I got to hangout a little with Mike when I was working as a wrench on the circuit . He was a cool guy , very personable , likeable , and friendly .. ... And a very talented rider 👍
Good show Ping! I was there and the whip he thew at San Diego 89 was next level for sure…even by today’s standards! Down at Palm Ave he was so good and so crazy and at Barona he was scary fast…his technique, bike handling skills and body position were very modern and he looked so cool with his FOX gear and painted helmets that he had to be fast and he lived up to that for sure. I’ve met him a few times and like you said he’s totally down to earth and a good dude and we should all support Mike Craig👍🏻
It’s great to see Mike, his testimony about how GOD will answer if you just ask is something that’s going to help many. He was always one of the riders that could win and was exciting to watch race! Thanks for allowing us to hear the behind the scenes stories from the greatest riders in our sport! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
God's holy spirit instantaneously changed me. Like in the blink of an eye, literally. God changes through the heart, not the brain. It was same thing as Craig, I was seeking God begging him, like a deer panteth for the water on a hot day. God was my last chance and he come through big. I don't know why people don't cry out to him and give him a shot. My problem wasnt drugs or alcohol, but there is no problem God won't heal you from.
Glad your doing good stingray. Keep searching for that higher power, And I appreciate how classy you were dealing with the sensitive subject of Brian Lunnis. Keeping it classy Sting Ray. Keep doing the steps and Christian will come around. I did with my old man.
Addiction is brutal for the person but especially the family. Glad he is doing well, unfortunately it's not that easy for the majority of people, thankfully there is lots of data out there on how to overcome it successfully. "Pleasure Unwoven" gives a great run down, book or movie. Anyways thanks ping. Great show
Thanks Sting Ray for sharing. Got an autograph from you as a kid. Was so scared to approach you, but you were so nice it gave me the confidence to ask other pros for their signatures and time. Big whips and awesome style on a motorcycle!!
I've seen many of these episodes and enjoyed them all. You taking the time to talk with Mike Craig seemed a little different to me. A little more personal and with a bit of compassion for someone who has some demons he seems to still struggle with and that has resulted in lasting consequences. I wish Mike the best, especially with his relationship with his kids and his sobriety. I remember when Mike won that 250SX race back in the day, and seeing Christian rise to the level he has this year is amazing.
Mike was fucking sending it over LaRoccos Leap at Red Bud in '94. I was watching that race on TV and couldn't believe that crazy jump. I really hope he's staying sober. Drugs really fucked him up. As far as Lunnis, he apparently didn't wash himself either, because he always looked like he just rolled out of the weeds
A lot of people have negative things to say about Mike. I know him personally, I spent a lot of time training with him on 85s, probably wouldn’t be the rider I am today without his help. Always such a nice guy to my family and myself, its good to see Mike get his life cleaned up. He used to hop on my 85 and show me how to rip in flip flops 🤣
He doesn't seem sober to me at all. He's all over the map, having trouble focusing and talking a million miles an hour. He's hardly making sense. So either he's still using, or his brain is fried
@@Mjb317 If only he'd trained, he would've won a lot more races. He had talent and balls. It's just bad news when anyone gets hooked into drugs. They ruin your life, and those around you.
I was at Budds in 98 and I saw his wreck "unfold" right in front me. He landed right into a braking bump hole and that's when his rim collapsed. When he came to rest right in front me at the fence he didn't scream from pain at first. Once he moved his right leg it "folded" over his left leg like a wet towel and then he screamed. I almost barfed.
Mike has always been California kool! He was one of the first racers I remember because like he said he was always on those MX races on american sports cavalcade
First time I saw Mike was 95 I think in Houston. He was on the HoT team with DeHoop, Dobb, and Swink it was maybe? He was throwing sick whips and Can-Cans on the triples. I was a fan ever since. Crown went wild.
In my opinion Mike was as fast as anybody when he was racing. Lightning fast, and could beat anybody. Maybe not every race. But he was able to and he had it.
Yea I ran into Marty Smith , bader manneh, tylamd volland several pros in the hills and at the track by Sorrento valley del mar. It was next to the freeway where 5 n 805 meet. One way to it was ride thru a tunnel under the freeway
I have the same question, but on a personal level. I met Mike several times back in the late 80's and early 90's. I had a question for him personally. Any chance to connect me with him? I could give you my email to forward to him. I don't do social media, so this is why I ask for your help.
Raced many times n mike was there .. Carlsbad and barona. I was riding barona practice once n someone was behind me so I kept speeding up n could still hear him on my ass so I went faster n could still hear him so I full blown flying fastest I could go n finally misshifted and Mike Craig flies by . He was on a Yamaha so it was before he was on Honda in 88. So musta been 87 .
