Are there any Pro riders around here? So far 2

kijen wrote:

why bother with all the effort and passion to try and save a sport that is dying, face it in the next 10-20 years most vets...

why bother with all the effort and passion to try and save a sport that is dying, face it in the next 10-20 years most vets riders will be to old to ride and there be probably close to at least 50 percent less riders. Combined with less riding areas, increased population and development of land and of course the ever increasing costs, MX will be done and SX with be sort of traveling circus like monster truck or Nitro circus and the riders will be on salary to the promoter. Be real there are only 3 or 4 guys capable of winning, the other 25 are riding around trying to stay out of the way, why would any outside sponsor be interested in that?

Most kids stop riding after high school, B and A class are realistically non existent locally.

Electrics bike will not save it, even if there are tracks in the city, too expensive and the tracks will be small and man made.

Just enjoy it while we have it, and yeah I know I'm a pessimist, sorry.

bsharkey wrote:

can they bring outside sponsors in like the old days or does everything have to be PC anymore. camel supercross o coors light. is this really...

can they bring outside sponsors in like the old days or does everything have to be PC anymore. camel supercross o coors light. is this really that big of deal

Dtat720 wrote:

PC of sorts. It against federal law for tobacco or alcohol companies to advertise in any arena that involves kids under 21. Since a pro can...

PC of sorts. It against federal law for tobacco or alcohol companies to advertise in any arena that involves kids under 21. Since a pro can be licensed at 16 and the target market is predominently under 21, they are banned from sponsoring or advertising

bsharkey wrote:

can they bring outside sponsors in like the old days or does everything have to be PC anymore. camel supercross o coors light. is this really...

can they bring outside sponsors in like the old days or does everything have to be PC anymore. camel supercross o coors light. is this really that big of deal

Dtat720 wrote:

PC of sorts. It against federal law for tobacco or alcohol companies to advertise in any arena that involves kids under 21. Since a pro can...

PC of sorts. It against federal law for tobacco or alcohol companies to advertise in any arena that involves kids under 21. Since a pro can be licensed at 16 and the target market is predominently under 21, they are banned from sponsoring or advertising

rrjr wrote:

If that were true then how do explain the Budweiser and Lite beer sponsorship of Nascar teams? In NHRA there is a car sponsored by Patron...

If that were true then how do explain the Budweiser and Lite beer sponsorship of Nascar teams? In NHRA there is a car sponsored by Patron. Both of these series license drivers under the age of 21.

Tarz483 wrote:

I think you could be right but there are some things that could help turn it around For 1 Make them ride stock or close to...

I think you could be right but there are some things that could help turn it around
For 1
Make them ride stock or close to stock
Bikes off the show room floor
Then it would be a race between 20 guys with
With surprize winners sometimes and much closer racing
Right now its a race up front and and the top
Guys lappping way into the field etc
Here is an example
I went to minnesota SX
And i was with my brother who is not really into
Mx/sx and had never been to a sx
In the 450 last chance race
I watched them line up and i noticed that Jake wiemer
Was the only guy in the race on a factory bike..
I told my brother #12
Will win this race
He was surprised how right i was
I explained the difference to him a little
And he said wow what an unfair advantage and unfair sport
The best riders also have the faster better handling bike
Its really pretty crazy...

Brent wrote:

Perhaps the sport would get more paying fans and maybe advertisers if the promoters invested in more fan comfort at the facilities? Try to take a...

Perhaps the sport would get more paying fans and maybe advertisers if the promoters invested in more fan comfort at the facilities?

Try to take a family with small kids to places like Prairie City, Glen Helen, Lakewood, - it is miserable for them because you have to either sit in dirt or shitty bleachers next to drunk twenty something loud mouth assholes.

Look at the infrastructure at the best european motocross races and tell me why the US nationals can't make that effort?

...and yes, I have dragged my kids to all of those venues as a racer and a spectator, and it isn't a pleasant experience outside of the great racing...

cdncombatmedic wrote:

I would hate to see the nationals go away because thats the grassroots right there. There is something to be said for being able to ride...

I would hate to see the nationals go away because thats the grassroots right there.

There is something to be said for being able to ride the tracks that the pros do. Really allows you to appriciate their skills on a motorcycle.

