Great Interview with Davey Coombs

I'd like to read that Dan....but no way in hell I'm supporting the guy that runs that site. I'll wait until someone posts it here.

Davey Coombs interview

Davey Coombs has been in the sport of motocross his whole life. As a boy he helped his father cleaning up rubbish around the tracks where his father Dave Coombs promoted. As he grew up he raced as a privateer in the AMA Supercross and AMA Nationals, and now his job is to make sure the AMA Nationals continues to prosper as the head man at MXSports.

After one of the toughest credit crisis America has seen, the continued growth was tough, but with a combined effort from the AMA Nationals promoters, and MXSports the series remains stacked with talented riders, and more often than not, great spectator attendance.

DC was kind enough to take our questions, and gave some interesting answers. There is no doubt about his passion for the sport of motocross, and going by his comments in this interview that passion hasn’t changed in his 40 odd years being involved.

MXlarge: Davey, the new calendar is out for the AMA Nationals in 2017. What stands out for you?

Coombs: I think we’ve got twelve superb race tracks—from the Hangtown opener to the grand finale Ironman, with iconic circuits like RedBud, Southwick, Washougal, Unadilla and more in between—and a concise schedule that makes it as easy on the riders and teams as possible to attend every round and be as ready as they can be to perform at their highest levels. We built in several breaks throughout the season with three on, one off, four on, one off, and so on, to give the riders and teams some recoupment time. We have a lot of races on the domestic calendar in the U.S. at 29 (17 SX rounds, followed by 12 nationals), plus a USGP, the MXoN, Monster Cup, etc.) so we have to be mindful of the toll on the riders. The attrition rate last year in SX/MX was very alarming in that a lot of guys couldn’t finish either series healthy. We need to be more mindful of the amount of races we have on both the SX and MX schedules, and give the riders and race teams ample time to be at their best. But in America, Monster Energy AMA Supercross traditionally starts at the first of the year and ends the first weekend in May, and they squeeze 17 rounds in. It’s definitely a grind, and Feld Motor Sports does the best they can to get the guys to Las Vegas healthy. But then we only have two weeks before we start Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, and it’s long been our goal to finish by the end of August, at the preference of not only the riders and teams, but our series partners at NBC. They love the content we provide from May to August when they need it, but come September, they have the NFL, college football, NASCAR and more. There’s just no room for motocross, and the kids are back in school—that’s a big reason why in my opinion attendance suffered at the Glen Helen USGP. The mainstream sports calendar in September is the busiest month of all, and that makes it tough for our sport to get much attention.

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MXlarge: 2016 was a great season with Ken Roczen winning the 450 class and Cooper Webb the 250 class. What was for you the highlight of the season?

Coombs: Well, I wish our defending champion Ryan Dungey had been healthy enough to give Roczen a go, but Kenny would have been tough to beat! I think I remember seeing MX Large list him as the #1 overall rider this year, and I would concur. And we had some excellent 250 Class races between Cooper, the brothers Martin, Joey Savatgy, Zach Osborne and more. But I think the highlight for me was seeing Alex Martin break out of the shadow of his little brother Jeremy, get a couple of wins and show that hard work and talent will get you there, so long as you have a lot of patience! And I can’t tell you how happy I was for Zach to finally get an AMA National win too. He grew up not to far from me in Virginia and has always been a class-act and a great rider who just never had the perfect day, other than his win in Turkey way back when.

MXLarge: The AMA Nationals has remained close to it’s roots, with mainly natural terrain circuits, and often the same circuits, like Washougal, Budds Creek, Millville, Redbud and so many others, with not too many of the road racing facilities involved. On the occasion it has happened that circuits haven’t been a success. Why do you think that is, and would you still consider going to something like they have in MXGP with Assen or Losail?

Coombs: I have a mixed opinion on this… While I’ve seen it work quite well at Assen and even the MXoN at Italy, back in ‘09, it hasn’t really worked in other places like Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. Here in the states, we’ve always considered those venues to belong in the SX category, due largely to the permanent seating. When Utah (Miller) was going away, we wanted to return to authentic, pure motocross, and that was the perfect time for us to go back to Southwick, one of the oldest and most respected MX tracks in this country. I understand the need for better facilities and amenities, but I also know that it costs a truckload of money to build a one-off track for a single event, then tear it right back down. After 17 SX races here, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to go back to an infield, unless it’s a really unique situation like Road Atlanta, site of the very first AMA Motocross National back in 1972, which had lots of elevation changes, kind of like the Jerez circuit where they held the ’96 MXoN in Spain.

