Ryan Sipes Retirement Letter

mxtryon231
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10/14/2013 1:44pm
Shawn142 wrote:
Much respect and best wishes. Sipes has been around a long time, coming up on 10 years like he mentioned. He had stints on every brand...
Much respect and best wishes. Sipes has been around a long time, coming up on 10 years like he mentioned. He had stints on every brand except Kawi and lives to tell the tale with all his limbs still functional. He was always a rider I paid attention to.





















When he was on WBR Suzuki I got to watch him and a young Darryn Durham ride with my friend at a private track in Anza along side the little professor. Then, when he was on the factory connection Honda I was blown away when I got to see him have a whip contest off the old giant double at Elsinore with Tommy Hahn and Ryan Penhall. I always rooted for Sipes at the races because he seemed like and turns out he is a humble person who happened to be gifted on a motorcycle. He will be messed n the starting gate!
smoker
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10/14/2013 2:23pm
lame, but at least now he can sign up here and talk moto with us, c'mon Ryan!
Hut
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10/14/2013 2:24pm
I have never met him personally but from what I have seen, he always appeared genuine and seems like a good ol' boy in the best sense of the term.. So I always cheered for him to do well.
Best of luck to him in all future endeavors, glad that he will enjoy the time with his family. Cool
MtnBoy
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10/14/2013 2:29pm
Titan1 wrote:
This is a little wishful and hopeful just-putting-it-out-in-the-universe-because-it-would-be-awesome speculation...but what if he's going to give off-road a shot? Maybe his results at the ISDE were enough...
This is a little wishful and hopeful just-putting-it-out-in-the-universe-because-it-would-be-awesome speculation...but what if he's going to give off-road a shot? Maybe his results at the ISDE were enough to warrant a good offer from an off-road team...and with no offers (no good offers) on the MX/SX side...he announced his retirement to get out of any SX/MX contracts...and will then go race off-road?

I would love to see him racing some off-road stuff...but, if he's just calling it a career...I wish him the best!
As much as I hope that's the case...I really doubt it...very few guys "making a living" in off road right now. I think a lot of the guys we see in the results all the time are backed more by Dad & Moms bank account rather than manufacturers/sponsors. I bet there is 10 guys (probably less actually) in the US who make $50k or more a year racing off road right now.

If I'm not mistaken Jason Thomas (Last years GNCC XC2 Champ, not JT$) has to help Watts teach classes on off-weekends to help make ends meat.

The Shop

zook11
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10/14/2013 3:06pm
Wow!

This sucks, Ryan has always been a great role model in this sport. Wish him the best in whatever he decides to do in his future. :/
Titan1
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10/14/2013 3:10pm
Titan1 wrote:
This is a little wishful and hopeful just-putting-it-out-in-the-universe-because-it-would-be-awesome speculation...but what if he's going to give off-road a shot? Maybe his results at the ISDE were enough...
This is a little wishful and hopeful just-putting-it-out-in-the-universe-because-it-would-be-awesome speculation...but what if he's going to give off-road a shot? Maybe his results at the ISDE were enough to warrant a good offer from an off-road team...and with no offers (no good offers) on the MX/SX side...he announced his retirement to get out of any SX/MX contracts...and will then go race off-road?

I would love to see him racing some off-road stuff...but, if he's just calling it a career...I wish him the best!
MtnBoy wrote:
As much as I hope that's the case...I really doubt it...very few guys "making a living" in off road right now. I think a lot of...
As much as I hope that's the case...I really doubt it...very few guys "making a living" in off road right now. I think a lot of the guys we see in the results all the time are backed more by Dad & Moms bank account rather than manufacturers/sponsors. I bet there is 10 guys (probably less actually) in the US who make $50k or more a year racing off road right now.

If I'm not mistaken Jason Thomas (Last years GNCC XC2 Champ, not JT$) has to help Watts teach classes on off-weekends to help make ends meat.
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh, I'd consider free bikes and travel "good"...some only consider 6 figures "good") money...the top GNCC, EX guys make a living, and aren't dependent on mom and dad. It's not moto...but I would certainly hope that more than 10 guys are making 50K/year in offroad.

I understood JT had to help teach those classes as part of his contract, not necessarily because he needs to make ends meet.

