After the all-star line-up at the 2024 MXoN, it got us thinking about similar races that had a star-studded race of AMA and MXGP champions.
One of those was the US 250 GP in 1999. Stefan Everts was back for the end of the season after a knee injury in a pre-season race ended his chances of a fifth world title, and he wanted the last GP to be an all-timer with all the best riders on the gate.
But the Americans didn’t want to race their home GP! Everts called them cowards and it didn’t go down well. The comments irked Kevin Windham, the man who finished runner-up in the 1999 250 outdoors behind Greg Albertyn – but won the most races! Albertyn would also line up as would Sebastian Tortelli who got to run the number one plate for the only time in his career.
Windham said pre-race: “I think it’s a pretty bold statement considering the Americans have just come off a 28 race series, two series combined. I think they have a right to stay at home, this isn’t a high priority on the American list. It’s pretty bold, I think he didn’t race that many races this year if I’m not mistaken only 12 or something, I’m sure he could come race a supercross on an off weekend if he would like!”
While Everts, who did race 250 US supercrosses in 92 before the GP season, said: “I was expecting some comments on it and it hurt a lot of people. The plan was not to hurt people. I was just so disappointed the riders said they were not racing it.”
A ticked of Windham was motivated but it was Everts who beat everyone in race one with David Bailey saying: “If you want to watch a guy that’s smooth, just feast your eyes on Everts. Beautiful, just watch this guy set the bike where he wants on the racetrack. It’s a pleasure to watch him make that bike go around the race track with the greatest of ease.”
Race two and it was Windham who dominated but ironically it was Everts former GP rival, Greg Albertyn, who cost Everts the GP win by passing Everts for second to give Windham the USGP win on a tie-break with Everts!
Windham said: “It feels great. I wish more of the Americans could have been here. I don’t think anyone understands what we go through as riders, flying 28 weekends in a row. I have Americans back, I am an American. It wasn’t really a race I wanted to do but once I got here, man I was having a blast. You have to give the Americans all the respect you can. You know, Everts is a great rider, unfortunately he made a comment like that but you can’t take anything away from those guys either, they are great riders.”
Amongst all this drama it was Fred Bolley who clinched his first world title, defeating Pit Beirer as David Vuillemin secured third from Ryan Hughes who also wasn’t happy with Everts! “I was a little bit mad about that! I’m trying (to beat him) but he’s a great rider I’m not taking anything away from him but makes me mad when someone insults my country.
“It was a tough day, I don’t think people really know how motocross is. Motocross riders are the best in shape of anyone in the world bur it’s tough. It’s sometimes too tough!
Watch the race below that featured Everts, Windham, Albertyn, Bolley, Beirer, Pichon, Tortelli, Hughes, Reynard, Vuillemin, Bervoets, Crockard, Jorgensen, Paul Cooper, Justin Morris and even current TV broadcaster, Jason Thomas!
