Moto/Dirt Bike Sport Thriving

Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
Edited Date/Time 2/26/2020 2:50pm
That Arlington crowd was the biggest of any TX Supercross I recall attending, maybe ever going back a long ways. I'd estimate 60k, the place holds 70k and it was close to full. When they did the National Anthem with the lights out you could really see all the cell phone lights in the upper sections. The place was electric with the fans obviously tuned into the action. Some of the best entertainment anywhere regardless of sport.

The SX Futures was a huge turnout, the announcer asked Ricky if he thought maybe they should hold 2 Arlington races a year?

Also this year so far, The Sandwinder Enduro in Smithville has 430 entries, the Torcs Scrambles at Rockne about the same, 2 Stroke race at 3 Palms over 200 and Winter race at Murphy's about the same. Things are looking bright here.

1800 Entries! at the GNCC tells me this economy is rolling and disposable income seems to be showing up at the tracks.

So nice not to be posting doom and gloom for a change!
30
2
|
motogrady
Posts
3931
Joined
1/27/2008
Location
WV US
2/24/2020 8:49am
Was going thru the AMA website a few months ago.
In the how do I get started article, they say dirtbiking is pretty big.
Take it for what it’s worth, but they mentioned motocross as being the largest amateur motorized
Sport in America. Just sayin.....
3
kb228
Posts
6153
Joined
1/31/2018
Location
Mansfield, OH US
2/24/2020 8:51am
Moto seems to be really big in texas. Doesnt surprise me.
7
skeef
Posts
1448
Joined
7/18/2018
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
2/24/2020 8:55am
I tossed a down vote just FYI
26
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
2/24/2020 9:03am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2020 9:04am
skeef wrote:
I tossed a down vote just FYI
and..?

I thrive on down votes, I don't want everyone to agree in an echo chamber, let's hear your views?
4
4

The Shop

captmoto
Posts
5867
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
2/24/2020 9:17am
and..?

I thrive on down votes, I don't want everyone to agree in an echo chamber, let's hear your views?
California used to be king as far in MX. Our moto scene has shrunken. We have lost 2 tracks in the last couple years, Milestone and Competitive edge. That has made other tracks and races seem fuller but there are less tracks for the people we have. Big series are fading away or have way less entries. In my AO we have lost 2 long time dealers that sponsored a long time dealer series. In the meantime, UTVs are taking off big time. That will put less kids on bikes so less people at the tracks in the future. I suppose that is a good thing for off road in general since the UTVs are pushing $30k and that keeps money off road.
6
1
2/24/2020 9:22am
the economy is good, so people have money to spend, it was really big in 2006-08 before the bust as well, bike sales are still not to those levels,

long may it continue, but i would not be patting ourselves on the back to much,

2
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
2/24/2020 9:23am
and..?

I thrive on down votes, I don't want everyone to agree in an echo chamber, let's hear your views?
captmoto wrote:
California used to be king as far in MX. Our moto scene has shrunken. We have lost 2 tracks in the last couple years, Milestone and...
California used to be king as far in MX. Our moto scene has shrunken. We have lost 2 tracks in the last couple years, Milestone and Competitive edge. That has made other tracks and races seem fuller but there are less tracks for the people we have. Big series are fading away or have way less entries. In my AO we have lost 2 long time dealers that sponsored a long time dealer series. In the meantime, UTVs are taking off big time. That will put less kids on bikes so less people at the tracks in the future. I suppose that is a good thing for off road in general since the UTVs are pushing $30k and that keeps money off road.
Don't misunderstand me, Texas as well as most has gone through some tough times, but it feels like the good times are coming back a bit. (Please pay no attention to the stock market todayWoohoo )

The STACYC races and rides in the pits are also a great sign for the future, start them young. I did not see too much ambulance loading at the Futures, in fact I think I could have beat a bunch of those Over 40 guys with my slow ass 62 year old self.

