At the 1986 Anaheim Supercross, in front of 71,000 fans at Anaheim Stadium, David Bailey outduels Team-Honda team-mate Rick Johnson in what is considered one the most epic battles in Supercross history.
He rode his Honda CR500 to the win at the Motocross Des Nations that fall. The performance by the US team, Bailey, Johnson and Johnny O'Mara, is regarded as one of the most dominant in Supercross history.
Then prior to the start of the 1987 Supercross season, David was injured in a practice crash in Lake Huron, California. He suffered significant spinal cord damage causing him to become a paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down. Bailey was forced to withdraw from the industry and sport he loved.
He would re-emerge in 1994 as a supercross commentator for ESPN.
The role as a TV broadcaster he continues to this day. He is also active in many non-profit organizations dedicated to helping others with spinal cord injuries and contributing to finding a cure.
After years of rehabilitation and with incredible determination, on February 14, 2006, David Bailey rode again. Aboard a new Honda CRF450R, outfitted with nerf bars, hand brakes, and a seat to hold him in place, he completed several laps of the track in Lake Elsinore, California.
David Bailey was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.
And what lame-ass excuse did you have for not riding today?
