Chase v. Feld

CPR
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1/25/2026 5:00pm

I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/ less burnout for riders and more time for off season testing and contract changes. It may even make SMX a bit more meaningful.

It would mean less rounds of Feld’s SX cash cow, but it’s also less outlay for them, so maybe that evens out? While rider’s contracts may be less, they could easily make up the difference by doing an off season race or two, that are well paid and more like a working holiday.

Another point of Chase’s that I agree with, was about the track design and prep; I’m surprised no one’s jumped on that here. That’s a major factor in riders making it through the season, yet it doesn’t seem to have improved.

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gt80rider
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1/25/2026 5:21pm

It's just that bad now days... and those making the millions upon millions have zero fs to the riders, or the people that really pay the bills- us!! 

The riders and manufacturers need to fire feld... do their own thing... every pro or former pro who have scored a pro point should start it up... 10k (the price of a bike) to be a part of the riders group that starts new sx and mx... get a thousand current and former pros to sign on as foundation members and that's 10 mill in start up money.... and the manufacturers can put up the same amount to get things off the ground... profits split 50 50 between the riders group and the manufacturers... make their own rules..  set a more reasonable schedule... and get a real "tv" deal where people can actually see them... and not be used as circus animals anymore.... 

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jmo443
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1/25/2026 5:32pm
truck wrote:
Fan access is part of the sport and chase seems to understand that but I totally get the frustration from his standpoint. Other professional sports guys...

Fan access is part of the sport and chase seems to understand that but I totally get the frustration from his standpoint. Other professional sports guys are staying in hotel rooms even for home games and totally isolated for day before they compete. 

Maybe some pit access on Friday? I'd totally go and just avoid the pits altogether on race day. Not sure if the riders would like that better or not? I also wonder how much fan behavior makes it worse. Standing back and watching mechanics work is a little different than constantly yelling for handouts or pictures or generally trying to be involved. I imagine it just becomes too much. 

kylemenz1 wrote:
I’ve being wishing for a qualifying only ticket for years. Friday pit access with practice/qualifying seem like a good idea.  Then race day have a couple...

I’ve being wishing for a qualifying only ticket for years. Friday pit access with practice/qualifying seem like a good idea.  Then race day have a couple practice sessions and limited pit access. That would be fine by me because I’d go to the practice day only and leave the drunks to fight in the stands on race day where me and my kids watch from the comfort of our couch. 

No shit. I have not been to the Friday practice in forever. Is that included with my ticket and monster can? 

The Shop

Mit12
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1/25/2026 5:33pm
500 Mike wrote:
Chase is 100% right, Feld does view it like a business and really don’t care a whole lot about the riders.  At their core they are...

Chase is 100% right, Feld does view it like a business and really don’t care a whole lot about the riders.  At their core they are a circus company and this is what they think SX is. Is Monster Jam a real sport/competition…. no.  Maybe one day they’ll turn it into a MJ kind of thing.  If they can make more money doing that, what do you think will happen?   And MX Sports will be right there with them!  

Well it is a business for FELD. In saying that they need to understand that riders need to have time to prepare for the heats and main events. 

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vdrsnk04
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1/25/2026 5:36pm Edited Date/Time 1/25/2026 5:37pm
shortty761 wrote:
I get it but meanwhile Jett and Hunter have the “Lawrence Fan Zone” and that doesn’t seem to distract Jett from getting his countless championships….and I’m...

I get it but meanwhile Jett and Hunter have the “Lawrence Fan Zone” and that doesn’t seem to distract Jett from getting his countless championships….and I’m a Sexton fan.

Not everyone has the same personality. 

But in saying that I also understand the entire point of any professional sport is to entertain people and fans. There is no other purpose.

truck
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1/25/2026 5:50pm

Hollywood is a business too but the stars are still able to dictate terms. These guys aren't able to do that because they care about the championship so much and the group that sanctions that is sold out to the promoters. If AMA won't stand up to them the riders don't have much chance unfortunately. 

Also doesn't help that if you asked 3 riders which way is up you'd get 3 different answers. Can't think of much of anything there's consensus on with them.

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JazzyJJ
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1/25/2026 6:00pm
CPR wrote:
I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/...

I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/ less burnout for riders and more time for off season testing and contract changes. It may even make SMX a bit more meaningful.

