Prado drama continuing?

DonM wrote:

No He got off the plane and put no effort in, trashed his team and quit…

Not hillbilly wrote:

You guys keep saying he “quit” but what you mean is “he didn’t ride as hard as we wanted him to”… because he actually finished all...

You guys keep saying he “quit” but what you mean is “he didn’t ride as hard as we wanted him to”… because he actually finished all rounds of the outdoor series. He didn’t quit. He met his obligations to race when he was healthy, BUT he raced at the speed he felt was appropriate considering his feelings about the bike. 

@GrapeApe , I’m not sure how you can say 6th overall in ProMotocross is BS, but the last two sentences of your post are the whole point: he was able to score these points because he didn’t crash out of any races. Consistency worked for him.

DonM wrote:

He tried to not qualify on purpose….if that isn’t quit then I don’t know what is…

TriRacer27 wrote:

I think Kawi and Monster are going about this the wrong way. Assuming this is about recouping cost and not simply retribution, it's a sunk cost...

I think Kawi and Monster are going about this the wrong way. Assuming this is about recouping cost and not simply retribution, it's a sunk cost at this point. Continuing to fight this is simply tarnishing all brands involved. What's the alternative - forcing him to race next year and waste more money? Here's what I would do if I were Kawi and Monster. 

 

#1. let him out of his contract immediately. The longer they wait, the fewer options will remain for the second spot. Just focus on making the best decision for 2026 and move on. 

#2. Invite members of the media to an "open house". Let them ride his race bike so fans can see if it's fast or slow. Hell, I would arrange for Kawi of Europe to leave Febvre's bike here after MXoN for a quick comparison between the two. Show them some behind-the-scenes of what goes into building a race bike, all the parts they tried for him, how much they spent. Imagine guys like Keefer saying "that thing is a rocket ship" or "compared to Febvre, Prado's setup is just weird". They could immediately shift the blame off of the bike, and the positive publicity they could generate out of this would more than make up for the losses. Once he's out of his contract, they can do whatever they want in how they tell the story. 

#3. Refocus the story on how well they did in MXGP and the future with Sexton. 

#4. Fact is, they should own some of the blame. Whether it's the bike development, the communication with the rider and testing department, engineering, something was clearly broken this year. Use this as a learning point for how they go about working with Chase. Do a deep internal post-op review so they don't run into the same issues with Chase because, if this happens again with him, then they'll really look like they were the ones to blame all along. 

quadzrulebro wrote:

As much as Prado did to smear Monster Energy Kawasaki by not trying this year, I hope they drag this out so long that he is...

As much as Prado did to smear Monster Energy Kawasaki by not trying this year, I hope they drag this out so long that he is forced to stay on the team for another year.  I don’t think it will look good for Prado when Sexton gets on the bike and puts it on the box right away in Supercross in January.  

He did everything he could to make the team look bad.  Let’s see what kind of deals flow Prado’s way when Chase proves the bike is competitive and Prado is just a quitter and a whiner.  We’ve all heard the stories of Tickle testing engine after engine and the team spending weeks at a time sweating their asses off in the Carolinas in an attempt to deliver Prado a package he can win with.  

I think we’ll see next weekend that Prado’s biggest issue that kept him from winning wasn’t the bike, it was the brothers Lawrence.  When he realized he had nothing for them, he just threw in the towel.  He needs to go back to the GPs where they have a hard time finding 20 guys to line up sometimes.

Falcon wrote:

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations...

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations that are usually written into racer agreements, from what I've gathered in my days as a (small) team manager. I would expect Prado's contract contains at least something similar to this:

In consideration for rider's salary and bonuses;
1) Racer is a spokesperson for the brand. 
(In other words, he will represent Kawasaki, Monster Energy, and all the related sub-sponsors in the best possible light. He will appear in team-branded clothing, attend autograph signings, and act in a manner representing the brand in a positive way. He will present his motorcycle as a competitive, preferred vehicle and endeavor to create demand for its retail success.) 
2) Racer shall not ride or represent any other team.
(In other words, do not create demand for Kawasaki's competitors, which could result in fewer retail sales of KXs and other models. If you go driving in a UTV, you do it in a Terex. If you go out on a PWC, it's a Kawasaki Jet Ski. By way of extension to the title sponsor and sub-sponsors, if you drink an energy drink in public, it's a Monster. If you put handlebars on your pitbike, you use Renthal, etc.) 

