Supercross Let it be known!

[Supafreak_711]

That any rider who switches to a SX only contract will instantly lose me as a fan. With all of the rumors of JS switching, I am worried I will have to jump off the bubba train which I have been on through the bad times as well as the good.

MX is where this sport came from, and I believe it showcases what the sport is all about. SX is more marketable and viewer friendly for sure, but it’s a circus act compared to MX. I think MX is the real arena of the sport where the contestants do battle and the best man wins. SX is flashy and fun to watch, but it’s not the same nor is it a replacement.

So let it be known, riders who may search these forums themselves or have someone look at them for you. If you switch to an SX only contract, you will lose at least one fan.

That may seem insignificant, but I'm a big fan damnit! I'm the one standing in the shaded corner of the Freestone MX track screaming my lungs out all day long. I'm the fan that leaves the race without his voice. I'm the fan that supports the companies that support the riders. A big reason for buying my tundra over a Chevy was Toyota’s support for the sport, especially privateers on the MX circuit.

[Engine_24]

You mean you are not a Chad Reed fan??? say it aint so.

[viper1549]

i feel ya man.. it sucks things have to always be about money.. anyday i would take JS talent and accept pay like a top privateer.. i would love to be in their shoes..

there starting to get like pro baseball and basketball players..

i dont like chad read sx only or not lol..

[Cody592]

I never really understood why some riders chose supercross only contracts. Does it pay that much more than mx contracts?? Wouldnt they be making more money if they chose to do both MX and SX. I dont really have a problem with Reed taking an SX only contract because he really stepped up his game this year. It seemed like it helped him. But I agree that if Stewart or any other rider switched to a SX only contract they will lose all respect that I had for them.

[SpöttedMarley]

The top guys love riding and racing motocross just as much or more than you or I do. If they are deciding to skip the outdoors, maybe it's a good idea for someone to be asking the question "Why?" and doing something about it so that the trend is nipped in the bud. The bottom line is that these are professional athletes and they make their decisions based on a million different reasons and info that none of us in the general public are privy to.

Give DC, the new manager of outdoor motocross for the NPG, some time to sort through the issues that are causing this exodus and I guarantee you he will do whatever it takes to bring the prestige back to the outdoors so that either the riders, or at least the manufacturers they ride for, can't afford NOT to be there in the summer.

Right now a few guys can afford not to go.

[ruddell07]

It must be tremendously draining on the riders to have to travel so much, particularly from one coast to the other. I think thats why some of these guys are opting for SX only deals. MX is usually in areas away from major metropolitan airports and therefore increases travel time. While I can sympathize with hating to travel, its hard to feel too sorry for them. Its not like to the top guys are still riding in box vans between venues. I've been to the Nationals 6-7 times and can't wait to go this weekend. I've been to one SX and it was a great experience, but it isolates you from the action. While it's easier to watch an SX race in person (you can see the whole track) MX is up close and personal. The wind generated from the pack flying by and the roost flying into the crowd are something that you cant get at an SX race. I hope this doesn't become a trend, but with Stewart out of MX, maybe we'll be able to see an actual race.

[SpöttedMarley]

the only thing that worries me about DC is that he seems too cought up in trying to make motocross as big as nascar or the other big motorsports. im a little worried he, NPG and DMG will make changes designed to bring in big money and outside interest that hurt the soul of the sport. things like single motos, night races and saturday races are being discussed, have already happened, or are going to happen. i was at the colorado national, and while it was kinda cool it wasnt motocross. it was smooth as a babys bottom to avoid shadows. i worry that the soul of the sport will be lost in search of big TV contracts and the like. changing the sport so outside people can get interested in it alienates those who already love it. i say make it as good as possible for those who already love it for what it is. not make it a neat tightly bundled, tv marketable package we already have that and it is called SX. i guess time will tell.

i feel the same way as you. in fact, a good while ago i remember posting a thread stating the question of whether or not it's actually good for the real fans of motocross for the sport to be more mainstream. you hear them talking all the time about, we need to do this, and that and be more like nascar... outside sponsors... bigger money... more tv coverage... but in my opinion the sport was waaay more fun, exciting, enjoyable, etc (at least in person anyways) back when not very many people knew what it was than it is today. It seems to me the more mainstream it gets the more diluted and commercialized and tame and... well.. mainstream it gets.

so for that matter i totally agree with you. nothing would make me happier than to see mx and sx revert back into relative obscurity. maybe the sport would gte cheaper for guys like me if it wasn't so damn x-games cool. a selfish point of view i know.

