What Percentage of Pros Truly "Make It"?

JeepnMike
Posts
2525
Joined
10/18/2012
Location
Enumclaw, WA US
12/20/2012 5:53pm
125 wrote:
The guy who never won a title, but has a ton of money in the bank....Larry Ward. Has a smoking hot wife too. All those guys...
The guy who never won a title, but has a ton of money in the bank....Larry Ward.

Has a smoking hot wife too. All those guys out there battling for 4th like Tickle, Weimer, ect, need to take a page from the book of Larry Ward. Big Bird.
7eleven wrote:
Big Bird did it right....$3.3mil at the end.
My uncle used to live next door to Larry's family (Kirkland) when Larry was a kid. Larry used to do things on his KX80s that the local pros wouldn't do. If memory serves me right, he used to race his KX105 big wheel with the 125 pros and clean their clocks. He made double jumps (Thurston County ORV) in 1990 that all of us mortals thought was just two jumps REALLY far apart... Definitely a local inspiration growing up and a nice guy in person. I am glad to hear he was smart with his finances and doing well.
mx 219
Posts
4036
Joined
8/15/2010
Location
South Central, PA US
12/20/2012 6:14pm Edited Date/Time 12/20/2012 6:17pm
UpTiTe wrote:
Broc Hepler, Tim ferry and Damon Bradshaw all said they have enough for their retirement. I know a guy who never had a factory ride but...
Broc Hepler, Tim ferry and Damon Bradshaw all said they have enough for their retirement.

I know a guy who never had a factory ride but rode for along time and saved and invested everything he made, he doesn't need to work, but he does. Another buddy of mine was a factory guy from the 80s and won a couple titles, he once told me when he was drunk that he could spend a thosand bucks a week after his bill were payed and never run out of money. They were both smart with their money, and both would make a nickle sqeeck, but they are both set now


It all depends on what you spend and what you invest your money in.
so you're basically saying it depends on your lifestyle.

many of the bros out there today will need to get a job when they are done. Sad part is some could be fine if they lived a simpler lifestyle.
RealityZ
Posts
618
Joined
8/10/2010
Location
NY US
12/20/2012 6:45pm Edited Date/Time 12/20/2012 6:47pm
1%
WhipMeister
Posts
5240
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Big D, TX US
12/20/2012 6:46pm
I don't know how many saw or noticed it, but it seemed to me that Dungey's digs (both his Florida place and his parent's in Belle Plain) were relatively modest for a multi-time champ in the last episode of In The Moto. If the impression is right, that's so so smart of them.

Windham is another guy that has done really, really well. Maybe better than anyone.

But the fall off is uber steep and quick past the top 10.

The Shop

12/20/2012 7:15pm
Roscoe33 wrote:
NO in baseball and hockey , the talent gets you there.
Only those that see a need for a good education will seek it.
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school and head to college. Many think the way to be a professional racer is to do the opposite.
jakejdnotes
Posts
30
Joined
10/10/2012
Location
Wausau, WI US
12/20/2012 7:37pm
a good guideline.....hop on forbes.com and start typing in some names.....make sure you have at least an hour to burn.
12/20/2012 7:39pm
Roscoe33 wrote:
NO in baseball and hockey , the talent gets you there.
Only those that see a need for a good education will seek it.
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school...
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school and head to college. Many think the way to be a professional racer is to do the opposite.
Like that matters..

"78 percent of NFL players go bankrupt or are feeling a financial strain due to joblessness or divorce within two years of their retirement -- for NBA players it's 60%"
12/20/2012 7:50pm
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school...
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school and head to college. Many think the way to be a professional racer is to do the opposite.
Tell me which school Kobe went to? Then tell what % of pro's that went to college actually graduated?
UpTiTe
Posts
8323
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
CA US
Fantasy
12/20/2012 8:15pm
UpTiTe wrote:
Broc Hepler, Tim ferry and Damon Bradshaw all said they have enough for their retirement. I know a guy who never had a factory ride but...
Broc Hepler, Tim ferry and Damon Bradshaw all said they have enough for their retirement.

