Italian motocross great David Philippaerts is best known for winning the 2008 MX1 World title with Yamaha. Across a long GP career he collected 12 GP wins and 39 podiums. 

Philippaerts represented Italy several times at the MX of Nations. Since stepping back from full-time racing, he coached young talent through his DP19 school but remained competitive in domestic races. In 2023 David finished 4th in the Italian Prestige MX1 series at the age of 39.