Supercross is more of show which caters to more of the casual fans of the sports.

The issue about the nationals is the fact you have limited viewing of the track, little to no seating, disgusting restrooms, and when you factor in the intense heat people are less likely to attend one.

I am very passionate about the sport and have been to Steel City, RedBud x 2, and Southwick x 2, but I prefer to watch them at home in the comfort of my living room. Whereas SX is the total opposite and have attended the Toronto SX pretty much every year.

bsharkey wrote:

the minute the nationals go away the sport is done. imagine what that would do to the amateur scene? it would be gone and there would...

the minute the nationals go away the sport is done. imagine what that would do to the amateur scene? it would be gone and there would be no end game at that point. everyone of these pros had to come up thru the ams not riding sx til they turn pro

kkawboy14 wrote:

What amateurs ride the outdoor nationals and not sx?

mx 219 wrote:

I say pay either the top 20 in each class (or half of the field if less than 40 riders attempt to race). Then raise pay...

I say pay either the top 20 in each class (or half of the field if less than 40 riders attempt to race). Then raise pay for the top 20 based on the difference, hopefully resulting in more guys trying harder out there. Or to get even more crazy just pay the top 10 to make guys try harder.

based on this pay from a post on vital (payout from 2008).

66,140 PURSE BREAKDOWN (purse money paid per class, per moto)
1 $1,525 21 $ 320
2. $1,075 22. $ 310
3. $ 900 23. $ 300
4. $ 705 24. $ 290
5. $ 645 25. $ 280
6. $ 615 26. $ 270
7. $ 570 27. $ 260
8. $ 555 28. $ 250
9. $ 545 29. $ 240
10. $ 520 30. $ 220
11. $ 495 31. $ 220
12. $ 445 32. $ 220
13. $ 415 33. $ 220
14. $ 405 34. $ 220
15. $ 390 35. $ 220
16. $ 380 36. $ 220
17. $ 370 37. $ 220
18. $ 360 38. $ 220
19. $ 350 39. $ 220
20. $ 330 40. $ 220

What about doing this payout per moto for the top 20:

450 (per moto)
1 3,000
2 2,000
3 1,700
4 1500
5 1,350
6 1200
7 1100
8 1000
9 950
10 900
11 850
12 800
13 750
14 700
15 650
16 600
17 575
18 550
19 525
20 500


250 (per moto)
1 2,500
2 1,800
3 1,500
4 1250
5 1,050
6 950
7 900
8 850
9 800
10 750
11 700
12 650
13 600
14 550
15 500
16 450
17 425
18 400
19 375
20 350


Total payout for the weekend: $77,100

Let's face it privateer's arent racing for the money anyway.

kkawboy14 wrote:

You forgot to deduct how much it costs every rider to sign up to race.

mx 219 wrote:

I did look it up, I believe its $245 and a processing fee, so lets say $275. But then, do we look at travel? I would...

I did look it up, I believe its $245 and a processing fee, so lets say $275.

But then, do we look at travel? I would imagine most factory guys have that covered with their teams, but for Privateers thats more money down the drain. Then we look at insurance, because any logical rider would have that if they are going to race.

At least with my model guys in the top 20 (typically guys doing this for a living) are able to make some more money. The payouts I have seen are really pathetic.

Jeff_Crutcher wrote:

As a *former* pro rider who only wants to see the sport grow: 1) let the nationals go back to being grass roots, that's fine. This...

As a *former* pro rider who only wants to see the sport grow:

1) let the nationals go back to being grass roots, that's fine. This is the biggest little sport in the world. It's okay if it stays that way.

2) professional sports go indoors. Look at all the other big sports: held in stadiums. Outdoor sports are core sports but they typically aren't professional sports.

3) if the pay was tripled, I'd get my pro card again and so would every single dude who ever raced and all the privateers also- but that's not going to happens

Let me just say this: the step from Loretta's to pro nationals is very steep. We don't have a minors system which I think it's a massive reason for burnout. There are guys who make a 8 year career in the minor leagues and move on to industry or other jobs. Motocross should NOT be the end all career for anyone. Nobody wins championships and walks away completely. I would be a huge fan of seeing the rising stars race outdoors for a season or two. Then stepping into supercross. Like a farm system for the current major teams. You'd see plenty of team efforts for the minor league outdoors just like you see in Europe for the national series over there within each nation.