I know a guy who never had a factory ride but rode for along time and saved and invested everything he made, he doesn't need to work, but he does. Another buddy of mine was a factory guy from the 80s and won a couple titles, he once told me when he was drunk that he could spend a thosand bucks a week after his bill were payed and never run out of money. They were both smart with their money, and both would make a nickle sqeeck, but they are both set now


It all depends on what you spend and what you invest your money in.
mx 219 wrote:
so you're basically saying it depends on your lifestyle. many of the bros out there today will need to get a job when they are done...
so you're basically saying it depends on your lifestyle.

many of the bros out there today will need to get a job when they are done. Sad part is some could be fine if they lived a simpler lifestyle.
Thats exacly what I'm saying. A guy making 75k a year could retire at 55 if he was smart with his money.

Money has a way of making money when you know what to do with it.
JeepnMike
Posts
2525
Joined
10/18/2012
Location
Enumclaw, WA US
12/20/2012 8:18pm
Would there be any merit to say JS7 (the rider and the business) is misguiding to other riders? Especially young and up and coming riders? The Stewart family really seem to really enjoy spending copious amounts of money on things I wouldn't exactly call investments. What are the chances of them falling into the 78% of NFL players? I said it on SX.com enough to annoy people, but I think they were really banking long term on NASCAR after SX and the NASCAR bridge got burned when he left JGR.
UpTiTe
Posts
8323
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
CA US
Fantasy
12/20/2012 8:24pm
JeepnMike wrote:
Would there be any merit to say JS7 (the rider and the business) is misguiding to other riders? Especially young and up and coming riders? The...
Would there be any merit to say JS7 (the rider and the business) is misguiding to other riders? Especially young and up and coming riders? The Stewart family really seem to really enjoy spending copious amounts of money on things I wouldn't exactly call investments. What are the chances of them falling into the 78% of NFL players? I said it on SX.com enough to annoy people, but I think they were really banking long term on NASCAR after SX and the NASCAR bridge got burned when he left JGR.
I don't think james has to worry about money, redbull pays him well. i do wonder how much they spend though, his dad with all his collecter cars and toys. I also wonder how much they spend on the upkeep of them tracks, gotta be 100k a year.
fader418
Posts
2831
Joined
9/14/2009
Location
Lake Forest, CA US
12/20/2012 9:43pm
Funny how someone thinks he knows whether Emig needs to work or not....
Jt$
Posts
1127
Joined
11/2/2011
Location
Boise, ID US
12/21/2012 12:47am
It's a very, very low number.
UpTiTe
Posts
8323
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
CA US
Fantasy
12/21/2012 4:46am
fader418 wrote:
Funny how someone thinks he knows whether Emig needs to work or not....
I think some around here know what they are talking about even if some don't think they do.
APLMAN99
Posts
12236
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Tualatin, OR US
Fantasy
12/21/2012 5:48am
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school...
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school and head to college. Many think the way to be a professional racer is to do the opposite.
Tell me which school Kobe went to? Then tell what % of pro's that went to college actually graduated?
The guys who actually go pro, it's probably a lower number at least until their playing days are over. A few go back and finish after. I've personally known at least 3.

For college athletes in general, though, they actually graduate at a higher rate than the general school population now.
Roscoe33
Posts
942
Joined
12/10/2009
Location
London CA
12/21/2012 5:52am Edited Date/Time 12/21/2012 7:36pm
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school...
You can't get to the NBA or NFL without going to college. My point is that these other sports almost require you to complete high school and head to college. Many think the way to be a professional racer is to do the opposite.
Tell me which school Kobe went to? Then tell what % of pro's that went to college actually graduated?
I have worked with many of those college grads in baseball, it is just paper. the system is a joke.

