Jesse Wentland draws the line

1/23/2018 5:30am
That will probably be the biggest regret of his life. When he's 30 and working a nine-five job he might realize it.
gt80rider
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1/23/2018 5:31am
mxjon454 wrote:
Everything you said right there is true. Like you said, him giving up is just proof to the teams that they made the right decision. He...
Everything you said right there is true. Like you said, him giving up is just proof to the teams that they made the right decision. He has some valid points about the payout. Feld makes a killing, it wouldnt hurt them to double the payout. It blows my mind that the last place 250 rider only makes $250 or $450 or whatever it is. The best racers in the country, making the main event on a 250, yet only make $250 bucks at the end of the day. Something needs to be done about the pro payout.
Perhaps you are confusing giving up vs making a stand for what is right? Jesse is in the perfect position to make a stand. Feld needs 10-20 place riders or they have no show, and what is the point to showing up and risking your life to help someone else make millions when you don't even make enough to cover your gas and hotel???

You wanna go into work today and work for almost free?
MotoX85
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1/23/2018 5:31am
Hes exactly right. It just takes balls to tell the truth, and none of the C class wannabes on vital have the spine to back up their words or support a rider who tells it how it is. They'd much rather suck the powers that be asses all day and play internet tough guys.
1/23/2018 5:46am
Jesse Wentland - moto's Colin Kapernick?

The Shop

Hammer
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1/23/2018 6:15am
How about a little self promotion, earn a better ride, earn more personnel sponsors. Life will provide lot's of opportunities to have to over come "obstacles"... Figure it out, or go back to mommy and daddy!

"Love or hate what I have to say. Its the truth, and almost every privateer or small team rider will agree with me. Just a reminder to every racer We are the show we control the future of the sport." The show will go on.... look at the F-1 debacle in Indianapolis a few years ago. They raced with drives sitting out, thinking they controled the sport...

Good /uck you man, but you may want to think through your message before addressing the community. Think before you send!

Riding motorcylces for a living, is something most of us dream about.

Enuf sed!
NATEP231
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1/23/2018 6:21am
I 100% see where he is coming from BUT on the opposite side of that he has 10 kids behind him chomping at the bit to spend dads money and go pro practicing. You should see the amount of pro practicers coming out of the Midwest.....
Jt$
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1/23/2018 6:30am
I am not saying he is wrong, but I am saying that this isn't going to accomplish anything positive. Everyone knows the money challenges privateers face. As for the chances at a factory ride, those are earned and never gifted. The factory teams want riders who can win now or win tomorrow at worst. Jesse is a great rider but I haven't seen rides on that level. I can relate to my own career and is also why I never complained about a lack of opportunities. Self analysis and realization is very underrated. Race here, race German SX, race in Central America, race in Scandanavia... There is money to be made if you are willing to hustle.
slipdog
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1/23/2018 6:36am
^^^Another C class wannabe with no spine... Amiright Motox85!
mx_563
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1/23/2018 6:39am
Google "Feld Janice Pottker" to get a taste for how Feld operates and then adjust your expectations accordingly.
TSCHAM101
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1/23/2018 6:41am
dude has legitmate concerns,, to be in the top 40 best riders in the world, the minimum pay should be 150k.. shit even football players have a minimum contract for $465k and they dont even have to play, just making the roster...

Every person on that line should have equal equipment, i dont believe in the factory support stuff. if its not available to everyone it shouldnt be allowed.

These guys risk their lives every time they race.. Case and point Jessy Nelson.. that kid is young and will never be the same.. and i cant imagine any health care provider would be wanting to offer them insurance..