@@EarthSurferUSA 2022 YZ125: $6899 = 8 times the 1979 YZ125 price. 2022 Ford F250: $35,200 = 5.3 times the 1979 F250 price of $6650 The YZ went up more than the F250 probably mostly because of the dollar-yen exchange rate but other factors are also in play, no doubt. Remember when the prices of new Japanese bikes jumped significantly in the early 1990s? That was due to the strengthening yen which was due to the popping of the bubble in the Nikkei which unleashed massively deflationary pressures. Real wages (wages net of inflation) peaked 50 years ago and have fallen significantly since. The middle class is now a shadow of its former self so a lot fewer kids can have dirt bikes and a lot fewer households can get by on one earner in the family. Leftist policies made possible by our Marxist central bank are to blame but few truly understand why, even on the right.
I met Mike at World Mini 2005. I was working for SCOTT at the time and would be at the amateur races with the Goggle prep rig. He was wearing an ankle bracelet as if he was on house arrest. But anyway he was very friendly but you could tell he was into some shit. It was one of the first times I had met one of my idols from childhood that although he was a nice guy he disappointed me a little. It seems as though he has turned things around and is trying to be the best version of himself and I can admire and respect that. Dude was a bad man on a bike though for sure!
@@donnacraig2548 Well my apologies, I didn’t say he was for sure because how could I know. Not sure what other uses they are used for but it doesn’t matter that was a long time ago. He clearly is over that part of his life! Much respect for him!
@@donnacraig2548 They still are not communicating, are they? Mike seems clean, but I'd say that shit did some damage to his brain. Sad. I'm guessing that Christian still has some bad memories about his dad that are probably tough to get over.
@@juliusevola8806 he was always there till Christian was with his mom but Mike an his papa took him when she didn't he doesn't talk to me are his papa in fact we have never even met them great grand kidshavent talk to them in 6are7 years they never answer
@@donnacraig2548 Okay thanks. I can't quite make out what you are saying, Donna. Are you saying that you have no contact with Christian and that you have not met your grandkids?
@@EarthSurferUSA . You raise some good points. However Mike and many asked for Jesus into their life for help. The lord works in mysterious ways. Some visual, other times not as visual. First You need to believe.
I got to hangout a little with Mike when I was working as a wrench on the circuit . He was a cool guy , very personable , likeable , and friendly .. ... And a very talented rider 👍
I’ve watched Mike “Stingray” Craig race a million times back in the day. Why haven’t I seen more of him over the years?! Awesome interview!
He trains alot
Drugs
Good show Ping! I was there and the whip he thew at San Diego 89 was next level for sure…even by today’s standards! Down at Palm Ave he was so good and so crazy and at Barona he was scary fast…his technique, bike handling skills and body position were very modern and he looked so cool with his FOX gear and painted helmets that he had to be fast and he lived up to that for sure. I’ve met him a few times and like you said he’s totally down to earth and a good dude and we should all support Mike Craig👍🏻
Such a sincere and appreciative man. Loved this episode
I just became a big Mike Craig fan. The guy is real and honest....................
It’s great to see Mike, his testimony about how GOD will answer if you just ask is something that’s going to help many. He was always one of the riders that could win and was exciting to watch race! Thanks for allowing us to hear the behind the scenes stories from the greatest riders in our sport!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Let's G0 Brandon.
God's holy spirit instantaneously changed me. Like in the blink of an eye, literally. God changes through the heart, not the brain. It was same thing as Craig, I was seeking God begging him, like a deer panteth for the water on a hot day. God was my last chance and he come through big. I don't know why people don't cry out to him and give him a shot. My problem wasnt drugs or alcohol, but there is no problem God won't heal you from.
Mike is such a "real and honest" person. Heart is on his sleeve!
Glad your doing good stingray. Keep searching for that higher power, And I appreciate how classy you were dealing with the sensitive subject of Brian Lunnis. Keeping it classy Sting Ray. Keep doing the steps and Christian will come around. I did with my old man.
@@EarthSurferUSA Yes racers thank God all of the time
Always a fan, I am a fan of Christian as well. Good People.
Addiction is brutal for the person but especially the family. Glad he is doing well, unfortunately it's not that easy for the majority of people, thankfully there is lots of data out there on how to overcome it successfully. "Pleasure Unwoven" gives a great run down, book or movie.
