Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Carey Hart

How Carey Hart built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Carey Hart is an American off-road truck racer and former professional freestyle motocross and motorcycle racer. He gained prominence as the first motorcyclist to attempt a backflip on a 250cc motorcycle during a competition. Beyond his athletic career, Hart is also an entrepreneur, founding Hart & Huntington Tattoo & Clothing Company.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1996: Competed in freestyle motocross

In 1996, Hart was among the first riders to begin competing in freestyle motocross.

1998: Performed the "superman seat grab" BMX trick

In 1998, Hart was the first rider to publicly perform BMX trick the "superman seat grab" at IFMA events.

1999: Gravity Games and Australian X Games

In 1999, Hart took home the bronze medal at the Summer Gravity Games and Gold at the Australian X Games. Also in 1999 he was the first person to perform the "invert superman" seat grab at the Gravity Games in Providence, Rhode Island, a trick that became known as the "Hart Attack".

2000: First back flip attempt

During the 2000 Gravity Games in Providence, Rhode Island, Hart attempted the first back flip on a 250 cc motorcycle in competition. In 2000, Hart won several FMX competitions and honors including the Silver at the Las Vegas LXD Freeride MotoX and Toyota's Trick of the Week.

2002: Completes backflip, participates in Gumball 3000

At the 2002 X-Games in Philadelphia, Hart successfully completed the backflip in the best trick competition, earning the silver medal. In 2002, Hart also participated in the Gumball 3000, an annual British 3,000-mile international road rally.

2002: Australian X Games gold and Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam tour

In 2002, Hart won the gold medal at the Australian X Games and a silver medal in the MotoX Best Trick at the Summer X Games in Los Angeles. The same year, 2002, Hart also participated in the Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam tour.

2003: Injury during Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam tour and Goodtimes With Carey Hart release

In 2003, Hart participated in the Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam tour, but was seriously injured on the first night. The biographical documentary "Goodtimes With Carey Hart" was also released in 2003. The crash took him out of competition for three years.

Loading Video...

2004: Opens Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company

In 2004, Hart and John Huntington opened Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company in Las Vegas. A&E network followed Hart and the workings of the shop on the reality show "Inked".

2005: Host for X Games and cast member on The Surreal Life

In 2005 Hart was the host for ABC's Live's X Games FMX coverage and was a cast member on the fifth season of the VH1 reality show "The Surreal Life".

Loading Video...

2006: Gumball 3000 participation and H&H expansion

In 2006, Hart took part in Gumball 3000, which saw the drivers race from London to Los Angeles. Also in 2006, two Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company stores opened in Hawaii and Cabo.

2006: Lawsuit and expansion of Hart & Huntington

In 2006, John Huntington filed a lawsuit against Carey, alleging he owed large amounts of money for his trademark and likeness. The lawsuit was later resolved through mediation. Also in 2006, two Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company stores opened in Hawaii and Cabo.

2007: Forms H&H/Rockstar Moto Team and opens Orlando store

In 2007, Hart formed his first supercross team, the H&H/Rockstar Moto Team. Also in 2007, the Hart & Huntington Orlando store was opened in the Universal CityWalk complex. Hart also finished 12th in 2007 AMA Supermoto Series.

July 2008: Creation of Las Vegas nightclub "Wasted Space"

In July 2008, Hart teamed up with Cory McCormack, Jason Giambi, Benji Madden and Joel Madden to create Las Vegas nightclub "Wasted Space", which was voted Best New Bar in Vegas 2008.

2008: Inked: The book release and H&H Cabo store closure

In 2008, Hart released "Inked: The book" which covered individuals stories behind their tattoos, including Carey's own story and his father's Tom Hart. Also in late 2008 Hart & Huntington's Cabo store was closed.

April 2009: H&H move and Freestyle tour

In April 2009, H&H moved to a bigger store inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and created the Hart & Huntington Freestyle tour, which toured alongside Pink's arena tour in Australia.

2009: Launches Hart and Huntington Off-Road team

In 2009, Hart teamed up with Premiere MotorSports Group (PMG) to launch the Hart and Huntington Off-Road team. He also competed in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, finishing 6th and was nominated "Rookie of the Year".

2010: Opens H&H store in Niagara Falls and Wasted Space closure

In 2010, Hart & Huntington opened a store in Niagara Falls, Canada. In August of the same year, Wasted Space closed to make way for the Hard Rock's new race and sports book.

2011: R.A.D. Lifetime achievement award and H&H Hawaii Closure

In 2011, Hart was awarded the 1st R.A.D. Lifetime achievement award and hosted of MTV2's “Burn Out” series. Also in 2011, H&H Hawaii closed.

2011: Dodge Motorsports Sponsorship

In 2011, Hart welcomed a new title sponsor Dodge Motorsports, which allowed him to enter the Supercross space for the first time.

2012: Last competition at X Games

Prior to the 2012 X Games, Hart announced that his participation of the Moto X Speed & Style event would be his last competition. He was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Edgar Torronteras.

2013: Joining forces with Ricky Carmichael for RCH Racing

For 2013, Hart announced the joining forces of Hart's Dodge/Sycuan Casino Racing team with Ricky Carmichael and factory support from Suzuki and Yoshimura research and development forming 'RCH Racing'.