RJ was a God to me when I grew up. It's too bad so many youngsters will never understand just how dominant he was in his day. I've been running #17 whenever possible for 30 years because of him.
The first time I got to see Rick ride was at the Paris Bercy Supercross, on his last ride for Yamaha... "Bonjour Paris" he belowed whilst being lowered down from the rafters into the arena in a harness. The crowd response was deafening.. Will never forget that night.
Rick is a racer's racer. RJ will forget more about technique, racing lines, intimidation, handling sponsors, greeting fans and dealing with team/manufacturer responsibilities before 10am on any given day than any 30,000 seriously competitive racers will collectively learn in their lifetimes. I personally know how proud Marty Smith was to see the growth, maturity, humility, and depth of knowledge that RJ dedicated himself to sharing as a popular, highly respected Champion and serious educator within the off-road industry. One of the greatest aspects of our devastating loss of Marty was the clean-living, trustworthy, levelheaded, intensely loyal, positive mentorship, and inspirational race craft he brought to all of his activities. As great a Champion Marty was, he was a much better man. I have known Rick a long, long time and he is growing in to those same shoes. I miss Marty every goddamned day. I'm honored to call Rick a friend.
I was at Ricky's last SX win in Miami of '89 on the sand track. Nobody ever thought that would be his last SX win. Saw him in the pits afterward the race and he was a class act. One of the best of his era for sure. I agree with the hole shot devices and the red flag restarts after one complete lap.
RJ, you changed the whole Japan’s motocross industry in 1982, when you won the first ever supercross in Japan. 18 year old Rick Johnson’s wining was a sensational impact on the whole motorcycle people in Japan as 1982 first Japan Supercross was broadcasted nationally and everyone got to know your name. Barnett and Wardy raced at Suzuka Japan Motocross GP in 1982, but only some motocross fans got to know the American motocross. Since RJ’s winning, everybody in the 4 major motorcycle manufactures in Japan got to know your name. You truly changed Japan’s entire off-road motorcycle industry.
I love Ricky. When i was a kid i wrote him a letter after he broke his wrist and he sent me one back with an autographed photo and a hand written letter. Still have it today
RJ is such a good communicator via interviews or writing I just cant get enough. On a side note I dont think to date I have ever seen an interview with him that he does not mention the difficulties of riding with his wrist issues. To RJ: We know brother and fully understand, we know who you are and what you did, we also know of the injury that forced you to retire and do not expect to see you ride anymore at that kind of level or anywhere close to it, So if/when you do ride, ride in piece brother we do not expect to see a Vet pro level racer with the injury you have. They really need to listen to RJ about track setup and policy changes, he is spot on and those changes would be welcomed changes to the spectators & i personally would go one step further as to make it more of a team sport
Love RJ.. he was so nice to me on so many occasions..We once caught him on his way to take a leak in Orlando SX..he was like Dude I gotta Whiz wait out here and I'll give you an autograph..when I have clean hands.😂 he took us back to his pits and gave us stickers and signed photos..so Cool.
I agree 100% with doing away with all these damn electronics!! I want to see the riders raw talent not the ability to play video games. Also, I used to race with RJ at the Adelanto GP in the snow and mud. RJ was so stinking fast I just could not catch him. Wish I had kept in touch, he’s big time still.
I was snuffed by Rick Johnson once too. I was at press day at the Los Angeles Supercross in 1987. I was 14 years old and I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the Thursday before the race. RJ just finished up an interview after a practice session. He was on the field of the stadium. He walked up the peristyle stairs and was walking towards me. I asked him to autograph a hat for me. He looked at me, did not say anything to me, and just kept walking by. Roger DeCoster was just behind RJ. Roger took my hat and he autographed it for me. I still want to meet Rick Johnson someday, but I do not think it will ever happen. I have tried to contact RJ over Instagram asking for an autograph. I wanted to send him a poster I have had since I was a kid to have signed. I have yet to receive any response.
