Throwback Thursday: Opening Pro Motocross Round 25 Years Ago (2000)….

Throwback Thursday: Opening Pro Motocross Round 25 Years Ago (2000)

Twenty-five years ago, in the spring of 2000, the gates dropped on the opening round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, launching a season that would go down in history for its fierce competition, emerging talent, and shifting dynamics in the sport. As we look back on that unforgettable day, it’s clear that the 2000 season set the tone for a new era in motocross.

The opening round was held at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, a track known for its brutal elevation changes, deep ruts, and punishing layout that separated the contenders from the pretenders. Glen Helen, already a staple of the series by then, provided the perfect battleground to kick off the new millennium.

In the 250cc class (now equivalent to the modern 450MX), all eyes were on Yamaha’s David Vuillemin and Honda’s Sebastien Tortelli. Both French imports had already made waves in the Supercross series earlier that year and were eager to assert dominance outdoors. However, it was American hero Ricky Carmichael, recently moved up to the premier class from the 125cc division, who stole the show. After a shaky start in Supercross, many questioned whether Carmichael could hang with the big boys. He answered emphatically at Glen Helen, unleashing his aggressive style and unmatched endurance to grab moto wins and make his mark on the series.

Meanwhile, in the 125cc class, the competition was equally intense. Travis Pastrana, the charismatic and fearless teenager riding for Suzuki, was already making headlines. Known for his daredevil antics and infectious energy, Pastrana was quickly becoming a fan favorite. At Glen Helen, he showcased the raw talent that would eventually make him a household name. Although he didn’t sweep the day, his performance hinted at what was to come in a season that would ultimately see him crowned the 125cc champion.

The 2000 opening round also marked a changing of the guard in many respects. Veterans like Kevin Windham, Steve Lamson, and John Dowd were still in the mix, but a wave of young riders was beginning to redefine the pace and style of modern motocross. The bikes themselves were changing too, with manufacturers introducing improved suspension, chassis, and early iterations of four-stroke machines that would later dominate the sport.

Off the track, the fan experience was evolving. The year 2000 was on the cusp of the digital revolution, and motocross coverage was beginning to find its way online, allowing fans more access than ever before. Still, the heart of the sport remained the same—mud, noise, speed, and the roar of the crowd as the gates dropped.

Looking back, the opening round of the 2000 Pro Motocross season was more than just a race—it was a defining moment in motocross history. It launched careers, cemented legends, and set a precedent for the battles that would unfold in the years to come. For fans who were there and those who remember watching from home, it was a weekend that truly kicked off the new millennium with a roar.