In any form of racing the racer pays an entry fee. Ticket sales don't cover much at all. TV contracts and sponsorship are how race organizations make money.
Hey Matt just wanted to say thank you for your passion for the sport so many of us love. And also thanks you guys/gal for making my week better with your awesome videos you put out.
The fact that a fucking pro motocross racer as fast as Matty B has to pay for a tire for his bike is beyond me!?! Where you at STAR YAMAHA??? Give this kid a ride!!
THANK you much for showing the real costs. Racing costs the participants more than they will ever win. Keep the two stroke alive in the nationals, I would like to see the AMA allow up to 300-350 cc against 450 four strokes, This would make greater variety in both racing and selling. Keep up the good work
It cost me a hundred back in the mid to late 80’s. Just to drive by the bike shop , if I looked it was $200 to 500, that’s weekly , I raced “A” class with my friends , and the national guys showed up and lapped us on our own track ! Next week bike for sale! Went mountain bike racing , got whooped by John Tomac , “Tomac attack “ they called it . Passed down to “ Beast Mode” You are exactly correct . Passionate about racing. I support !
Great insight with raw numbers to back it! But the formula for Pro's is the same as Amateurs. You got to pay to play! Check on this if you dare. This will really blow people's minds. Jett, Deegan, etc. are all charged those fee's for their Pro license, mechanic passes, entry fees! Honda, Yamaha, Twisted Tea, Pro Circuit as a team pay that for each rider. Lars is charged that - paid by the Honda of course!
I paid for the AMA membership (forgot how much, but way under $100.00. I think about $30 for a year. Been a while.), and %\$15.00 per class for any amateur race I entered before 1998 (my last race at Red Bud during the night races of the pro weekend.). Racing was very inexpensive for kids with no sponsorship. That was also before the EPA force, and a new bike was only 5 grand (which was also high because of the 1986 production rule, that tripled the cost of a bike in about 5 years since 1985. We already had water cooling, linkage suspension, 12" of suspension travel, disk brakes, great frame geometry, and even up-side down forks, before the 1986 production rule, for a bike that costed about $1,500 in 1985.
Great analysis. Anyone who thinks MXSports/AMA is in it for the soul of the sport or good of the riders needs to think again. They only care about $$ period
Hey I have a question for you. What’s the normal career span for a privateer who might not make it to the bigger better teams? Wow it’s a super expensive profession and I’m glad you’re getting by. Good luck with your new bike and hopefully you’ll make some more progress.
Having been in the sport off and on since 1990, I can say that from what I have seen, the average span is about 15-25 years, with the rider starting to seriously race at around 8-10 years old. It will depend on many factors: rider conditioning, avoiding serious injuries, a good training program, support from family, friends and sponsors, and the rider's own mental toughness. Once you hit the pros and have to push that much harder, the toll on your body physically and mentally increases a lot, so once someone turns pro the average span is around 10 years max (in classes other than the vet classes.)
In the more talented 2-stroke days, a 10 year pro career was pretty long. The easier to ride 4-stroke had extended careers since they were first forced on the industry. But the proper answer to your question, that nobody does, is at least 8 years pro, while getting a good productive engineering degree on a part time basis. So when they retire from racing, they are not stuck with the education of a HS drop out (like Ping, who had to get a job with our baby sitter state). had have the marketable skills to get a good job, or start a business like Doug Dubach did. It is a waste of good brain and opportunity, to not get more education while racing. Take it from me, a guy with experience. I almost failed HS, but later in self paid engineering part time, became the sharpest guy in the class around year 6 of 8 years of study part time. The brain is like the body. The more we work it out, the better it gets also. The brain is also the organ that makes us human as only humans can figure out reality if practiced. So lets exercise our brains to be as human as possible,---or we can beg for welfare like a retard. :)
@@mattburkeen820 I noticed you showed a Michelin paddle tire. All I see around here are the Dunlop V paddle. What's your opinion on the two? We have 80% sand and some grass basically.
My new friend privateer life is all about compassion for the sport and and your racing circle now go hug your parents and think of what they put out to get your skills to pay the bills level of pro mx good luck young man enjoy the journey
The costs just to get into the event are beyond ridiculous. Someone is making a whole lot of money - and it isn't the privateer.... At least you chose the most reliable (according to MXA) machine out there, so your repair costs are fairly low..... You might've broken even - but that's all. Good luck at the next National you run!
At the top level the entry fee is a joke! Anyone who lines up on the gate at a 450 national shouldn’t have to pay an entry fee. Us as fans pay for a ticket to watch you guys race, that should cover everyone’s entry fee. What people don’t understand about privateers, you guys drive to every race. While the factory guys are practicing on their perfectly groomed practice track Monday thru Thursday, you guys are driving to the next race, eating what you can on the road, staying in roach motels or in the truck or van. While they charter their own plane or fly to each race. They have unlimited extra parts, motors, tires etc etc, you guys have to find and pay a mechanic to work on your bike under a ez-up. They get to relax in an air conditioned rig, or motorhome while you might have a fan that runs on batteries. If they tip over and break a lever is no big deal, you tip over and break a lever that money out of your pocket to replace. I’ve seen privateers getting used tires from factory teams out of the dumpster to run that day. You guys make the sport what it is, you guys are the ones who fill the gate, because there is maybe 10-12 factory guys on the gate and the other 30 are guys just like you who just love to race. And it sucks that if you wanna sell a shirt or merch to help you out in the pits you will be dq’d and fined for doing so.
Man even at a local level, it costs me around $200 or more a weekend as a c rider just in entry fees. Most people on a local dont race just one class. I know nothing compared to doing it on this level but regardless, shits expensive to race. Hare scrambles for me are $65 a weekend
(“Yeah I don’t know why you guys that know you don’t stand a chance of doing any better than getting lapped 2 or 3 times, your money and time would be better spent running the money class at local races!”)🤦🏼♂️👍🏁🤠
The financial situation still though, in this sport (unlike many other forms of racing), still depends on how fast you are. It is still earned fair and square in this sport. But the costs to get into it is much higher, and that is why the sport is in trouble. If this was our economic situation in the 60's to the mid 80's, (Before the 1986 production rule), we might as well cross about 50% of the racers in the AMA hall of fame out,----because they never would have been able to afford to get into racing. Guys like Roger DeCoster, and maybe 100 others, would never have existed. I am sure we miss a lot of talent from guys who can not afford a bike today and race. That is a lot of people.
@@mattburkeen820 To be fair in the video you said you had to buy 2 mechanic passes. However I am guessing that was for your girlfriend and then a friend you were staying with, not passes for actual mechanics.
