Statement from Rich Taylor (LACR Lawsuit)

6/4/2024 3:23pm
I think what makes me equally as upset is the people that are defending him that are supposed to be our media. We have ML, and...

I think what makes me equally as upset is the people that are defending him that are supposed to be our media. We have ML, and Matthes (2 of biggest media figures in the sport) all trying to control the narrative when the story dropped and even going as far as to lie by omission for RT. You are the people that should be telling us news like this, not lying and helping to cover up. I'll give ML credit, at least he didn't delete the original thread, but he did try to steer the narrative and cast aspersions on the messenger rather than just letting us figure out what's going on. 

Then we have Matthes directing the narrative to "how do you know he wasn't forced to sue by the insurance" when he is close to RT and likely know exactly what happened and have known for a while. This is a sad state, when if it was anyone other than a friend and monthly $$check, they would likely be reporting on a staple of the industry suing a track. Good to see RT's ad dollars extends far beyond banners. All three have literally been his PR team during this. Kind of gross. 

ML512 wrote:
Cover up? I corrected false facts in the original video by Cooksey and stated a point that the lawsuit could be insurance-based but also said I...

Cover up? I corrected false facts in the original video by Cooksey and stated a point that the lawsuit could be insurance-based but also said I have no facts on that and just stated it's a possibility, and to wait until more facts came out. I stated everyone needs to read everything and come up with their opinion on the situation.

I called the track, they didn't want to talk about it and Rich held off until he spoke to his lawyer then sent the statement in this thread.

The original thread has remained minus two things. One post that had a lot of Rich's personal info in it (cell phone and home address, which is fucked up) and modified the post that had Cooksey's video in it. If you wanna watch his stuff, go to youtube, I don't even want to earn a pre-roll off his videos being on my site after the last text he sent me threatening harm to my life.

What I said about you. " I'll give ML credit, at least he didn't delete the original thread, but he did try to steer the narrative and...

What I said about you. " I'll give ML credit, at least he didn't delete the original thread, but he did try to steer the narrative and cast aspersions on the messenger rather than just letting us figure out what's going on." 

And that's exactly what you did. You've edited the post since, but you came in hot trying to make it about what Cooksey got wrong and not the lawsuit, and you did all you could to blame the track, and the insurance company. I don't know how much you knew before that, but you definitely tried to steer the narrative in RT's favor.

Donn, Steve can call me whatever he wants. I never did anything to him, but that's his right. I've definitely been called worse than a cock holster.

I walked away from this sport on my own terms and love being "just a fan" for now. A big reason I left is the silent control the industry has over people in it and the incestuous nature of the business side. There's zero chance I would've reported something like this on a Rich Taylor if I was still a hard card member of the sport. The pile on from the aforementioned media members and others in the sport would not have been worth it. All that is made very clear in a situation like this when you see media people doing all they can to keep the truth from the fans.

I think ML is great but I definitely agree he was trying to control the narrative for whatever reason. 

5
5
Flatliner
Posts
4320
Joined
11/3/2009
Location
CA
6/4/2024 3:38pm
Marty1028 wrote:

if this berm was truly a cliff. someone explain to me how the hell the damn berm even held up. 

Its not uncommon, we've got one where I am that's in sand, probaby 50ft up, not straight down, but would be difficult to walk, and tree's at the bottom.  Bad if you didn't know about it.  

6/4/2024 4:41pm
mxxcdez wrote:
You are still missing the point. I forgive you though. I addressed getting injured. Saying it's a BS statement is just your semantics. You have know...

You are still missing the point. I forgive you though. I addressed getting injured. Saying it's a BS statement is just your semantics. You have know idea what you would do if you were put in the same situation, nobody knows. I do know It's easy to talk crap about it all day long. We are not talking about a broken arm suffered from a jump here. Re-read the letter and maybe you'll see the extent of the injuries again.

I’m wondering who this mcccdez is that signed up today just to inject themselves into this post. This happens every time we have a thread like...

I’m wondering who this mcccdez is that signed up today just to inject themselves into this post. This happens every time we have a thread like this. 

GrapeApe wrote:

Kind of like how you just showed up after years of absence?

One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not under the cover of an anonymous screen name. I’m quite sure mxxcdez (who let his cat walk across his keyboard to get his screen name) has an account on here that is a bit less anonymous. 

15
1
6/4/2024 5:31pm
Marty1028 wrote:

if this berm was truly a cliff. someone explain to me how the hell the damn berm even held up. 