Sipes did say in an interview with racerx that he would like to do the ISDE next year...so who knows.

Yes, it unlikely, but what if Husky or Husaberg or TM want to capitalize on his name recognition (and his talent) and made him an offer to run the GNCC's? Like I said...it's more wishful thinking that reality...but it would still be cool.
MtnBoy
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10/14/2013 4:25pm Edited Date/Time 10/14/2013 4:30pm
Titan1 wrote:
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh...
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh, I'd consider free bikes and travel "good"...some only consider 6 figures "good") money...the top GNCC, EX guys make a living, and aren't dependent on mom and dad. It's not moto...but I would certainly hope that more than 10 guys are making 50K/year in offroad.

I understood JT had to help teach those classes as part of his contract, not necessarily because he needs to make ends meet.

Sipes did say in an interview with racerx that he would like to do the ISDE next year...so who knows.

Yes, it unlikely, but what if Husky or Husaberg or TM want to capitalize on his name recognition (and his talent) and made him an offer to run the GNCC's? Like I said...it's more wishful thinking that reality...but it would still be cool.
Caselli
Brown
Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe)
Mullins
Russell
Baylor
Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$ isn't worth staying in America)
Robert
Delong (maybe, BIG maybe)
Webb

Beyond that I'd be real surprised if guys are making much $$. Even Thad Duvall, I find it hard to believe Shanandoah Honda is paying him a salary....

Sorry for the thread derail by the way!
mx836
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10/14/2013 4:40pm
Can't believe it's been ten years. I'm getting old. Sad to see him go. Always had great style and speed to boot.
JOHN CHOATE
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10/14/2013 5:00pm
Best of luck to you, Ryan. Wouldn't be surprised to see your name on the starting line at Lorettas in a few years(hint, hint).
Titan1
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10/16/2013 12:56pm Edited Date/Time 10/16/2013 12:57pm
Titan1 wrote:
This is a little wishful and hopeful just-putting-it-out-in-the-universe-because-it-would-be-awesome speculation...but what if he's going to give off-road a shot? Maybe his results at the ISDE were enough...
This is a little wishful and hopeful just-putting-it-out-in-the-universe-because-it-would-be-awesome speculation...but what if he's going to give off-road a shot? Maybe his results at the ISDE were enough to warrant a good offer from an off-road team...and with no offers (no good offers) on the MX/SX side...he announced his retirement to get out of any SX/MX contracts...and will then go race off-road?

I would love to see him racing some off-road stuff...but, if he's just calling it a career...I wish him the best!
MtnBoy wrote:
As much as I hope that's the case...I really doubt it...very few guys "making a living" in off road right now. I think a lot of...
As much as I hope that's the case...I really doubt it...very few guys "making a living" in off road right now. I think a lot of the guys we see in the results all the time are backed more by Dad & Moms bank account rather than manufacturers/sponsors. I bet there is 10 guys (probably less actually) in the US who make $50k or more a year racing off road right now.

If I'm not mistaken Jason Thomas (Last years GNCC XC2 Champ, not JT$) has to help Watts teach classes on off-weekends to help make ends meat.
Sorry to dig this one up from the depths...but "Called it!" LOL

http://www.racerxonline.com/2013/10/15/insight-ryan-sipes

"So what’s next? I know you did the ISDE, maybe some off-road?
Yeah, my goal is the race the GNCC Series next year if I can make some money at it. That’s what I’m trying to put together next year. But I wouldn’t mind doing some EnduroCross—that looks like fun. And the close Nationals to me here on the East, Muddy Creek, High Point, I think I could do those if they don’t clash with the GNCC schedule."

"Did you see the ISDE as a bit of an off-road test run?
Yeah. I think a lot of people did. Antti [Kallonen] at KTM, he’s the ISDE Team Manager, and I had let him know I was looking at some off-road stuff. And he said, “Well, let’s see how you do.” I think a few people were watching. I’ve had some interest from some people.

You have some feelers out there?
Yeah I’m on the phone every day trying to get something lined up. I know off-road stuff happens a little later, if I was still racing moto and didn’t have anything right now I’d be wigging out. This is all new to me and I’m feeling it out and trying to make a good decision so I can race a few more years. From what I’ve seen at those races, it’s a good family atmosphere, and I could bring my girls and everyone will have fun. Not that I couldn’t bring them to a supercross, but I need to stay here. I think I still have the talent and desire to race, but I need to be able to stay home. If I could stay home in Kentucky and race supercross, I’d do it!"