You would be crying is you were racing GOKARTS, the entry fee alone for a national race $675 + 450 for the race tires. if you want to be competitive you need at least extra 2 or 3 sets of practice tires. that's for GOKARTS.
Nothing will ever change as long as the privateers keep bitching but still show up. Remember strength in numbers. You’re not racing at the top level when you are paying and losing money. Your nothing but a amateur.
Motocross is not the giant money maker it used to be.hardly any fans show up to a national.track rental security cop details insurance permits and etc its not a huge money maker
@@mattburkeen820 one session so far doesn't mean squat and attendance is no where near what it was. Snd attendance on tv is down compared to sx. I have been to southwick every year. And imost years attendance has been crappy
@@mattburkeen820 and compared to every major sport motocross and supercross isn't even on a map. Moto ross is a self fed sport eith hardly any out side sponsors.
@@mattburkeen820 also from what i can see online. 2021 there wherec over 30,000 spectators and in 2024 local news stations said attendance was almost 20,000 people.
Way too many people at the Midwest national events I occasionally attend. Miss the old days back in early 80’s, it was cheap to attend, you could hang over the fence on edge of track, no banners blocking views and see all the local Midwest racers that you’d run into at big money races spectating or trying to make the show. First national was 82’ Red Bud but I’d rather stay home & watch it on TV now.
Something is very wrong…. You guys should all be getting paid start money just for showing up to a race! You are the draw. The more desirable a riders presence, the greater the start money for that rider. No professional racer should have to pay an “entry” fee, that’s for amateur events.
This is true… but where’s the money come from? People complain about ticket prices now. Sponsors are dumping huge sums of money into it already. If fans were filling stadiums, it would be much easier, but we’re a small niche sport. In the grand scheme of things, Moto is super small and money is tight. People like Matty B should be a millionaire, for the effort he puts in. Unfortunately, it’s not the way it works.
Matt, the only word that comes to mind right now, is “unacceptable”. Seriously. Even at the lowest of levels, MX racing is an extremely low value event. I just prepped my buddies bike for a tiny local race where he paid $60/class (racing two classes) that are basically 10 minute motos. $120 for 20 minutes of racing before you pay for food/gas to get to the track etc. You privateers in the pro ranks paying that much just to hope you qualify for 2 30+ 2’s is just insane to me. Anyway, thanks for the content. We’re here for you brother.
this video needs to be shared more. motocross cant even fill 40 gates without people like you. everyone is making money off this series except the riders.
When I raced in the 70's, the costs were as follows. $5 gas in my Dad's pickup, $5 to $10 for each class entered, some tracks had an entrance fee that everyone had to pay, around $3, and the high priced hot dog stand at that time, you could eat lunch for a few dollars. The pro's riding three classes, and doing well, cleared hundreds of dollars (a lot of money back then). These were all rinky dink local tracks. No races were ever cancelled from rain or snow. I've seen people without a vehicle actually ride their bike to the track on public roads. lol I love modern motocross and Supercross, but it is no longer a hobby for average people, and I think that is a shame.
At $5/gallon, and 20 miles/per gallon (I am sure your numbers are different, just an example.), would be 440 gallons of gas, and would be a 8,800 mile trip, (across the USA almost 3 times from cost to coast.). Either start a MX series, or move closer. That is a long way to drive to work. :)
Gas in the USA is about $4.00/gallon in most states, (Higher in commie CA. of course). But trump had it under $2.00 when he was in office. We forget little things like that,---that really add up in flesh ripped off our bones.
Oh Yeah Thank you for being honest and letting us smoker fans know how much it takes to get out there as a privateer!!! Always a smoker fan but your non smoker is growing quickly on me and others i am sure!!!!!!
Glad you broke evenish lol It was great to see you out there racing at the top level and the experience is priceless and you will remember it for years "listen here son when i was young and fast i raced the best" type stories to any one that will listen lol I am in my mid 50's and race a few offroad events Race license-$330 Club membership-$100 Entry fees-$80 Travel-200km = 30litres of fuel at $1.80 /l = #54 A weekend campout with mates = Priceless And Deep Heat for my cramping legs 2 days after - $10 Why do we do it ? It's our way of life and when it all clicks we are never more alive What other races are you racing ?
Bro this has sucked forever for privateers....we got local pro guys here from Cleveland, Logan Karnow, Cade Clason Jeremy Hand, mitchey zaremba... I see their struggles man😢😢 keep up the awesome content!
16 racers on a MXGP gate for the last race where there are no fans, (Indonesia I believe). Looks like the FIM is charging people right off the main gates there,--and now here. We must be retarded,----to let the FIM run our racing. The FIM is the boss of the AMA also. I learned that the AMA is just "and arm" of the FIM during the 2001 prompters scandal, which allowed the FIM to start directly running our racing, Teamed up with Clear Channel to fight unfairly, (proven in later court cases), Jam sports that got the AMA contract for live coverage. Proper history. I was there, saw it go down. I saw the FIM come in and start to directly control our sport---as they fail in Europe with their terrible, greedy policies. You should be able to use a mini truck, go to the race, pay a much smaller fee, and try to qualify, so we are "inclusive/included" with out being rich. Nothing is more evil greedy-------------------than communism. It steals everything we built, and makes it not only so there are no beginners allowed, but creates dysfunction to a point of failure with terrible policy,---just like the starting gates of a FIM run MXGP. Any comments to add? Doug in Michigan
The amateur regionals are expensive because folks want to chase that dream and increase their odds. Enter as many areas and regionals as they can, then multiple classes if possible based on age and skill level. Unfortunately it’s become a money game at the amateur level as well, there are some really talented riders but if they have a mechanical issue, or a bad start, or they go down on a 5 lap moto, or the motos are cut short due to weather, they miss their ticket. Racing our local regional in Illinois against riders from Florida, Cali, Arizona, Canada, Mexico, the list goes on. Riders that train full time and have motor guys, suspension guys, trainers, practice mechanics, race mechanics, tutors, etc. Fly to the regionals, rent three separate cars and bitch about not having enough parking. Then don’t finish the weekend because they had a bad first moto and then off to the next regional halfway across the country….
It ABSOLUTELY should cost less. I grew up racing and it was a struggle back then with net, 2 brothers, plus my dad raced. My youngest kid wants to race really bad but things have been hard for us lately so we're just truckin along doing what we can
@@mattburkeen820 definitely man. I was in the middle of rebuilding a 98 kx125 and someone stole the engine and frame not long ago so now I'm set way back. I WILL have a 98 kx 125 if it's the last thing I do 😭🤣
250 2 stroke should be able to race in the 250 class, period. This is not 1999 where 4 strokes were still developing. Great insight Matt! Never knew 30-40 place riders would even get paid anything, great to hear.
