We gear up for the kickoff of the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship this weekend at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, it’s only fitting to take a moment to rewind the clock and revisit a memorable opening round from a quarter-century ago. Yes, it’s been 25 years since the gates dropped at Glen Helen Raceway Park in San Bernardino, California, for the first round of the 2000 AMA Chevy Trucks Motocross Championships—and what a race it was.
The 2000 season opener at Glen Helen stands out as one of the most competitive and talent-packed races in Pro Motocross history. The 250cc class, the premier division at the time, was stacked with legends and rising stars alike. The race offered fans a thrilling display of speed, skill, and fierce competition right from the very first turn.
Leading the charge in the photo from that day is Frenchman Sebastien Tortelli (21), piloting his factory Honda. Tortelli, known for his raw speed and relentless determination, grabbed the early lead in one of the motos, setting the tone for what would be a high-stakes battle among motocross royalty. Trailing closely behind were several of the sport’s biggest names: Ricky Carmichael (4) representing Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki, the defending series champion Greg Albertyn (1) aboard the factory Suzuki, and the king of supercross himself, Jeremy McGrath (2), who was riding for Mazda/Chaparral Yamaha. Also in the mix was factory Yamaha rider David Vuillemin (934), another talented French rider who had been making waves in both the U.S. and Europe.
The race would ultimately belong to Ricky Carmichael, who began what would become a legendary career in the outdoor nationals with a dominant performance. Carmichael swept both 250 class motos, going 1-1 for the overall win. His aggressive riding style and unmatched fitness gave him the edge on Glen Helen’s demanding hills and rough terrain. Tortelli, despite a strong showing, had to settle for second overall, while Vuillemin rounded out the podium in third.
This race marked the beginning of Carmichael’s transformation into the “GOAT”—the Greatest of All Time—a title he would earn through his consistent dominance over the coming years. It also symbolized a changing of the guard in the motocross world. While legends like McGrath and Albertyn were still very much in the fight, younger stars like Carmichael and Vuillemin were poised to take over.
Looking back, the 2000 Glen Helen opener was more than just the start of a new season; it was a milestone event that highlighted the depth of talent and the intensity of competition in American motocross. The roar of the engines, the battles for position, and the sheer speed on display remain etched in the memories of fans who were lucky enough to witness it in person—or through the pages of Cycle News.
As the 2025 season gets underway just 60 miles south at Fox Raceway, fans can look forward to a new generation of riders writing their own chapters in the rich history of Pro Motocross. For those who want to dive deeper into races like Glen Helen 2000 and countless others, subscribing to the Cycle News Archives is the perfect way to relive the sport’s most iconic moments.