It would mean less rounds of Feld’s SX cash cow, but it’s also less outlay for them, so maybe that evens out? While rider’s contracts may be less, they could easily make up the difference by doing an off season race or two, that are well paid and more like a working holiday.

Another point of Chase’s that I agree with, was about the track design and prep; I’m surprised no one’s jumped on that here. That’s a major factor in riders making it through the season, yet it doesn’t seem to have improved.

How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that was the case they would cancel already. Capitalism 101

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CPR
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1/25/2026 6:25pm
CPR wrote:
I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/...

I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/ less burnout for riders and more time for off season testing and contract changes. It may even make SMX a bit more meaningful.

It would mean less rounds of Feld’s SX cash cow, but it’s also less outlay for them, so maybe that evens out? While rider’s contracts may be less, they could easily make up the difference by doing an off season race or two, that are well paid and more like a working holiday.

Another point of Chase’s that I agree with, was about the track design and prep; I’m surprised no one’s jumped on that here. That’s a major factor in riders making it through the season, yet it doesn’t seem to have improved.

JazzyJJ wrote:
How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that...

How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that was the case they would cancel already. Capitalism 101

Less revenue but less expenditure, I’m talking profit margin/ return on investment.

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JazzyJJ
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1/25/2026 7:16pm
CPR wrote:
I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/...

I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/ less burnout for riders and more time for off season testing and contract changes. It may even make SMX a bit more meaningful.

It would mean less rounds of Feld’s SX cash cow, but it’s also less outlay for them, so maybe that evens out? While rider’s contracts may be less, they could easily make up the difference by doing an off season race or two, that are well paid and more like a working holiday.

Another point of Chase’s that I agree with, was about the track design and prep; I’m surprised no one’s jumped on that here. That’s a major factor in riders making it through the season, yet it doesn’t seem to have improved.

JazzyJJ wrote:
How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that...

How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that was the case they would cancel already. Capitalism 101

CPR wrote:

Less revenue but less expenditure, I’m talking profit margin/ return on investment.

Exactly my point. They either make money on a round or they don’t. If they don’t they should cancel it anyway.

jmo443
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1/25/2026 10:07pm

Good on Chase for a one hour interview when he’s ready to head to bed. 

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1/26/2026 1:52am

12 SX

10 MX

3 SMX.

MXdN

That’s more than enough.

Fan engagement is one thing SX/MX does right.

scott_nz wrote:

how many riders will like the drop in pay that will mean,  considering most of them do international races on top of the current 31 races, 

I’m guessing the pre season races will see a decline of AMA talent. 

8tensolutions
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1/26/2026 6:33am
CPR wrote:
I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/...

I think a 12 SX 12 MX 3 SMX schedule would be good for everyone; plenty of time for MXdN and off season races, more downtime/ less burnout for riders and more time for off season testing and contract changes. It may even make SMX a bit more meaningful.

It would mean less rounds of Feld’s SX cash cow, but it’s also less outlay for them, so maybe that evens out? While rider’s contracts may be less, they could easily make up the difference by doing an off season race or two, that are well paid and more like a working holiday.

Another point of Chase’s that I agree with, was about the track design and prep; I’m surprised no one’s jumped on that here. That’s a major factor in riders making it through the season, yet it doesn’t seem to have improved.

JazzyJJ wrote:
How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that...

How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that was the case they would cancel already. Capitalism 101

CPR wrote:

Less revenue but less expenditure, I’m talking profit margin/ return on investment.

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. 

The # of races is no different than it has been for 40 years.  The larger issue to me is why these guys are all doing multiple full motos throughout the week.  I understand some strength/cardio work and maybe testing parts and working on specific sections (whoops or turns).....but doing full motos is like adding more races.  What other sport plays full "games" 2-3 times between the game?  For example, marathon runners almost never run marathons and certainly not the week of their race.  In summary, they need to rest more IMO.

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1/26/2026 6:37am
aeffertz wrote:
Pretty sure you’re wrong.Why is Eli Tomac on a $2M annual salary from KTM and another $1M from Alpinestars? Is it for fan engagement in the...

Pretty sure you’re wrong.


Why is Eli Tomac on a $2M annual salary from KTM and another $1M from Alpinestars? Is it for fan engagement in the pits?