Matt...... I am sure that Star has another spot on a 250 for ya! Great video, I used to race dirt stock cars and can definitely say ......... We don't do it for the money! Shout out to Superfan and Top Chick too!!
This video is great, being straight up and honest with everyone but stressing how you’re doing what you love. Loving the content Matty B keep grinding ✊🏻
That’s crazy but I figured not everybody can be rich racing dirt bikes. What I would really like to know is how much does it cost and you make to race a local pro race like the non national races? Maybe you could do a video on that? It can’t be that bad if you say you are making a living off of it. Keep ripping.
@@mattburkeen820 TBF, my employees drive crew cab 4x4 diesels and tow 100K plus boats to Havasu during river season and SXSs and bike during desert season. Unless you are a top guy, It's like UFC. Most are dead broke chasing a dead dream.
Do 2 wrongs make a right? Do either represent a proper way of doing business? Nope. So, less not compare crap to crap, but just hit the toilet flush lever instead, and start over with proper free enterprise principles. The time is ripe,---for some FIM competition. We can make it "our turn" if we think about it properly and act on those ideas of freedom,-------just like the USA was actually founded, (and not taught). :)
I always wondered do they also charge you to get in at the race track like the spectators have to pay to get in on top of your other expensives as well?
ya when i got my pro license it was only $170, $500 now..wow, i still think at your level you should not have to pay a entry fee!!!! as they use to tell us,,, we are the show...i do things need to change!!!! good luck in your next national!!!!
Wish they would make racing more cost effective that’s why there are so many 2 stroke fans including me but if I had a choice of racing a 250 2stroke or 250/450 four stroke I would pick the 250/450 4 stroke if I didn’t have to change the oil after 2 days of riding and my first 05 Honda crf250 had it 6 months valves screwed cam chain went out the weekend before my second race on it cost me $5500 to get the bike built back from the bottom up still had trouble with something all the time with that bike but i was way faster and more comfortable than I was racing 125s but all my 2 strokes made it through me besides one rm 125 I blew up after buying it with wrong jetting I was younger like 13 so I wasn’t on top of the maintenance like now but my kx100 02 model I had for 3 years never done nothing but change the top end out never had one problem with any of my 2 strokes but as soon as I got into the four strokes I went broke stopped riding until recently my son got me back into the sport again 2 years ago and we back at it props to you MB820!!
The professional MX sport is not a real "pro" sport. It's basically a joke money wise for at least 50% of the riders. Like it or not, it is dotted with VERY few racers who actually make their living with the sport and the rest are basically amateurs who attend certain races and support the sport and are basically ripped off.
Just being a spectator is expensive. Ticket upgrades to sit on dirt that use to be general admission. Unadilla just added the cat walk above the start gate. Probably 200 bucks a ticket for that upgrade. Use to be 20 bucks in the early 80s
I wont go to Unadilla any longer. We were there following MX before the sport was mainstream. Expensive entry and an extra fee to get better seating? Its ironic they wont allow scaffolds from spectators, but will charge 200 dollars to walk on theirs. Hey its their game,Everything they do to "improve" the track takes away what made it great to begin with. Instead of adding jumps, how about adding top soil?. And let it get rough. Meh I can stomp my feet all I want, Im not changing anything. Just follow the money
Dude, this is a fraction of the cost to run an AMA roadracing national. Ten years ago, my tire cost alone was more than your entire budget! But yeah, when I go to the races (motoX or whatever) I love watching the privateers, you guys are the foundation of the sport. I loved being part of the show, well worth the money spent!
When I raced pro in the early 1970's, race fees were $15. I complained to the track owner; he agreed that I would get my fee back after the race. So, I guess that I received start money-- like the big boys! Another great video Matty B!
Not sure why you need to know that info, you can look up information on google about how TH-camrs make money, its combination of views and duration watched. No reason for Burkeen to share the specifics on what he personally makes from his channel
I remember that dive motel you stayed in before Dilla that had the bullet hole in the window or wall...in that run down town in Pa.talk about putting your life on the line
My moto heros show up to the track in a pickup What do you mean your gas was boiling? Paying to race. That would be like asking Eddie Van Halen to pay to play a concert. These guys are the show. The AMA is worse than the Government.
Yeah it's super expensive (compared to just running local races.) My buddy tried to talk me into being his mechanic for the entire season of Nationals (this was around `1995 or so) and was expecting me to pay for EVERYTHING (him and me) while I had to somehow keep my business running and pay a mortgage. As you can imagine, it didn't happen. Our estimated costs (with us camping instead of motels) were still around $15,000.00...and that assumed no major bike issues. As for local racing, even here in Idaho things have gone up compared to previous years. And will go up again next year. My own racing effort is struggling right now (missing this weekend's race due to clutch issues on the brat and cash flow.) and the rest of my season is in jeopardy as of today. Our race turnouts are somewhat down at most tracks (only the 50s,65s and 250 beginners came even close to full gates) even with our last race on the 8th having a good rider count.
I mean motocross in itself is the most expensive sport/hobby I've ever done hands down. Something to tote the bike i.e. truck maybe trailer, bike, gear(helmet gloves boots jersey pants), gas for them, gate fees, constant cycle of parts etc etc blah blah. You guys know. It's expensive, no doubt, Matty. We know. -forgetting the added miles on ur truck = services for it coming sooner than later like tires, oil. Keep at it tho! Always crash at my house have a couple extra rooms for any Colorado activities ha(random fan stranger danger) so long as you don't mind a crying baby anyways
For safety they mandate a “hats off device” but can’t find a flagger with the proper number of chromosomes. 😂😂 Those costs are gnarly. I raced BITD, WORCS, and AMA Harescrambles back in the day and the costs were much less. Thanks for putting on the show for the kids and the has-beens.
Yeah even with Harescrambles/ Cross Country races and Amateur Mx racing I was spending at least $500-$1000 every weekend or every other weekend for my boy to race. This was mainly in Oklahoma but I did notice a slight rise in prices in Texas, California and some places East of us.
ACCOUNTANTS could be your savior if you decided to investigate this issue. That is, what they say would be respected: Have accountants find out what the outlay and income is for all the racers...what the outlay and income is for the AMA, the track owners, etc,. I can tell you this: ENTITIES who are in charge will OVERCHARGE people - just because they can. All I know is I went to the Pala race this year and put out 70 for a fkn tkt and 20 for parking. THAT is a shitton of money to attend a race. I could live with $40 for a ticket but $70? And paying for parking??? WHAT ???
