Eli Tomac compares Ricky Carmichael to James Stewart (Bubba) “Ricky was relentless, but James was revolutionary. One dominated with grit, the other with sheer brilliance. If you put them head-to-head in their prime, Stewart’s raw speed might…”

Eli Tomac Compares Ricky Carmichael to James Stewart (Bubba): The Fastest vs. The Greatest

The debate over the greatest motocross and supercross rider of all time has always been heated, but few perspectives carry as much weight as that of Eli Tomac. A multi-time champion himself, Tomac recently stirred the conversation by comparing two of the sport’s most legendary figures: Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart. His statement—”Ricky was relentless, but James was revolutionary”—perfectly encapsulates the contrast between these two titans of the dirt.

Carmichael, often referred to as “The GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), was a machine of consistency. His work ethic, mental toughness, and ability to grind out wins, even on his worst days, set him apart. He holds an astonishing 15 AMA championships, a record that cements his legacy as the most accomplished rider in history. Carmichael didn’t always look the fastest, but he was always the best when it mattered most.

On the other hand, Stewart was pure speed and raw talent personified. Often hailed as the fastest man on a dirt bike, Bubba revolutionized the sport with his aggressive riding style, groundbreaking “Bubba Scrub,” and ability to make even the toughest tracks look effortless. His highlight reels are the stuff of legend, and even Carmichael himself admitted that Stewart’s sheer speed was unmatched.

Tomac’s statement adds fuel to an already passionate debate: Is it better to be the fastest or the greatest? James Stewart dazzled fans with jaw-dropping performances, often leaving even his competitors in awe. However, his career was marred by crashes, injuries, and inconsistency. While his two AMA Supercross championships and 50 wins are remarkable, they pale in comparison to Carmichael’s ironclad dominance.

The rivalry between Carmichael and Stewart was one of the most electrifying in motocross history. When Stewart entered the premier class in 2005, he was expected to dethrone Carmichael immediately. But while Bubba had speed, Ricky had strategy. More often than not, Carmichael would play the long game—staying consistent, avoiding costly mistakes, and making sure he was always in contention for the title.

One of their most memorable battles came in the 2006 AMA Supercross season. At times, Stewart was visibly faster, but Carmichael’s ability to control the pace and capitalize on mistakes proved decisive. In the end, they tied in points, but Carmichael won the championship due to more overall wins. That moment highlighted the contrast between their approaches—Stewart was spectacular, but Carmichael was surgical.

Tomac’s perspective is particularly interesting because, in many ways, his own career is a blend of both riders’ attributes. He possesses Stewart’s raw speed and aggressiveness, but in his later years, he has also adopted Carmichael’s calculated approach to championship racing. Perhaps that’s why he appreciates both riders for what they brought to the sport.

Looking purely at statistics, Carmichael’s dominance is nearly untouchable. His perfect 24-0 outdoor seasons in 2002 and 2004 remain one of the most astonishing achievements in motocross history. His ability to adapt, win in any condition, and outwork his competition set a standard that few, if any, have matched.

But records don’t always tell the full story. Stewart changed motocross in ways that numbers cannot quantify. His style, creativity, and innovation pushed the sport forward. Riders today still emulate his techniques, and his influence on modern motocross is undeniable. Even Carmichael admitted that Stewart’s presence forced him to elevate his game to another level.

So, who truly reigns supreme? If the measure of greatness is championships, Carmichael is the undisputed king. But if greatness is measured by pure talent and the ability to redefine the sport, Stewart’s legacy shines just as bright. In a hypothetical head-to-head battle where both were at their peak, many believe Stewart would have the edge in speed, but Carmichael would find a way to win when it counted.

Tomac’s quote—”Is it better to be the fastest or the greatest?”—is a question that may never have a definitive answer. Motocross purists will lean toward Carmichael for his relentless dominance, while those who value sheer talent and excitement will side with Stewart. But perhaps the best takeaway is that both riders played an essential role in shaping the sport.

In the end, Stewart and Carmichael’s rivalry was a gift to motocross fans, and their legacies continue to inspire the next generation. Whether you value relentless dominance or breathtaking speed, there’s no denying that both men belong in the conversation for the greatest of all time.