-MAVERICK- wrote:

Concerning the purse payout. All the factory riders are already riding for a salary and bonuses and they are already making a great living. I understand...

Concerning the purse payout. All the factory riders are already riding for a salary and bonuses and they are already making a great living. I understand they also race for their paycheck but why can't the purse payout simply be paid to the privateers that ride for no salary and purse money alone?

Seriously do the factory guys really need the extra couple of grand they make in purse money when their bonuses alone for a podium finish is more than what the majority of the population make in a year? And for those that don't podium they are already making a good/great salary with all expenses paid so same thing for them, they don't really need it.

If the factory riders would not be illegible for the purse payout it would allow for some of the privateers that qualify to make a modest living. Why can't this be done? I understand that greed exists but still. It would be a lot easier to do this than to establish a profit sharing program.

-MAVERICK- wrote:

Concerning the purse payout. All the factory riders are already riding for a salary and bonuses and they are already making a great living. I understand...

Concerning the purse payout. All the factory riders are already riding for a salary and bonuses and they are already making a great living. I understand they also race for their paycheck but why can't the purse payout simply be paid to the privateers that ride for no salary and purse money alone?

Seriously do the factory guys really need the extra couple of grand they make in purse money when their bonuses alone for a podium finish is more than what the majority of the population make in a year? And for those that don't podium they are already making a good/great salary with all expenses paid so same thing for them, they don't really need it.

If the factory riders would not be illegible for the purse payout it would allow for some of the privateers that qualify to make a modest living. Why can't this be done? I understand that greed exists but still. It would be a lot easier to do this than to establish a profit sharing program.

BobPA wrote:

Would you be mad if someone cut your pay?

Dtat720 wrote:

I helped a local pro out for 6 rounds of outdoors a few years ago. All said and done it cost on average $1100 a week...

I helped a local pro out for 6 rounds of outdoors a few years ago. All said and done it cost on average $1100 a week for him to make the race weekend. Some weeks were under a grand others were well over, depending on milage involved. So, if they arent making atleast a grand a week, they lose money racing each week.

-MAVERICK- wrote:

How is it cutting their pay? I already said they're getting paid and quite well actually. I know that because I've seen Forkner's contract. The purse...

How is it cutting their pay? I already said they're getting paid and quite well actually. I know that because I've seen Forkner's contract. The purse payout to the factory guys is essentially a bonus. I don't know about you but not everyone gets a Christmas bonus at the end of the year.

-MAVERICK- wrote:

To bama205 I work for myself so I don't need to pay anyone but myself. As for you maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a...

To bama205

I work for myself so I don't need to pay anyone but myself. As for you maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a bunch over a simple suggestion. Profit sharing? Isn't that cutting Feld's paycheck? The track owner's paycheck?

Goes back to something I said in another thread. People will always have something to complain about.

The only solution is to attract more sponsors to the series. More money in the sport, more money to go around. Simple as that. The problem seems to be attracting more outside sponsors. Anyone have a solution for that?

Also, the privateers that aren't making a living racing and complaining about it have a few choices. Either market your ass off like Albertson, get faster like Peick did and get on a team, quit the sport at the professional level and race money races, go back to school to earn a degree and get a job like most people and ride for fun.

It's just like any other job. You want to get paid more, then further educate yourself in order to earn a bigger salary or bust your ass at work in order to get a promotion. It's not rocket science.

Tarz483 wrote:

I think you could be right but there are some things that could help turn it around For 1 Make them ride stock or close to...

I think you could be right but there are some things that could help turn it around
For 1
Make them ride stock or close to stock
Bikes off the show room floor
Then it would be a race between 20 guys with
With surprize winners sometimes and much closer racing
Right now its a race up front and and the top
Guys lappping way into the field etc
Here is an example
I went to minnesota SX
And i was with my brother who is not really into
Mx/sx and had never been to a sx
In the 450 last chance race
I watched them line up and i noticed that Jake wiemer
Was the only guy in the race on a factory bike..
I told my brother #12
Will win this race
He was surprised how right i was
I explained the difference to him a little
And he said wow what an unfair advantage and unfair sport
The best riders also have the faster better handling bike
Its really pretty crazy...