@@mattburkeen820 In California, there was racing 5 days a week including Wed, Thur Friday nights. At one point CMC had over 200 125 Pros separated into top 100 Nor Cal and top 100 So Cal. Almost as many 250 and 500. Local dudes were making 150K then racing 3-4 days a week. That was GREAT money back then.
sorry bud but you got lied to about the race fuel. the required octane goes down at altitude. race fuel would have done nothing unless the ecu was tuned for a specific oxygenated fuel. beyond that, those entry costs are monstrous. keep up the good work!
Very cool insight - Had no idea what you guys spend to live the life... Also good to know that you DO in fact make some $$$ back from the actual racing - as a pro... You and J-Walk are easily the best independent, privateer, MX TH-camrs out here... Thanks for what you do --- Hope to see you at Southwick Baby! No Choice ... In the Contract!!
I get it and it is a money grab for some, like for the MX this weekend (without mentioning a promoter) (most other promoters pay their flaggers) but July 6th folks won't even pay the flaggers but he will charge fans for everything he can think of from parking plus $40.00 more for a friend to park at your site, pit bike pass, golf cart pass, pit pass, ticket upgrade to stand along the fence, camping fee of $200 and not on site but at the fairgrounds. It is only $60.00 if you want to take your child with you to the races. If we keep paying and attending they will continue to charge us.
I just brought my son to Hangtown. It was $85 for both of us. There are awesome areas of the track to watch from at H he Hangtown so no complaints there. Actually the tented VIP areas had shit views. I guess what I’m getting at is this. For under $100 to go to ANY top level sporting event is cheap now a days sadly. I also think for 2k where else can an amateur/ privateer get out and compete at the highest level, especially a motor sport??? I also find it odd that outside of the top 3-5 for both 250-450 most the guys aren’t making shit compared to other pro sports, especially motor sports. But that’s because the sponsorships are only isolated to mainly dirt biking which in the scheme of things is a very small market. Where NASCAR Home Depot and Coca-Cola and other household products. Unfortunately MX is a niche market with niche sponsors. That’s where the real problem lies.
Its crazy that you guys have to pay to race. Without you guys there wouldnt be a race. You guys should be covered by ticket sales
What's also crazy is the nationals have to pay to have races and they pay the stadiums for sx. Seems a little backwards.
Drama in Canada about payments too lol
I agree
Passion will always empty your pocket.. Braap!
In any form of racing the racer pays an entry fee. Ticket sales don't cover much at all. TV contracts and sponsorship are how race organizations make money.
Another great video!!! The Fans need to know this information!!!
Thank you glad people have enjoyed this!
Hey Matt just wanted to say thank you for your passion for the sport so many of us love. And also thanks you guys/gal for making my week better with your awesome videos you put out.
You’re welcome thank you for tuning in!!
Thanks for being transparent man! Pretty neat info.
Goodluck if your riding this weekend and Godbless
You’re welcome thank you for watching I appreciate it!!
The fact that a fucking pro motocross racer as fast as Matty B has to pay for a tire for his bike is beyond me!?! Where you at STAR YAMAHA??? Give this kid a ride!!
Hahaha I appreciate it but star has way bigger fish to fry! Gotta pay to play!
Right on bro , Ya it’s expensive to race , be happy you actually made some back , keep going bro ! Welcome to Lakewood anytime
Thank you I appreciate that! It was a fun trip!!
THANK you much for showing the real costs. Racing costs the participants more than they will ever win. Keep the two stroke alive in the nationals, I would like to see the AMA allow up to 300-350 cc against 450 four strokes, This would make greater variety in both racing and selling. Keep up the good work
You’re welcome thank you for watching!
It cost me a hundred back in the mid to late 80’s. Just to drive by the bike shop , if I looked it was $200 to 500, that’s weekly , I raced “A” class with my friends , and the national guys showed up and lapped us on our own track ! Next week bike for sale! Went mountain bike racing , got whooped by John Tomac , “Tomac attack “ they called it . Passed down to “ Beast Mode” You are exactly correct . Passionate about racing. I support !
200$ to 500$ a week to keep up a 2 stroke you got ripped off
@@lithium25693 just saying it’s expensive
Passion will take you far that’s for sure!!
Appreciate all the privateers w/o you it would not be thank you 👍💪
Thanks for watching!!
Keep at it mate! Top 30 is there 👍🏼
Always do your best and have fun. Never quit when you still have something to give. It's not a funeral, make some noise. Privateer power.
Digging deep!
You can add living the dream to the equation. I was never good enough to race at that level. You guys are all awesome.
100%! Thank you!
Keep at it 👍 hope to see you doing some more Nationals !!!
No choice! Trying to hit a few more!!
Keep pushin matty b i fw the videos
Thank you!!
🐝🏁 Video 👍 good job Matt 👏 👊
Thank you!!
Great insight with raw numbers to back it! But the formula for Pro's is the same as Amateurs. You got to pay to play! Check on this if you dare. This will really blow people's minds. Jett, Deegan, etc. are all charged those fee's for their Pro license, mechanic passes, entry fees! Honda, Yamaha, Twisted Tea, Pro Circuit as a team pay that for each rider. Lars is charged that - paid by the Honda of course!
I paid for the AMA membership (forgot how much, but way under $100.00. I think about $30 for a year. Been a while.), and %\$15.00 per class for any amateur race I entered before 1998 (my last race at Red Bud during the night races of the pro weekend.). Racing was very inexpensive for kids with no sponsorship. That was also before the EPA force, and a new bike was only 5 grand (which was also high because of the 1986 production rule, that tripled the cost of a bike in about 5 years since 1985.
We already had water cooling, linkage suspension, 12" of suspension travel, disk brakes, great frame geometry, and even up-side down forks, before the 1986 production rule, for a bike that costed about $1,500 in 1985.
Yep you right! Is what it is
We forgot to return transponder during SX this year, $100 the next week before they would pass us through tech. Lesson learned
They’ll get ya!
Great analysis. Anyone who thinks MXSports/AMA is in it for the soul of the sport or good of the riders needs to think again. They only care about $$ period
Thank you! Way she goes
Hey I have a question for you. What’s the normal career span for a privateer who might not make it to the bigger better teams? Wow it’s a super expensive profession and I’m glad you’re getting by. Good luck with your new bike and hopefully you’ll make some more progress.