A truly gifted athlete will arrive at the top long before his education is done but that doesn't ensure he's Made it, most spend what they make.
earn 15 million, spend 15 million many that have the drive for that success are never satisfied or content with their success.
it is the perfectionism that gets you there, the feeling of making it is a state of mind.
tbanks
Posts
1515
Joined
5/28/2011
Location
Great Mills, MD US
12/21/2012 6:07am
I wonder if Andrew Short has made enough money to retire if he wanted to......
125
Posts
374
Joined
12/19/2012
Location
ZW
12/21/2012 6:34am
Hey, ask Cobra/BRObra

He just opened a dance club in France.
BAMX
Posts
2890
Joined
1/22/2012
Location
Fallbrook, CA US
12/21/2012 6:41am
Well, yes, there are always exceptions. My point is that in order to become a professional in the other mainstream sports is through college.
Roscoe33 wrote:
NO in baseball and hockey , the talent gets you there.
Only those that see a need for a good education will seek it.
True....Only football forces them to go through at least most of college.
125
Posts
374
Joined
12/19/2012
Location
ZW
12/21/2012 6:52am
the NBA does now, too. I don't follow basketball, but I think right after LeBron came up from highschool, they changed that rule.
exsarg
Posts
514
Joined
11/26/2010
Location
CA
12/21/2012 6:52am Edited Date/Time 12/21/2012 6:59am
I don't know how many saw or noticed it, but it seemed to me that Dungey's digs (both his Florida place and his parent's in Belle...
I don't know how many saw or noticed it, but it seemed to me that Dungey's digs (both his Florida place and his parent's in Belle Plain) were relatively modest for a multi-time champ in the last episode of In The Moto. If the impression is right, that's so so smart of them.

Windham is another guy that has done really, really well. Maybe better than anyone.

But the fall off is uber steep and quick past the top 10.
i noticed. very modest for his income. what i really noticed was his old ladys ass in those yoga pants!! about hepler-- hes the opposite of say -- hansen. dont think hepler drove lambos. 03 to 09 waere prob the highest paying years for moto. im guessing here but i bet he had at least 500k for a salary. plus bonus plus endorsements. prob did close to a mill a year total??? that can set u up real well if your a m0dest dude. dv is another dude who is probly set. shit -he has 1 bike a five year old 2 strk. i make a 100k a year and have 2 bikes 2011 and a 12. but im an idiot with money!!!
UpTiTe
Posts
8323
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
CA US
Fantasy
12/21/2012 7:03am
Well, yes, there are always exceptions. My point is that in order to become a professional in the other mainstream sports is through college.
Roscoe33 wrote:
NO in baseball and hockey , the talent gets you there.
Only those that see a need for a good education will seek it.
BAMX wrote:
True....Only football forces them to go through at least most of college.
Football requires them to be 2 years out of college and basketball requires 1


Not to many stand out athletes go past two years, let alone graduate. I cant think of a single starting star in the NFL with a degree. I'm sure there are some, but who I don't know.
varagon
Posts
107
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
12/21/2012 7:42am Edited Date/Time 12/21/2012 7:44am
UpTiTe wrote:
Football requires them to be 2 years out of college and basketball requires 1 Not to many stand out athletes go past two years, let alone...
Football requires them to be 2 years out of college and basketball requires 1


Not to many stand out athletes go past two years, let alone graduate. I cant think of a single starting star in the NFL with a degree. I'm sure there are some, but who I don't know.
Most NFL stars do have a college degrees. Just thinking about QB’s I know big Ben, Andrew Luck, RGIII, Russel Wilson, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivershave degrees.

Edit- I just looked online and it looks like 46% NFL players overall have a degree. Still pretty good and miles ahead of MX/SX.
davistld01
Posts
9224
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Springfield, MO US
12/21/2012 8:21am
tbanks wrote:
I wonder if Andrew Short has made enough money to retire if he wanted to......
I'll bet Shorty has been pretty smart with his money...although on one episode of Inside the Outdoors, at the end of the 2011 season when he was without a guaranteed ride, the hinted attitude was that he was really worried about supporting his family and their lifestyle. I don't know, but maybe he's not too well set up.

