
Pastrana channels event profits and sponsorship revenue from Red Bull into the Pastrana Family Foundation, which supports military families and youth sports. All told, he builds an estimated $25 million net worth—fuel he uses to keep pushing motorsport entertainment’s limits.
Conclusion
These six riders—Carmichael, McGrath, Stewart, Dungey, Pastrana, and Tomac—revolutionize American motorcycle and supercross racing through record‑breaking performances, technical innovations, and strategic off‑track investments. From Carmichael’s perfect seasons to Tomac’s modern‑day dominance, each athlete commands the track with unique flair and inspires future champions.
They’ve turned racing success into multimillion‑dollar net worths by capitalizing on sponsorships, media ventures, and entrepreneurial ventures. Today, they mentor young athletes, support charitable causes, and drive industry innovations—from training systems to safety gear. Their combined legacies ensure that American motocross and supercross remain vibrant, diverse, and ever‑advancing, fueling the dreams of the next generation of champions.