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MXLarge: There is talk, (and was also mentioned by Roger DeCoster) of MX Sports and Youthstream working together to make the MXoN work in America. Is that the case? And if yes, what places do you think would fit the bill?

Coombs: MX Sports and Youthstream have long been in discussions to maybe work together on some future projects, be it an MXoN or even just a USGP, but we never quite got to a point where either side was comfortable enough to proceed. We are often in the market for the same riders, and we both believe our series to be the best in motocross, albeit they are very much different in look and feel. But we’ve had some disagreements too, which is understandable given the fact that we both have our own ideas as to how events should work. But right now, given the demise of the planned MXoN at Glen Helen, maybe it’s a good time to ramp up another run at working together on an event that would get MXGP a successful event in America that would work well within both series’ schedules and help get as many top AMA riders and fans there as possible. In the end we all want motocross to grow and prosper, but we also want to make sure we don’t put too much pressure on the riders to do more events than their bodies or their team budgets allow. One big, successful USGP in early September rather than a couple of modest ones would be a lift to the FIM World Championships and also a fun match-style race for fans all over the world to watch, no doubt about it. And there are many East Coast and Middle America circuits that could fit here.

MXLarge: In a perfect world what type of schedule would you like to see for AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross and MXGP?

Coombs: I used to race as privateer, and I used to go to every single race as a journalist, so I know the grind well. In my personal opinion, we are at the max right now: Seventeen AMA Supercross rounds, ending the first weekend in May, followed by a dozen AMA Motocross events. That’s what I believe the riders and teams want. Maybe have one race in Europe in the middle of March or April, before Easter, and that would probably satisfy KTM and Husqvarna, and it would be a much, much bigger deal than that SuperMotocross Manufacturers Cup that just happened at Veltins Arena in Germany. Add in a single USGP on the first weekend in September, when everyone here in the states is still in full training mode, and then the MXoN every three or four years in the states, and I think that’s all we could handle, and everyone should be happy.

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MXlarge: Worldwide there is a problem for too many riders and not enough teams. Do you see any solution in this problem?

Coombs: I don’t at this moment, to be honest. We are all trying the best we can to grow the space—Feld, MX Sports, Youthstream—and find new sponsors for new teams. All of the races either stream live or are shown on live TV, and all of the series have been in a seemingly constant state of improvement. But we are also not quite recovered from the global recession, and that’s hampered the opportunity for new teams to evolve. Hopefully that will change and we can get some rigs in the pits and rides for the athletes.

MXlarge: There is talk of the AMA Supercross extending to races overseas and also a longer series. What is your opinion on this?

Coombs: I was on the AMA Board of Directors the last time SX wanted to expand to Europe, which was in 2002. I went to all of the races in Geneva, Arnhem, Seville, and I just didn’t see a very good fit. It was incredibly expensive on the teams to move operations across the ocean, and not all of them went. The races didn’t really get the crowds, and the idea was soon scrapped in favor of going to Canada, but that didn’t really work out that well either. My understanding is Feld wants to add additional rounds overseas. I am of course in favor of trying new things, but if expansion leads to overlapping SX races with Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross and even MXGP, well, that is obviously problematic. I think they need to go slow on this and see how it works for not only the series, but the teams as well. The U.S. distributors and team sponsors underwrite much of racing in America, and they don’t often sell their products in Europe, they sell them in the U.S., so I’m not really sure how four races in Europe, on top of successful Lucas Oil Pro Motocross events like Hangtown, Glen Helen, Thunder Valley in Colorado and High Point in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, is going to grow the sport here. When we became aware of this possible expansion, we advised Feld that while we appreciated their hopes to expand, we can’t just move motocross back into September and October for the sake of more SX races in Europe.
And after that race in Germany a couple weeks, I’m not sure the additional races would work anyway. After all, you had Dungey, Marvin Musquin and FIM World Champions like Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre and more racing together, and the spectator turn-out wasn’t what they had hoped for. And back at those races a dozen years ago, I think the only top Europe-based rider who even came out to participate was Marc De Reuver. Supercross is an American form of motocross racing, and other than a few decent off-season races like Bercy and Geneva, it hasn’t worked in Europe. I just personally think this is a really risky idea that could have some unintended consequences for the entire sport.

