As someone who has spent over five decades immersed in the world of motorsports — and as a dedicated Supercross fan since the mid-1970s — it’s rare for a film to genuinely stop me in my tracks. But Pay Dirt, Paul Taublieb’s latest cinematic triumph, did exactly that. This film isn’t just a documentary — it’s a deeply human exploration of the raw, unfiltered realities behind the intoxicating, adrenaline-fueled world of Monster Energy Supercross.
From the opening moments, Pay Dirt pulls you in with an unflinching honesty that mirrors the sport itself — there’s nowhere to hide. The film feels like a confessional, where legends and unsung heroes alike share their triumphs, fears, and failures with remarkable vulnerability. These are people I’ve known — some as friends, some as villains, others as acquaintances, a few even as clients — but the depth of their stories, revealed through Taublieb’s lens, took me by surprise.
Supercross racers are my heroes because their raw talent is so openly apparent, and the risks they embrace are so extreme. It’s impossible not to admire their superhuman courage, gritty determination and absolute commitment to achieve greatness — which is also a perfect way describe those involved in making Pay Dirt. They clearly understand that racing isn’t just an entertainment-driven sport. Above all, it is an inspiration-driven culture powered by impossible dreams and boundless ambition to just go for it.
The segment featuring Ricky and Stephanie Johnson struck a personal chord. I knew them well in the 1990s and seeing their full-spectrum story told with such honesty, tenderness and respect brought a tear to my eye. Ricky’s fierce competitive spirit paired with Stephanie’s strong and loving guidance paints a picture of a partnership that transcends racing. This, along with every moving chapter of this amazing film, represents storytelling at its finest.
Equally powerful — and far more unsettling — was the opening scene appearance of Supercross founder, Mike Goodwin while incarcerated in a California prison. His presence on screen evoked a visceral reaction in me, taking me back to moments of fear and unease from decades ago. I was around Mike Goodwin in 1974 when he was a Formula Ford customer of the racing business I worked for, Pacific Formula, which also published FORMULA magazine — a publication I was deeply involved with at the beginning of my career.
Those early encounters left an indelible mark on me, and seeing his aged face and hearing his unmistakable voice again in Pay Dirt brought those primal reactions flooding back. Goodwin, of course, was later convicted of the brutal murders of Mickey Thompson and his wife, Trudy — a tragedy that shook the motorsports community to its core. Adding another layer of personal connection, Mickey’s son, Danny Thompson, has been a longtime friend of mine.
Taublieb doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of Supercross history, and it’s this willingness to confront uncomfortable truths that elevates Pay Dirt beyond typical sports documentaries. For me, this movie is as real as it gets.
The film’s narrative script by Stuart Acher and Taublieb is masterfully written — each word purposeful, each story arc meticulously crafted. This isn’t a chronological recounting of events, but rather a narrative driven by emotional contrast. Like the sport itself, the storytelling makes you feel something profound and, more importantly, makes you care about these people and their journeys. Josh Brolin’s brave voice serves as the perfect storytelling vehicle, bringing weight and sincerity to every moment. The film’s editing is simply brilliant, and the music bed deserves its own mention, subtly dignifying the film’s emotional highs and lows without overpowering the stunning visuals.
Respected racing journalist Eric Johnson’s on-camera presence also deserves praise. As a valued contributor to RACER magazine and RACER.com for over 25 years, and one of the founding editors of RACER X Illustrated, Eric brings not only deep insight but also a profound understanding of the sport. His insights are sharp, his delivery confident, and he adds yet another layer of authenticity to an already genuine piece of filmmaking. I, for one, hope to see more of Eric in future projects.
What Pay Dirt achieves, above all, is connection. It reawakens the passion and reverence I’ve always felt for this sport. It reminded me why I fell in love with motorsport in the first place and why Supercross holds such a special place in my heart.
Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath with filmmaker Paul Taublieb.
Taublieb and his team have created more than just a documentary — they’ve given us a love letter to Supercross, and the brave performance-driven culture it represents. This film will serve as rocket fuel for the sport, igniting passion in fans old and new. Monster Energy made a brilliant investment not just in Supercross, but in Taublieb’s extraordinary storytelling ability.
Pay Dirt isn’t just worth watching — it’s essential viewing for anyone who has ever felt the seductive sound of a racing engine stir something deep within their soul.
Bravo, Paul. Bravo to everyone involved. This is cinema at its most powerful, and it is worthy of the heroic sport it so beautifully defines.
Pay Dirt will have a special theatrical screening tied to the opening of the 2025 Monster Energy Supercross Championship at Anaheim 1 on January 11. It will then be released in 500 theaters across the United States – click here to find a cinema near you. Following that, PayDirt will be available on popular streaming platforms.