It would be great to see him in off-road!
10/16/2013 1:40pm
*cough* Husky *cough*
Titan1
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10/16/2013 2:18pm
*cough* Husky *cough*
That's what I was guessing...Husky could cash in on his name (and talent) to introduce the brand in America.

Sipes has skills off-road...in that same interview he talked about doing a GNCC back in 07, and waxed the A class (on a 450 with moto suspension, no handgaurds). He'll be up there battling for podiums...
MtnBoy
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10/16/2013 3:10pm
I was just getting ready to post that I'm happy to be proven wrong for once! Ha
Titan1
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10/16/2013 3:13pm
MtnBoy wrote:
I was just getting ready to post that I'm happy to be proven wrong for once! Ha
Pffft....I'm happy to be right for once. LOL
mxb2
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10/16/2013 3:17pm
Titan1 wrote:
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh...
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh, I'd consider free bikes and travel "good"...some only consider 6 figures "good") money...the top GNCC, EX guys make a living, and aren't dependent on mom and dad. It's not moto...but I would certainly hope that more than 10 guys are making 50K/year in offroad.

I understood JT had to help teach those classes as part of his contract, not necessarily because he needs to make ends meet.

Sipes did say in an interview with racerx that he would like to do the ISDE next year...so who knows.

Yes, it unlikely, but what if Husky or Husaberg or TM want to capitalize on his name recognition (and his talent) and made him an offer to run the GNCC's? Like I said...it's more wishful thinking that reality...but it would still be cool.
MtnBoy wrote:
Caselli Brown Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe) Mullins Russell Baylor Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$...
Caselli
Brown
Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe)
Mullins
Russell
Baylor
Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$ isn't worth staying in America)
Robert
Delong (maybe, BIG maybe)
Webb

Beyond that I'd be real surprised if guys are making much $$. Even Thad Duvall, I find it hard to believe Shanandoah Honda is paying him a salary....

Sorry for the thread derail by the way!
I heard shanadohah went out of business, any info on that. I was at st Clairsville Gncc , duvall was still on his Hondas.
MtnBoy
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10/16/2013 3:25pm
MtnBoy wrote:
I was just getting ready to post that I'm happy to be proven wrong for once! Ha
Titan1 wrote:
Pffft....I'm happy to be right for once. LOL
Oops, didn't mean to sound that arrogant! What I meant was "For once, I'm happy to be proven wrong!"
spd721
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10/16/2013 3:31pm
Any idea on which factory team that he was so close to signing with?
10/16/2013 3:33pm
Titan1 wrote:
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh...
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh, I'd consider free bikes and travel "good"...some only consider 6 figures "good") money...the top GNCC, EX guys make a living, and aren't dependent on mom and dad. It's not moto...but I would certainly hope that more than 10 guys are making 50K/year in offroad.

I understood JT had to help teach those classes as part of his contract, not necessarily because he needs to make ends meet.

Sipes did say in an interview with racerx that he would like to do the ISDE next year...so who knows.

Yes, it unlikely, but what if Husky or Husaberg or TM want to capitalize on his name recognition (and his talent) and made him an offer to run the GNCC's? Like I said...it's more wishful thinking that reality...but it would still be cool.
MtnBoy wrote:
Caselli Brown Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe) Mullins Russell Baylor Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$...
Caselli
Brown
Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe)
Mullins
Russell
Baylor
Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$ isn't worth staying in America)
Robert
Delong (maybe, BIG maybe)
Webb

Beyond that I'd be real surprised if guys are making much $$. Even Thad Duvall, I find it hard to believe Shanandoah Honda is paying him a salary....