Having been in the sport off and on since 1990, I can say that from what I have seen, the average span is about 15-25 years, with the rider starting to seriously race at around 8-10 years old. It will depend on many factors: rider conditioning, avoiding serious injuries, a good training program, support from family, friends and sponsors, and the rider's own mental toughness. Once you hit the pros and have to push that much harder, the toll on your body physically and mentally increases a lot, so once someone turns pro the average span is around 10 years max (in classes other than the vet classes.)
In the more talented 2-stroke days, a 10 year pro career was pretty long. The easier to ride 4-stroke had extended careers since they were first forced on the industry. But the proper answer to your question, that nobody does, is at least 8 years pro, while getting a good productive engineering degree on a part time basis. So when they retire from racing, they are not stuck with the education of a HS drop out (like Ping, who had to get a job with our baby sitter state). had have the marketable skills to get a good job, or start a business like Doug Dubach did. It is a waste of good brain and opportunity, to not get more education while racing. Take it from me, a guy with experience. I almost failed HS, but later in self paid engineering part time, became the sharpest guy in the class around year 6 of 8 years of study part time. The brain is like the body. The more we work it out, the better it gets also. The brain is also the organ that makes us human as only humans can figure out reality if practiced. So lets exercise our brains to be as human as possible,---or we can beg for welfare like a retard. :)
Privateer career span is not long at all without great support! And thank you I appreciate it!!
It cost an arm and a leg just to attend a handful of harescrambles and practice a little. Would be insane to fund a real race thing.
It takes alot that’s for sure!!
@@mattburkeen820 I noticed you showed a Michelin paddle tire. All I see around here are the Dunlop V paddle. What's your opinion on the two? We have 80% sand and some grass basically.
My new friend privateer life is all about compassion for the sport and and your racing circle now go hug your parents and think of what they put out to get your skills to pay the bills level of pro mx good luck young man enjoy the journey
100%! Thank you!!
Nice job, dude. Good luck to you.
Thank you!!
The costs just to get into the event are beyond ridiculous. Someone is making a whole lot of money - and it isn't the privateer....
At least you chose the most reliable (according to MXA) machine out there, so your repair costs are fairly low.....
You might've broken even - but that's all. Good luck at the next National you run!
Thank you I appreciate it!!
At the top level the entry fee is a joke! Anyone who lines up on the gate at a 450 national shouldn’t have to pay an entry fee. Us as fans pay for a ticket to watch you guys race, that should cover everyone’s entry fee. What people don’t understand about privateers, you guys drive to every race. While the factory guys are practicing on their perfectly groomed practice track Monday thru Thursday, you guys are driving to the next race, eating what you can on the road, staying in roach motels or in the truck or van. While they charter their own plane or fly to each race. They have unlimited extra parts, motors, tires etc etc, you guys have to find and pay a mechanic to work on your bike under a ez-up. They get to relax in an air conditioned rig, or motorhome while you might have a fan that runs on batteries. If they tip over and break a lever is no big deal, you tip over and break a lever that money out of your pocket to replace. I’ve seen privateers getting used tires from factory teams out of the dumpster to run that day. You guys make the sport what it is, you guys are the ones who fill the gate, because there is maybe 10-12 factory guys on the gate and the other 30 are guys just like you who just love to race. And it sucks that if you wanna sell a shirt or merch to help you out in the pits you will be dq’d and fined for doing so.
I agree
Man even at a local level, it costs me around $200 or more a weekend as a c rider just in entry fees. Most people on a local dont race just one class. I know nothing compared to doing it on this level but regardless, shits expensive to race. Hare scrambles for me are $65 a weekend
Way she goes I guess!!
Wait why did Yamaha pay you? Just because a rider used their bike or is there some sort of deal/sponsorship you have with them?
Contingency. That’s why the field is one brand heavy from year to year. Privateers bread & butter is contingency $$
Contingency money for racing their bike
(“Yeah I don’t know why you guys that know you don’t stand a chance of doing any better than getting lapped 2 or 3 times, your money and time would be better spent running the money class at local races!”)🤦🏼♂️👍🏁🤠
Your time would be better spent getting a clue 😂😂🤡
Don't be a bitc* ya lil bitc*. Be honest tho how many times did you get lapped IF YOU MADE THE MAIN 😢😂
Why you talking smack when you won’t even type out the words 😂😂🤡🤡
I think there should be a youtuber moto somewhere medium vs buttery vs matty b vs cooksey vs johnny hopper vs jeff walker and all the others i missed
Hahaha that would be rad!
I see you sleep on a pull out couch, that's all we needed to know about the financial situation of pro motocross :)
One might say his pullout game is strong......
The financial situation still though, in this sport (unlike many other forms of racing), still depends on how fast you are. It is still earned fair and square in this sport. But the costs to get into it is much higher, and that is why the sport is in trouble. If this was our economic situation in the 60's to the mid 80's, (Before the 1986 production rule), we might as well cross about 50% of the racers in the AMA hall of fame out,----because they never would have been able to afford to get into racing. Guys like Roger DeCoster, and maybe 100 others, would never have existed. I am sure we miss a lot of talent from guys who can not afford a bike today and race. That is a lot of people.
Hahahhaa that’s not where I sleep but it’s a Good representation of privateer life for sure 😂
Power to the privateers 🤜🏻
🤙🏻🤘🏻
Loosing money because it is poorly managed whilst the big wigs look to profit
Thankfully due to support and hustling I don’t lose money but I sure would without help!!
In the words of the a famous ancient Greek philosopher "Fun cost`s money"
That it does!
Homie looks like Boone from Lost
😂🤷♂️
Neither of your mechanics can change a tyre?
You think I have a mechanic? Let alone multiple mechanics?? 😂😂😂
@@mattburkeen820 To be fair in the video you said you had to buy 2 mechanic passes. However I am guessing that was for your girlfriend and then a friend you were staying with, not passes for actual mechanics.
@@dirtbikeaddict5892 haha very true that’s my bad! But you are correct
@@mattburkeen820 All good man. Great video and good luck out there racing!
You would be crying is you were racing GOKARTS, the entry fee alone for a national race $675 + 450 for the race tires. if you want to be competitive you need at least extra 2 or 3 sets of practice tires. that's for GOKARTS.
Oh yea I know it gets worse for sure!
you just need my riding skills
Totally 😂😂🤡🤡
You don't keep paying that $515 for a pro license every race you go to you pay that pro license fee once a year correct
Its once a year.
Nope just buy it once a year!
What does a Pro Racer get for his 500 dollars other than a permission slip to be in a show others make money from?
Well for me it’s a chance to make great content but yea that’s about it lol
If you keep kissing Mickey mouse's aka mic ass he will take your bike.