How about Kevin Windham? He seems to have been very smart with investments and business ventures during his extended pro career. Doesn't he own a big Planet Fitness franchise in and around Louisiana, and other stuff?
burnside
Posts
4095
Joined
6/17/2009
Location
London US
12/21/2012 1:48pm
tbanks wrote:
I wonder if Andrew Short has made enough money to retire if he wanted to......
davistld01 wrote:
I'll bet Shorty has been pretty smart with his money...although on one episode of Inside the Outdoors, at the end of the 2011 season when he...
I'll bet Shorty has been pretty smart with his money...although on one episode of Inside the Outdoors, at the end of the 2011 season when he was without a guaranteed ride, the hinted attitude was that he was really worried about supporting his family and their lifestyle. I don't know, but maybe he's not too well set up.

How about Kevin Windham? He seems to have been very smart with investments and business ventures during his extended pro career. Doesn't he own a big Planet Fitness franchise in and around Louisiana, and other stuff?
Lifestyle being the keyword there. I don't know anything about Short's set up, but that big farm must be hella expensive each month. Maybe some of the guys are set for life, but just have to downscale a bit. But then if you're not competing at that level, guess it gets harder to justify the expense of all that land.

KDUB looks like he is effing minted by all accounts/videos. haha.
12/21/2012 2:01pm
fader418 wrote:
Funny how someone thinks he knows whether Emig needs to work or not....
It was a joke. Of course Emig doesn't have to work. I remembered reading an article saying "the havasu incident" ended up costing him about a million dollars so he had to have been rolling in the dough at that point in his career.
Regis
Posts
2767
Joined
6/17/2008
Location
Gonzales, LA US
Fantasy
12/21/2012 4:25pm Edited Date/Time 12/21/2012 4:28pm
Depends on what you consider "making it"

I was a mid packer. Got to see the world, experienced more than I ever would have, Made lifelong friends and have memories and stories I could only have dreamed of.

I got hurt a lot. But I walked away.

Although I couldn't retire and nearly bankrupted myself before life even really got started, I consider myself having "made it"

If being able to retire from racing is considered "making it" then barely anyone has made it.
APLMAN99
Posts
12236
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Tualatin, OR US
Fantasy
12/21/2012 8:05pm
Roscoe33 wrote:
NO in baseball and hockey , the talent gets you there.
Only those that see a need for a good education will seek it.
BAMX wrote:
True....Only football forces them to go through at least most of college.
UpTiTe wrote:
Football requires them to be 2 years out of college and basketball requires 1 Not to many stand out athletes go past two years, let alone...
Football requires them to be 2 years out of college and basketball requires 1


Not to many stand out athletes go past two years, let alone graduate. I cant think of a single starting star in the NFL with a degree. I'm sure there are some, but who I don't know.
Basketball doesn't require college, but you have to have one "year" between your last year of high school and playing in the NBA, unless you are a foreign player. Some kid tried to play that system and went to a Euro pro team out of high school and I don't think it worked out that well.

Football players don't wear signs announcing their degrees, so I guess it isn't surprising that you aren't aware of them. Heck, two rookie quarterbacks that are starting for their teams have Masters degrees. So does the QB for the Jets who just replaced Sanchez.
Drtbykr
Posts
2059
Joined
10/29/2006
Location
Fredericton CA
12/22/2012 5:45am
Being able to race an MX bike at the pro level and enjoy it, the percentage is 100.

I don't see how having enough $ to retire at 27 has anything to do with "making it". Working or school is good for you, gives you self-worth, teaches your kids by example and keeps you out of trouble. I can retire in 2.5 years, but I'm not going to.

You can subtract a few percent for those that paid too much physical price if you wish....even they lived the dream,my dream.

100%.
1-forty-8
Posts
1764
Joined
9/9/2011
Location
GB
12/22/2012 6:00am
Talking about modest houses, RC's house on mtv cribs seemed really modest to me, even though it was shot ages ago he was still a 2 time SX champ at that point which means 2 mil in bonuses alone, not to mention all his other cash he had at that point..

And then ya got JS7...

Not so modest lol

Post a reply to: What Percentage of Pros Truly "Make It"?

The Latest