What do you think is causing this year’s record high fan turn outs in (some) Pro Motocross Races?

plowboy
Posts
14481
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
7/18/2023 2:54pm
aeffertz wrote:
Why would the Ritchies lie about that as well though? It sure looked like a big crowd on TV   To me, it was the first...

Why would the Ritchies lie about that as well though? It sure looked like a big crowd on TV  

image-20230718165725-1

To me, it was the first thing I noticed when I showed up Friday morning at Millville. I’ve been going for years and can always get a camping spot within the gates but this time, the camping lots were already filled up and the main parking lot was turned into camping which also filled up throughout the day. It felt swarming with people on Saturday. Wil Hahn also stated that the attendance seemed to be pretty high. So it wouldn’t necessarily shock me if it’s true. 

Not saying it wasn't a better crowd than the last few years.  But, I've seen "good" crowds...we aren't there yet...imo.

5
plowboy
Posts
14481
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
7/18/2023 2:56pm

Maybe these are "record" crowds for "SMX"?

8
aeffertz
Posts
12662
Joined
7/16/2015
Location
La Crosse, WI, USA
7/18/2023 3:12pm Edited Date/Time 7/18/2023 3:43pm
plowboy wrote:

Maybe these are "record" crowds for "SMX"?

He said since RC’s last race so that’s unlikely. And to be clear, I’m not saying every round is selling better than ever. Just the the Martins and Ritchie’s both stated they had the best turn out for a pro national. Pala looked lighter in attendance than last year even though the weather was much nicer. 

1
RCMartin406
Posts
619
Joined
4/9/2023
Location
Dallas, GA, USA
7/18/2023 3:24pm

If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see the track and walk around. I don’t see anywhere near that attendance these days, at least on TV.

2
3

The Shop

Alex814
Posts
1237
Joined
12/18/2014
Location
USA
7/18/2023 3:30pm

Advertising outdoors all the way through the supercross season surely helped this year.

10
7/18/2023 3:31pm

Because moto is awesome 😎

3
KennyT
Posts
4400
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Vista, CA, USA
Fantasy
7/18/2023 4:44pm

Do they ever announce attendance? Most major sports post attendance numbers. I’d be curious how it is going at some of these nice tracks like Millville. I thought Thunder Valley looked lite on attendance along with Pala and Hangtown. Washougal should have a good turnout 

1
DonM
Posts
8789
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Fantasy
7/18/2023 4:48pm
If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see...

If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see the track and walk around. I don’t see anywhere near that attendance these days, at least on TV.

He also said Southwick was up in attendance

1
davis224
Posts
7516
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Cornland, IL, USA
Fantasy
7/18/2023 5:42pm

I went to Ironman last year, and struck up conversation with the person next to me, looked to be in his early 20s, said he had never ridden, and showed up to see this Deegan kid he follows on Instagram race. I'm no fan of the "influencer" lifestyle, but it sure as hell seems to be actually growing the sport in this case.

6
1
RCMartin406
Posts
619
Joined
4/9/2023
Location
Dallas, GA, USA
7/18/2023 5:46pm
If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see...

If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see the track and walk around. I don’t see anywhere near that attendance these days, at least on TV.

DonM wrote:

He also said Southwick was up in attendance

I’m sure they’re up, but he said “record highs” 

RCMartin406
Posts
619
Joined
4/9/2023
Location
Dallas, GA, USA
7/18/2023 5:50pm
davis224 wrote:
I went to Ironman last year, and struck up conversation with the person next to me, looked to be in his early 20s, said he had...

I went to Ironman last year, and struck up conversation with the person next to me, looked to be in his early 20s, said he had never ridden, and showed up to see this Deegan kid he follows on Instagram race. I'm no fan of the "influencer" lifestyle, but it sure as hell seems to be actually growing the sport in this case.

Social media is definitely a game changer for marketing these days! Could you imagine how big MC RC JS would be if they had access to everything we have today!? 

4
PigLover
Posts
64
Joined
9/8/2019
Location
Ellensburg, WA, USA
7/18/2023 5:58pm
If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see...

If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see the track and walk around. I don’t see anywhere near that attendance these days, at least on TV.