Pit activation is a massive part of TEAM deals, how do you get people in the pits and score emails and phone numbers. A chance at...

Pit activation is a massive part of TEAM deals, how do you get people in the pits and score emails and phone numbers. A chance at seeing a rider and getting his autograph. 

aeffertz wrote:
So why has history proven you wrong? The argument is 'engagement is worth more than results'. If that was true, Josh Hill would be paid more...

So why has history proven you wrong? The argument is 'engagement is worth more than results'. If that was true, Josh Hill would be paid more than than these top factory riders.

Josh Hill is 35 years old. These kids want to see the current fastest guys on the planet at the race track. I did when I was a kid. Team sponsors pay big money because they want to be attached to the best guys. To increase engagement you have that rider in the pits signing autographs or at least let the fans see a glimpse of the guys doing their thing. They make millions of dollars a year and complain. Go tell Moranz you think pit time should be cut. 

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1/26/2026 6:43am

do qualifying on Friday (they're already riding the track for press day). Fans in the stands if they buy a ticket. No rider access.

On Saturday they could have the pit area and riders could do autographs in the early afternoon. Then it gets shut down, they lock in for the night.

This would alleviate the complaints about fan access, would shorten Sat for the riders and also allow them to only focus on the races. 

Just a thought.

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truck
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1/26/2026 6:43am
JazzyJJ wrote:
How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that...

How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that was the case they would cancel already. Capitalism 101

CPR wrote:

Less revenue but less expenditure, I’m talking profit margin/ return on investment.

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. The # of races is no different than it has...

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. 

The # of races is no different than it has been for 40 years.  The larger issue to me is why these guys are all doing multiple full motos throughout the week.  I understand some strength/cardio work and maybe testing parts and working on specific sections (whoops or turns).....but doing full motos is like adding more races.  What other sport plays full "games" 2-3 times between the game?  For example, marathon runners almost never run marathons and certainly not the week of their race.  In summary, they need to rest more IMO.

100% agree. They all convince themselves they need to to this but other than golf I can't think of a sport where they try to recreate the whole event between events while in season. I think it was Guillod who said he didn't ride at all between races outdoors last year, was too old, needed to recover. Most guys only do that when they're trying to get through an injury then we can't believe how well they do despite it. Yoder is perfect example this year. Having a great year not riding during the week. Put in the work in the off season. All you hear from him and the team is wait until he can ride during the week..... what if his results get worse once he starts riding during the week? Will anyone even consider the connection? Doubt it. 

1/26/2026 6:50am
PNWMXer wrote:

I can totally see his take. I mean, it’s not like he’s paid an assload of money to promote his sponsors and interact with fans…oh wait 

aeffertz wrote:

Pretty sure the majority of his contract is to deliver race results not play with kids in the pits. 

100% of his contract is to be a good ambassador for the companies he represents. This entails involves gaining the love of the paying fan in a variety of aspects. 'Playing with the kids in the pits' being one of them. Lots of those kids will say "I wanna be just like my hero, dad please buy me a green bike & Alpinestar gear!"
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soggy
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1/26/2026 6:52am Edited Date/Time 1/26/2026 6:56am
CPR wrote:

Less revenue but less expenditure, I’m talking profit margin/ return on investment.

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. The # of races is no different than it has...

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. 

The # of races is no different than it has been for 40 years.  The larger issue to me is why these guys are all doing multiple full motos throughout the week.  I understand some strength/cardio work and maybe testing parts and working on specific sections (whoops or turns).....but doing full motos is like adding more races.  What other sport plays full "games" 2-3 times between the game?  For example, marathon runners almost never run marathons and certainly not the week of their race.  In summary, they need to rest more IMO.

truck wrote:
100% agree. They all convince themselves they need to to this but other than golf I can't think of a sport where they try to recreate...

100% agree. They all convince themselves they need to to this but other than golf I can't think of a sport where they try to recreate the whole event between events while in season. I think it was Guillod who said he didn't ride at all between races outdoors last year, was too old, needed to recover. Most guys only do that when they're trying to get through an injury then we can't believe how well they do despite it. Yoder is perfect example this year. Having a great year not riding during the week. Put in the work in the off season. All you hear from him and the team is wait until he can ride during the week..... what if his results get worse once he starts riding during the week? Will anyone even consider the connection? Doubt it. 