Uh, what? 😂😂
Nothing will ever change as long as the privateers keep bitching but still show up. Remember strength in numbers. You’re not racing at the top level when you are paying and losing money. Your nothing but a amateur.
Ok buddy 😂😂
Motocross is not the giant money maker it used to be.hardly any fans show up to a national.track rental security cop details insurance permits and etc its not a huge money maker
Hardly any fans show up? Where have you been my man?! It’s been packed!
@@mattburkeen820 one session so far doesn't mean squat and attendance is no where near what it was. Snd attendance on tv is down compared to sx. I have been to southwick every year. And imost years attendance has been crappy
@@mattburkeen820 and compared to every major sport motocross and supercross isn't even on a map. Moto ross is a self fed sport eith hardly any out side sponsors.
@@mattburkeen820 also from what i can see online. 2021 there wherec over 30,000 spectators and in 2024 local news stations said attendance was almost 20,000 people.
Way too many people at the Midwest national events I occasionally attend. Miss the old days back in early 80’s, it was cheap to attend, you could hang over the fence on edge of track, no banners blocking views and see all the local Midwest racers that you’d run into at big money races spectating or trying to make the show. First national was 82’ Red Bud but I’d rather stay home & watch it on TV now.
Something is very wrong…. You guys should all be getting paid start money just for showing up to a race! You are the draw. The more desirable a riders presence, the greater the start money for that rider. No professional racer should have to pay an “entry” fee, that’s for amateur events.
100% agree.
100%. You gotta work hard to have a Pro License to begin with.
Racing is a rich kids sport!!
This is true… but where’s the money come from? People complain about ticket prices now. Sponsors are dumping huge sums of money into it already. If fans were filling stadiums, it would be much easier, but we’re a small niche sport. In the grand scheme of things, Moto is super small and money is tight. People like Matty B should be a millionaire, for the effort he puts in. Unfortunately, it’s not the way it works.
Agreed
Dang. I guess I'll stop complaining about the $50 harescrambles and $40 motos lol
😂😂🤘🏻
Matt, the only word that comes to mind right now, is “unacceptable”. Seriously. Even at the lowest of levels, MX racing is an extremely low value event. I just prepped my buddies bike for a tiny local race where he paid $60/class (racing two classes) that are basically 10 minute motos. $120 for 20 minutes of racing before you pay for food/gas to get to the track etc. You privateers in the pro ranks paying that much just to hope you qualify for 2 30+ 2’s is just insane to me. Anyway, thanks for the content. We’re here for you brother.
Is what it is I guess! Thanks for watching!!
Worth the price to live your Dream Matty B 💪 Moto Life. Nothing like it 🤙😉
Damn right! Memories for a lifetime!
this video needs to be shared more. motocross cant even fill 40 gates without people like you. everyone is making money off this series except the riders.
Agreed but we keep filling the gates so here we are!
Might ban you from racing after telling 😂 keep ripping bro
Hahahah nah I’m not talking any crap! We should be cool
When I raced in the 70's, the costs were as follows. $5 gas in my Dad's pickup, $5 to $10 for each class entered, some tracks had an entrance fee that everyone had to pay, around $3, and the high priced hot dog stand at that time, you could eat lunch for a few dollars. The pro's riding three classes, and doing well, cleared hundreds of dollars (a lot of money back then). These were all rinky dink local tracks. No races were ever cancelled from rain or snow. I've seen people without a vehicle actually ride their bike to the track on public roads. lol I love modern motocross and Supercross, but it is no longer a hobby for average people, and I think that is a shame.
That sounds epic
Yeah, racing is so expensive, but I grew up in the 80s and I didn't want to break all my bones, so I didn't race, but I still ride and love to watch
Absolutely no choice tho! Keep digging Matty love the videos
Thank you no choice indeed!!
Brrrraaaappppp... Qual and race lorrettas getn crazyyy $$$$$
Cash money!!
If you lived in canada and drove that far the gas alone would have cost you $2200
At $5/gallon, and 20 miles/per gallon (I am sure your numbers are different, just an example.), would be 440 gallons of gas, and would be a 8,800 mile trip, (across the USA almost 3 times from cost to coast.). Either start a MX series, or move closer. That is a long way to drive to work. :)
Gas in the USA is about $4.00/gallon in most states, (Higher in commie CA. of course). But trump had it under $2.00 when he was in office. We forget little things like that,---that really add up in flesh ripped off our bones.
Ouch!
As a canadian i agree
Oh Yeah Thank you for being honest and letting us smoker fans know how much it takes to get out there as a privateer!!! Always a smoker fan but your non smoker is growing quickly on me and others i am sure!!!!!!
You’re welcome thank you for watching!!
Glad you broke evenish lol
It was great to see you out there racing at the top level and the experience is priceless and you will remember it for years
"listen here son when i was young and fast i raced the best" type stories to any one that will listen lol
I am in my mid 50's and race a few offroad events
Race license-$330
Club membership-$100
Entry fees-$80
Travel-200km = 30litres of fuel at $1.80 /l = #54
A weekend campout with mates = Priceless
And Deep Heat for my cramping legs 2 days after - $10
Why do we do it ? It's our way of life and when it all clicks we are never more alive
What other races are you racing ?
Thank you! I’m doing the last 3
hey man how were your arms after the moto's i wanted to ask if the arm pump is getting better with riding the new bike
They have actually been a lot better lately!!
Bro this has sucked forever for privateers....we got local pro guys here from Cleveland, Logan Karnow, Cade Clason Jeremy Hand, mitchey zaremba... I see their struggles man😢😢 keep up the awesome content!
Thank you! Passion keeps us going
16 racers on a MXGP gate for the last race where there are no fans, (Indonesia I believe).
Looks like the FIM is charging people right off the main gates there,--and now here.
We must be retarded,----to let the FIM run our racing. The FIM is the boss of the AMA also. I learned that the AMA is just "and arm" of the FIM during the 2001 prompters scandal, which allowed the FIM to start directly running our racing, Teamed up with Clear Channel to fight unfairly, (proven in later court cases), Jam sports that got the AMA contract for live coverage. Proper history. I was there, saw it go down. I saw the FIM come in and start to directly control our sport---as they fail in Europe with their terrible, greedy policies.
You should be able to use a mini truck, go to the race, pay a much smaller fee, and try to qualify, so we are "inclusive/included" with out being rich. Nothing is more evil greedy-------------------than communism. It steals everything we built, and makes it not only so there are no beginners allowed, but creates dysfunction to a point of failure with terrible policy,---just like the starting gates of a FIM run MXGP.