I think the union is needed, and they need a spokes person like Trey Canard, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed somebody like that, to look out for these guys.

just my .02.
bents
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Fantasy
1/23/2018 6:49am
Perhaps Jesse didn't articulate his position very well, but generally speaking he is right on. Most professional sports have unions where revenue sharing is the basis of their agreement-wouldn't that be interesting?? Anyway, I have argued this to death over the years, about having some sort of union, but this will never happen. This sport, at the pro level, needs to decide the model it wants, and move forward. I do believe that anyone who is good enough to qualify and line up against the world's best should be paid a substantial sum of money as they are indeed risking life and limb to be a part of the show. The fact that this is continually pushed aside and not acknowledged is so fucking bad.
One-Hander
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1/23/2018 6:55am
jeffro503 wrote:
I think his intentions are good and in the right place. But let's be serious....kinda career suicide to be honest.
What he is saying that he doesn't have a career to suicide, and I guess he is right. The factory guys are not going to form a union as they make enough not to, and fans come to SX mainly to watch the main factory guys.

A catch 22 for smaller satellite riders and privateers. Meanwhile... at the Feld offices the Monday after SX:


Forty
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1/23/2018 6:59am
JM485 wrote:
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion" *Rider speaks up and voices opinion Vital: "what a loser, how...
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion"

*Rider speaks up and voices opinion

Vital: "what a loser, how dare he say those things, typical millennial, what a snowflake, he sucks, . . ."

Anyone see a problem here?Whistling
Right on.
CDswinehart
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1/23/2018 7:06am
Paging James Eickel.....pick up the white courtesy phone. James trod this ground thoroughly before.
500guy
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1/23/2018 7:16am
Here's my take

if racing is to risky and doesn't pay good enough go do something else.

Everyone needs to be realistic in the grand scheme of things racing a dirt bike is not an essential service.
LungButter
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1/23/2018 7:29am
Who?
tprice07
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1/23/2018 7:33am
C.Worthy wrote:
2017 250 East 13th 2016 250 East 19th 2015 450 26th 2014 450 21st 2013 250 27th 2013 250 East 39th 2012 450 51st Results don't...
2017 250 East 13th
2016 250 East 19th
2015 450 26th
2014 450 21st
2013 250 27th
2013 250 East 39th
2012 450 51st

Results don't lie. I wouldn't consider that factory material.
His best finishes:
5th - Toronto 250SX East - March 12, 2016
8th - Daytona 250SX East - March 5, 2016

Here is who finished in front of him in 2017:
1. Zach Osborne - Rockstar Husky
2. Adam Cianciarulo - Pro Circuit Kawasaki
3. Joey Savatgy - Pro Circuit Kawasaki
4. Jordan Smith - TLD KTM
5. Dylan Ferrandis - Star Racing Yamaha
6. Christian Craig - Geico Honda
7. Mitchell Harrison - Star Racing Yamaha
8. Luke Renzland - Traders
9. Anthony Rodriguez - Privateer
10. Kyle Cunningham - Privateer/JGR
11. Gannon Audette - Pro Circuit Kawasaki
12. Alex Martin - TLD KTM
13. Jesse Wentland - Privateer
14. Cameron McAdoo - Geico Honda

It is hard to beat out a factory effort as a privateer..but I'm not sure how you can change that. I will say this...there are tons of guys lined up and ready to ride for free or even pay for a ride. Wentland will be pushed to the side and the gates will continue to drop.
bball35
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1/23/2018 7:34am
Sad part of my generation. Everyone has been told how great they are and get everything they want their whole life and then they turn 20-22 and life hits them and they think they are owed something.
Tuna
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1/23/2018 7:39am
JayBraap19 wrote:
I think it’s funny that these guys are able to live their dream and passion every day, and make as much if not more than myself...
I think it’s funny that these guys are able to live their dream and passion every day, and make as much if not more than myself annually. I think it would be good for a lot of these people who complain to work for 6 months at a “crappy” dead end job and see how bad racing sucks, privateer or not. And spare me the “risking my life” stuff, you knew what you signed up for and you know that everyone else deals with the same risks, yet you don’t see them complaining.

I get the argument of the situation, but stomping your feet and crying about the circumstances is not how it will get fixed.

