Great interview! True story…I am sort of named after him. In 1975 my dad (Gary Blackman) won the Daytona 100-mile junior road race. The next day the local newspaper mixed up the names of Mark Blackwell and Gary Blackman and listed it as Mark Blackman. My then pregnant mother liked the way it looked in print so she went with it!
Great interview so interesting to hear from an original American motocrosser. People do not realize how much is owed to these trailblazers. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and he is a genuinely good guy. Great stories to tell. I could listen to him forever.
Mark Blackwell is forever a gentleman. I was privileged to have a small association with him early in his career. He was honored recently as I told him, he reminds me of Americans version of Toto Wolf.
I first learned of Mark Blackwell by being interested in wanting a new Suzuki TM & then RM in the mid 70's , & if you bought one Suzuki gave you the opportunity to go to California to their Suzuki School of Moto-Cross taught by Mark Blackwell, this Era was my beginning of falling in love with motorcycles, Moto-Cross & offroad riding & racing , great guest pick as always .
He was always one of my heroes. I've got a black and white picture of him hanging in my office, next to other 70s greats. I attended Suzuki School of MX in 1977 and learned so much. Another great show Ping!
Holy cow what a great interview. As a rabid motorcycling/racing fan I knew the name in late 70's, worked at a dealership in 80's and would see his moves in industry publications and later Cycle News (when it was still on paper). What a inspirational career and still giving back👍👍‼
And yet another great interview by WTS. It's gonna be tough for this sport to grow much. Heck, sometimes I wonder if it should grow at all. The money getting into the sport hasn't made it much better from an amateur rider's perspective, at least that I can see. Accessible riding areas have steadily declined in size and subsequently becoming farther away and sometimes very crowded. Tracks have morphed into terrain that doesn't work for older guys like me, and only really does for people willing to huck the national-level size jumps. That environment won't draw in any new young riders without parents that already ride, and it turns away aging riders who no longer see the costs of buying, maintaining, and hauling a bike justifiable for a few hours at either a track that has little fun factor or distant and sometimes crowded off-road areas.
Woww great interview , watching in Wales 🏴 aged53 , when un my youth Moto Cross or scrambling as we called it back in Uk 🇬🇧 he has some amazing story’s ❤️🏴
I remember when Blackwell was at Husky in the 80's. Factory riders Dan Smith and Dan Ashcraft spent some time being coached by him and they showed me some technics that have stayed with me throughout the years.
I can't believe he said if you want to stay fit get a coach. I did sports to stay fit. Maybe im different then most. I trained every day. Its what i am.
The only thing I do not agree with is electric. No need to go electric Mr. Blackwell. We all need to vote the right way and not let them jam e.v. down our throats.
Great interview! True story…I am sort of named after him. In 1975 my dad (Gary Blackman) won the Daytona 100-mile junior road race. The next day the local newspaper mixed up the names of Mark Blackwell and Gary Blackman and listed it as Mark Blackman. My then pregnant mother liked the way it looked in print so she went with it!
Next level cool right there. Take care
I bought a car dealership in Minnesota that was previously named Blackman motors 😀
Rewatching this one , this could be the best interview ever on the channel.
Great interview so interesting to hear from an original American motocrosser. People do not realize how much is owed to these trailblazers. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and he is a genuinely good guy. Great stories to tell. I could listen to him forever.
Mark is a great guy. I had the pleasure of working with him years ago at Polaris, always a pleasure to talk with him!
Fantastic interview. A living legend in every aspect.😃🤙
Every word this man speaks in regards to motocross is a piece of history. Just awesome content!
What a fantastic interview. Mark is an interesting guy and love his perspective on life and business.
Great interview. Good guy. Seems like all these early guys started on a Cz. Still a big bike in Vintage racing.
Mark Blackwell is forever a gentleman. I was privileged to have a small association with him early in his career. He was honored recently as I told him, he reminds me of Americans version of Toto Wolf.
#respect for the first 500cc Nat'l champion. 🇺🇸👍
I first learned of Mark Blackwell by being interested in wanting a new Suzuki TM & then RM in the mid 70's , & if you bought one Suzuki gave you the opportunity to go to California to their Suzuki School of Moto-Cross taught by Mark Blackwell, this Era was my beginning of falling in love with motorcycles, Moto-Cross & offroad riding & racing , great guest pick as always .
Mark Blackwell is so accomplished! It’s great to hear his story!
He was always one of my heroes. I've got a black and white picture of him hanging in my office, next to other 70s greats. I attended Suzuki School of MX in 1977 and learned so much. Another great show Ping!
My all time favorite episode ping! 🙌🏼 this has been an absolute treasure!
Thanks so much! We're working hard to bring you more shows, stay tuned!
I Love this, What a great episode, thank you for sharing Ping great work and awesome guest!
Absolutely captivating!
Holy cow what a great interview. As a rabid motorcycling/racing fan I knew the name in late 70's, worked at a dealership in 80's and would see his moves in industry publications and later Cycle News (when it was still on paper). What a inspirational career and still giving back👍👍‼
And yet another great interview by WTS.
It's gonna be tough for this sport to grow much. Heck, sometimes I wonder if it should grow at all. The money getting into the sport hasn't made it much better from an amateur rider's perspective, at least that I can see. Accessible riding areas have steadily declined in size and subsequently becoming farther away and sometimes very crowded. Tracks have morphed into terrain that doesn't work for older guys like me, and only really does for people willing to huck the national-level size jumps. That environment won't draw in any new young riders without parents that already ride, and it turns away aging riders who no longer see the costs of buying, maintaining, and hauling a bike justifiable for a few hours at either a track that has little fun factor or distant and sometimes crowded off-road areas.
What a legend! Great show ping!
We are so lucky to have someone like Mark in our sport.
Woww great interview , watching in Wales 🏴 aged53 , when un my youth Moto Cross or scrambling as we called it back in Uk 🇬🇧 he has some amazing story’s ❤️🏴
I’m 24 minutes in
24 years old
And this is the best listen yet
This dudes knowledge is just insane
Mark was there at the Suzuki school of motocross back in the day when i attended. That was a lot of years ago....
I remember when Blackwell was at Husky in the 80's. Factory riders Dan Smith and Dan Ashcraft spent some time being coached by him and they showed me some technics that have stayed with me throughout the years.
awesome!
Cool time and in the rite place and he knows it .
Great interview.
Sounds beefy 🥩💥
Me gusta, muy bueno
very good!
I can't believe he said if you want to stay fit get a coach. I did sports to stay fit. Maybe im different then most. I trained every day. Its what i am.
No goggles were common in the 70's
I met Bob Hannah a few times... He was real...
The only thing I do not agree with is electric. No need to go electric Mr. Blackwell. We all need to vote the right way and not let them jam e.v. down our throats.
Half of American oil is only acquired via fracking. We're running out.
You not doing London areacross
I want to drink and drive so bad now