It's not a cliff, here it is.  And regardless, even if it's similar to a steep "cliff" it's irrelevant because the videos I posted back on page 5 prove you don't need steep drop off to fly 20+ feet in the air and land in the flats, or smash into a wall and die.  Those berms weren't more than 6t feet high yet those guys whiskey throttled and launched themselves to the moon.  It will happen with any sized berm, and it can happen on any large jump.  There are large mounds all over the track where if someone launches off the side they will also do 20+ feet to flat.

9
1

The Shop

bc775
Posts
179
Joined
3/26/2017
Location
Parma, MI, USA
6/4/2024 5:38pm

Gotta love all the moto tough guys in here. There is zero reason to have drop offs like that that close to the track. All the clowns up in arms over the lawsuit guarantee will be singing a different tone if that was your kid. How many walked the track and never knew that drop was there? More than likely alot. Its a corner. People arent examining them that closely. There wasnt a proper safety lane period. A kids life was changed from something that could of been easily fixed with a dozer. Its inexcusable. 

6
26
Crush
Posts
21135
Joined
4/26/2009
Location
Sydney, AU
6/4/2024 5:59pm
So he sued a track. The important part of the claim was accurate. That’s inexcusable to me. He was at the track if he felt it...

So he sued a track. The important part of the claim was accurate. That’s inexcusable to me. He was at the track if he felt it wasn’t safe he shouldn’t have let his kid race. Period. 
 

This should be the beginning of the end for x brand. 

Why should it be the beginning of the end of X Brand?

 

Cancel culture can fuck off.

12
26
6/4/2024 5:59pm
bc775 wrote:
Gotta love all the moto tough guys in here. There is zero reason to have drop offs like that that close to the track. All the...

Gotta love all the moto tough guys in here. There is zero reason to have drop offs like that that close to the track. All the clowns up in arms over the lawsuit guarantee will be singing a different tone if that was your kid. How many walked the track and never knew that drop was there? More than likely alot. Its a corner. People arent examining them that closely. There wasnt a proper safety lane period. A kids life was changed from something that could of been easily fixed with a dozer. Its inexcusable. 

Look at the whole infield of parking behind that berm, they are staring right at the back side of the berm, in plain sight.  Everyone down there can clearly see it, and it had been there awhile.  This wasn't a first day/first moto situation for that berm.  Literally thousands of riders had passed it without issue before the accident.  

17
Soul Indigo
Posts
933
Joined
5/25/2023
Location
Phuket, TH
6/4/2024 6:13pm
ML512 wrote:
Cover up? I corrected false facts in the original video by Cooksey and stated a point that the lawsuit could be insurance-based but also said I...

Cover up? I corrected false facts in the original video by Cooksey and stated a point that the lawsuit could be insurance-based but also said I have no facts on that and just stated it's a possibility, and to wait until more facts came out. I stated everyone needs to read everything and come up with their opinion on the situation.

I called the track, they didn't want to talk about it and Rich held off until he spoke to his lawyer then sent the statement in this thread.

The original thread has remained minus two things. One post that had a lot of Rich's personal info in it (cell phone and home address, which is fucked up) and modified the post that had Cooksey's video in it. If you wanna watch his stuff, go to youtube, I don't even want to earn a pre-roll off his videos being on my site after the last text he sent me threatening harm to my life.

What I said about you. " I'll give ML credit, at least he didn't delete the original thread, but he did try to steer the narrative and...

What I said about you. " I'll give ML credit, at least he didn't delete the original thread, but he did try to steer the narrative and cast aspersions on the messenger rather than just letting us figure out what's going on." 

And that's exactly what you did. You've edited the post since, but you came in hot trying to make it about what Cooksey got wrong and not the lawsuit, and you did all you could to blame the track, and the insurance company. I don't know how much you knew before that, but you definitely tried to steer the narrative in RT's favor.

Donn, Steve can call me whatever he wants. I never did anything to him, but that's his right. I've definitely been called worse than a cock holster.

I walked away from this sport on my own terms and love being "just a fan" for now. A big reason I left is the silent control the industry has over people in it and the incestuous nature of the business side. There's zero chance I would've reported something like this on a Rich Taylor if I was still a hard card member of the sport. The pile on from the aforementioned media members and others in the sport would not have been worth it. All that is made very clear in a situation like this when you see media people doing all they can to keep the truth from the fans.

I think ML is great but I definitely agree he was trying to control the narrative for whatever reason. 

The reason is the same reason there is (STILL) an X brand banner at the top of the page. 

3
4
Soul Indigo
Posts
933
Joined
5/25/2023
Location
Phuket, TH
6/4/2024 6:16pm
Marty1028 wrote:

if this berm was truly a cliff. someone explain to me how the hell the damn berm even held up. 

