When I first crossed paths with Garrett Marchbanks back in 2018, he was a fresh-faced pro rookie with a big future ahead of him, riding for the prestigious Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team. Even then, his speed and raw talent were undeniable. However, like many young riders, Marchbanks’ path was soon riddled with setbacks—injuries that slowed his momentum and forced him to take an unplanned detour in his career.

Despite the challenges, Garrett still made an early mark on the sport by earning the 2019 250 Supercross Rookie of the Year title. It was a sign of what was possible when he could stay healthy. But the motocross world can be unforgiving, and soon after, he found himself without a spot on Mitch Payton’s Pro Circuit squad.

Rather than fade from the spotlight, Marchbanks took the independent route, joining the privateer Club MX/FXR/Yamaha team. There, he showed incredible versatility, competing in both the 250 and 450 classes. Many in the paddock believed that with his size and build, the 450 class might actually be his natural home. Still, Garrett’s determination to prove himself in the 250 class never wavered.

Fast forward to 2025, and Garrett is back with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki for his second stint—and this time, he’s making every lap count. The Utah native has demonstrated that he has not only the speed but also the consistency to succeed at the highest level in the 250 ranks.

One of the most talked-about aspects of Marchbanks’ season has been his racecraft. While his starts have been far from ideal—something even he acknowledges—it’s been remarkable to watch the sheer number of riders he passes during a moto. His ability to slice through the pack and claw his way into contention has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for his competition.

This summer has been especially rewarding for Marchbanks. He earned his first career motocross podium at Washougal, a moment that solidified his comeback narrative. Following that up with a gritty fourth-place finish at Ironman further proved that his results are no fluke. As it stands, Garrett is holding a strong third place in the 250 Motocross Championship standings, a position that reflects both his consistency and his growing confidence.

Marchbanks’ journey has not been without its doubters—there were plenty of questions about whether he could regain his form and be competitive at this level. But Garrett himself never questioned his ability. His blend of fitness, determination, and tactical race awareness has silenced the critics and reminded everyone that he’s here to contend.

Off the track, Marchbanks remains one of the most approachable riders in the pro pits, always willing to chat with fans and take a moment for the people who support him. With the season still unfolding and Garrett hinting that “we have some news coming out soon,” there’s a sense that this is just the beginning of his latest chapter.

From promising rookie to seasoned fighter, Garrett Marchbanks is proving that resilience is as important as raw speed in motocross—and he’s got plenty of  both.

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Here’s your rephrased and expanded blog post version, over 456 words: — Boston Celtics Legend Weighs in on Caitlin Clark and WNBA Pay Debate The conversation around pay equity in professional sports has once again taken center stage, with WNBA star Caitlin Clark becoming one of the most prominent voices in the discussion. The rookie sensation has been outspoken about the significant pay gap between male and female basketball players, sparking debates across sports media, fan communities, and now even among NBA legends. Clark’s stance on the issue has been clear and unapologetic. Last month, she made headlines when she arrived to warm-ups wearing a shirt emblazoned with the message, “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The statement wasn’t just about her own salary—it was a call to action for the league and its stakeholders to recognize the value, talent, and growing marketability of women’s basketball. Her boldness has not gone unnoticed. A Boston Celtics legend—whose own career was defined by leadership both on and off the court—has now voiced support for Clark’s perspective. While not delving into the specifics of WNBA contracts or league finances, the Celtics great made it clear that the conversation Clark is pushing forward is both necessary and overdue. The issue of WNBA compensation has been a long-standing point of contention. While NBA players often sign multi-million-dollar contracts bolstered by massive television deals, WNBA players operate under a much smaller revenue pool. The average WNBA salary is a fraction of its NBA equivalent, and even the league’s top earners fall short of the baseline salary of NBA rookies. Critics often argue that pay should be tied to league revenue, while advocates point out that the WNBA has been historically underpromoted and underfunded, creating a self-fulfilling cycle that keeps salaries low. Clark is far from the first WNBA player to use her platform for advocacy. In 2020, players made a united stand in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, wearing shirts and using media appearances to amplify the message. Then in 2022, during the second half of the All-Star Game, every player took the court wearing Brittney Griner jerseys while the Phoenix Mercury star was detained in Russia—a powerful gesture of solidarity that resonated worldwide. What sets Clark apart is her combination of star power and timing. Entering the league with massive attention from her historic college career, she has quickly become one of the most marketable athletes in women’s basketball. Her willingness to speak openly about pay equity not only draws attention from fans but also places additional pressure on league executives, sponsors, and media partners to reexamine how the WNBA is valued. With NBA legends like this former Celtics star voicing support, the conversation gains an added layer of credibility and visibility. While solutions to the pay gap are complex and will require structural changes, the public momentum Clark is generating suggests that the discussion is far from fading. In fact, it may be entering its most crucial stage yet—one that could shape the future of women’s basketball for generations to come. — If you’d like, I can also prepare a more debate-focused version that contrasts opposing viewpoints on the WNBA pay gap for a more argumentative blog style.