Clauses like the above would be in full force and effect until the end of the contract term or until the contract is mutually voided. One party cannot simply decide he doesn't like the terms of said contract and leave. It is in both parties' interests to reasonably attempt to satisfy the other's requirements. (Prado gets a bike with settings he likes, Kawasaki gets a smiling, high-performance rider.) In the event neither party wants to continue, they can come to mutually agreeable terms and discontinue the agreement. This could include any number of things, from "We'll just let you out" to "You owe us $X for breach of contract due to non-performance of duties." It is likely that Kawasaki would have a hard time proving non-performance of duties unless there is an expectation of specific finishes written into the contract. Prado would also face a similar hurdle regarding the performance of the bike (how do you quantify when a bike "feels right?") Honestly, I don't think either party is going to get money back at this juncture. it is probably best that Kawasaki just lets the dude walk with the income he has earned thus far and cancels the rest. 
 

Falcon wrote:

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations...

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations that are usually written into racer agreements, from what I've gathered in my days as a (small) team manager. I would expect Prado's contract contains at least something similar to this:

In consideration for rider's salary and bonuses;
1) Racer is a spokesperson for the brand. 
(In other words, he will represent Kawasaki, Monster Energy, and all the related sub-sponsors in the best possible light. He will appear in team-branded clothing, attend autograph signings, and act in a manner representing the brand in a positive way. He will present his motorcycle as a competitive, preferred vehicle and endeavor to create demand for its retail success.) 
2) Racer shall not ride or represent any other team.
(In other words, do not create demand for Kawasaki's competitors, which could result in fewer retail sales of KXs and other models. If you go driving in a UTV, you do it in a Terex. If you go out on a PWC, it's a Kawasaki Jet Ski. By way of extension to the title sponsor and sub-sponsors, if you drink an energy drink in public, it's a Monster. If you put handlebars on your pitbike, you use Renthal, etc.) 

Clauses like the above would be in full force and effect until the end of the contract term or until the contract is mutually voided. One party cannot simply decide he doesn't like the terms of said contract and leave. It is in both parties' interests to reasonably attempt to satisfy the other's requirements. (Prado gets a bike with settings he likes, Kawasaki gets a smiling, high-performance rider.) In the event neither party wants to continue, they can come to mutually agreeable terms and discontinue the agreement. This could include any number of things, from "We'll just let you out" to "You owe us $X for breach of contract due to non-performance of duties." It is likely that Kawasaki would have a hard time proving non-performance of duties unless there is an expectation of specific finishes written into the contract. Prado would also face a similar hurdle regarding the performance of the bike (how do you quantify when a bike "feels right?") Honestly, I don't think either party is going to get money back at this juncture. it is probably best that Kawasaki just lets the dude walk with the income he has earned thus far and cancels the rest. 
 

dingaling wrote:

I've got no way of confirming but I'm pretty sure Kawi and Monster are not concerned about the actual money itself. They aren't going broke anytime...

I've got no way of confirming but I'm pretty sure Kawi and Monster are not concerned about the actual money itself. They aren't going broke anytime soon. They are huge global organisations. Id say it's the principle of it. You can't set the low standard of just letting a rider trash your brands, take no accountability, take your money, and leave free of charge with a wake of distruction in the rear view mirror. 

Rickard21 wrote:

Hope they (KX/Monster) find a solution to release Prado from them soon. Coldenhoff could be an option to get that second seat at Kawasaki. After MXDN...

Hope they (KX/Monster) find a solution to release Prado from them soon. Coldenhoff could be an option to get that second seat at Kawasaki. After MXDN his in a sort of limbo situation. No ride in MxGP and according to himself has a desire to ride The Nationals.

3strokemx wrote:

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.Kawasaki...

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? 
I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.

Kawasaki has went from winning often to only 1x 450 (Tomac 2020) and 1x 250 (Justin Hill 2017) championship in the last 11 years.