It's not a cliff, here it is.  And regardless, even if it's similar to a steep "cliff" it's irrelevant because the videos I posted back on...

It's not a cliff, here it is.  And regardless, even if it's similar to a steep "cliff" it's irrelevant because the videos I posted back on page 5 prove you don't need steep drop off to fly 20+ feet in the air and land in the flats, or smash into a wall and die.  Those berms weren't more than 6t feet high yet those guys whiskey throttled and launched themselves to the moon.  It will happen with any sized berm, and it can happen on any large jump.  There are large mounds all over the track where if someone launches off the side they will also do 20+ feet to flat.

Hence the Steve Matthes Memorial Nets. The irony here is too much to even consider typing out. 

5
Soul Indigo
Posts
933
Joined
5/25/2023
Location
Phuket, TH
6/4/2024 6:23pm
So he sued a track. The important part of the claim was accurate. That’s inexcusable to me. He was at the track if he felt it...

So he sued a track. The important part of the claim was accurate. That’s inexcusable to me. He was at the track if he felt it wasn’t safe he shouldn’t have let his kid race. Period. 
 

This should be the beginning of the end for x brand. 

Crush wrote:

Why should it be the beginning of the end of X Brand?

 

Cancel culture can fuck off.

Because actions has consequences. Many individuals here do not agree with suing a track and what they do with their votes (dollars) will reflect that. 

There’s also the deeper answer of being conscious of the energy exchange that is money. 

Karma is real.
 

Good luck to RT, X Brand, and the media bros.

9
Soul Indigo
Posts
933
Joined
5/25/2023
Location
Phuket, TH
6/4/2024 6:28pm
 

 

The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see him laying there. 

 

4
1
brocster
Posts
4625
Joined
6/9/2009
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
6/4/2024 6:55pm

Been in Ca.  7 years and rode 38 of 52 weekends last year and have never seen anyone walk the track prior to riding. Never.  Most people do a sight lap and check out the track obstacles and not the million ways you can get hurt by going off track.  It’s just not that common and can understand the complacency and sucks that things like this don’t come to light until “after” something happens. Don’t own, never, have, any EKS brand goggles not sure why as I always thought RT was a good dude and again I am not going to judge because I am sure he has his reasons, that we’ll never know. I’ve had to pick my son up off an arena floor and I can tell you, “fear” does some crazy shit to your brain so I’ll give him that pass atleast…

13
6/4/2024 7:11pm
So he sued a track. The important part of the claim was accurate. That’s inexcusable to me. He was at the track if he felt it...

So he sued a track. The important part of the claim was accurate. That’s inexcusable to me. He was at the track if he felt it wasn’t safe he shouldn’t have let his kid race. Period. 
 

This should be the beginning of the end for x brand. 

Crush wrote:

Why should it be the beginning of the end of X Brand?

 

Cancel culture can fuck off.

I’m not out canceling him because he hurt my feelings or has different politics. Wouldn’t bother me one bit if his brand booms. Hell I don’t even like his googles so I wasn’t a customer before. The one pair I got to try I hated. You can do whatever you want to do. My personal opinion is he came after his own industry and that’s a big no no. I’m guessing most agree with me. If not that’s fine too. 

15
5
MxAddic
Posts
5308
Joined
11/24/2022
Location
USA
6/4/2024 7:26pm
Marty1028 wrote:

this might be the biggest meltdown thread ive seen on this site so far.

1
6
TW85
Posts
125
Joined
4/1/2015
Location
CA
6/4/2024 7:26pm

Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery  

BUT his sons IG account showing him back on the bike and riding to this day since 2018 probably should have been disabled before that statement was put out. Sounded like he wouldn’t have a normal life but dude is out here ripping. 
 

Tough look imo 

12
2
6/4/2024 7:35pm Edited Date/Time 6/4/2024 7:35pm
TW85 wrote:
Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery   BUT his sons IG account showing him back on...

Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery  

BUT his sons IG account showing him back on the bike and riding to this day since 2018 probably should have been disabled before that statement was put out. Sounded like he wouldn’t have a normal life but dude is out here ripping. 
 

Tough look imo 

Really? I assumed the same based on that statement he put out.....or maybe it's not the same son?

TW85
Posts
125
Joined
4/1/2015
Location
CA
6/4/2024 7:41pm
TW85 wrote:
Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery   BUT his sons IG account showing him back on...

Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery  

BUT his sons IG account showing him back on the bike and riding to this day since 2018 probably should have been disabled before that statement was put out. Sounded like he wouldn’t have a normal life but dude is out here ripping. 
 