A lot of my friends/local competitors are/were privateers, and it IS hard when you compare it to a full factory ride. However, they actually ENJOYED the struggle and were thankful to be at the races (almost) every weekend. Most of them now have either received a college degree pursuing a more beneficial career path, are making decent money holding riding schools for kids, or are making top 15 in the mains on FULL privateer effort. Whistling

But yeah, let me hear more about how hard and dangerous your life is, please....
Shit pretty much never gets fixed when people stay silent and shut their mouths. You think Corporations and government change based on their own good will?
Lol, good luck with that. Ever ask for a raise, training or other perk from an employer?
TXDirt
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1/23/2018 7:45am Edited Date/Time 1/23/2018 7:51am
I think this is partly why the SX main should drop to 15 riders.

Here is who would have been left out of the 450 main if you went to 15 riders.

Malcolm Stewart
Kyle Cunningham
Vince Friese
Alex Ray
Dakota Tedder
Ben Lamay
Broc Tickle

Outside of one maybe two of those names, I'm not sure the sport can "support" five additional riders on the basis that they "deserve" it because they contribute to the show or because they happened to make a main event. Fact is they don't contribute much. The fans are not coming out for them.

That may be harsh but we have to deal with reality and facts and not with emotions.

I think if you drop it to 15 rider mains you ultimately will be able to produce a better product.

*Edit....

Based on overall in Houston, here is who would have been dropped off out of the main.

Chad Reed
Alex Ray
AJ Catanzaro
Henry Miller
Adam Enticknap
Dakota Tedder
Austin Politelli

Outside of Reed, does anyone pay a single dollar to see any of these riders besides family/friends? Probably not. The sport just isn't healthy enough and big enough to pay these riders at the bottom of the group.
PJ205
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1/23/2018 7:51am
JM485 wrote:
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion" *Rider speaks up and voices opinion Vital: "what a loser, how...
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion"

*Rider speaks up and voices opinion

Vital: "what a loser, how dare he say those things, typical millennial, what a snowflake, he sucks, . . ."

Anyone see a problem here?Whistling
Spot on. This place is funny
-MAVERICK-
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1/23/2018 7:52am
TSCHAM101 wrote:
dude has legitmate concerns,, to be in the top 40 best riders in the world, the minimum pay should be 150k.. shit even football players have...
dude has legitmate concerns,, to be in the top 40 best riders in the world, the minimum pay should be 150k.. shit even football players have a minimum contract for $465k and they dont even have to play, just making the roster...

Every person on that line should have equal equipment, i dont believe in the factory support stuff. if its not available to everyone it shouldnt be allowed.

These guys risk their lives every time they race.. Case and point Jessy Nelson.. that kid is young and will never be the same.. and i cant imagine any health care provider would be wanting to offer them insurance..

I think the union is needed, and they need a spokes person like Trey Canard, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed somebody like that, to look out for these guys.

just my .02.
How many people watch and attend NFL games vs. MX/SX races?

Who has the bigger TV package, NFL or MX/SX?

A top of the line privateer built bike is just as capable of podiums as the factory bikes. The guy riding is the one who makes the biggest difference. Andrew Short got his first and only 450 SX win on a relatively stock bike with suspension.

As far as Jessy Nelson and his accident goes it could just as easily happened walking out the door, driving, diving in a pool, riding a bicycle, health related issues, etc.
ProMotoFan
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1/23/2018 7:55am
Always a solid discussion.
Is it possible that this is in part, a reason to test the Triple Crown? This format could literally eliminate the need for Privateers. As mentioned (and I get it), most fans simply want to see the "Factory Riders", and this is realistically only about 15 riders on average. Feld could simply retain the services of about 10 riders for each round as "gate fillers". The "house team" if you will. In fact, this could actually be a rather highly coveted paid position. Whereas, Feld would have tryouts to select the riders and/or each factory could nominate a rider or two, etc, etc. If I'm not mistaken Feld owns and controls more than half of the trucks in Monster Jam. Similar concept.

