Why do elite riders want to ride supercross ?

vet40
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Edited Date/Time 2/28/2022 9:38am
I can’t get me head around why the most talented riders in the world choose to ride sx. Is the risk rewards really worth it ?

The tracks can catch anyone out at anytime, when you consider the low track time to injury it’s clear how crazy the danger risks are.

The if you get a poor start your taking so many more risks trying to make passes, must be so frustrating.

If you took the crowd away, all the lights, music & fireworks, just left if as a peaky slippery tight dangerous track that it is, would the riders still want to race it ?

Then on the other hand you have true modern motocross tracks built within some of the most stunning natural terrains, unlimited passing lines, creatively, longer motos, less risks. I can fully understand why the majority of MXGP elite choose to avoid supercross nowadays.

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#434
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hmm, let me see… ah yes: MONEY
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Motofinne
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2/15/2022 1:28am Edited Date/Time 2/15/2022 7:27am
Money, prestige and comfort.

With that said. The top GP guys are making a lot of money these days and the urge to try the American SX dream is getting more rare every year. There will be less and less GP riders that make the move, especially European riders (i can see Aussies wanting to go to USA more than the Euros).
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vet40
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#434 wrote:
hmm, let me see… ah yes: MONEY
Do you think the top 10 in MXGP are skint ?

Can’t enjoy money when your incapacitated.
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#434
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#434 wrote:
hmm, let me see… ah yes: MONEY
vet40 wrote:
Do you think the top 10 in MXGP are skint ?

Can’t enjoy money when your incapacitated.
Top 10 in MXGP don‘t make as much as the Top 10 in SX.

See it like that: the risk is higher, but so is the prestige and the reward.

I think a lot of Euros would choose to ride SX if it was in Europe and as big as it is in the States.
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The Shop

kongols
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I dunno… guys in MXGP are getting constantly injured too.
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Alan Dove
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2/15/2022 3:40am
If we doing risk reward ratio, what is in riding dirtbikes for anyone not making money, but spending it?
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Chris_Buehler
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2/15/2022 3:43am
Alan Dove wrote:
If we doing risk reward ratio, what is in riding dirtbikes for anyone not making money, but spending it?
Good point
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Crossup
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vet40 wrote:
I can’t get me head around why the most talented riders in the world choose to ride sx. Is the risk rewards really worth it...
I can’t get me head around why the most talented riders in the world choose to ride sx. Is the risk rewards really worth it ?

The tracks can catch anyone out at anytime, when you consider the low track time to injury it’s clear how crazy the danger risks are.

The if you get a poor start your taking so many more risks trying to make passes, must be so frustrating.

If you took the crowd away, all the lights, music & fireworks, just left if as a peaky slippery tight dangerous track that it is, would the riders still want to race it ?

Then on the other hand you have true modern motocross tracks built within some of the most stunning natural terrains, unlimited passing lines, creatively, longer motos, less risks. I can fully understand why the majority of MXGP elite choose to avoid supercross nowadays.

Ellie Reed has a message for you.
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AH387
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I think it's a trickle-down from SX being considered the Premier series to race. And that comes from it's ability to reach the average fan easier, the structure of the program is easier to televise etc. So the series is considered the most premier series because of the exposure etc. So with that comes the maximum effort from the sponsors / bike brands and in-turn that is why it falls into the top priority spot for the riders. It's not the best racing and the risk is probably higher than conventional MX, but it offers the most exposure and is the best series to generate $. I think it's nothing more than that.
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moto_on
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2/15/2022 5:36am
AH387 wrote:
I think it's a trickle-down from SX being considered the Premier series to race. And that comes from it's ability to reach the average fan easier...
I think it's a trickle-down from SX being considered the Premier series to race. And that comes from it's ability to reach the average fan easier, the structure of the program is easier to televise etc. So the series is considered the most premier series because of the exposure etc. So with that comes the maximum effort from the sponsors / bike brands and in-turn that is why it falls into the top priority spot for the riders. It's not the best racing and the risk is probably higher than conventional MX, but it offers the most exposure and is the best series to generate $. I think it's nothing more than that.
This is the actual answer well done.
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fins227
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2/15/2022 5:37am
I like how the OP says if you take away all the good stuff about SX it’s bad, good call!
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2/15/2022 5:55am
vet40 wrote:
I can’t get me head around why the most talented riders in the world choose to ride sx. Is the risk rewards really worth it...
I can’t get me head around why the most talented riders in the world choose to ride sx. Is the risk rewards really worth it ?