Tough look imo 

Really? I assumed the same based on that statement he put out.....or maybe it's not the same son?

It’s the right son. He even has posts from the hospital.  https://www.instagram.com/zachtaylor341?igsh=MTl4b2FlZDkxajV6bQ==

6
mxxcdez
Posts
60
Joined
6/4/2024
Location
socal, CA, USA
6/4/2024 7:51pm
I’m wondering who this mcccdez is that signed up today just to inject themselves into this post. This happens every time we have a thread like...

I’m wondering who this mcccdez is that signed up today just to inject themselves into this post. This happens every time we have a thread like this. 

GrapeApe wrote:

Kind of like how you just showed up after years of absence?

One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not...

One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not under the cover of an anonymous screen name. I’m quite sure mxxcdez (who let his cat walk across his keyboard to get his screen name) has an account on here that is a bit less anonymous. 

Hmm, MX which is motocross., XC for (cross country) and Dez for umm desert. That's what I've done for over 25 years. My Bio says more than yours. It doesn't matter anyway, you just want to keep perpetuating your hate on someone you don't even know. Stop trying to ruin peoples lives. I'm pretty sure none of this will affect you personally.

2
26
1911
Posts
5000
Joined
4/2/2008
Location
LAS VEGAS, NV, USA
6/4/2024 8:02pm Edited Date/Time 6/4/2024 8:05pm
GrapeApe wrote:

Kind of like how you just showed up after years of absence?

One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not...

One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not under the cover of an anonymous screen name. I’m quite sure mxxcdez (who let his cat walk across his keyboard to get his screen name) has an account on here that is a bit less anonymous. 

mxxcdez wrote:
Hmm, MX which is motocross., XC for (cross country) and Dez for umm desert. That's what I've done for over 25 years. My Bio says more...

Hmm, MX which is motocross., XC for (cross country) and Dez for umm desert. That's what I've done for over 25 years. My Bio says more than yours. It doesn't matter anyway, you just want to keep perpetuating your hate on someone you don't even know. Stop trying to ruin peoples lives. I'm pretty sure none of this will affect you personally.

DanDunes username tells his bio. Unlike your “cute” username.

3
2
truck
Posts
3941
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
Louisville, KY, USA
Fantasy
6/4/2024 8:08pm Edited Date/Time 6/4/2024 8:11pm
TW85 wrote:
Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery   BUT his sons IG account showing him back on...

Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery  

BUT his sons IG account showing him back on the bike and riding to this day since 2018 probably should have been disabled before that statement was put out. Sounded like he wouldn’t have a normal life but dude is out here ripping. 
 

Tough look imo 

Really? I assumed the same based on that statement he put out.....or maybe it's not the same son?

TW85 wrote:

It’s the right son. He even has posts from the hospital.  https://www.instagram.com/zachtaylor341?igsh=MTl4b2FlZDkxajV6bQ==

Would have probably been better to make that private before putting out that statement..... back on the bike before the lawsuit filed.... his own explanation of the crash also not helping..... 

8
mxxcdez
Posts
60
Joined
6/4/2024
Location
socal, CA, USA
6/4/2024 8:13pm
One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not...

One is nothing like the other. I may have been absent for a while, but I came specifically to this conversation with my known name, not under the cover of an anonymous screen name. I’m quite sure mxxcdez (who let his cat walk across his keyboard to get his screen name) has an account on here that is a bit less anonymous. 

mxxcdez wrote:
Hmm, MX which is motocross., XC for (cross country) and Dez for umm desert. That's what I've done for over 25 years. My Bio says more...

Hmm, MX which is motocross., XC for (cross country) and Dez for umm desert. That's what I've done for over 25 years. My Bio says more than yours. It doesn't matter anyway, you just want to keep perpetuating your hate on someone you don't even know. Stop trying to ruin peoples lives. I'm pretty sure none of this will affect you personally.

1911 wrote:

DanDunes username tells his bio. Unlike your “cute” username.

My bad 1911 Motocross "S" World Champion. DanDunes I'm sorry for explaining my cute name. Is that about the right amount of sarcasm and childish response for this post? In all seriousness, DanDunes818 I respect that you are here to share your opinion. I'm just bummed that our motocross family can be so hateful. To each their own I guess.

22
SoCalMX70
Posts
3581
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
6/4/2024 8:15pm
TW85 wrote:
Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery   BUT his sons IG account showing him back on...

Sucks his kid got hurt and I’m sure it is and has been a tough recovery  

BUT his sons IG account showing him back on the bike and riding to this day since 2018 probably should have been disabled before that statement was put out. Sounded like he wouldn’t have a normal life but dude is out here ripping. 
 