To Wentland's point, he's right. Feld realizes they can't justify filling a stadium for only a 1 hour show (2 main events only, 450/250). Heck, a movie is 2 hours! As a result, you must have Heats, LCQ's, etc. and of course they NEED riders for these or there's no point to them (or 'show' as Wentland expresses). The Triple Crown would allow Feld to streamline the day schedule with only one group for practice/qualifying, reduce the size and easier organization of the paddock, less entry's/administration, less crashes/liability (inexperienced riders), etc, etc, etc. 3 Main events per class, 9 minutes each plus one lap, 30 minute break between mains.

I don't agree with the above concept personally, but from a business perspective, I could see it making sense. I prefer more and different riders that the heats and LCQ's provide, as well as, opportunity it presents for those riders. In that sense however, I would have to agree with Wentland overall......they are a big part of the show and need to be paid accordingly. The problem as mentioned is there will always be riders chasing the dream and willing to get lapped 3 times for their two minutes of fame. Why would Feld (or anyone) pay for something you can get for free. Or in the case of a Privateer, who actually pays to be there (entry fee).
Uncle Tony
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1/23/2018 7:59am
Motocross has been like this from the beginning, handful of guys making the big bucks, the rest are paying, it’s just a sad reality, always have a plan B
NorCal 50+
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1/23/2018 7:59am
mx_563 wrote:
Google "Feld Janice Pottker" to get a taste for how Feld operates and then adjust your expectations accordingly.
That is very illuminating!

"But Ken Feld's battles with his sister pale in comparison to his fight with Jan Pottker, a freelancer who wrote about the Feld family in 1990. Pottker's story, which was published in Washington DC-area business magazine Regardie's, brought to light several Feld family secrets, including Irvin Feld's homosexual affairs, his wife's suicide, and the roiling animosity between Kenneth and Karen. On the trail of a fascinating story, Pottker prepared to write a book about the family. And that's where Kenneth Feld's larger-than-life circus bona fides came into play, as the seemingly mild-mannered executive launched a stunning three-ring operation whose size, scope, and outrageousness rivaled anything seen under the Big Top."

http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a27363/the-craziest-circus-st…

-- One thing about Feld, I am have tried to find financial information (profits from Supercross etc.). I could find nothing- no SEC reports, nothing whatsoever. It's a bit odd, even for a private company.

Acidreamer
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1/23/2018 8:07am
Sx doesnt have the tv ratings or ticket sales like football or basketball does. Thats why they pay what they do.
brocster
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1/23/2018 8:18am
Good luck Jesse! Unfortunately, taking a stand Alone will not make a difference and nothing will change. The show will go on...with or without you. I don’t mean that in a bad way as I am a privateer fan but it’t the reality.

Not sure where this sport is headed but it seems as though it’s full steam ahead towards the Monster Jam model. Those things absolutely pack the stadiums and I’d bet thats a goal of Felds’ for SX
Camp332
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1/23/2018 8:19am
No judgement from me, Jesse Wentland. Do what you gotta do.
Rdubs19
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1/23/2018 8:26am
JM485 wrote:
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion" *Rider speaks up and voices opinion Vital: "what a loser, how...
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion"

*Rider speaks up and voices opinion

Vital: "what a loser, how dare he say those things, typical millennial, what a snowflake, he sucks, . . ."

Anyone see a problem here?Whistling
Never underestimate the power of self satisfaction.
disbanded
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1/23/2018 8:35am
JM485 wrote:
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion" *Rider speaks up and voices opinion Vital: "what a loser, how...
Vital: "riders don't get paid enough, they need to speak up and voice their opinion"

*Rider speaks up and voices opinion

Vital: "what a loser, how dare he say those things, typical millennial, what a snowflake, he sucks, . . ."

Anyone see a problem here?Whistling
Zactly

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