Seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath was a big influence on Greg Hartman’s journey into freestyle motocross. “I come from a big-time motorcycle family,” Hartman explains. “My dad took me to the Steel City National in 1995 just to watch, and I saw Jeremy McGrath win the title there, and he did a nac-nac. I just thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. So from that day on, that’s pretty much all I thought about and did.”
In 2000, Greg finally got to put his freestyle skills to the test in a local amateur competition in Englishtown, New Jersey. “After that event I just started to get invited to one event after another,” he says.
Greg really came into his own in 2005, as he had the second-highest number of wins in the IFMA Ramp to Ramp tour. That’s impressive, considering he missed the first five rounds. In addition, he was one of the first 10 riders to land a backflip on a motorcycle.
This year, Greg would like to finish in the top two in the IFMA Ramp to Ramp competitions.
Residence:Cleveland, TX Hometown: Greencastle, PA Birthdate: 8/29/83 Competing Since: 2001 Bike: Yamaha YZ 250 Sponsors: Jesus, Truth Clothing, Monster, Fly Racing, EBR Suspension, Universal
FUN FACTS
My occupation when not Riding: Freestyle Rider
Favorite Class: Shop/Gym
I drive a: Dodge Pickup
If I could buy any car I would get: Buick Lucorno
I got into this sport because: Dad taught me how to ride / God told me to do it
What FMX accolades have you received? X Games Gold Dubai 07What professional athlete do you admire the most and why? Nate Wessel- works hard and rides hard
What would you be doing if you weren’t riding FMX? Hopefully working at Sheetz gas station in PA.
What is your ultimate goal in life? To own a house, be happily married with a respectable family
How many tattoos do you have and what are they? I have a half sleeveWho is on your ‘celebs to make out with’ list? Troy Kuszmaul
What is your biggest fear? Clowns
What is your hidden talent? Playing piano
If you could play any TV sitcom character who would you play? Dog Bounty Hunter
What advice would you give to aspiring FMX riders? Ride whatever you want whenever you want- don’t listen to all the older rider’s advice to race How did you get involved with FMX? My father rode dirt bikes do I did too.
What is the best part of riding FMX? Having freedom to do what I want with my life
Do you have any other jobs aside from riding FMX? I landscape with a buddy back home sometimes.
What is your travel schedule like? Every weekend in the winter and summer and a couple weekends in spring and fall.
What is your best riding moment? Winning Monster Jam jump-offs
What is your worst riding moment? Hitting so many people’s ghetto ramps How many contest do you compete in every year? About 25
In what way has FMX changed since you first started riding? Mostly just the level of riding and tricks have skyrocketed.
What is your favorite trick to perform? Switchblades
Where do you see the future of FMX going? Probably so many flips that no one will like it anymore, so we’ll just ride for fun like BMX guys. Favorite Track: The Farm I practice at
Best Riding Moment Ever: The backflip in Atlanta - amazing
Worst Riding Moment Ever: Dislocated spine in summer 2001, then busted wrist - injury after injury
Besides Motocross, my next Favorite sport is: HALO 2, HALO 3
The hardest thing about being a rider is: Deciding what to do with all the cash
The best thing about being a rider is: Deciding what to do with all the cash
Favorite Music/Group: Johnny Cash
Food I can't live without: Wife's chocolate chip cookies, Skittles, Mountain Dew, Mom's Pecan Pie
Favorite Brand of Clothes: Truth Clothing
Hobbies: Scooters, skateboarding, trail riding with dad
Favorite Movie: First Blood (Rambo 1)
Favorite Actor: Paul Reuben
Favorite Cartoon Character: Carl!!
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Book: Bible
Favorite Vacation Spot: Greencastle
If I could kick anyone's ass, it would be: Your Moms
If I could date any supermodel, it would be: None - my Wife
What's buried in my closet right now: Old dirt bike toys
How many times I've watched Jerry Springer: A bunch in middle school
Scariest thing on my medical chart: Destroyed Shoulder
My Worst Nightmare: Trapped in smokey hay maze
The word or phrase I overuse: Totally
Career goal: Another X Games medal
Other: Thank my parents for being cool and standing by me and supporting me.