Sorry for the thread derail by the way!
mxb2 wrote:
I heard shanadohah went out of business, any info on that. I was at st Clairsville Gncc , duvall was still on his Hondas.
Man thaddy needs a better ride. The hondas are great but think what he could do with a factory ride. He's become better since he got off those yamahas, more consistent unless he has bike problems. The dude is a contender. Maybe KTM or husky will sign him
mxb2
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10/16/2013 3:36pm
MtnBoy wrote:
Caselli Brown Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe) Mullins Russell Baylor Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$...
Caselli
Brown
Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe)
Mullins
Russell
Baylor
Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$ isn't worth staying in America)
Robert
Delong (maybe, BIG maybe)
Webb

Beyond that I'd be real surprised if guys are making much $$. Even Thad Duvall, I find it hard to believe Shanandoah Honda is paying him a salary....

Sorry for the thread derail by the way!
mxb2 wrote:
I heard shanadohah went out of business, any info on that. I was at st Clairsville Gncc , duvall was still on his Hondas.
Man thaddy needs a better ride. The hondas are great but think what he could do with a factory ride. He's become better since he got...
Man thaddy needs a better ride. The hondas are great but think what he could do with a factory ride. He's become better since he got off those yamahas, more consistent unless he has bike problems. The dude is a contender. Maybe KTM or husky will sign him
His dad said they mite have a deal in Europe next year. Thad rips on a mx track, prolly could qualify for a national IMO.
Titan1
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10/16/2013 3:44pm
MtnBoy wrote:
I was just getting ready to post that I'm happy to be proven wrong for once! Ha
Titan1 wrote:
Pffft....I'm happy to be right for once. LOL
MtnBoy wrote:
Oops, didn't mean to sound that arrogant! What I meant was "For once, I'm happy to be proven wrong!"
No worries at all...I didn't take it as arrogant.
observer
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10/16/2013 4:53pm
Thanks for the memory's Ryan!
Now go enjoy life brother. Wink
BobbyM
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10/17/2013 7:40am
Cool guy...good dude. Best of luck to the man.
Jack mehoff
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10/17/2013 8:24am
Titan1 wrote:
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh...
I think (certainly hope) there are more than 10...all the factory KTM guys (from Brown to Caselli to Taddy to Ramirez) make "good" (which is relative...sheesh, I'd consider free bikes and travel "good"...some only consider 6 figures "good") money...the top GNCC, EX guys make a living, and aren't dependent on mom and dad. It's not moto...but I would certainly hope that more than 10 guys are making 50K/year in offroad.

I understood JT had to help teach those classes as part of his contract, not necessarily because he needs to make ends meet.

Sipes did say in an interview with racerx that he would like to do the ISDE next year...so who knows.

Yes, it unlikely, but what if Husky or Husaberg or TM want to capitalize on his name recognition (and his talent) and made him an offer to run the GNCC's? Like I said...it's more wishful thinking that reality...but it would still be cool.
MtnBoy wrote:
Caselli Brown Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe) Mullins Russell Baylor Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$...
Caselli
Brown
Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe)
Mullins
Russell
Baylor
Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$ isn't worth staying in America)
Robert
Delong (maybe, BIG maybe)
Webb

Beyond that I'd be real surprised if guys are making much $$. Even Thad Duvall, I find it hard to believe Shanandoah Honda is paying him a salary....

Sorry for the thread derail by the way!
mxb2 wrote:
I heard shanadohah went out of business, any info on that. I was at st Clairsville Gncc , duvall was still on his Hondas.
Yes Shenandoah Honda went under rumor was it was a divorce
10/17/2013 8:47am
Best of luck to Ryan in all his future endeavors. Gonna miss seeing the guy on the track. Never met him, but for some reason feel like I already know him. Maybe it's that southern farm boy thing he's got going on that I can relate to. Definitely a cool dude for sure. Enjoy your retirement and time with your family!







10/17/2013 10:42am
MtnBoy wrote:
Caselli Brown Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe) Mullins Russell Baylor Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$...
Caselli
Brown
Taddy (he races just as much or more in Europe)
Mullins
Russell
Baylor
Whibley (although this is probably his last year cause the $$ isn't worth staying in America)
Robert
Delong (maybe, BIG maybe)
Webb

Beyond that I'd be real surprised if guys are making much $$. Even Thad Duvall, I find it hard to believe Shanandoah Honda is paying him a salary....

Sorry for the thread derail by the way!
Whibs is staying since he had a rough year, he wants another go of it...

Delong does pretty good and the Husky contingency helps a lot. Check out what their posted contingency is and do the math, it's not bad!

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