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1362
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USA
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 12:54am
http://www.mx-pure.com/archive/news-20090318095900-20100412212116.htm
Bob Moore, the last American to win an MX world title when he clinched the 125 crown in 1994, has been a regular visitor to the GPs on the lookout for european youngsters who could be interested in riding for US SX teams.
But Bob's visit to Mantova at the weekend had another purpose: "I'm looking for GP teams who would be interested to sign American teenagers. I have a list of youngsters who are interested in racing the GPs for two years before entering AMA SX."
The AMA has created the situation by increasing the minimum age for a Pro licence in the States from 16 years to 17 this year and 18 from 2011. It was claimed that they wanted to encourage youngsters to complete their High School education, but most leading "amateurs" already receive private schooling to fit around their training programme; now it would appear that they will soon be majoring in geography as they travel the world in search of GP glory !
Bob Moore, the last American to win an MX world title when he clinched the 125 crown in 1994, has been a regular visitor to the GPs on the lookout for european youngsters who could be interested in riding for US SX teams.
But Bob's visit to Mantova at the weekend had another purpose: "I'm looking for GP teams who would be interested to sign American teenagers. I have a list of youngsters who are interested in racing the GPs for two years before entering AMA SX."
The AMA has created the situation by increasing the minimum age for a Pro licence in the States from 16 years to 17 this year and 18 from 2011. It was claimed that they wanted to encourage youngsters to complete their High School education, but most leading "amateurs" already receive private schooling to fit around their training programme; now it would appear that they will soon be majoring in geography as they travel the world in search of GP glory !
DC
MX Sports
Here we have something new going on and I don't see any good side-effects for american motocross....
You happy?
I'm not
To many 16 yr old dipshits riding scooters in America. They could use some time in Europe. most won't last 30 day's over there.
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It's the litigious nature of the U.S. that created this problem for the teams and the promoters, and that's a big reasons why most other professional motor sports in America have a minimum age of 18. Europe has different rules and very limited liability concerns. That's probably why our drinking age is 21 (too old in my opinion) and there's is much lower. Most other countries don't have the liability exposure ours does.
DC
MX Sports
Hoo boy.
Anyway, sorry to get off topic.......
But when a 16-year-old kid crashes, gets hurt, and then one of the parents bring a suit because they didn't sign the minor release form -- they are divorced, estranged, one or the other is absent, etc. -- and a court of law upholds the complaint, which happened in both Florida and Tennessee, it can cause a real problem for the tracks, the promoters and the teams that hire minors for professional-level competition.
Again, the teams, the SX promoter, the outdoor promoters, and the AMA all decided to do this, not just MX Sports. I do happen to agree with it, as both a parent and a promoter.
DCMX Sports
I will wager very few will leave the USA and even more will come to the USA.
I personally would like to see them make the age limit 8-10 yrs old before starting so we don't have the psycho mini parents yelling at a 4 yr old to pin it.
If they can't get a ride in America, then they'll stay in the GP's either indefinately or until their stock rises high enough to catch the attention of the American teams.
This is only making obvious what many already know....that the GP's are a stepping stone to AMA SX....
DC
MX Sports
Also, it's not to terrible to think that the kids might be a lil' bit older and more 'grown-up' before they get out on the road.
No need to rant. It's jus' my opinion.
I'm of the opinion myself that a 16 year old just may be the fastest rider on the planet - but unless they are an exceptionally mature 16 year old (by far the exception) a pro ticket written by a parent/manager may not be a real smart thing to do.
I am really sick of burnt out talent at 19. Why is is we somehow see a need to eat our young in this sport? And as a side note, TA, you got genuine gold in what you've built there, but I'm afraid you've also really pissed in the pool by creating a whole flock of wannabes that will only be able to do half of what you did - betrayed by the limits of their own potential. And their kids will be paying that price.
If you are not able to enjoy A: being a kid and B: racing motorcycles then a BIG WTF!
Some kids can handle coming here at a young age, but most Europeans are 18 or older before moving here (Max Anstie is a recent exception). Some Yanks will be able to handle going there before they turn 18, but I'm not sure exactly how many would really be interested. It will be interesting to watch, in both directions.
DC
MX Sports
Pit Row
Going to Europe to race would be an education in itself, but I'm not sure how many of them would be ready for it. Dealing with the various languages, cultures, etc. Also, being away from home. Then try and pile on continuing their education while there. Seems like they'd have to be extremely motivated and focused to handle all that, plus the racing and training.
I like that the age got bumped up.
Well a good side effect at least.
Consistent with the delusional youth MX parenting syndrome, there'll be a thousand thinking it's their kid.
But I guess it will get them seasoning. Or scorched.
Racing in Europe ....is that the dream of the racer or the parents ?
I say anything that is done in regards to safety, education, and the best interests of the sport's future is good thinking...
And no, there is no way that a it is going to make loads of US riders leave for Europe... they might be unhappy that they have to do Ams for two more years, but not that unhappy! And once it has gone by for a few years it will seem normal to turn pro at 18...
They should be legal adults before being Pro's. To me it is that simple.
I think it's pretty healthy for everyone involved to move professional racing into an arena where you must be an adult to participate. It makes absolute sense. It's not like you can enter into a real contract with a minor in the first place. It will protect children and promoters and is a good thing. It will allow for a little more time to reach a higher level of maturity, albeit slightly.
I think it's nothing but positive for these kids to slow down, chill out and grow up just a tiny bit more before they are thrown into the professional ranks. I know that kids are racing all over the country all year long right now, but that is their parents choice. That is not a corporation requiring the child to work 60+ hour weeks while traveling all over the country/world. The exposure for hiring minors as a corporation must be ridiculous. Hadn't really thought about it before.
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