The tracks can catch anyone out at anytime, when you consider the low track time to injury it’s clear how crazy the danger risks are.

The if you get a poor start your taking so many more risks trying to make passes, must be so frustrating.

If you took the crowd away, all the lights, music & fireworks, just left if as a peaky slippery tight dangerous track that it is, would the riders still want to race it ?

Then on the other hand you have true modern motocross tracks built within some of the most stunning natural terrains, unlimited passing lines, creatively, longer motos, less risks. I can fully understand why the majority of MXGP elite choose to avoid supercross nowadays.

For a guy who never tried Supercross, Herlings has done a pretty good job of busting himself up on a regular basis. Pro speed in motocross is so fast these day that I’m no so sure the danger gap between SX and MX is too wide at this point.
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#434
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2/15/2022 6:13am
Alan Dove wrote:
If we doing risk reward ratio, what is in riding dirtbikes for anyone not making money, but spending it?
Fun and thrill. It’s either that or the belief that you will make it someday.
Silas444
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2/15/2022 6:16am Edited Date/Time 2/15/2022 6:18am
I could be wrong, but it seems to me that americans prioritize sports that are easy to watch from a single vantage point, and when they find one, they make it very lucrative for the participants. Europeans are a bit different that way. For example, we have Nascar, they have Formula One; we have Flat-Track, they have MotoGP; we have half-pipe snowboarding, they have Super G slalom; we have supercross, they have MXGP. They demand more commitment and knowledge from their spectators, and they tend to get it. We don't care either way.

Just look at the Super Bowl we just had. Probably half the people who watched it tuned in for either the advertisements or the halftime Hip-Hop show. They had/have no real understanding of the game being played, and that's seen as being just fine by all involved, including the players on the field. As long as the seats are filled and the checks clear the bank, it's all good. That's a very, um, "American" viewpoint, and it applies to supercross as well. If you've never even ridden a bicycle, no worries, just buy a ticket, find your seat, and watch the show.
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bvm111
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2/15/2022 6:54am
they have the big mac, we have the big mic, they have the golden arches, we have the golden arcs!

excuse me sir there is some one here to see you

it’s not those guys from Mc Donald’s is it?
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sandtrack315
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2/15/2022 7:03am
People who grow up in America don't want to leave, and want to make as much money as possible in their career. For people that ride dirt bikes, that means racing supercross.

Also, have you been to one? They are awesome. It is pretty hard to be a little kid, go to a supercross, watch opening ceremonies, and not dream about that being you one day.
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blockhead17
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2/15/2022 7:25am
Have you been to a Supercross? The atmosphere is amazing, I can’t even imagine how cool it would be for the riders!
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Racerman967
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2/15/2022 7:31am
Win a Supercross title 1 million. Win an outdoor title, 200k simple decision.
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vet40
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2/15/2022 7:38am
Have you been to a Supercross? The atmosphere is amazing, I can’t even imagine how cool it would be for the riders!
Yeah I get that. But it seems a bit style over substance.

From a casual fan point of view I get it, as a promoter I also get it. But as an elite rider I don’t so much.

If you take away all the show element, once the gate drops & your get a poor start what your left with as an rider is a nightmare of a track to race.

The MXGP may earn a bit less, but least they are not having to go through their career on these SX tracks.

Also I don’t buy a SX championship in more prestigious then an MXGP championship. No way.



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2/15/2022 7:41am
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross.

Simple answer, it’s easier on the body and they make good money.
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vet40
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2/15/2022 7:48am
UpTiTe wrote:
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross...
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross.

Simple answer, it’s easier on the body and they make good money.
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have it racing all year no rests etc

Yes I agree too MxGP guys do very well, Herlings in a Dutch interview talked about earning around 4 million in one year.

A US MXGP champion would probably make more as would expand the market further.
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#434
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2/15/2022 7:52am
UpTiTe wrote:
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross...
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross.

Simple answer, it’s easier on the body and they make good money.
vet40 wrote:
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have...
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have it racing all year no rests etc

Yes I agree too MxGP guys do very well, Herlings in a Dutch interview talked about earning around 4 million in one year.