having said all that, we are where we are and there's no going back that I can see and, left to it's present course, the outdoor series will continue to shrink in the shadow of what is now the real "big show", supercross. the money is there, the fans are there, the top guys are like NFL superstars battling in the biggest sports arenas in the country, everything about SX is designed to be a big bright blinking show-sport and so that's where all the manufacturers and riders need to be to stay in the spotlight of "mainstream" sports.

the way i see it, there are two possible outcomes that i would be fine with. either promote the hell out of the nationals and make them bigger and better and get the top guys to (or manufacturers) to want to be there, or leave them alone and maybe the national series will survive as a lower-class, more grass roots sort of series like it always has been.

also, i think DC will do an awesome job managing the series. i like everythign about his magazines and i think he's already done alot for this sport just with his own business.

[Johnyb]

That any rider who switches to a SX only contract will instantly lose me as a fan. With all of the rumors of JS switching, I am worried I will have to jump off the bubba train which I have been on through the bad times as well as the good.

MX is where this sport came from, and I believe it showcases what the sport is all about. SX is more marketable and viewer friendly for sure, but it’s a circus act compared to MX. I think MX is the real arena of the sport where the contestants do battle and the best man wins. SX is flashy and fun to watch, but it’s not the same nor is it a replacement.

So let it be known, riders who may search these forums themselves or have someone look at them for you. If you switch to an SX only contract, you will lose at least one fan.

That may seem insignificant, but I'm a big fan damnit! I'm the one standing in the shaded corner of the Freestone MX track screaming my lungs out all day long. I'm the fan that leaves the race without his voice. I'm the fan that supports the companies that support the riders. A big reason for buying my tundra over a Chevy was Toyota’s support for the sport, especially privateers on the MX circuit.

I totally agree:thumbsup: Real champions race/win both MX & SX, period.

[Jack22]

I belive it's way for aging champions to continue their career. Slower speeds, less chance of getting an injury.

[husky424]

That any rider who switches to a SX only contract will instantly lose me as a fan. With all of the rumors of JS switching, I am worried I will have to jump off the bubba train which I have been on through the bad times as well as the good.

MX is where this sport came from, and I believe it showcases what the sport is all about. SX is more marketable and viewer friendly for sure, but it’s a circus act compared to MX. I think MX is the real arena of the sport where the contestants do battle and the best man wins. SX is flashy and fun to watch, but it’s not the same nor is it a replacement.

So let it be known, riders who may search these forums themselves or have someone look at them for you. If you switch to an SX only contract, you will lose at least one fan.

That may seem insignificant, but I'm a big fan damnit! I'm the one standing in the shaded corner of the Freestone MX track screaming my lungs out all day long. I'm the fan that leaves the race without his voice. I'm the fan that supports the companies that support the riders. A big reason for buying my tundra over a Chevy was Toyota’s support for the sport, especially privateers on the MX circuit.

Good post! I will be following you off of the band wagon of these riders that sign SX only contracts. MX is the true spirit of the sport, and IMO is the most exciting to watch. To me SX is like watching pro wrestling. Fireworks going off when they start, and at the finish jump. It seems like the racing is almost secondary. I don't need fireworks to provide a WOW factor, the racing should be enough. The short races always seem to be leaving me with a feeling of "that was it?" The only reason I watch it is because it is a form of motorcycle racing. If Canadian MX or FIM MX was on at the same time I would be watching them over SX. Hopefully these riders are reading these forums, or having someone read these for them, and they realize that they risk losing fans for their actions. As a matter of fact, I WILL boycott the sport of SX if too many riders switch to SX only contracts. I'll start putting ALL of my money, and time into W.O.R.C.S or GNCC.

[CRF250X Rider]

I think if CR, and JS go to SX only it will make MX a lot more exiting because there will be for the first time in years, first place battles. I think that would be cool, but I've been watching JS tear it up out doors and I would be sad to see him go. ?

Theres two sides to every story remember.

[viper1549]

I never really understood why some riders chose supercross only contracts. Does it pay that much more than mx contracts?? Wouldnt they be making more money if they chose to do both MX and SX. I dont really have a problem with Reed taking an SX only contract because he really stepped up his game this year. It seemed like it helped him. But I agree that if Stewart or any other rider switched to a SX only contract they will lose all respect that I had for them.

how exactly did reed step up his game? Stewart wasnt there to beat him nor RC compared to last SX season. I cant see you telling me he had a chance at getting a championchip in SX if Stewart was healthy all season, which means he would be in the same ol 2nd place. Which is where hes going to be as long as he races in the US.