MXLarge: There was the recent decision to not run the MXoN at Glen Helen due to crowd attendance at the circuit. What is your opinion on that decision?

Coombs: I hated for Bud Feldkamp and the whole Glen Helen crew that they did four USGP races in the hopes of getting the MXoN in 2017 (and at first 2015) and I know how disappointed they were. But their crowds the last two USGPs, which were held in September, were a fraction of what they got for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross each May. Youthstream treats the MXoN like what it is—the crown jewel of their season. They have standards and expectations that they worried would not be reached at Glen Helen and made the difficult decision to move the event to Matterley-Basin in England, which you know is going to be a great big, beautiful race. But I thought Bud deserved the shot to run that race, and a lot of Americans would have been there to support… I guess I see both sides.

MXLarge: It’s always going to be asked. Ken Roczen or Jeffrey Herlings? Who is the fastest rider on the planet?

Coombs: With all due respect to Jeffrey, not to mention Dungey, Tomac, Gajser, Webb and Febvre, it’s Ken Roczen right now, in my opinion. Honda hasn’t won a 450 title here indoor or outdoors since they lost RC to Suzuki in 2004. I think they are due, and Roczen is the man to do it.

MXLarge: What changes would you like to make to your series, but isn’t possible?

Coombs: I’d like to think that anything is possible, but one thing that we have been struggling with is reliable wi-fi and cell service for the fans. Our crowds are so large that once they get there they overload the cell system and getting out social media becomes a real challenge. Motocross by definition is a rural sport, and being a little more out in the country can make the lines of communication a lot harder. But we are working on solutions to this problem as well.

Honestly, we work every day to try to improve Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, and we all have our own ideas and suggestions and plans, but I do wish the websites and fan forums would get away from that whole debate over who’s series is better, because we both have exceptional series, and very much different ones. The online debates can get silly and then ugly in a hurry. It serves no purpose, and just seems like we should be working together more on growing the sport, not growing the wall between us. We would all be better off in the long run.

MXLarge: What changes would you like to make to your series, that is possible?

Coombs: Our TV is the best it’s ever been with all four motos live on either NBC, NBC Sports or MAVTV, and online, and our tracks are the best in the world (in my opinion), but we can always do more for the fans, and that’s where our focus is. Right now we are looking at ways to improve the overall fan experience with better amenities, better concessions at some venues, better fan affinity programs, and hopefully we will continue to attract new fans and sponsors and just give the whole tour lift after lift after lift. It’s a never-ending job, but I enjoy it immensely. I’m pretty sure we all do when it comes to motocross!

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No real surprise, but Davey Coombs has a good look on things. Realistic vision on what is happening.

be prepared for the 5 pager this is going to bring

on another note, why does everybody here hate mx-large?

The guy that runs it is a dick head. Literally, his head looks like a dick.

"Hate " is an awfully strong word , and for me personally , I don't hate Geoff....the way he hates us American's. I won't stoop to his level of stupidity. But I do find him to be a complete and utter douche' bag. He isn't liked here by many American's and many others from different countries on this site. Why?....Because he is a shit starting asshole that does nothing but cause a huge divide between the American series and the GP's. Nothing productive comes from the bullshit he used to say on here....absolutely nothing.

So Davey thinks everything is cool just the way it is. What a surprise.

I got a different vibe from reading it.

I think he feels like there needs to be less races.. and some of the things with his series he would like to change, but literally has no control over.. for instance the wifi at the rounds etc.

From reading it i also wonder what, feld is thinking with trying to get 4 international rounds of sx

makes sense, never really paid much attention to gp threads

QFT

MXLarge: What changes would you like to make to your series, but isn’t possible?

Coombs: I’d like to think that anything is possible, but one thing that we have been struggling with is reliable wi-fi and cell service for the fans. Our crowds are so large that once they get there they overload the cell system and getting out social media becomes a real challenge. Motocross by definition is a rural sport, and being a little more out in the country can make the lines of communication a lot harder. But we are working on solutions to this problem as well.