A US MXGP champion would probably make more as would expand the market further.
The top KTM riders get the same basic salary, but there's more bonus money to be made in the US. Also SX reaches a bigger crowd and therefore there's more money to be made from secondary sponsers.
2/15/2022 7:57am
UpTiTe wrote:
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross...
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross.

Simple answer, it’s easier on the body and they make good money.
vet40 wrote:
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have...
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have it racing all year no rests etc

Yes I agree too MxGP guys do very well, Herlings in a Dutch interview talked about earning around 4 million in one year.

A US MXGP champion would probably make more as would expand the market further.
I’m comparing supercross to outdoor generally, not one series vs the other.

Supercross is a 7 minute qualifier and a 22 minute main at night in cooler weather, and unless you crash, it’s not terribly taxing on the body.

Compare that to racing two 35 minute moto in 95 degrees with 85% humidity.
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2/15/2022 7:59am
UpTiTe wrote:
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross...
Europe has some pretty talented riders making just as much money, so you should be asking, why do the best American riders want to race supercross.

Simple answer, it’s easier on the body and they make good money.
vet40 wrote:
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have...
How would they no it’s easier on the body, they haven’t done the MXGP schedule ? All we hear about is how tough US riders have it racing all year no rests etc

Yes I agree too MxGP guys do very well, Herlings in a Dutch interview talked about earning around 4 million in one year.

A US MXGP champion would probably make more as would expand the market further.
#434 wrote:
The top KTM riders get the same basic salary, but there's more bonus money to be made in the US. Also SX reaches a bigger crowd...
The top KTM riders get the same basic salary, but there's more bonus money to be made in the US. Also SX reaches a bigger crowd and therefore there's more money to be made from secondary sponsers.
Actually, the GPs have more views.

Herlings bonus pay is as good as the highest American KTM rider.
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mxb2
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2/15/2022 8:02am
Win a Supercross title 1 million. Win an outdoor title, 200k simple decision.
Nope. , Outdoor 450 title pays way more than 200k.
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Park Boys
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2/15/2022 8:12am
Win a Supercross title 1 million. Win an outdoor title, 200k simple decision.
200K? You stuck in 1994?
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vet40
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2/15/2022 8:31am
UpTiTe wrote:
I’m comparing supercross to outdoor generally, not one series vs the other. Supercross is a 7 minute qualifier and a 22 minute main at night in...
I’m comparing supercross to outdoor generally, not one series vs the other.

Supercross is a 7 minute qualifier and a 22 minute main at night in cooler weather, and unless you crash, it’s not terribly taxing on the body.

Compare that to racing two 35 minute moto in 95 degrees with 85% humidity.
Sure, if you hole shot & survive the lappers it’s easy work relatively speaking. But watching whoops & the sport evolve under modern 4 strokes in general, it’s seems to be getting more & more lethal.

Take Hunters Lawrence’s crash, or Shomodas. Or just the nervousness in the bowl turns as riders fear take outs.

Just looks like the riders with that level of talent deserve better racing conditions.

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Falcon
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2/15/2022 8:37am
Have you been to a Supercross? The atmosphere is amazing, I can’t even imagine how cool it would be for the riders!
vet40 wrote:
Yeah I get that. But it seems a bit style over substance. From a casual fan point of view I get it, as a promoter I...
Yeah I get that. But it seems a bit style over substance.

From a casual fan point of view I get it, as a promoter I also get it. But as an elite rider I don’t so much.

If you take away all the show element, once the gate drops & your get a poor start what your left with as an rider is a nightmare of a track to race.

The MXGP may earn a bit less, but least they are not having to go through their career on these SX tracks.

Also I don’t buy a SX championship in more prestigious then an MXGP championship. No way.



You don't believe a SX championship is more prestigious because you live in the UK and MXGP seems like the top of all dirt motorsport. Over here, the perspective is very different. In much the same way that Tomac, Anderson, or Barcia would have a hard time being title contenders in MXGP, Herlings, Gasjer, or Prado would have a hard time here in Supercross. Thus, the "world champs can't hang" attitude and the feeling that Supercross is the pinnacle.

Also, like others have said, money talks, and the best option for riders from the elite in America is Supercross.
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TeamGreen
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2/15/2022 8:44am
Are we forgetting how many GP riders/champs/future stars have taken the detour to SX?
JMB
Reed
Musquin
Roczen
The Lawrence Brothers

And there’s more; but, everyone knows these names.
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