While the other team they are supporting (Star Racing) has been very successful recently.
 

Not hillbilly wrote:

You guys keep saying he “quit” but what you mean is “he didn’t ride as hard as we wanted him to”… because he actually finished all...

You guys keep saying he “quit” but what you mean is “he didn’t ride as hard as we wanted him to”… because he actually finished all rounds of the outdoor series. He didn’t quit. He met his obligations to race when he was healthy, BUT he raced at the speed he felt was appropriate considering his feelings about the bike. 

@GrapeApe , I’m not sure how you can say 6th overall in ProMotocross is BS, but the last two sentences of your post are the whole point: he was able to score these points because he didn’t crash out of any races. Consistency worked for him.

Beeby wrote:

So you DO think he just got off a plane and lost all ability

280driver wrote:

I think he discovered his ability was not enough against the riders over here.  He also discovered he lacks the ability to test and provide meaningful...

I think he discovered his ability was not enough against the riders over here.  He also discovered he lacks the ability to test and provide meaningful feedback to help set up a bike.   

Beeby wrote:

So you DO think the riders here are way faster than he is? It’s nothing to do with the team or equipment he is on? The...

So you DO think the riders here are way faster than he is? It’s nothing to do with the team or equipment he is on? The multi time world champion sucks against the top national American riders? 

Beeby wrote:

So you DO think he just got off a plane and lost all ability

280driver wrote:

I think he discovered his ability was not enough against the riders over here.  He also discovered he lacks the ability to test and provide meaningful...

I think he discovered his ability was not enough against the riders over here.  He also discovered he lacks the ability to test and provide meaningful feedback to help set up a bike.   

Beeby wrote:

So you DO think the riders here are way faster than he is? It’s nothing to do with the team or equipment he is on? The...

So you DO think the riders here are way faster than he is? It’s nothing to do with the team or equipment he is on? The multi time world champion sucks against the top national American riders? 

Beeby wrote:

I say it every time: do people REALLY believe Prado won multiple world titles in GPs, came to the U.S., and suddenly became trash? Or that...

I say it every time: do people REALLY believe Prado won multiple world titles in GPs, came to the U.S., and suddenly became trash? Or that the entire GP field is just so much slower than the AMA nationals that he can’t keep up? Come on… nobody’s that naïve.

TriRacer27 wrote:

Amazing isn't it. 

Well, we're about to see this weekend. 

Beeby wrote:

Indeed we are… on American soil, American weather, no excuses 

Falcon wrote:

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations...

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations that are usually written into racer agreements, from what I've gathered in my days as a (small) team manager. I would expect Prado's contract contains at least something similar to this:

In consideration for rider's salary and bonuses;
1) Racer is a spokesperson for the brand. 
(In other words, he will represent Kawasaki, Monster Energy, and all the related sub-sponsors in the best possible light. He will appear in team-branded clothing, attend autograph signings, and act in a manner representing the brand in a positive way. He will present his motorcycle as a competitive, preferred vehicle and endeavor to create demand for its retail success.) 
2) Racer shall not ride or represent any other team.
(In other words, do not create demand for Kawasaki's competitors, which could result in fewer retail sales of KXs and other models. If you go driving in a UTV, you do it in a Terex. If you go out on a PWC, it's a Kawasaki Jet Ski. By way of extension to the title sponsor and sub-sponsors, if you drink an energy drink in public, it's a Monster. If you put handlebars on your pitbike, you use Renthal, etc.) 

Clauses like the above would be in full force and effect until the end of the contract term or until the contract is mutually voided. One party cannot simply decide he doesn't like the terms of said contract and leave. It is in both parties' interests to reasonably attempt to satisfy the other's requirements. (Prado gets a bike with settings he likes, Kawasaki gets a smiling, high-performance rider.) In the event neither party wants to continue, they can come to mutually agreeable terms and discontinue the agreement. This could include any number of things, from "We'll just let you out" to "You owe us $X for breach of contract due to non-performance of duties." It is likely that Kawasaki would have a hard time proving non-performance of duties unless there is an expectation of specific finishes written into the contract. Prado would also face a similar hurdle regarding the performance of the bike (how do you quantify when a bike "feels right?") Honestly, I don't think either party is going to get money back at this juncture. it is probably best that Kawasaki just lets the dude walk with the income he has earned thus far and cancels the rest. 
 

dingaling wrote:

I've got no way of confirming but I'm pretty sure Kawi and Monster are not concerned about the actual money itself. They aren't going broke anytime...

