- The Crusty Demons were created by two ambitious filmmakers, Jon Freeman and Dana Nicholson. In 1994, they had amassed a trove of daredevil stunts that displayed the skill and death-defying panache (which included 145-foot jumps) of the newly emerging sport of freestyle motocross. This trove was edited into the first Crusty Demon documentary, "Crusty Demons of Dirt." Its popularity set the stage for 15 subsequent sequels and a rolling roster of riders.
- The key feature of the Crusty Demons is their unmitigated jumping skill. Over the course of any Crusty Demon video or live show, the audience is guaranteed massive motocross jumps, often exceeding 200 feet in distance while incorporating daring feats of athleticism. A jump is never enough for the Crusty Demons, they always have to be tweaked with a handstand or twirl in midair. Adding to the jumps is the signature use of pyrotechnics. Why simply jump when you can jump through an exploding fireball?
- Crusty Demon riders are all identifiable by their trademark skull-and-rose gear. This emblem has become the badge of the Demons, even spawning a line of popular casual and sportswear. Another less formal means of identifying Demon riders are their affiliation and incorporation in the eponymous video series. If a rider is featured doing a stunt, he is a Demon. Being filmed, and thus identified as a Demon, requires a hopeful rider be up to the task of pushing the conventions of motocross.
- Though the stunts and jumps are truly remarkable feats of daring and skill, they should never be emulated without the proper supervision and planning. Though it may seem as easy as going really fast on a motorcycle and making a jump, Crusty Demon feats are all carefully planned, with a well-trained emergency team waiting in the wings--just in case. While a Crusty Demon often walks away from a tumble or spill, it is not for lack of planning and precaution.
- The Crusty Demons feature--and have featured--some of the very best of the sport of Freestyle Motocross (also known as FMX). Among the most prominent and popular riders are Trevor Porter, who performed the longest wheelie in history at 225 feet, Robbie Maddison and quad-bike superstar Jon Guetter. The current world number one motocross champion, Nate Adams, is the head of the current all-star line-up, which includes Adam Jones, the gold medalist from the X-Games.
