But even through all of the changes and transformations that have taken place in motocross, the basic attitude and motives remain the same and a distinct connection can be drawn between the new breed of racers and the established veterans. A day of spectating at the World Mini revealed several examples of this. For instance, in the prime of his mini career Damon Bradshaw was one intimidating kid. Faster than sin and with a style and demeanor that were the envy of each of his competitors, Bradshaw would arrive at the races in his bad-boy gear and proceed to kick butt. In Las Vegas this year, a young racer named Dominic Izzi did the same. Armed with an overflow of speed and a set of Thor's edgy Punk gear, Nico laid waste to the competition in the 85 class and was the official bar-raiser of the weekend. Another little rider by the name of Adam Cianciarulo made news at the WMGP, where he rode his tiny Cobra to some five Pee Wee-class championships. Ricky Carmichael, arguably the most dominant Outdoor rider of all time, had a similar career arc when he was a youngster.
Some of the connections between new and old racers are not as obvious, but if you look hard enough, they're there. Just outside of the top five in the Supermini class was a kid by the name of Justin Mulford. Even after a series of freak crashes left him bruised, battered and slightly concussed, Mulford soldiered on to a solid finish in front of several better-known riders. Sound familiar? Both Grant Langston and Ryan Hughes have been known to tape up and brave an injury just for the sake of getting a solid finish. And check out Suzuki ace Eli Tomac, who worked his way to the front of every World Mini moto with the same flawless, easy-looking style that Kevin Windham uses to win pro Nationals. Heck, the similarities can be drawn right down to the smallest details: There was one rider in Vegas who had the exact funky elbow positioning as French Yamaha import David Vuillemin!
Seeing the resemblances of yesterday's and today's mini scenes is a solid reminder that no matter what changes take place or how big the scene gets, amateur racing will always fall upon a similar cycle. The rigs may get bigger, the bikes may get faster and the riders may turn into absolute animals, but the same grit, determination and talent will continue to run throughout the years. It is important-and at the same time fascinating-to watch this cycle, and to see where it is taking the sport. Although the surface may show something wildly different than what many of us knew, the core of motocross and the racers who keep it alive will forever display the key characteristics that make racing what it is. Our sport is living proof of the old adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same.