I've got no way of confirming but I'm pretty sure Kawi and Monster are not concerned about the actual money itself. They aren't going broke anytime soon. They are huge global organisations. Id say it's the principle of it. You can't set the low standard of just letting a rider trash your brands, take no accountability, take your money, and leave free of charge with a wake of distruction in the rear view mirror. 

Radical wrote:

It's too much money for them to not care about it.  I'm pretty sure they'd be concerned about both.

ohh_454 wrote:

Hopefully Monster and Kawi drag this out as long as they can because of his lack of effort versus the effort Kawi put in. Everyone that...

Hopefully Monster and Kawi drag this out as long as they can because of his lack of effort versus the effort Kawi put in. Everyone that think Sexton isn’t going to win on the Kawi will be eating crow 🐦‍⬛ Kenny has won a race the last 3 years on his HEP Suzuki and people think Chase going over to Kawi will struggle lol

3strokemx wrote:

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.Kawasaki...

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? 
I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.

Kawasaki has went from winning often to only 1x 450 (Tomac 2020) and 1x 250 (Justin Hill 2017) championship in the last 11 years.

While the other team they are supporting (Star Racing) has been very successful recently.
 

3strokemx wrote:

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.Kawasaki...

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? 
I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.

Kawasaki has went from winning often to only 1x 450 (Tomac 2020) and 1x 250 (Justin Hill 2017) championship in the last 11 years.

While the other team they are supporting (Star Racing) has been very successful recently.
 

quadzrulebro wrote:

Everything you ever post is just nonsense.  Eli won championships for Kawasaki in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and AC won his title in 2019. I...

Everything you ever post is just nonsense.  Eli won championships for Kawasaki in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, and AC won his title in 2019. I actually forgot about Hill’s regional title.

jameslowry wrote:

i think kawi & monster should make him sit on the sideline's & watch every race until his contract is up 

3strokemx wrote:

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.Kawasaki...

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? 
I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.

Kawasaki has went from winning often to only 1x 450 (Tomac 2020) and 1x 250 (Justin Hill 2017) championship in the last 11 years.

While the other team they are supporting (Star Racing) has been very successful recently.
 

CPR wrote:

Think of it this way; if Prado does well, then the KTM is better than the Kawi, if he performs poorly, it’s just Prado continuing to...

Think of it this way; if Prado does well, then the KTM is better than the Kawi, if he performs poorly, it’s just Prado continuing to suck. Getting a multi world champion cheaply and low risk doesn’t happen very often.

Mega Racing wrote:

Was some of the appeal not that he has a big following in Latin America? Plus who is KTM going to get that can podium SX...

Was some of the appeal not that he has a big following in Latin America? Plus who is KTM going to get that can podium SX & win outdoors? With both Laurences in contract, secton now gone & Deegs & Webb on the yam whos left? Tomac is prob a 1-2 year deal & his expectations are podiums. If prado clicks you’ve got a championship guy

crusty_xx wrote:

I've lived in Latin America for over half a decade. The only time they cared for a Spanish speaking rider was Ernie.
And Enzo BRBRBRBR

Falcon wrote:

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations...

For the record. I am not a lawyer, nor am I privy to the details of Prado's contract. However, here are some very basic contractual obligations that are usually written into racer agreements, from what I've gathered in my days as a (small) team manager. I would expect Prado's contract contains at least something similar to this:

In consideration for rider's salary and bonuses;
1) Racer is a spokesperson for the brand. 
(In other words, he will represent Kawasaki, Monster Energy, and all the related sub-sponsors in the best possible light. He will appear in team-branded clothing, attend autograph signings, and act in a manner representing the brand in a positive way. He will present his motorcycle as a competitive, preferred vehicle and endeavor to create demand for its retail success.) 
2) Racer shall not ride or represent any other team.
(In other words, do not create demand for Kawasaki's competitors, which could result in fewer retail sales of KXs and other models. If you go driving in a UTV, you do it in a Terex. If you go out on a PWC, it's a Kawasaki Jet Ski. By way of extension to the title sponsor and sub-sponsors, if you drink an energy drink in public, it's a Monster. If you put handlebars on your pitbike, you use Renthal, etc.) 