DonM wrote:

He also said Southwick was up in attendance

I’m sure they’re up, but he said “record highs” 

Last year at washougal, prior to the first 250 moto starting there was a standing line from the pro pits to the road, not counting how many cars were still trying to get in. Outside of a stadium, that was the largest gathering of people I’ve seen in my life. I believe the huffman’s have said in interviews last year was a record attendance. 

motomike137
Posts
8180
Joined
4/22/2010
Location
Fenton, MI, USA
7/18/2023 6:05pm
aeffertz wrote:
I’m just catching up on last night’s PulpMX show and they had Alex Martin on for an interview. He shared that both RedBud and Millville had...

I’m just catching up on last night’s PulpMX show and they had Alex Martin on for an interview. He shared that both RedBud and Millville had record fan turn outs this year (the highest Millville attendance since RC’a final race there) and High Point looked packed too. 
 

I’m trying to put my finger on why this year with one of the most depleted 450 classes we’ve seen in a long time is breaking attendance numbers. Is the economy in a better place than it’s been since then? Surely not… Are more people seeing it now that Motocross is on Peacock? Is it because of the promotion of the MX and SMX series during SX? Maybe everybody thinks the world is about to end! What do you think?

Maybe its a combination of some of these tracks really putting their best foot forward and stepping up their game year after year and people rediscovering how kick ass the nationals are in person. 

4
1
uncledaddy69
Posts
2535
Joined
4/2/2011
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
7/18/2023 6:09pm

Multiple people I know who have never really been into it, are suddenly really getting into it. I just had a friend who I’ve know for over 10 years reply to something I posted on Instagram, saying he’s been enjoying the nationals.

 

I have no idea why, but definitely agree with you. 

2
joshd
Posts
807
Joined
3/17/2016
Location
Lucedale, MS, USA
7/18/2023 6:16pm
If you step back, it's cheap entertainment. It's a full day of practice, qualifying, and racing for a spectator. If you don't buy the overpriced carnival...

If you step back, it's cheap entertainment. It's a full day of practice, qualifying, and racing for a spectator. If you don't buy the overpriced carnival food, t-shirts, beer, etc it's a 'cheap' day for how much you get to watch. I go to Redbud every year and this year there was a lot of spectators. The sea of campers and toy haulers was impressive. I may be way off too. I'm just speculating the dollar versus what you get. 

Also, on top of that. Tons of people bought campers during Covid. Some probably enjoy camping and a mx race is a nice cherry on top. Some probably upside and can’t get rid of the camper and said fuck it, we have this pos, let’s use it. 

3
plowboy
Posts
14481
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
7/18/2023 6:28pm
joshd wrote:
Also, on top of that. Tons of people bought campers during Covid. Some probably enjoy camping and a mx race is a nice cherry on top...

Also, on top of that. Tons of people bought campers during Covid. Some probably enjoy camping and a mx race is a nice cherry on top. Some probably upside and can’t get rid of the camper and said fuck it, we have this pos, let’s use it. 

That's probably a fair bet.  I bought one and it's hard to find available decent camp spots...even BLM.

1
Shapi
Posts
145
Joined
2/7/2019
Location
Livermore, CA, USA
7/18/2023 6:49pm

Jett and Deegan is my guess. 

Probably not Jett. He has less than half of the Instagram followers that Deegan, Tomac, Kroc has.

Ya but take a look at his engagement.  The numbers of followers doesn't mean jack if they don't engage.  I didn't look but I'd be willing to be that while KR has more followers, HD and JL have as a % as good if not better engagement.  Also, WTF is with this post and so many folks getting down votes on their comments.  It's really not that controversial unless you're a Boomer that just wants the "good'ol days" back or you're some EMO kid that just hates the world cause you're too cool to do anything but shit all over everythingLaughing

1
1
Chris_Buehler
Posts
8502
Joined
7/21/2019
Location
PORTLAND, CT, USA
7/18/2023 7:04pm

Deegan has a huge fanbase

2
4
7/18/2023 7:13pm

1. Covid era is over and people are traveling again
2. Deegan
3. Jett and Hunter
4. The amateur racing brings it's own fan base

 

2
1
7/18/2023 7:29pm
DonM wrote:

He also said Southwick was up in attendance

I’m sure they’re up, but he said “record highs” 

PigLover wrote:
Last year at washougal, prior to the first 250 moto starting there was a standing line from the pro pits to the road, not counting how...