Ski Racing, Ski and snowboard halfpipe/ slopestyle and moguls all train as if they are in a competition and is highly risky activity.

 

I think riders have to practice SX to keep the timing and rhythm down, keep muscle memory sharp.  It's a follow the leader sport.  If someone starts winning everything and isn't practicing (much) during the week you'll see a trend that direction.  Eventually simulation/ VR could become a good training tool for them similar to how F1 racers use a simulator for training.

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bns99121
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1/26/2026 7:16am
JazzyJJ wrote:
How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that...

How would less rounds and less revenue even out? That would only make sense if they had rounds that they lost money on, which if that was the case they would cancel already. Capitalism 101

CPR wrote:

Less revenue but less expenditure, I’m talking profit margin/ return on investment.

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. The # of races is no different than it has...

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. 

The # of races is no different than it has been for 40 years.  The larger issue to me is why these guys are all doing multiple full motos throughout the week.  I understand some strength/cardio work and maybe testing parts and working on specific sections (whoops or turns).....but doing full motos is like adding more races.  What other sport plays full "games" 2-3 times between the game?  For example, marathon runners almost never run marathons and certainly not the week of their race.  In summary, they need to rest more IMO.

Exactly, these top guys shouldn’t be on a bike at all during the week, unless something is terribly off on settings. Just stay in shape during the season, they aren’t going to lose any speed in 5 days between events. Every year we lose top guys from practice accidents. A injury is worse than any gain they get from riding during the week.

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1/26/2026 7:24am

And yet again this is another issue that @stull33  riders union could address. Only through the  collective power of all riders acting together can they gain the leverage to dictate things like fan interaction times, length of schedule, and track prep, maintenance and design. 

4
1/26/2026 7:50am
And yet again this is another issue that @stull33  riders union could address. Only through the  collective power of all riders acting together can they gain...

And yet again this is another issue that @stull33  riders union could address. Only through the  collective power of all riders acting together can they gain the leverage to dictate things like fan interaction times, length of schedule, and track prep, maintenance and design. 

lmao-crying-laughing 22
5
8tensolutions
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1/26/2026 7:54am
This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. The # of races is no different than it has...

This would only make sense if they lose $ on 5 rounds and they clearly do not. 

The # of races is no different than it has been for 40 years.  The larger issue to me is why these guys are all doing multiple full motos throughout the week.  I understand some strength/cardio work and maybe testing parts and working on specific sections (whoops or turns).....but doing full motos is like adding more races.  What other sport plays full "games" 2-3 times between the game?  For example, marathon runners almost never run marathons and certainly not the week of their race.  In summary, they need to rest more IMO.

truck wrote:
100% agree. They all convince themselves they need to to this but other than golf I can't think of a sport where they try to recreate...

100% agree. They all convince themselves they need to to this but other than golf I can't think of a sport where they try to recreate the whole event between events while in season. I think it was Guillod who said he didn't ride at all between races outdoors last year, was too old, needed to recover. Most guys only do that when they're trying to get through an injury then we can't believe how well they do despite it. Yoder is perfect example this year. Having a great year not riding during the week. Put in the work in the off season. All you hear from him and the team is wait until he can ride during the week..... what if his results get worse once he starts riding during the week? Will anyone even consider the connection? Doubt it. 

soggy wrote:
Ski Racing, Ski and snowboard halfpipe/ slopestyle and moguls all train as if they are in a competition and is highly risky activity. I think riders have...

Ski Racing, Ski and snowboard halfpipe/ slopestyle and moguls all train as if they are in a competition and is highly risky activity.

 

I think riders have to practice SX to keep the timing and rhythm down, keep muscle memory sharp.  It's a follow the leader sport.  If someone starts winning everything and isn't practicing (much) during the week you'll see a trend that direction.  Eventually simulation/ VR could become a good training tool for them similar to how F1 racers use a simulator for training.

They can stay sharp by doing a few laps and maybe some sprints/session work.  They don't need 20 lap motos to stay sharp.  Example would be Anderson was sick in San Diego and then did motos with Roczen on Pala on Tuesday and I am sure another day too.  He then starts off strong Saturday and faded badly.  Maybe if he rested and let his body take care of the sickness he wouldn't have blown it.