Clauses like the above would be in full force and effect until the end of the contract term or until the contract is mutually voided. One party cannot simply decide he doesn't like the terms of said contract and leave. It is in both parties' interests to reasonably attempt to satisfy the other's requirements. (Prado gets a bike with settings he likes, Kawasaki gets a smiling, high-performance rider.) In the event neither party wants to continue, they can come to mutually agreeable terms and discontinue the agreement. This could include any number of things, from "We'll just let you out" to "You owe us $X for breach of contract due to non-performance of duties." It is likely that Kawasaki would have a hard time proving non-performance of duties unless there is an expectation of specific finishes written into the contract. Prado would also face a similar hurdle regarding the performance of the bike (how do you quantify when a bike "feels right?") Honestly, I don't think either party is going to get money back at this juncture. it is probably best that Kawasaki just lets the dude walk with the income he has earned thus far and cancels the rest. 
 

dingaling wrote:

I've got no way of confirming but I'm pretty sure Kawi and Monster are not concerned about the actual money itself. They aren't going broke anytime...

I've got no way of confirming but I'm pretty sure Kawi and Monster are not concerned about the actual money itself. They aren't going broke anytime soon. They are huge global organisations. Id say it's the principle of it. You can't set the low standard of just letting a rider trash your brands, take no accountability, take your money, and leave free of charge with a wake of distruction in the rear view mirror. 

Radical wrote:

It's too much money for them to not care about it.  I'm pretty sure they'd be concerned about both.

Paul333 wrote:

It’s simple. Pay him for this season. End it. Shred the contact Let him go. MX has zero history of forcing riders to stay when they don’t want too ride...

It’s simple. 

Pay him for this season. 

End it. Shred the contact 

Let him go. 

MX has zero history of forcing riders to stay when they don’t want too ride for them. 

 

3strokemx wrote:

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.Kawasaki...

Does this kerfuffle impact Monster's interest in supporting the Kawasaki factory team? 
I'm sure Monster isn't happy about it and the Kawasaki team's results have been declining.

Kawasaki has went from winning often to only 1x 450 (Tomac 2020) and 1x 250 (Justin Hill 2017) championship in the last 11 years.

While the other team they are supporting (Star Racing) has been very successful recently.
 

philG wrote:

Surely that underlines all the issues the Kawasaki has. . AC won a title, didnt he? But with 2 guys in 450 and 4 to 5 in 250...

Surely that underlines all the issues the Kawasaki has. . 

AC won a title, didnt he? 

But with 2 guys in 450 and 4 to 5 in 250 , it doesnt look good does it. 

 

lostboy819 wrote:

Windham had to sit and watch and missed a couple races because Yamaha wasn't having any of Windhams BS when he signed with Honda even though...

Windham had to sit and watch and missed a couple races because Yamaha wasn't having any of Windhams BS when he signed with Honda even though he had a valid contract with Yamaha, and had to pay also. some riders even at the factory level are not real smart. 

edit: He tried to race the Honda and Yamaha got a court order to stop him until he worked out and paid a settlement with Yamaha.

Paul333 wrote:

It’s simple. Pay him for this season. End it. Shred the contact Let him go. MX has zero history of forcing riders to stay when they don’t want too ride...

It’s simple. 

Pay him for this season. 

End it. Shred the contact 

Let him go. 

MX has zero history of forcing riders to stay when they don’t want too ride for them. 

 

Paul333 wrote:

It’s simple. Pay him for this season. End it. Shred the contact Let him go. MX has zero history of forcing riders to stay when they don’t want too ride...

It’s simple. 

Pay him for this season. 

End it. Shred the contact 

Let him go. 

MX has zero history of forcing riders to stay when they don’t want too ride for them.