Suggestions For MX Nationals

art861mx wrote:

Let's consider some common sense changes to the outdoor motocross series. I remember when the change was made to run the races on Saturday instead of...

Let's consider some common sense changes to the outdoor motocross series. I remember when the change was made to run the races on Saturday instead of Sunday to provide additional travel time for the working stiffs to return to their jobs.
That explanation should have sounded that alarm bells, because this is supposed to be the American Motorcyclist Association "Professional" National Motocross Championship Series. Professional by definition is: (of a person) engaged in a specified activity as one's main "paid" occupation rather than as a pastime. That being said, the root of the problem has never been addressed.

1) Change the events back to Sunday - Saturday is the the #1 retail sales day in America (it doesn't make sense to be in competition with that day for disposal income).
NFL, NASCAR and many other major sports "DO NOT" showcase their premiere events on Saturdays. Holding the events on Saturday also eliminates participation from a large percentage of the fan base that works in retail in the motorcycle industry. Most of these establishments are conducting business on Saturdays.

Incorporate purse money which would allow a top 20 riders to earn a living wage and ensure every rider participating at an event leaves with some share of the purse money. COME ON, PROMOTERS ARE CHARGING FOR PARKING IN A FIELD. Find a sponsor dedicated solely to cover or subsidize adequate purse money. Maybe a mainstream sponsor, such as a detergent brand, for example. Motocross is a sport in which the gear gets dirty. Getting the gear clean again seems like natural fit for a laundry detergent brand. Far too often sponsorship is only solicited from within the industry.

2) Change the professional licensing age to 18.
a) Let's stop producing a culture of high school drop outs (aka homeschooling)
b) Scientific studies document increased intellectual, emotional, physical and social development is more
common with older teenagers.(potentially reducing injuries, as the body matures physically in the late
teens).
Studies have also shown, the brain still develops as late as age 25. Adam Cianciarulo, for example at 21
years of age, enjoyed one of his least injury riddled season as a professional in 2018. Maybe his body has
finally developed to handle the physical rigors of professional motocross.
c) As the level of corporate funding increases so do the expectations from the athletes. A more mature and
polished rider helps to ensure the sponsors receive a greater yield on their investments. Retaining
sponsorship should be paramount. Historically our sport has been fairly proficient at soliciting sponsorship,
but not at retaining long term sponsors outside the sport.
Sell the family aspect of the sport. No kid ever took him or herself to the races. Mom, dad and the kids put
motocross in a unique position to appeal to a wide array of potential sponsors expanding over multiple
demographics.

3) Incorporate a 125cc Championship Series to run as single moto format at every event with a minimum 16
year old age limit (most schools are in recess during summer). Open the class to all riders with an amateur
(Intermediate or Expert Only) status.

4) For example: Start the series in Southern California (most of the teams are based there; a logical place to
begin) and follow a more natural progression around the country to reduce expenses for the Factory
Teams as well as privateers. Criss-crossing the country is expensive and logistically prevents some riders
from following the entire tour.

A mock projected schedule:
Round 1 - Glen Helen
Round 2 - Hangtown
Round 3 - Washougal
Round 4- Thunder Valley
Round 5 - Spring Creek
Round 6 - Iornman
Round 7 - Red Bud
Round 8 - Southwick
Round 9 - Unadilla
Round 10 - High Point
Round 11 - Budds Creek
Round 12 - Florida
Round 13 - Texas

5) Eliminate career numbers, with the exception of 450SX or 450MX Champions. No longer perpetuate
triskaidekaphobia (the irrational fear or avoidance of the number 13 for the home-schoolers).
A rider that earns number 13 should not be afforded the arrogance of choice and deny a working class
racer the privilege of being rewarded to run the National number he or she has legitimately earned.
A rider that earns one of those bottoms spots just inside the top 99 are typically privateers, whose
programs are often elevated in sponsor opportunities and national recognition by this achievement. A lot of
time, dedication, money, blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice, not only by the racer, but many other supporters
to help put them there. Let's return the numbering system to a meritocracy and treat our racers fairly!