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WHAT HAPPENED TO THESE?
I have felt since the beginning that the “Static” numbering system that motocross copied from NASCAR doesn’t fit this sport. It was supposed to make it easier to identify with riders, but when it was first implemented it was just as difficult to understand and follow. It had to be explained so many times to the TV crews and hosts of ESPN that I wondered why the change was made. Then I heard things like, it’s something a company like FOX can market with regards to RC’s #4. So am I to understand that it’s difficult to market #1? As far as Bubba’s #259, it’s his choice to run that out of respect for his friend Tony, which is a pretty solid exception and neither system affects it. It makes no sense to me to see Doug Henry or even Jeremy McGrath running a number that they earned years ago. Does Jeremy really like that big fat #2 after all he has done? Why does the KING have a crown on his butt and a #2 on his jersey? I don’t think Steve Lamson or Larry Ward would have the support they have if they didn’t have #6 and #10. I could be wrong, but I think a low number becomes a selling point to some degree. I want qualify all of this by saying I don’t expect everyone to agree with what I’m saying here. It’s just my opinion. I also don’t expect to see works bikes come back or the 500 class or even 2-strokes once they’re gone, but I do believe the old numbering system could return without taking a step backwards. In the old days, if you started to slack off or had a bad year, your number got bigger. The bigger your number the less support you got. It didn't take a genius to look around the pits and figure that out. Sure, riders like Ron Lechein #224 or Mike Bell #339 had good support with 3-digits in their rookie season, but as soon as they earned lower numbers they couldn’t wait to drop those extra digits. Being #1 was special! It was the coveted plate that everyone was after. In my opinion, running #199 is an easy out for Travis. From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t care about big contracts either. The problem I see with that is the lack of responsibility and pressure to actually perform. If he doesn’t finish a race or a season it’s no big deal because his number still stays the same. And since he doesn’t negotiate back and forth and play hardball for a giant salary, how can anyone be upset with him? I say bring back the real numbering system that actually ranks the riders in the order of their performance. If you are fading, your number should fade. If your desire or training is lacking, your number should reflect it just as it should for those who are improving. This new “Keep you number forever thing” is promoting laziness and mediocrity for most riders because no matter how you do, your number is still popular and cool. Those riders at Southwick in the top 15 who were lapped are not necessarily cool, not entertaining, not inspiring and they aren’t selling any motorcycles, which is the whole point. Bring back the old system that ranks performance, desire and heart, and bring back the #1 plate.

db

These are my originals and I’m not showing them to brag. I’m only suggesting how cool it would be to actually see some again without having to attend the AMA awards banquet or visit Carmichael, Reed or Stewart’s house.