The four stroke National riders started in 1999. First riders on them were Jimmy Button, and Doug Henry. By 2006 it was all thumpers. In 2004 Ricky Carmichael tried to beat the 'big' bikes, but not even 'RC' could allow a competitor an 85% size advantage. In 2005 the last rider to give it hell on a smoker was James 'Bubba' Stewart. He was very competitive. Not only were the 4-stroke bikes bigger (250cc vs. 450cc), but only KTM and Yamaha were even making a 2-stroke.

In 2001 Ryan Hughes made the switch, as did Timmy Ferry went to the evil side. In 2002 John Dowd jumped on the band wagon, and Larocco, Lewis and Ramsey sold out as well.

By 2003 Kevin windham moved over, and Chad Reed mad a mid-year swap too. By 2004 Ricky Carmichael and Allesi were on thumpers, so it's easier to tell you who was still on a 2-stroke, Byrn, and Tortelli and Fonseca were smokin it up.