Phil Nicoletti, a seasoned rider with 18 full seasons under his belt in professional motocross and supercross, has declared that his full-time racing career will come to a close at the end of the 2024 AMA season.
Riding for the Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha team in the 250SX West Region division of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Nicoletti will transition to the 450 class for the upcoming AMA Pro Motocross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) finale in September. Despite this decision, he remains committed to giving his all and creating more memorable moments in his typical “Filthy” Phil fashion.
The decision to retire was not sudden for Nicoletti, who reveals that he actually made up his mind at Anaheim 1. He cited a lack of willingness to take the necessary risks during training sessions as a key factor. While he still feels the rush of adrenaline on race days and believes he can maintain his performance level, he recognizes the demanding nature of the sport and the constant need to push boundaries in practice. For him, the joy of the grind has waned, signaling that it’s time to step away.
At 35, Phil Nicoletti has had an illustrious career, competing in various professional races since the end of the 2006 season. Throughout his tenure, he has amassed an impressive record, including 71 top-ten finishes in AMA competition.
Notable achievements include fifth overall in the 2016 450 Pro Motocross Championship standings, eighth in the 2015 250 MX standings, and sixth in 2018. He also secured an overall podium finish at the 2018 Unadilla National and clinched the Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Championship in Canada in 2019.
Nicoletti’s legacy extends beyond his results, as he has been an innovator in the sport. He was the first rider to use the new “leader lights” in AMA Supercross, leading the pack at the 2023 Anaheim 2 event. Additionally, he has showcased his skill by grabbing a holeshot against formidable opponents like Jett Lawrence and Cooper Webb at the second SMX event in 2023.
Despite his retirement from full-time racing, Phil intends to remain involved in the racing scene, although he looks forward to bidding farewell to the rigorous demands of professional competition, particularly the daunting jumps of rhythm sections.
Fans will have the opportunity to hear from Nicoletti directly at the press day of the Nashville Supercross and East/West Showdown, where he will be available to field media questions. As he embarks on the final stretch of his career, Phil Nicoletti leaves behind a lasting impact on the sport, characterized by his tenacity, innovation, and unyielding commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible on two wheels.