Anyways thanks ping. Great show
This Guy is So wonderfull, he had me totally smiling ,This is my track i git my shit together
Craig you are dead on ... you are the company you keep .... stay away from those bad influence people .... stay clean buddy 🙏
Thanks Sting Ray for sharing. Got an autograph from you as a kid. Was so scared to approach you, but you were so nice it gave me the confidence to ask other pros for their signatures and time. Big whips and awesome style on a motorcycle!!
Always proud of Mike!!!
All the Halo story 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
So funny
Mike is the man 😎
He was supercool in 1992 season on that Kawy to me.
What a SPECTACULAR CRASH ( Larry Maiers 😆)
Stingray has had some good highlight reels!
Great interview, I was always asking for Mike Craig, Good to know about him and remembering the best times of MX.
Great, as usual. Thankssss both of you for the share.
I've seen many of these episodes and enjoyed them all. You taking the time to talk with Mike Craig seemed a little different to me. A little more personal and with a bit of compassion for someone who has some demons he seems to still struggle with and that has resulted in lasting consequences. I wish Mike the best, especially with his relationship with his kids and his sobriety. I remember when Mike won that 250SX race back in the day, and seeing Christian rise to the level he has this year is amazing.
Mike was fucking sending it over LaRoccos Leap at Red Bud in '94. I was watching that race on TV and couldn't believe that crazy jump. I really hope he's staying sober. Drugs really fucked him up. As far as Lunnis, he apparently didn't wash himself either, because he always looked like he just rolled out of the weeds
A lot of people have negative things to say about Mike. I know him personally, I spent a lot of time training with him on 85s, probably wouldn’t be the rider I am today without his help. Always such a nice guy to my family and myself, its good to see Mike get his life cleaned up. He used to hop on my 85 and show me how to rip in flip flops 🤣
He doesn't seem sober to me at all. He's all over the map, having trouble focusing and talking a million miles an hour. He's hardly making sense. So either he's still using, or his brain is fried
@@JokersWild70 bro was on hard drugs for well over a decade so I think he’s just perma-fried honestly but who knows, I haven’t seen him in awhile.
@@Mjb317 If only he'd trained, he would've won a lot more races. He had talent and balls. It's just bad news when anyone gets hooked into drugs. They ruin your life, and those around you.
He is clean an has been he is nervous he is one caring man
I was at Budds in 98 and I saw his wreck "unfold" right in front me. He landed right into a braking bump hole and that's when his rim collapsed.
When he came to rest right in front me at the fence he didn't scream from pain at first. Once he moved his right leg it "folded" over his left leg like a wet towel and then he screamed. I almost barfed.
very cool ! and down to earth . way to go ping !
Great interview Ping 👍 God Bless Stingray 🤘 you got it 👍
Such a good program guys. Thank you
God bless you ! mike god always is there! We fail all the time !
@@EarthSurferUSA i agree ! but you still fail!
Mike you are special and I never like that mechanic but I bet you were the only one to give him a victory lap ride
Sunday comes early!! Haha
Ping, that is one awesome stash!
Mike has always been California kool! He was one of the first racers I remember because like he said he was always on those MX races on american sports cavalcade
I remember watching him train Christian as a kid. I'd try to watch what he was telling Christian to do and try to pick up pointers myself 😂
I did not know you guys were doing this! I just subscribed! Keep doing these interviews with the guys I grew up with when I was racing!
@@EarthSurferUSA Yes great stuff!
Another true part of MX/SX Moto History. #theotherMC
Michael Ray Craig was awesome, in his era!..🕺💯
First time I saw Mike was 95 I think in Houston. He was on the HoT team with DeHoop, Dobb, and Swink it was maybe? He was throwing sick whips and Can-Cans on the triples. I was a fan ever since. Crown went wild.
Seen him win in Amsterdam and Nijmegen Holland
Always had great riding style.
, he seems nervous.
I rem when Mike rode off the front fender of his Yamaha 250..into a SX corner.. Prob '89 ish... Talented rider for sure..
In my opinion Mike was as fast as anybody when he was racing. Lightning fast, and could beat anybody. Maybe not every race. But he was able to and he had it.
John tomac...mountain bike champ...didn't know what a manual was? Mmmmm Idk about that lol
Yea I ran into Marty Smith , bader manneh, tylamd volland several pros in the hills and at the track by Sorrento valley del mar. It was next to the freeway where 5 n 805 meet. One way to it was ride thru a tunnel under the freeway
Love mike seems like a absolute legend
👍👍
ping ! when will you have bubba on ?
AWESOME!!!!
