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The Unstoppable Legacy Of MSR: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Malcolm Smith Racing Gear In 2025

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As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR) brand is experiencing a significant resurgence, solidifying its position as a key player in the off-road apparel market. This iconic brand, founded by the late, great off-road legend Malcolm Smith, continues to equip riders globally, driven by a legacy of durability and performance that began over five decades ago. The gear's current status is a fascinating blend of historical reverence and modern business strategy, with a major corporate move ensuring its future in a highly competitive industry. The MSR logo—a symbol of quality and grit for generations of dirt bike enthusiasts—remains a fixture in motocross and enduro racing, proving that the spirit of its founder lives on through its innovative product lines. Recent partnerships and a strategic shift in ownership mean that MSR gear is more accessible and technically advanced than ever before, continuing its mission to provide top-tier protection and comfort for riders tackling the world's toughest terrains.

The Legacy of Malcolm Smith: Off-Road Racing's Ultimate Icon

The story of Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR) is inseparable from the incredible life and career of its founder, Malcolm Smith. His journey from a young rider to an international motorsports icon is the foundation upon which the entire gear company was built.
  • Full Name: Malcolm Smith
  • Born: March 9, 1941, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.
  • Died: November 26, 2024.
  • Racing Discipline: Off-Road Motorcycle Racing, Motocross, Enduro, Car Racing.
  • Career Highlights: Star of the iconic 1971 documentary film, *On Any Sunday*.
  • Major Victories: Six-time winner of the Baja 1000 (three times on a motorcycle, three times in a car), four-time winner of the Baja 500, eight-time gold medalist in the International Six Days Trial (ISDT).
  • Business Ventures: Founded Malcolm Smith Racing Products (MSR) in 1972, and was the owner of the renowned Malcolm Smith Motorsports dealership in Riverside, California.
  • Accolades: Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Malcolm Smith's philosophy was simple: if he couldn't find the right gear, he would design and build it himself. This drive led to the creation of Malcolm Smith Racing Products in 1972, initially to sell parts and apparel to fellow racers. The brand quickly gained a reputation for manufacturing durable, time-tested, and quality off-road apparel, gloves, and accessories, directly reflecting Smith's own demanding standards in desert and enduro racing. His passing in late 2024 cemented his status as a legendary figure, but the MSR brand ensures his influence on rider safety and performance continues.

The Evolution of MSR: From Racer's Vision to Private Label Powerhouse

The history of MSR is a perfect case study in how an athlete-driven startup can navigate the complex waters of corporate change while maintaining its core identity. While Malcolm Smith's name remains on the label, the operational structure of the gear company has undergone a critical transformation in recent years.

The Strategic Acquisition and New Ownership

In a major development for the brand, Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR) is no longer an independent entity but is now a house brand owned by Rocky Mountain ATV/MC (RMATV/MC). This shift means MSR operates as a private label brand under the massive umbrella of one of the powersports industry's largest retailers. This strategic move is a common industry practice, similar to how other retailers manage their in-house brands (like RMATV/MC's TUSK brand). For riders, this acquisition has had several positive effects:
  • Increased Accessibility: MSR gear is now consistently stocked and promoted through RMATV/MC's extensive distribution network.
  • Cost Efficiency: Operating as a private label often allows the company to offer high-quality, technical gear at more competitive price points.
  • Guaranteed Longevity: The backing of a major retailer ensures the brand's continued production and development, securing the MSR legacy for the next generation of riders.

MSR's 2024 Commitment to Off-Road Racing

Despite the change in corporate structure, MSR's commitment to the sport remains unquestionable. A key indicator of the brand's health and relevance is its recent, high-profile partnership with a premier racing organization. For the 2024 season, Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR) was announced as the official riding gear of the AMA National Enduro Series (NEPG). This partnership highlights the brand's focus on the rugged, demanding world of enduro and off-road competition, the very discipline where Malcolm Smith made his name. This official designation confirms that MSR gear is still being tested and trusted at the highest levels of American off-road racing, providing a powerful endorsement of its durability and performance.

MSR Racing Gear in 2025: What's New in Performance and Technology

The current MSR product lineup is designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern dirt bike racing, incorporating the latest technical fabrics and rider-focused design principles. The company produces a complete range of gear for men, women, and youth, covering every aspect of rider protection and comfort.

The Flagship Gear Lines: NXT and Axxis

MSR organizes its apparel into distinct lines, each targeting a specific rider need and performance level. The two most prominent lines seen in the 2024 and 2025 catalogs are the NXT and Axxis collections:

1. MSR NXT Performance Race Gear:

The NXT line is positioned as MSR's top-tier, performance-focused race gear. It is developed with input from professional off-road racers to ensure it meets the needs of serious competitors.
  • Key Features: Utilizes high-denier fabrics for maximum durability, technical design for an athletic fit, and advanced ventilation to manage body heat during intense riding.
  • Intended Use: Motocross and high-level enduro competition where mobility and ventilation are critical.

2. MSR Axxis Air Gear:

The Axxis line, including the Axxis Air variant, represents the perfect blend of quality, performance, and value. It is often the choice for recreational riders and those seeking durable gear without the premium price tag of the NXT line.
  • Key Features: Known for its comfort, technical design, and use of stretch comfort collars and cuffs, making it a reliable option for long days on the trail. The "Air" variants feature enhanced mesh paneling for maximum airflow in hot conditions.
  • Intended Use: Trail riding, recreational motocross, and general off-road use.

Technical Entities and Apparel Components

MSR's topical authority is built on more than just jerseys and pants. The brand covers the full spectrum of off-road safety and comfort gear, with a focus on specific technical elements:
  • Helmets: MSR offers a variety of helmets, including the SC2 Helmet, designed for protection and comfort with advanced shell materials and ventilation systems.
  • Gloves and Boots: Known for rugged, durable construction tailored for the harsh conditions of desert and enduro riding.
  • Hard Parts: Beyond apparel, MSR has historically offered hard parts and accessories, such as heavy-duty inner tubes, reflecting its roots as a "products" company focused on bike reliability.
  • Technical Design: Modern MSR gear emphasizes features like pre-curved pant designs, ratchet-style closures, and moisture-wicking materials to enhance rider performance and comfort.
The Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR) brand today is a testament to the enduring power of a legend's vision. Now backed by the logistics and resources of Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, the gear continues to honor Malcolm Smith's commitment to quality, ensuring that the next generation of off-road racers can tackle any Sunday—or any Baja—with confidence and protection.
malcolm smith racing gear
malcolm smith racing gear

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