The TX MX series have also shrunken/consolidated but the off road stuff is blowing up.
2
peltier626
Posts
1395
Joined
3/15/2018
Location
LA US
2/24/2020 9:24am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2020 9:26am
That's awesome, Att stadium is a sight in itself. I think not having a Houston round and Louisiana celebrating mardi gras with kid's out of school contributed to such a successful turnout in Dallas. I think lot's of folks are migrating from mx to offroad to fulfill the need for speed.
6
levimx22
Posts
1203
Joined
4/25/2011
Location
Coalgate, OK US
2/24/2020 9:53am

19
Tarz483
Posts
6344
Joined
2/25/2009
Location
Mankato, MN US
2/24/2020 9:54am
Pro Motocoss and Supercross seems to be doing well.
And the Amateur Nationals Loretta Lynn's. Etc
But Local Grassroots MX and participation In local Motocoss and in Motorcycling period even on the street is down.
They talk About on the Beginning here
https://youtu.be/mpvDgF4V-vc
And the Motorcycle industry council Hired a group to try to find out why, link here. https://blog.motorcycle.com/2019/07/31/motorcycle-news/motorcycle-indus…

1
SoCalMX70
Posts
3555
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA US
2/24/2020 10:01am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2020 10:02am
captmoto wrote:
California used to be king as far in MX. Our moto scene has shrunken. We have lost 2 tracks in the last couple years, Milestone and...
California used to be king as far in MX. Our moto scene has shrunken. We have lost 2 tracks in the last couple years, Milestone and Competitive edge. That has made other tracks and races seem fuller but there are less tracks for the people we have. Big series are fading away or have way less entries. In my AO we have lost 2 long time dealers that sponsored a long time dealer series. In the meantime, UTVs are taking off big time. That will put less kids on bikes so less people at the tracks in the future. I suppose that is a good thing for off road in general since the UTVs are pushing $30k and that keeps money off road.
We also got Star West (State Fair) back and have another track on the way from the Milestone owners. In addition, there is a party interested in re-opening Comp Edge. I won't pretend the sport is thriving out here like it's 2005, but we still have a lot of tracks available within 2-2.5 hour drive.

As far as the rest. I don't know... I'm not in the know with many dealer and wouldn't be surprised with closures or pulling support.

We did have over 200 entries at the OTMX/OTHG race yesterday. Combined club race yes, but still a good turn out! Especially with folks being uneasy about the weather. I could be way off base but I just feel like this year is starting out at a slight "uptick" over last year.
6
piscokid
Posts
322
Joined
10/22/2013
Location
OH US
2/24/2020 10:11am
I was at a track yesterday in rural Kentucky and the amount of big NEW brodozer pickups is staggering. Lifted with rims on $70k + trucks is mind blowing. So yeah, the economy must be doing well.
6
huck
Posts
17024
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Mountain Home, AR US
2/24/2020 10:13am
I've watched a couple Arenacross races that have been on...Seems like they have a steady crowd of 37 people there to watch!!!
6
2
JustMX
Posts
5258
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
TN US
2/24/2020 10:13am
Not sure attendance at arlington is the best indicator of the health of our sport, just like Big fan turnout at a monster truck show doesnt mean car dealers are rolling in money.

Sorry but motocross is absolutely nothing close to what it was in the late 90's/early 00's.

I was running north carolina Saturday night races in the late 90's and had a competing track less than 30 miles away and we would often both have over 300 entries when we ran on the same weekend.

Had close to 500 entries at some events up until 2005, and had 980 entries at a mega series event in march of 2007.

This was all with multiple events running within an hour of mine about every weekend.

Even "Supercross futures" are not what they were at places like Houston and the silverdome.

Some events pull decent numbers, but when you factor in that there are far fewer competing events and anemic bike sales current racing is hardly worth getting excited about.

We won't even get into racing in the mid 70's when Honda probably sold more cr 125s than total units sold nowadays.
8
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
2/24/2020 10:38am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2020 11:12am
Pumping a little Sunshine today!

Grow the sport is a weekly thing around here, so recognition is due when there are positives. Looking at the sport in segments, there are things that are working/growing and things that are not. Those that are able to assess the past and use it wisely to plan for the future are going to be a be able to carve out a niche and thrive/survive.

No Houston and Triple Crown played major roles. Less is more?

The Futures are mind numbing, gate drop after gate drop leads to apathy as a spectator.
2
Brent
Posts
5830
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Temecula, CA US
2/24/2020 11:10am
Watching the broadcast, it sure seemed like ATT Stadium was pretty full, looked like the pit experience was packed also.