I have the same question, but on a personal level. I met Mike several times back in the late 80's and early 90's. I had a question for him personally. Any chance to connect me with him?
I could give you my email to forward to him. I don't do social media, so this is why I ask for your help.
Anyone know how I can get a hold of Mike Craig? I need some motocross lessons from him
He's at Glen Helen nearly every Thursday afternoon.
I remember ABC Wide World of Sports covering a Carlsbad race in the 80's with Mike
th-cam.com/video/wMKyHHPoc98/w-d-xo.html
Lol..so dope... I recorded this on a vcr back in the day n watched it 1000x💯👍
You hear me? You hear me Ping? You hear me?
Raced many times n mike was there .. Carlsbad and barona. I was riding barona practice once n someone was behind me so I kept speeding up n could still hear him on my ass so I went faster n could still hear him so I full blown flying fastest I could go n finally misshifted and Mike Craig flies by . He was on a Yamaha so it was before he was on Honda in 88. So musta been 87 .
Stingray. Got his autograph pontiac 2000
Brian Swink did ride for Dave Miller at DMC.
Gold.
Where's the part where someone says Brian Lunnis is a prick?
Little did they know Dungey would return...
Guys, 30 grand back then was a lot more than 50 grand is today.
@@EarthSurferUSA 2022 YZ125: $6899 = 8 times the 1979 YZ125 price.
2022 Ford F250: $35,200 = 5.3 times the 1979 F250 price of $6650
The YZ went up more than the F250 probably mostly because of the dollar-yen exchange rate but other factors are also in play, no doubt. Remember when the prices of new Japanese bikes jumped significantly in the early 1990s? That was due to the strengthening yen which was due to the popping of the bubble in the Nikkei which unleashed massively deflationary pressures.
Real wages (wages net of inflation) peaked 50 years ago and have fallen significantly since. The middle class is now a shadow of its former self so a lot fewer kids can have dirt bikes and a lot fewer households can get by on one earner in the family.
Leftist policies made possible by our Marxist central bank are to blame but few truly understand why, even on the right.
@@EarthSurferUSA I wrote a long reply to you but it got censored even though I did not put any links. Oh well. F*ck youtube
I hope him and Christian have moved forward
BAMF!
I met Mike at World Mini 2005. I was working for SCOTT at the time and would be at the amateur races with the Goggle prep rig. He was wearing an ankle bracelet as if he was on house arrest. But anyway he was very friendly but you could tell he was into some shit. It was one of the first times I had met one of my idols from childhood that although he was a nice guy he disappointed me a little. It seems as though he has turned things around and is trying to be the best version of himself and I can admire and respect that. Dude was a bad man on a bike though for sure!
He was not on house arrest
@@donnacraig2548 Well my apologies, I didn’t say he was for sure because how could I know. Not sure what other uses they are used for but it doesn’t matter that was a long time ago. He clearly is over that part of his life! Much respect for him!
@@donnacraig2548 Donna, are you Mike's sister? How are you related to Mike?
@@juliusevola8806 I'm his mom
Josh Piper I met Mike at the wack shack next to the San Diego sports arena. You hear me??
Motoworld suzuki (paul lyndsey)
My buddy teddy used to drive the semi
Lmfao!!!
Ty Davis was 90 champ...
50 grand a year (wynd) gear
I hope he repairs his relationship with his son. Such a shame.
is this christian craigs dad
Yes
@@donnacraig2548 They still are not communicating, are they? Mike seems clean, but I'd say that shit did some damage to his brain. Sad. I'm guessing that Christian still has some bad memories about his dad that are probably tough to get over.
What drugs was Mike addicted to?
He never did that till he quit racing
@@donnacraig2548 Is Christian still not talking to his dad? Also, did Mike have much to do with Christian's motocross as a kid growing up?
Meth
@@juliusevola8806 he was always there till Christian was with his mom but Mike an his papa took him when she didn't he doesn't talk to me are his papa in fact we have never even met them great grand kidshavent talk to them in 6are7 years they never answer
@@donnacraig2548 Okay thanks. I can't quite make out what you are saying, Donna. Are you saying that you have no contact with Christian and that you have not met your grandkids?
Wish he didn’t talk about god fixing his problems. Has nothing to do with religion.
Has to do with whatever one's motivating force is.. family, friends, elephants, pink tricycles or yes....even God..
I didn't hear him say anything about "religion" ? 🤔
@@EarthSurferUSA have you read Anne Rand?
@@EarthSurferUSA . You raise some good points. However Mike and many asked for Jesus into their life for help. The lord works in mysterious ways. Some visual, other times not as visual. First You need to believe.