I am at the computer for the first time today and was going to get into the latest Bubba's World -- but wait a minute! Rick Johnson is more relevant than that show...and is also my favorite announcer.
Ricky Is full of shi%. I met Rick at the Thunder Valley National in 86, and he was the nicest guy! By the way Carmichael! RJ would whoop your ass. Believe it.
I spent some time with him on the starting line of the Baja 1000 before we both began the race. I echo your sentiments about Rick, absolutely pleasant and gracious competitor. We chatted until he had to start, he wished me luck and offered to have a beer with him in La Paz. Made my day.
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wPd7VFfWHIA/mqdefault.jpg)
I could sit and listen to RJ all day, the guy is a living legend.
RJ was a God to me when I grew up. It's too bad so many youngsters will never understand just how dominant he was in his day. I've been running #17 whenever possible for 30 years because of him.
I like RJ. What a fierce competitor. Quite intelligent, insightful, and articulate in an interview and as a commentator.
RJ is one of the original Bad Boyz. I remember when he called out the other riders for sandbagging lol.
I Totally agree about the holeshot devices, i dislike them.
I wore my "Bad Boy" tee shirt until it was so thin it was almost see through.....Ricky Johnson interviews keep my attention like no other
What a great guy and legend of the sport. Thanks RJ so inspiring.
Completely agree with Rj on loosing the holeshot devices separate the guys on the start bring back natural throttle control and clutch work
What a legend, loved the 80s motocross era and RJ was my hero!😎
Awesome! Really appreciate RJ's insights, humor and no BS. Very cool follow up to part one. Thanks Don! 👍
The first time I got to see Rick ride was at the Paris Bercy Supercross, on his last ride for Yamaha... "Bonjour Paris" he belowed whilst being lowered down from the rafters into the arena in a harness. The crowd response was deafening.. Will never forget that night.
Rick is a racer's racer.
RJ will forget more about technique, racing lines, intimidation, handling sponsors, greeting fans and dealing with team/manufacturer responsibilities before 10am on any given day than any 30,000 seriously competitive racers will collectively learn in their lifetimes.
I personally know how proud Marty Smith was to see the growth, maturity, humility, and depth of knowledge that RJ dedicated himself to sharing as a popular, highly respected Champion and serious educator within the off-road industry.
One of the greatest aspects of our devastating loss of Marty was the clean-living, trustworthy, levelheaded, intensely loyal, positive mentorship, and inspirational race craft he brought to all of his activities.
As great a Champion Marty was, he was a much better man.
I have known Rick a long, long time and he is growing in to those same shoes.
I miss Marty every goddamned day.
I'm honored to call Rick a friend.
All the motocross magazines was a go to back in the day. Totally different from getting the down low of today.
RJ with brilliant analysis. The AMA would be smart to listen here!!!
Rj is such awesome interviewee. Great job! Both of you guys, I really enjoyed this podcast.
I could listen to RJ stories for days
These stories are so cool!
It warms my heart to hear that RJ & Dogger are good now
I was at Ricky's last SX win in Miami of '89 on the sand track. Nobody ever thought that would be his last SX win. Saw him in the pits afterward the race and he was a class act. One of the best of his era for sure. I agree with the hole shot devices and the red flag restarts after one complete lap.
What a true champion, LEGEND of the golden age of motocross. RICKY BAD BOY JOHNSON. Thank you guys for a bad ass show once again.
Great interview! Ricky is a class act!
I could listen to his stories for hours😊
That coulda been a 12 hour podcast and I would still want more.
RJ, you changed the whole Japan’s motocross industry in 1982, when you won the first ever supercross in Japan. 18 year old Rick Johnson’s wining was a sensational impact on the whole motorcycle people in Japan as 1982 first Japan Supercross was broadcasted nationally and everyone got to know your name. Barnett and Wardy raced at Suzuka Japan Motocross GP in 1982, but only some motocross fans got to know the American motocross. Since RJ’s winning, everybody in the 4 major motorcycle manufactures in Japan got to know your name. You truly changed Japan’s entire off-road motorcycle industry.