Good to see everyone turn out in Texas, too bad they cant find a place for a national that isn't 500 degrees in spring/summer, and close to Dallas or Houston...
5
2/24/2020 11:11am
I wouldn't say it's thriving here in the pacnw it might be barely just holding steady at the best.
1
Bramlett321
Posts
1069
Joined
9/14/2012
Location
Texarkana, TX US
2/24/2020 11:13am
Pumping a little Sunshine today! Grow the sport is a weekly thing around here, so recognition is due when there are positives. Looking at the sport...
Pumping a little Sunshine today!

Grow the sport is a weekly thing around here, so recognition is due when there are positives. Looking at the sport in segments, there are things that are working/growing and things that are not. Those that are able to assess the past and use it wisely to plan for the future are going to be a be able to carve out a niche and thrive/survive.

No Houston and Triple Crown played major roles. Less is more?

The Futures are mind numbing, gate drop after gate drop leads to apathy as a spectator.
We've been going to the Dallas SX race since 1994 and that's the biggest crowd that I have seen. I was glad there was a big turnout, but we did lose Houston this year so that may add to the count.
2
mxman
Posts
169
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Armpit, TX US
2/24/2020 11:25am
As to the size of the crowd. Keep in mind Arlington drew Houston (no race this year), Austin, San Antonio plus Dallas. If you ride in Houston, you'd notice the bulk of the riders are vets. The sport can't grow unless our kids ride.
4
Markopolo400
Posts
1426
Joined
7/24/2012
Location
St. Paul-ish, MN US
2/24/2020 11:38am
piscokid wrote:
I was at a track yesterday in rural Kentucky and the amount of big NEW brodozer pickups is staggering. Lifted with rims on $70k + trucks...
I was at a track yesterday in rural Kentucky and the amount of big NEW brodozer pickups is staggering. Lifted with rims on $70k + trucks is mind blowing. So yeah, the economy must be doing well.
If you ask me it's another balloon. It's common to see 7+ year auto loans now.

I'm continually amazed with what other people are buying, 70K Audi sedan, 500k house this, vacation that, leverage that debt I guess.
10
hanzhongluboy
Posts
116
Joined
1/29/2020
Location
Texas panhandle, TX US
2/24/2020 11:40am
That Arlington crowd was the biggest of any TX Supercross I recall attending, maybe ever going back a long ways. I'd estimate 60k, the place holds...
That Arlington crowd was the biggest of any TX Supercross I recall attending, maybe ever going back a long ways. I'd estimate 60k, the place holds 70k and it was close to full. When they did the National Anthem with the lights out you could really see all the cell phone lights in the upper sections. The place was electric with the fans obviously tuned into the action. Some of the best entertainment anywhere regardless of sport.

The SX Futures was a huge turnout, the announcer asked Ricky if he thought maybe they should hold 2 Arlington races a year?

Also this year so far, The Sandwinder Enduro in Smithville has 430 entries, the Torcs Scrambles at Rockne about the same, 2 Stroke race at 3 Palms over 200 and Winter race at Murphy's about the same. Things are looking bright here.

1800 Entries! at the GNCC tells me this economy is rolling and disposable income seems to be showing up at the tracks.

So nice not to be posting doom and gloom for a change!
I was at Sandwinders and follow some of the TSCEC series. It is by far the largest race I have ever seen and my dad who has been racing since the late 80s, said the same. It was cool to see Andrew Short there as well hauling a##.

That being said, it is an outlier in the fact that it is located right in the Triangle made by San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. None of the other rounds will come remotely close to that. I am not sure what conclusions can be drawn from this example.
1
early
Posts
9877
Joined
2/13/2013
Location
University Heights, OH US
2/24/2020 11:44am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2020 11:45am
Triple crown format may have contributed to the packed stands. Having attended both formats I would definitely spend more money/make more effort to attend a triple crown over standard race.
3
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
2/24/2020 4:20pm
early wrote:
Triple crown format may have contributed to the packed stands. Having attended both formats I would definitely spend more money/make more effort to attend a triple...
Triple crown format may have contributed to the packed stands. Having attended both formats I would definitely spend more money/make more effort to attend a triple crown over standard race.
No doubt, The Triple Crown was the clincher for my trip. IF that is a driving factor, it just confirms the idea that most of the spectators follow the sport closely and less of them are casual fans wanting to see a crash. The way the crowd followed the events on the track in the 450's was a strong indication of informed observers also. Looking around I couldn't help but wonder what percentage had ridden dirt bikes at one time, I would guess most of them?
2
2/24/2020 4:47pm
Same as every year. Lower 3 bowls pretty full. Upper bowl was 25% full on one side.
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
2/24/2020 5:28pm
Same as every year. Lower 3 bowls pretty full. Upper bowl was 25% full on one side.
Were you there? The consensus is that the crowd was much bigger than normal. Not sure if they ever release stats.
-MAVERICK-
Posts
66313
Joined
3/26/2015
Location
Ontario CA
2/24/2020 5:54pm
@ Johnny Depp your attendance guess was pretty close.