Any comments to add? Doug in Michigan
FIM doesn’t run our racing my man!
Eyebrow national champion. Get that Revlon sponsorship dude.
Hahahaha got the title locked up 😂
I Raced Amateur woods and a bit of motocross. Bike expenses are wild to say the least! Great riding Matt stick with it!
Expensive to do what we love! Thank you I appreciate that!!
Great vid! The privateers need better compensation. I don't know what the answer is but it's ridiculous. Good Luck to you Matt!
Thank you for watching glad you enjoyed and I appreciate it!!
The amateur regionals are expensive because folks want to chase that dream and increase their odds. Enter as many areas and regionals as they can, then multiple classes if possible based on age and skill level. Unfortunately it’s become a money game at the amateur level as well, there are some really talented riders but if they have a mechanical issue, or a bad start, or they go down on a 5 lap moto, or the motos are cut short due to weather, they miss their ticket. Racing our local regional in Illinois against riders from Florida, Cali, Arizona, Canada, Mexico, the list goes on. Riders that train full time and have motor guys, suspension guys, trainers, practice mechanics, race mechanics, tutors, etc. Fly to the regionals, rent three separate cars and bitch about not having enough parking. Then don’t finish the weekend because they had a bad first moto and then off to the next regional halfway across the country….
Yep, way she goes!
It ABSOLUTELY should cost less. I grew up racing and it was a struggle back then with net, 2 brothers, plus my dad raced. My youngest kid wants to race really bad but things have been hard for us lately so we're just truckin along doing what we can
I mean I wish everything cost less!
@@mattburkeen820 definitely man. I was in the middle of rebuilding a 98 kx125 and someone stole the engine and frame not long ago so now I'm set way back. I WILL have a 98 kx 125 if it's the last thing I do 😭🤣
Damn! Top Chick must have heard how much you spent and put your a$$ on the couch.
😂😂😂😂😭😭😭
250 2 stroke should be able to race in the 250 class, period. This is not 1999 where 4 strokes were still developing. Great insight Matt! Never knew 30-40 place riders would even get paid anything, great to hear.
Agreed! Thanks for watching!!
Honestly I think the real cost were much higher...so many little things you don't even think of...
Yea you’re prob right!
Matt...... I am sure that Star has another spot on a 250 for ya!
Great video, I used to race dirt stock cars and can definitely say ......... We don't do it for the money!
Shout out to Superfan and Top Chick too!!
Sup B K ✊
We definitely run on passion! Thanks for watching!!
This video is great, being straight up and honest with everyone but stressing how you’re doing what you love. Loving the content Matty B keep grinding ✊🏻
Thank you def will do! No choice!!
We do it because we love it
Damn right we do!!
That’s crazy but I figured not everybody can be rich racing dirt bikes. What I would really like to know is how much does it cost and you make to race a local pro race like the non national races? Maybe you could do a video on that? It can’t be that bad if you say you are making a living off of it. Keep ripping.
Average Joe classes are 30 , pro local I’ve seen 40 per class ( moto 1 and 2 ) gate fee 20 ea , thy charge for a pit bike
Maybe I’ll do a video like that soon, thanks for watching!!
It's racing. There is 0 dollars to be made
Incorrect!
@@mattburkeen820 TBF, my employees drive crew cab 4x4 diesels and tow 100K plus boats to Havasu during river season and SXSs and bike during desert season.
Unless you are a top guy, It's like UFC. Most are dead broke chasing a dead dream.
You think this is expensive, try sprint car racing
Do 2 wrongs make a right? Do either represent a proper way of doing business? Nope. So, less not compare crap to crap, but just hit the toilet flush lever instead, and start over with proper free enterprise principles. The time is ripe,---for some FIM competition. We can make it "our turn" if we think about it properly and act on those ideas of freedom,-------just like the USA was actually founded, (and not taught). :)
Oh I know this is nothing compared to car racing!!
Glad you got the 450, I'm hoping you do ironman.
Planning on being there!
It’s one of those things as a racer, I knew! But, if you race for money your not having fun!!! 😉🤙🏻✊🏻👊🏻
100%! Fun is definitely being had!!
I always wondered do they also charge you to get in at the race track like the spectators have to pay to get in on top of your other expensives as well?
Nope we do
Not get charged on entry
ya when i got my pro license it was only $170, $500 now..wow, i still think at your level you should not have to pay a entry fee!!!! as they use to tell us,,, we are the show...i do things need to change!!!! good luck in your next national!!!!
Inflation will get ya! And thank you I appreciate it!!
Wish they would make racing more cost effective that’s why there are so many 2 stroke fans including me but if I had a choice of racing a 250 2stroke or 250/450 four stroke I would pick the 250/450 4 stroke if I didn’t have to change the oil after 2 days of riding and my first 05 Honda crf250 had it 6 months valves screwed cam chain went out the weekend before my second race on it cost me $5500 to get the bike built back from the bottom up still had trouble with something all the time with that bike but i was way faster and more comfortable than I was racing 125s but all my 2 strokes made it through me besides one rm 125 I blew up after buying it with wrong jetting I was younger like 13 so I wasn’t on top of the maintenance like now but my kx100 02 model I had for 3 years never done nothing but change the top end out never had one problem with any of my 2 strokes but as soon as I got into the four strokes I went broke stopped riding until recently my son got me back into the sport again 2 years ago and we back at it props to you MB820!!
Is what it is! Going off passion 🤘🏻
The professional MX sport is not a real "pro" sport. It's basically a joke money wise for at least 50% of the riders. Like it or not, it is dotted with VERY few racers who actually make their living with the sport and the rest are basically amateurs who attend certain races and support the sport and are basically ripped off.
Yea definitely not financially rewarding
Seems like. Your back into your normal head space it was rough seeing you down and out last season two strokes can be rough at times when racing 450s.
I definitely feel like I’m coming back around physically and mentally! I’m having fun!!
Just being a spectator is expensive. Ticket upgrades to sit on dirt that use to be general admission.
Unadilla just added the cat walk above the start gate. Probably 200 bucks a ticket for that upgrade.
Use to be 20 bucks in the early 80s
Oh yea life is just more expensive!
I wont go to Unadilla any longer. We were there following MX before the sport was mainstream. Expensive entry and an extra fee to get better seating? Its ironic they wont allow scaffolds from spectators, but will charge 200 dollars to walk on theirs. Hey its their game,Everything they do to "improve" the track takes away what made it great to begin with. Instead of adding jumps, how about adding top soil?. And let it get rough. Meh I can stomp my feet all I want, Im not changing anything. Just follow the money
Dude, this is a fraction of the cost to run an AMA roadracing national. Ten years ago, my tire cost alone was more than your entire budget! But yeah, when I go to the races (motoX or whatever) I love watching the privateers, you guys are the foundation of the sport. I loved being part of the show, well worth the money spent!