[Potok]

Come on, let's take a step back here. Anyone on here who says they will no longer be a fan of MX is not being honest with themselves. Yes, you may be disappointed if Stewart doesn't race outdoors. Yes, many of us will be disappointed if it goes to a one moto format and yes, many will be disappointed about Saturday night races. But guess what, we're all still going to watch and follow the sport because we love it and we can't get enough of it.

[Cody592]

how exactly did reed step up his game? Stewart wasnt there to beat him nor RC compared to last SX season. I cant see you telling me he had a chance at getting a championchip in SX if Stewart was healthy all season, which means he would be in the same ol 2nd place. Which is where hes going to be as long as he races in the US.

Reed worked his azz off during the 07 national season to focus on supercross. He was noticably faster this year than in 07. Before, he had more of a fluid like style and would never really pick up the pace or hang it all out but this year he developed a more agressive, ballz to the wall attitude. Say what ever you want but he would have given stewart a run for his money had he stuck around. Not saying he would have won the championship but it would have been better racing than in past years between the two.

[SpöttedMarley]

i could have sworn i heard recently that the one-moto format was considered and unanimously rejected.

i can't be sure tho cuz i don't remember exactly.. i just have a vague memory or sense of feeling like "oh thank god" regarding that subject. but no details.

[viper1549]

its not really up to JS to get a SX only contract. Yea he could say no and not be with any team but it all has to do with money..

sure JS can accept half (mabe not that drastic) of what hes making now to stay with Kawasaki or be with anther team full time but kawasaki can not afford him because of villapoto comming up..

IMO they should let villapoto find another team than making stewart leave but thats just me. stewart has alot of years in him still and i dont see poto beating him anytime soon.. stewart is still on a whole other level than poto..

if i was stewart i would feel betrayed since hes been with kawasaki for so long.. i dont feel poto has as much potential as stewart had in his position of just coming up to the big bikes..

LMS was prolly the only one that would fork out to match or even make a lil more than he is now.. it just so happends that the lame company doesnt like MX that much in my guess is because of injury risk..

i will remain a fan of JS either way im just really pissed if its going to be yamaha.. i HATE YAMAHA..

like someone said on this thread or another.. there is alot that goes on behind the scenes that we dont see or hear about.

Its not just about what color bike the rider wants to ride like the option we all have.. ?

[viper1549]

Reed worked his azz off during the 07 national season to focus on supercross. He was noticably faster this year than in 07. Before, he had more of a fluid like style and would never really pick up the pace or hang it all out but this year he developed a more agressive, ballz to the wall attitude. Say what ever you want but he would have given stewart a run for his money had he stuck around. Not saying he would have won the championship but it would have been racing than in past years between the two.

i see your point and im glad you at least admin he wouldnt of gotten the championship anyway, but IMO i can see chad retiring from the US after 1 more year of SX unless contract says otherwise because poto i think is going to cause reed to regain his thrown at 3rd place. but thats just opinion and i am excited to see it happen or be proven wrong. ?

[ThunderChicken]

I think we are seeing the start of a lot of changes in "moto."

I think you will see "SX Specialists" and "MX Specialists" emerge.

In fact, if it were 10 years from now, you will see a guy like Alessi only racing outside and a guy like Bubbers only racing inside and not give it a second thought.

I bet the first thing to go will be the AX series. Those riders will fill in the gates at the SX and Canadians and defectors from the World Champ. MX series will fill in gates for outdoors. The two will exist together, but be mutually exclusive.

The factories are going to be long gone in the next 5 years.

Only specialized private teams recieving varied levels of support depending on their profile and budget.

There's only 365 days in the year and by the time you factor in all of the extra stuff like XGames and the US Open it probably gets tough.

I've never agreed with the whole "it's gonna blow up like NASCAR" thing. I think MX/SX is supported and only exists because it's an enthusiast sport similluar to pro skate boarding or snow boarding.

The common man has no interest. What we need to be more worried about is whether there will even be a base of enthusiasts left to go watch the pros if we keep losing our race tracks and riding areas.

[IKE607]

i could have sworn i heard recently that the one-moto format was considered and unanimously rejected.

i can't be sure tho cuz i don't remember exactly.. i just have a vague memory or sense of feeling like "oh thank god" regarding that subject. but no details.

You did read that, and if I remember correctly, it was Davey Coombs words some where in RacerX. No one moto format, period.

[Supafreak_711]

Actually guys, I must make one revision to my previous statement.

If any rider switches to a SX only contract OTHER THAN TRAVIS PASTRANA, then I will no longer be a fan.

The golden boy could huck babies off a cliff and I would still be a fan.

That is all.