Posts
18
Joined
5/26/2020
Location
Athens, AL
US
Edited Date/Time
2/9/2021 11:52am
Why is it such a big secret what these guys make? What type of money does the average factory rider in 250 and 450 make? None of my business, but the life styles they live and all the expenses seem they must be doing just fine.
450's
Top guys make millions in base salary, plus sponsor deals. Guys outside the top 3 are making far less, but still decent money. A win bonus from the factory alone is $100K. When added to the bonuses paid out by sponsors it is rumored that some guys make $200K per win bonus.
250's
Top guys make $250K-$300K base. Other guys that are on teams, but aren't contenders make $50K-$75K. A bonus payout from the factory is around $50K per win.
Where is more money supposed to come from? Are the team owners and upper management of teams just getting filthy rich from racing? I don't think so....
*Before I get flamed, of course I want ALL of the racers to make more money, I just don't see where it is supposed to come from.
The Shop
A 20 something who is smart with money is probably the exception rather than the rule.
It is super difficult to pin down an avg salary. Basically, only 250 rookies and 2nd or 3rd year riders are making similar money. Jett is an exception but that was due to his performances/popularity and his team folding essentially made him a free agent after his rookie year. Otherwise he would still be on the lower factory rider pay scale sue to his experience.
The 250 class guys typically aren't making better than what most average people bring home after expenses. BUT, they get to ride a motorcycle for a living.
in 2009 When Reed raced outdoors, the team couldn't afford to pay him so they took out a huge insurance policy if he won the championship. Between the team and one of his sponsors (can't remember who) The insurance payout when he won the title was $8 Million!
I remember back in 1994, I was staying with KDub prepping for the SX season and Yamaha flew him out to meet with Bob Hannah to kind of mentor him. Kevin came back and the first thing he said Hannah told him was "work now and you will be able to play later. Play now and you will have to work later." It must've stuck because KDub isn't working!
Pit Row
https://sevenmx.com/
Bubba is doing ok
Now unless you show up to your local races and can spank the pro class (say 15-20 riders) with ease every weekend, don't even bother consider it as a career.
Still interested, must win Loretta's in the top 2 spots..
Now that you have spent over 50k in your own money to reach amateur level pro, ok, now to pursue pro mx or sx. Now you need either a sponsor or/and equipment, tools, extra parts-engines, fuel, insurance, travel, time to practice full time. (stop your current job full time pretty much). Oh and you need to buy health supplement/recovery to help with building your endurance.
I think pro license, race entry, required rider insurance (Another $350) to enter a PRO race. So your all set.. now all you have to do is qualify to the main to make prize money.
Congratulations, you made it to the main and placed 20th. You get $1000 dollars in 250s, in 450s $2200.
If you qualified for every main, you could make in 17 race series $17k for the year and $38k for the year BEFORE ADDING UP ALL YOUR EXPENSES!
Fuggin scary right.. now as your HS career counselor, stop worrying about what they make and go out and ride for fun. Miracle we have people showing up to race. It's pretty much all about the glory.. LOL..
But if you make that path successfully, come back and prove us wrong.
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