BobPA wrote:

How is that crazy? Having more natural talent leads them to being offered the best equipment. Let's be honest, this is is no way ripping on...

How is that crazy? Having more natural talent leads them to being offered the best equipment. Let's be honest, this is is no way ripping on Nick Schmidt, but if you someone like him on a full factory bike, he will not instantly be a podium contender.

-MAVERICK- wrote:

To bama205 I work for myself so I don't need to pay anyone but myself. As for you maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a...

To bama205

I work for myself so I don't need to pay anyone but myself. As for you maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a bunch over a simple suggestion. Profit sharing? Isn't that cutting Feld's paycheck? The track owner's paycheck?

Goes back to something I said in another thread. People will always have something to complain about.

The only solution is to attract more sponsors to the series. More money in the sport, more money to go around. Simple as that. The problem seems to be attracting more outside sponsors. Anyone have a solution for that?

Also, the privateers that aren't making a living racing and complaining about it have a few choices. Either market your ass off like Albertson, get faster like Peick did and get on a team, quit the sport at the professional level and race money races, go back to school to earn a degree and get a job like most people and ride for fun.

It's just like any other job. You want to get paid more, then further educate yourself in order to earn a bigger salary or bust your ass at work in order to get a promotion. It's not rocket science.

Moto810 wrote:

Well said Mav. Some people get so bent out of shape about what is said on here as if it means anything. It is all just...

Well said Mav. Some people get so bent out of shape about what is said on here as if it means anything. It is all just talk. Like you said if your not making money change something or get an education.

Jspazz wrote:

Stock bikes. This can only be done through AMA/FIM whatever. The racing evens out. Guys have the chance at a reasonable purse. Factory efforts scale back...

Stock bikes. This can only be done through AMA/FIM whatever.

The racing evens out. Guys have the chance at a reasonable purse.

Factory efforts scale back (which may unfortunately mean some unemployment for a few).

Manufacturers would have incentive to offer better contingency money for riders which would better their results instead of throwing ridiculous amounts into the factory effort.

Factory efforts will still be bigger - but not by as much. All parts would be homologated and available to the public in reasonable quantities (no prototype custom stuff). By taking away the 2-3 seconds per lap from the factory teams, it levels the field.

250 at least can become a real test of this - going to 100% stock.

Best part? The bikes available to all of us will HAVE to get better.

You gotta admit this will not affect the show for the public, except for the hard-on we all get for the Pit Bits pictures.

-MAVERICK- wrote:

To bama205 I work for myself so I don't need to pay anyone but myself. As for you maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a...

To bama205

I work for myself so I don't need to pay anyone but myself. As for you maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a bunch over a simple suggestion. Profit sharing? Isn't that cutting Feld's paycheck? The track owner's paycheck?

Goes back to something I said in another thread. People will always have something to complain about.

The only solution is to attract more sponsors to the series. More money in the sport, more money to go around. Simple as that. The problem seems to be attracting more outside sponsors. Anyone have a solution for that?

Also, the privateers that aren't making a living racing and complaining about it have a few choices. Either market your ass off like Albertson, get faster like Peick did and get on a team, quit the sport at the professional level and race money races, go back to school to earn a degree and get a job like most people and ride for fun.

It's just like any other job. You want to get paid more, then further educate yourself in order to earn a bigger salary or bust your ass at work in order to get a promotion. It's not rocket science.

Moto810 wrote:

Well said Mav. Some people get so bent out of shape about what is said on here as if it means anything. It is all just...

Well said Mav. Some people get so bent out of shape about what is said on here as if it means anything. It is all just talk. Like you said if your not making money change something or get an education.

Tarz483 wrote:

Explain Gannon Audette On the PC ride last year Verse his Results Before and after being on the PC bike Im not meaning to knock him...

Explain
Gannon Audette
On the PC ride last year
Verse his Results
Before and after being on the PC bike
Im not meaning to knock him at all
Im a fan
But i feel bad that he couldn't stay on the best equipment
But imo
Instead of that
I think every one should be on equal equipment
More like he had before he got the pc ride
Just my opinion

twotwosix wrote:

In what form of successful motorsport do they run stock, production vehicles? That is stupid.