Last year at washougal, prior to the first 250 moto starting there was a standing line from the pro pits to the road, not counting how many cars were still trying to get in. Outside of a stadium, that was the largest gathering of people I’ve seen in my life. I believe the huffman’s have said in interviews last year was a record attendance. 

I have a feeling it will be even more packed this year or sell out if there’s a cap on ticket sales 

TeamGreen
Posts
37315
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
7/18/2023 7:42pm

You get an entire day of watching the best go at it…for the price of a ticket. 

Think about it: if you’re there to see the ENTIRE EVENT? You’re there ALL DAY.

Nowadays, that’s A LOT of entertainment for the dollar. 

2
7/18/2023 8:19pm

Just like the 70,s with Marty Smith, the youngish crave Jett and Hayden.

Nobody in there right mind thinks the smx have any effect on attendances.

1
7/18/2023 8:36pm
OwenJakes wrote:

people cant afford to ride anymore so they just watch now lol

And don’t hv any time to ride. I go everywhere & chit chat with people. Most blue collar people don’t watch nfl , nba tooo boring baseball the same. And too expensive. So they check out a Mx race . A lot of Wi. People hv a trail bike so they relate a little too riding the terrain.  Am racing is big at Millville & Red Bud that brings the campers in. 125 class had the same as a big weekend of super series at Millville 28 riders.  & Other classes had riders from Ca.,Tx, etc . Amateur racing brings a lot of people in the gate Fri they stay sat 4 the pro racing then watch or race Sunday again. The spring creek is nice to cool off or clean up in too. If your there Thursday threw Sunday.  

7/18/2023 9:20pm

In recent years I’ve noticed an upswing in “non-moto” friends tagging along to camp and tailgate at the outdoor rounds. 

1
DonM
Posts
8789
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Fantasy
7/19/2023 6:43am
If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see...

If they had record crowds, it was only at RedBud and Millville. I went to few races in 2006-2008 and my God, I could barely see the track and walk around. I don’t see anywhere near that attendance these days, at least on TV.

DonM wrote:

He also said Southwick was up in attendance

I’m sure they’re up, but he said “record highs” 

But in other threads you have been commenting on how you felt that they were record low crowds....go figure....

1
RCMartin406
Posts
619
Joined
4/9/2023
Location
Dallas, GA, USA
7/19/2023 6:53am Edited Date/Time 7/19/2023 6:54am
DonM wrote:

He also said Southwick was up in attendance

I’m sure they’re up, but he said “record highs” 

DonM wrote:

But in other threads you have been commenting on how you felt that they were record low crowds....go figure....

That was pre Redbud and I never said record lows, if I did I misspoke. Go figure

Hasletjoe
Posts
617
Joined
7/29/2013
Location
Haslet, TX, USA
7/19/2023 6:59am

Would like to see some actual numbers to back the claims. Would help with this topic.

1
DonM
Posts
8789
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Fantasy
7/19/2023 7:30am

I’m sure they’re up, but he said “record highs” 

DonM wrote:

But in other threads you have been commenting on how you felt that they were record low crowds....go figure....

That was pre Redbud and I never said record lows, if I did I misspoke. Go figure

You said it about Southwick which was after Red Bud...Southwick is hard to see the spectators on TV though because they are hidden by the trees. 

2
RCMartin406
Posts
619
Joined
4/9/2023
Location
Dallas, GA, USA
7/19/2023 8:08am
DonM wrote:

But in other threads you have been commenting on how you felt that they were record low crowds....go figure....

That was pre Redbud and I never said record lows, if I did I misspoke. Go figure

DonM wrote:

You said it about Southwick which was after Red Bud...Southwick is hard to see the spectators on TV though because they are hidden by the trees. 

Ohh yeah, I think I said that after seeing an aerial shot of the podium after the 2nd 450 moto. Very small crowd.

1
plowboy
Posts
14481
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
7/19/2023 8:20am

Ohh yeah, I think I said that after seeing an aerial shot of the podium after the 2nd 450 moto. Very small crowd.

To be fair, a lot of folks head for the parking lot during the last moto.  

That is something that varies track to track.  If the podium has decent fan access...there's usually a fairly large crowd that hangs around.  Some podium areas are virtually inaccessible to the fans.

Post a reply to: What do you think is causing this year’s record high fan turn outs in (some) Pro Motocross Races?

The Latest