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joshd
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1/26/2026 11:06am

How many times have we seen a track worker fixing the same meaningless turn over and over while the 3 in the middle of a rhythm section kicks guys over the bars repeatedly. Never gets touched. Chase is right. 

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1/27/2026 8:03am Edited Date/Time 1/27/2026 8:08am
joshd wrote:
How many times have we seen a track worker fixing the same meaningless turn over and over while the 3 in the middle of a rhythm...

How many times have we seen a track worker fixing the same meaningless turn over and over while the 3 in the middle of a rhythm section kicks guys over the bars repeatedly. Never gets touched. Chase is right. 

Do you realize what goes into fixing rhythms with ruts? You don’t just drop dirt and back drag. The dirt will just blow out, you’re putting loose dirt in a hole with a few minutes to try and pack it. They don’t have time to fix everything properly. Also, you’re dealing with dirt that they literally cannot use lime with anymore. I know you’re going to reference the jump from the past weekend kitchen crashed on, they tried to fix it 3 times with each chance they got. If there’s a dangerous jump they will go do their best with the allotted time. Problems they have are where they are staged with the machines as well, sometimes it takes a quarter of the time to just get to the section, which leaves typically a few minutes to fix it before having to track back and make sure everything is back in place. 

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joshd
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1/27/2026 9:58am
joshd wrote:
How many times have we seen a track worker fixing the same meaningless turn over and over while the 3 in the middle of a rhythm...

How many times have we seen a track worker fixing the same meaningless turn over and over while the 3 in the middle of a rhythm section kicks guys over the bars repeatedly. Never gets touched. Chase is right. 

Do you realize what goes into fixing rhythms with ruts? You don’t just drop dirt and back drag. The dirt will just blow out, you’re putting...

Do you realize what goes into fixing rhythms with ruts? You don’t just drop dirt and back drag. The dirt will just blow out, you’re putting loose dirt in a hole with a few minutes to try and pack it. They don’t have time to fix everything properly. Also, you’re dealing with dirt that they literally cannot use lime with anymore. I know you’re going to reference the jump from the past weekend kitchen crashed on, they tried to fix it 3 times with each chance they got. If there’s a dangerous jump they will go do their best with the allotted time. Problems they have are where they are staged with the machines as well, sometimes it takes a quarter of the time to just get to the section, which leaves typically a few minutes to fix it before having to track back and make sure everything is back in place. 

That jump was was too short to have that steep of a face. I have worked many a day behind a skid steer. you are right. They can’t just back drag it I get that but look at the jump that throw forkner over the bars a few years ago. That jump was kicking guys all day. There is 0 excuses not to fix that. A skid steer with teeeth on the bucket can get down a little deeper and really do some work in a short amount of time. 

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USA
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1/27/2026 10:08am Edited Date/Time 1/27/2026 10:08am

I'm about over all the excuses for the dirt wurx crew and the sob story about how hard it is to work 20 weeks a year.

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FlyingBob
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1/27/2026 12:24pm
USA wrote:

I'm about over all the excuses for the dirt wurx crew and the sob story about how hard it is to work 20 weeks a year.

Not sure they care... paying bills... making money.

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FlyingBob
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1/27/2026 12:25pm

A circus by any other name is still a circus.

The crowd pays to see the tight rope walker defy gravity and death.

The crowd pays to see the tiger trainer push the beast and walk out alive.

The crowd pays to see the monster trucks rev it and roll, flip it and bounce.

The crowd pays to see the dirt bikers jump and turn, slice and dice.

The manufacturers pay to bring attention to their wares.

The riders line up and hold their pouches out to catch the coins.

The talking heads scream listen to me, listen to me, I’ll tell you the secrets.

Just pay your money and enjoy the show!

Taking this gig seriously is a fools errand…

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1/27/2026 12:44pm

Its interesting I kept expecting it to end and it kept going lol "I'll just go race MXGP" was not expecting that lol. 

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1/27/2026 12:44pm
USA wrote:

I'm about over all the excuses for the dirt wurx crew and the sob story about how hard it is to work 20 weeks a year.

If you think they work normal 40 hour weeks for only 20 weeks then you’re not worth talking to lol. 

 

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