Honestly, we work every day to try to improve Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, and we all have our own ideas and suggestions and plans, but I do wish the websites and fan forums would get away from that whole debate over who’s series is better, because we both have exceptional series, and very much different ones. The online debates can get silly and then ugly in a hurry. It serves no purpose, and just seems like we should be working together more on growing the sport, not growing the wall between us. We would all be better off in the long run.


Funny that Davey said this to the biggest troll on fan forums, Geoff! Legend!

That's what you got from reading that? Fail.

Do tell what nuggets of knowledge were gleaned from what you read?

I especially like the part about changes. (sarcasm)

So is there a different TV package in '17. He said all motos were live on TV (unless he meant streaming?), which was untrue. Also how can they think having Washougal after being in the midwest/east and then going back to NY and stay on the east/midwest make any sense? Why not have all the CA/west cost races then head east? Even if you have to criscross from MA to MI to keep Red Bud on the 4th would still make more sense than going all the way back to the NW

Improve Wifi because Crowds are too ĺarge.
So Us outdoors get more spectators than SX MXGP and Mxon No wonder the winners cheque is so big

Without Wi-Fi how are you going to get the AMA timing system so you have a clue what is going on with the timing and scoring? You sure won't be watching it up on your TV in your air conditioned suite while having cocktails brought to you.

It is too primitive out in the boonies where the Nationals are held now. Sure it costs a truckload of money to build a track and then tear it down, Feld would know about that. Sure it costs a bunch of money to have proper spectator facilities and parking.

Most big cities have nicer High School football stadiums than our sport has facilities for the Nationals.

MXLarge: What changes would you like to make to your series, that is possible?

Well I'm glad you asked me that Geoff. I would like to see the return of the 125 class.

If our sport could get funding from tax payers paychecks like High Schools, Colleges, and Professional sports teams maybe they could build air conditioned suites wtih cocktails and big screen TVs so you can be totally isolated in comfort away from the racing. Then again you could just stay home and watch on your own big screen with cocktails and air conditioning.

Nationals are supposed to be outside of town. I don't want to see Unadilla turn into a Supercross race on the infield of a NASCAR track. Whats the big deal you drive to a parking lot get out put on some sunscreen and go watch the races.

Because he's nothing more than a talking head for Luongo and Youthstream.
He has a habit of using other peoples intellectual property and trying to pass it off as his own.

Ha, and equal displacement 2 stroke vs 4 stroke!

I am sure Coombs could just pick up the phone and equal displacement for two strokes would happen.

Monster mountain needs to be on the schedule.

Monster Mountain needs to be on the schedule. I apologize for the duplicate post. It didn't originally post.

I thought it was really good!

i think Feld needs to hold SX races in the summer in the open air stadiums they can't use in the winter.

not go to europe.

this would bring the sport to new markets. Tennessee, Chicago, North Carolina, back to New England, Cleveland, Denver, etc...

Is that pronounced doo-chay?

"Our TV is the best it’s ever been with all four motos live on either NBC, NBC Sports or MAVTV, and online..."

Good interview and statements from DC, I like his viewpoints on the whole MX-World, but I think in terms of the TV/Streaming package he is - well let's say- a LITTLE misinformed. It is year after year a pain in the ass to watch the races, at least for the international fans. Every weekend you can just hope that the stream works as predicted. And when it works, the amount of commercials are just annoying.

It has been said a houndred times on here, and I will say it again: I would gladly pay for a stream like the GPs have, with all races live and on demand, and without these damn commercials that eat up half of the races.

The winners "check" at a US National is way bigger than what the winner of a MXGP gets because they don't get paid anything for winning a race.

Crowd size has nothing to do with rider payouts. Loungo doesn't think it's necessary to pay the riders because he's providing the series in which they race.

Didnt davey say the crowd at his show was too many for his organised wifi.
Seemed to work ok at mxon

I realise the mxgp riders dont get prizemoney but maybe they get manufacturers bonuses and sponsors

Just what is this enormous payout?
25k for win or 2.5k outdoors

I remember 1 rider getting 190k for sx win and that was manufacturers bonus this was many years ago.