Arlington SX Attendance: 62,105
5
RCMXracing
Posts
891
Joined
8/10/2011
Location
N., TX US
2/24/2020 6:21pm
Pump the brakes on Moto “thriving”. As @mxman says above the sport will not grow without the youth.

Off-road seems stronger, most likely because there’s more riding and less waiting around with 1,000 classes. Also parents are petrified their kid will get seriously injured. Personally I think tracks are safer than trees and rocks, but the perception is there.
2
Johnny Depp
Posts
6435
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
2/24/2020 7:06pm
Record turnouts at events and entries. These are the new good old days. It will never be like the 70's and 80's. For most of those born since then, this is as good as they've ever seen it, just not in local MX by itself.

There are lot's of events with full starting lines in the small bike classes, and that includes mixing in all of the variety of different groups. The Stacyc's and the new electric mini's are finding buyers.

Grass roots Motocross may not ever have boom days again, but the glass is half full. Don't ignore the Elephant in the Room. Off Road.

1800 ENTRIES at the GNCC! I'm not sure if that's a record, but damn!. Congrats MX Sports and Feld, all of your hard work is paying off.
1
Zoom
Posts
1370
Joined
10/21/2012
Location
Cypress, TX US
2/24/2020 8:32pm
Hey Johnny, you mentioned a few numbers for some mx races all in our state. That was the weekend of January 25-26. Here are the numbers for that weekend.

Texas Winter Series at Village Creek = 600 entries
2 Stroke Race at 3 Palms = 100 entries
Winter Race at Murphys = 200 entries
Hoosier Arenacross in Dallas = 190 entries

All motocross races in Texas on one weekend in January. All within a few hours of each other too. There was also a Kicker Arenacross in Guthrie Oklahoma that weekend that pulled a few Texas riders.

Side note, about 50-60% of the Hoosier Arenacross riders come from mid west and mid south states that follow the series. The Texas Winter Series also pulls a few from states up north that head south for that series.

Still pretty solid numbers. I'll take it!

Thanks for pointing out the Stacyc involvement too! We processed about 250 kids through our demo track in the pits at the Dallas SX. I thanked the parents as they were leaving and asked where they were from, so I could let them know who their local dealer was. About 50% were from out of state. That stadium is a magnet for people around the country. Its was also like that when I was with Parts Unlimited. Dealers would come to our hospitality from all over the nation.

Where ever they come from, it was a great turn out.
3
bh
Posts
949
Joined
12/25/2016
Location
Piedmont, SC US
2/24/2020 8:47pm
RCMXracing wrote:
Pump the brakes on Moto “thriving”. As @mxman says above the sport will not grow without the youth. Off-road seems stronger, most likely because there’s more...
Pump the brakes on Moto “thriving”. As @mxman says above the sport will not grow without the youth.

Off-road seems stronger, most likely because there’s more riding and less waiting around with 1,000 classes. Also parents are petrified their kid will get seriously injured. Personally I think tracks are safer than trees and rocks, but the perception is there.
I believe the classes are 80 percent of the problem. It blows my mind how every mx promoter just runs the same 30 classes they run at the big amateur nationals and are lucky to get 10 people on each gate. Until the local promoters get their heads out of their ass local off-road races will keep on getting at least double or triple the entries. Nobody wants to sit around all day and race 2 5-8 minute motos where you have to hang it out to succeed. When they could go race off road where you don’t win by hanging it all out, but by being smart, taking good lines, and being consistent.

Here’s my proposed structure for local mx racing:
Classes: A, B, C, 85, 65, and 50
Structure:
big bikes- 2 20 min motos 8 min practice
Small bikes- 2 15 min motos 8 min practice
50s- 2 10 min motos

8

Post a reply to: Moto/Dirt Bike Sport Thriving

The Latest