H4L wrote:
Hopefully the thread didn't come across as an obsession or the sky is falling. I was thinking more along the lines of the future of the sport. I've seen the progression in the last 4 decades & was more interested in how it will evolve into possibly E-bikes. I guess time will only tell..
Mainstream viewership, leading to merch sales to include “monstery” drinks, hats, shirts, etc. is the NASCAR model right? Also all the commercials leading to sales of Tide, whatever. You could make an argument that Freestyle has done way more to promote sales than MX/SX racing. NASCAR and Football are all about the personalities IMO. It’s gonna take personalities to grow MX/SX mainstream. Think what Evel, Pastrana, and even MC with 1-800-Collect did to grow the sport. Tiger for Golf.
So you’ve got that mainstream side, the circus, the show, then you have our enthusiast side. That’s the one I’m concerned about. PulpMX was saying the numbers for TV are up, so that’s a positive, but go to your local track, sad deal on the racing side. Less expensive bikes that won’t fall apart on a 60’ table would help grow the sport possibly. If those bikes are Ebikes even better, less mechanical knowledge needed. Get racing in urban areas, make it “cool”, win for enthusiasts and mainstream. Too bad Moto is dangerous or you could have K1 type riding places for the masses. Air conditioning under a big steel building. Rent and ride. Gear available. Let’s face it most get hooked on Moto once they try it.
But like @JustMX says Moto is expense, access, risks, etc. remain a problem for grassroots growth. Solve that and sport should grow.