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Edited Date/Time
11/16/2016 2:44pm
Here is the link to SI article, goes indepth with payscale for action sports pretty good info about our sport n such. I do not know if this has been posted before. if so sorry.
Link to article: action sports money
Below are just two little copy and paste from the article above,
- Other competitions offer surprisingly meager prize money. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will offer total prize money of $840,000 over a dozen events this year, says spokesman Jen Kenyon. But champions typically receive up to $1 million in bonuses from their manufacturer and other sponsors, she notes. The Monster Energy AMA Supercross series will offer total money of $2,403,407 in prize money and bonuses across 17 events this year. There’s also the Monster Energy Cup, which is not part of the national championship series, that could potentially pay out over $1 million.
-With growing attendance, Supercross now sells out NFL stadiums such as the Atlanta Falcons’ Georgia Dome. But first place winners get only $12,000. The purses are a “joke,” says Astephen.
Link to article: action sports money
Below are just two little copy and paste from the article above,
- Other competitions offer surprisingly meager prize money. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will offer total prize money of $840,000 over a dozen events this year, says spokesman Jen Kenyon. But champions typically receive up to $1 million in bonuses from their manufacturer and other sponsors, she notes. The Monster Energy AMA Supercross series will offer total money of $2,403,407 in prize money and bonuses across 17 events this year. There’s also the Monster Energy Cup, which is not part of the national championship series, that could potentially pay out over $1 million.
-With growing attendance, Supercross now sells out NFL stadiums such as the Atlanta Falcons’ Georgia Dome. But first place winners get only $12,000. The purses are a “joke,” says Astephen.
Also sx has half as many people in the mains, with 3 times the payout.....just sayin......
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However there are the most stacked lcq races I've ever seen and the #deepfeild...
This give no incentive to raise pay cause there's still tonnes of good guys coming out and riding.
Maybe one day they will up it
So you have a guy like Jeff, having to invest a fair sum of of money into a bike, makes the main, and then walks away with barely enough money to pay one month of health or disability insurance.
All in a sport where you can easily end up in a chair if Feld decides not to put enough dirt on a concrete floor one night.
Sooner or later, this sport will die at the pro level if it continues with this top heavy pay out plan.
The riders need to smarten up and stand together against being used and thrown away. Top level riders need to show some selflessness and think about using their influence to change things.
I remember back in 2003 guys were getting the same size purse as they are today. And that was back when you could race both main events and you could hit up "bounty" races outside of the main series.
late 90's early 00's was a good time to be racing moto.
Its even more of a joke that the GP's (the worlds MOST premier) dont pay shit
So many ways to go, but at the end of the day, we all have to remember that our sport even at the highest level is still very niche. As a result, the financial numbers simply don't work to pay handsomely throughout the field. And I absolutely agree that at minimum, the fast 40 should all be making (er, earning! in the $50K range from racing events alone, as in, not including outside sponsorship)
Now then, how do we get there? Step one is to stop requiring an entry fee for those who earn fast 40 status at a given event. I can understand the entry fee up front, but if a rider earns fast 40, then such entry shall be held in their account (to be applied to future entry fees if needed) or returned at the riders choice. Next, abolish credential fees for riders and crew (max. 5 people) if you have earned a national number (top 100). Those credentials are expensive!
Why are we still requiring these fees from those who actually make the entertainment?!?!
As for payouts per event (prize money if you will), I do believe it is the obligation of the series promoter to provide this incentive. Unfortunately, this is where it gets sideways! Incentive being the key word! As stated previously, the problem is FELD has no reason (or obligation) to provide an incentive for riders to show up! They show up voluntarily! And at a huge out of pocket cost! Uniquely different than virtually all other pro sports, a riders ability to earn a pro license is relatively simple, and thus, pay your entry fee (first come first serve up to 80 entries) and line it up! There is no "selection process" such as the draft, etc.The result? An unlimited number of riders to fill the gate! And again, with zero incentive necessary on behalf of the promoter.
Top riders as Jeff eludes to (top 10 generally), are financially compensated with outside dollars, and therefore, are not concerned with this topic. This is ultimately the root of the problem. We have all agreed that "nobody wants to watch just the top 10 riders on the track", or "there would be no product without the privateers", and this is true. However, sorry to burst your bubble, but these riders (the top 10) know better than anyone that the "competition" WILL ALWAYS SHOW UP! Why? Age and glamour and glitz! Most other pro athletes/sports dont even begin until after college age, and thus the reality of "life" has at least been realized such as bills, etc. Our sport? Kids! 16-21. A time when they are still catered to by mom and dad, and even mom and dad want to be involved with the glitz and glitter! Happy to pay for it! This is little Johnny's "education" and "big opportunity". And the cycle continues year after year with the next crop of the "next big thing"!
Any pro sport that is pay to play will NEVER pay dividends to the athletes from the promoters (FELD) and/or governing body (AMA/FIM). Particularly where children (er, young adults) are involved.
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