Love RJ
great interview! Good questions!
I love Ricky. When i was a kid i wrote him a letter after he broke his wrist and he sent me one back with an autographed photo and a hand written letter. Still have it today
RJ is such a good communicator via interviews or writing I just cant get enough. On a side note I dont think to date I have ever seen an interview with him that he does not mention the difficulties of riding with his wrist issues. To RJ: We know brother and fully understand, we know who you are and what you did, we also know of the injury that forced you to retire and do not expect to see you ride anymore at that kind of level or anywhere close to it, So if/when you do ride, ride in piece brother we do not expect to see a Vet pro level racer with the injury you have. They really need to listen to RJ about track setup and policy changes, he is spot on and those changes would be welcomed changes to the spectators & i personally would go one step further as to make it more of a team sport
Originally you had three team events. Motocross des Nations for 500cc bikes, Trophee des Nations for 250cc bikes and Coupe des Nations for the 125s.
There's only one. Bob, Hanna and you happen to be Ricky Johnson... Isn't there always somebody?
🎉 Thanks for all the glory you put into racing...🏁
Great interview…Appreciate the video
Damn R.J. my Rick Johnson Moto 4 gave me instant clout at the rock quarry back in 1987!!!!
Love RJ.. he was so nice to me on so many occasions..We once caught him on his way to take a leak in Orlando SX..he was like Dude I gotta Whiz wait out here and I'll give you an autograph..when I have clean hands.😂 he took us back to his pits and gave us stickers and signed photos..so Cool.
What a great interview
I'm Art Vandelay....and I choose OGIO
😂😂😂
RJ…super hero…
Yea RJ!! Bad to the Bone
Great episode!
Awesome :)
Dude....its still MXDN here in UK?
I agree 100% with doing away with all these damn electronics!! I want to see the riders raw talent not the ability to play video games. Also, I used to race with RJ at the Adelanto GP in the snow and mud. RJ was so stinking fast I just could not catch him. Wish I had kept in touch, he’s big time still.
RJ was 'Too Hip'!!!!❤❤KROQ
We went up missing part 3 and 4 th.
👍👍💯🎥😎Legendary!!
Awesome ❤it
Trophy was 1st on 250s. MX des nations next week on 500s
I was snuffed by Rick Johnson once too. I was at press day at the Los Angeles Supercross in 1987. I was 14 years old and I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the Thursday before the race. RJ just finished up an interview after a practice session. He was on the field of the stadium. He walked up the peristyle stairs and was walking towards me. I asked him to autograph a hat for me. He looked at me, did not say anything to me, and just kept walking by. Roger DeCoster was just behind RJ. Roger took my hat and he autographed it for me. I still want to meet Rick Johnson someday, but I do not think it will ever happen. I have tried to contact RJ over Instagram asking for an autograph. I wanted to send him a poster I have had since I was a kid to have signed. I have yet to receive any response.
I am at the computer for the first time today and was going to get into the latest Bubba's World -- but wait a minute!
Rick Johnson is more relevant than that show...and is also my favorite announcer.
With the Hannah thing it’s funny how cowardly bullies are when put on the spot, and unarmed, Hannah is a creep
Yes get rid of hole shot devices.
Hey Ricky, how was Tahiti in 79'?
C'mon RJ! Trophee was the 250 races...and motocross was the 500's. 😅
500cc Motocross, 250 Trophy and in a European context 125 Pascal
Did Ricky ever go camping with Hannah?
💪Bad Boy club 🪄
competition yellow,stop the race halfway,huh?
🎉#2
Trophy 250 motocross fed 500
Ricky Is full of shi%. I met Rick at the Thunder Valley National in 86, and he was the nicest guy! By the way Carmichael! RJ would whoop your ass. Believe it.
I spent some time with him on the starting line of the Baja 1000 before we both began the race. I echo your sentiments about Rick, absolutely pleasant and gracious competitor. We chatted until he had to start, he wished me luck and offered to have a beer with him in La Paz. Made my day.