Tough look imo 

I was wondering when folks would pick up on this.

2
6/4/2024 8:16pm
    The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see...
 

 

The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see him laying there. 

 

Wow, this is exactly why I've been wanting to see where this happened and actual photos of the berm "cliff".  I had no idea this video was from the race and that you can actually see the downed rider.  You can see the whisky throttle mark at the bottom of the berm, and also the mark where he launched off the top of the berm.  

But for the most important part of this whole incident for anyone forming opinions or still wondering, did he fall off a cliff or did he air to flat???  Based on the footage and visuals it seems pretty clear what happened.  Unless this is not the actual video, the actual berm, or the downed rider, please let us know otherwise.

18
1
Marty1028
Posts
965
Joined
10/5/2017
Location
Lafayette, IN, USA
6/4/2024 8:40pm
    The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see...
 

 

The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see him laying there. 

 

Wow, this is exactly why I've been wanting to see where this happened and actual photos of the berm "cliff".  I had no idea this video...

Wow, this is exactly why I've been wanting to see where this happened and actual photos of the berm "cliff".  I had no idea this video was from the race and that you can actually see the downed rider.  You can see the whisky throttle mark at the bottom of the berm, and also the mark where he launched off the top of the berm.  

But for the most important part of this whole incident for anyone forming opinions or still wondering, did he fall off a cliff or did he air to flat???  Based on the footage and visuals it seems pretty clear what happened.  Unless this is not the actual video, the actual berm, or the downed rider, please let us know otherwise.

that looks like a lot of grade on the back side of that berm to be called a cliff........

29
Soul Indigo
Posts
933
Joined
5/25/2023
Location
Phuket, TH
6/4/2024 8:42pm
 

"Charging into a turn"

"Missed the brake"

"Jumped off the bike"

Three verbs that indicate the actions, and therefore the consequences, were HIS OWN CHOICES. 

19
7
ohh_454
Posts
3530
Joined
6/24/2023
Location
Nuevo, CA, USA
Fantasy
6/4/2024 8:43pm
    The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see...
 

 

The pics posted are the berm in question. This is the moto that the incident happened in. Go to 7:45 and you can see him laying there. 

 

Wow, this is exactly why I've been wanting to see where this happened and actual photos of the berm "cliff".  I had no idea this video...

Wow, this is exactly why I've been wanting to see where this happened and actual photos of the berm "cliff".  I had no idea this video was from the race and that you can actually see the downed rider.  You can see the whisky throttle mark at the bottom of the berm, and also the mark where he launched off the top of the berm.  

But for the most important part of this whole incident for anyone forming opinions or still wondering, did he fall off a cliff or did he air to flat???  Based on the footage and visuals it seems pretty clear what happened.  Unless this is not the actual video, the actual berm, or the downed rider, please let us know otherwise.

Everything about that berm says don’t get squirrelly before it or you’re going Doug Henry Budds Creek ‘95 on it. Glen Helen’s downhills on a Thursday with the braking bumps from the pros seems way sketchier than this tho tbh, the berm doesn’t even look bad, just don’t go over it. 

7
NITRODOG
Posts
450
Joined
3/25/2010
Location
TEMECULA, CA, USA
6/4/2024 9:37pm

I wonder how much Rick Ryan got paid for his expert testimony? 

10
4
6/4/2024 9:49pm

Where is the “30 foot” cliff?

In their defense there was a big downslope directly behind the center of the berm all way down to the flat.  But in this case he totally aired out and cleared the downslope by a mile.  With that said it's not like he went over the top of the berm and "fell down a cliff" as what I first understood after reading the statement.  The fact that it was on a downhill made it worse obviously with the slope downward behind the berm, but like many have said in this thread it could have happened on any jump or any berm on the track and the result would be similar.  The guy died in that video I posted on page 5 on a much smaller berm built completely on the flats.

The issue I think everyone has with this is that there are a million scenarios you could point out that are dangerous or deadly on a track and all it takes is one freak accident to expose that specific area.  Freak accidents happen, and that's why they are called accidents. Any rider entering the track and or entering a race, and signs a waiver is aware of these dangers and potential for injury or death. And if they crash as a result of their own mistake it should be on the rider, not the track owners.  

 

19
Soul Indigo
Posts
933
Joined
5/25/2023
Location
Phuket, TH
6/4/2024 10:14pm Edited Date/Time 6/4/2024 10:14pm

Where is the “30 foot” cliff?

It would have turned a 40 foot "cliff" if he upshifted...

6
1

Post a reply to: Statement from Rich Taylor (LACR Lawsuit)

The Latest