I am sure there are a lot of varied opinions on this topic. I am equally as sure that though the opinions on which film is the best vary, there is a consensus that the same film maker made the films. The Motocross Files is produced by Pipeline Digital Media. PDM does a fantastic job of documenting the history of the sport. They have produced documentaries on such Motocross greats as Roger DeCoster, David Bailey and Brad Lackey. Their latest endeavor, I believe, is the finest film ever produced on the sport of motocross.

The 1980 USGP at Carlsbad raceway is one of the most memorable events in American motocross history. Marty Moates came out of obscurity, racing in his lone World Grand Prix event, to capture the checkered flag in both motos to give the United States their first ever overall victory at the legendary raceway. I really do not think the significance of the event can be overstated. Remember, this is 1980. National pride in sports ran very deep for people across the globe. It was only a few months earlier that we heard Al Michaels shouting, "Do you believe in miracles!?" as the American hockey team took down the vaunted Russians to advance to the Gold Medal game. They were huge underdogs. They could not be beaten. Kind of like the eventual World Champion Andre Malherbe and "Bad Brad" Lackey. Especially for some nobody who would only race this one Grand Prix.

Todd Huffman and his team have made an incredible film. If you have not had the opportunity to watch it, make some time to do so. The DVD includes the full-length documentary on the race, the original ABC Wide World of Sports coverage, a short feature on the memorial lap in Moates' honor at the USGP in 2010 held at Glen Helen raceway and, of course, some deleted scenes. Listening to the old two-smokers and watching an American overcome a wreck in both motos to get a win at a race dominated by Europeans brought back wave after wave of nostalgia. I could almost smell the mixed gas. I found myself cheering Marty on as if the outcome were in doubt. It made me thankful that I was introduced to this great sport at an early age. It made me thankful that I am a part of it today.

See you at the races!

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