I believe it! It’s what we love so it is what it is!
When I raced pro in the early 1970's, race fees were $15. I complained to the track owner; he agreed that I would get my fee back after the race. So, I guess that I received start money-- like the big boys! Another great video Matty B!
Epic! Thanks for watching!!
Would be very interested to see a video where you talk about what you make on TH-cam, that would be cool
Not sure why you need to know that info, you can look up information on google about how TH-camrs make money, its combination of views and duration watched. No reason for Burkeen to share the specifics on what he personally makes from his channel
Maybe I will do that one sometime, that’s a good idea!!
I remember that dive motel you stayed in before Dilla that had the bullet hole in the window or wall...in that run down town in Pa.talk about putting your life on the line
Hahahha that was sketch!
Keep the race gas in a cooler with ice as long as possible until u use it
My moto heros show up to the track in a pickup
What do you mean your gas was boiling?
Paying to race. That would be like asking Eddie Van Halen to pay to play a concert. These guys are the show. The AMA is worse than the Government.
🤷♂️
Yeah it's super expensive (compared to just running local races.) My buddy tried to talk me into being his mechanic for the entire season of Nationals (this was around `1995 or so) and was expecting me to pay for EVERYTHING (him and me) while I had to somehow keep my business running and pay a mortgage. As you can imagine, it didn't happen. Our estimated costs (with us camping instead of motels) were still around $15,000.00...and that assumed no major bike issues.
As for local racing, even here in Idaho things have gone up compared to previous years. And will go up again next year. My own racing effort is struggling right now (missing this weekend's race due to clutch issues on the brat and cash flow.) and the rest of my season is in jeopardy as of today.
Our race turnouts are somewhat down at most tracks (only the 50s,65s and 250 beginners came even close to full gates) even with our last race on the 8th having a good rider count.
Yea that’s wild but I believe it!!
Excellent subject matter, very satisfying information!
Thank you glad you enjoyed it!!
Its guys like him is what makes our sport legit. If only the paid guys raced, we would have 7 guys on the gate and not ever need qualifiers
We out here tryin!
we love seeing you out there MattyB. and enjoy you and Top Chicks commentary
Thank you we appreciate it! Having a blast with it!!
I mean motocross in itself is the most expensive sport/hobby I've ever done hands down. Something to tote the bike i.e. truck maybe trailer, bike, gear(helmet gloves boots jersey pants), gas for them, gate fees, constant cycle of parts etc etc blah blah. You guys know. It's expensive, no doubt, Matty. We know.
-forgetting the added miles on ur truck = services for it coming sooner than later like tires, oil. Keep at it tho! Always crash at my house have a couple extra rooms for any Colorado activities ha(random fan stranger danger) so long as you don't mind a crying baby anyways
Thank you I appreciate that!!
For safety they mandate a “hats off device” but can’t find a flagger with the proper number of chromosomes.
😂😂
Those costs are gnarly. I raced BITD, WORCS, and AMA Harescrambles back in the day and the costs were much less.
Thanks for putting on the show for the kids and the has-beens.
Is what it is I guess! Thanks for watching!
Yeah even with Harescrambles/ Cross Country races and Amateur Mx racing I was spending at least $500-$1000 every weekend or every other weekend for my boy to race.
This was mainly in Oklahoma but I did notice a slight rise in prices in Texas, California and some places East of us.
It’s expensive to do what you love!!
@@mattburkeen820 You can say that again lol worth every penny
Much respect dude
Thank you!
ACCOUNTANTS could be your savior if you decided to investigate this issue. That is, what they say would be respected: Have accountants find out what the outlay and income is for all the racers...what the outlay and income is for the AMA, the track owners, etc,. I can tell you this: ENTITIES who are in charge will OVERCHARGE people - just because they can. All I know is I went to the Pala race this year and put out 70 for a fkn tkt and 20 for parking. THAT is a shitton of money to attend a race. I could live with $40 for a ticket but $70? And paying for parking??? WHAT ???
Yea an accountant isn’t gonna change anything unfortunately
All this to race against bikes that are simply better than yours is so unfair. In all my years ive never heard of any privateer winning a 450 national
They should do something to make sponsors easier for the smaller riders. That's crazy expensive for one race holy fuck
Way she goes!
@@mattburkeen820 fuckin way she goes!
Back in the 80s, a local pro could make way more money racing local 150 or 200% pro payback. All with a 30 or 50 dollar CMC or CRC membership.
You can still make more money hunting local money races for sure!
@@mattburkeen820 In California, there was racing 5 days a week including Wed, Thur Friday nights. At one point CMC had over 200 125 Pros separated into top 100 Nor Cal and top 100 So Cal. Almost as many 250 and 500.
Local dudes were making 150K then racing 3-4 days a week. That was GREAT money back then.
As a Pro-am rider back in the '80s, it seems sponsors were alot more generous. Tires, bars, lubricants etc were all given.
I race vintage MX. Drop easy 350 before leaving the drive way.
I believe it!!
sorry bud but you got lied to about the race fuel. the required octane goes down at altitude. race fuel would have done nothing unless the ecu was tuned for a specific oxygenated fuel. beyond that, those entry costs are monstrous. keep up the good work!
Thank you! Live and learn!!
Very cool insight - Had no idea what you guys spend to live the life... Also good to know that you DO in fact make some $$$ back from the actual racing - as a pro... You and J-Walk are easily the best independent, privateer, MX TH-camrs out here... Thanks for what you do --- Hope to see you at Southwick Baby! No Choice ... In the Contract!!
Gotta hustle to make it work, thanks for watching!!
Do you have to pay for a new license every race?
No, license is good for the season.
@@socaljimmyd thankyou
Nope just once a year
And people wonder why it's dying... i can get the same rush going downhill mtn biking for $20/day and all my friends can afford to come with me.
I can’t! Nothing like moto
@@mattburkeen820 True that!!
I get it and it is a money grab for some, like for the MX this weekend (without mentioning a promoter) (most other promoters pay their flaggers) but July 6th folks won't even pay the flaggers but he will charge fans for everything he can think of from parking plus $40.00 more for a friend to park at your site, pit bike pass, golf cart pass, pit pass, ticket upgrade to stand along the fence, camping fee of $200 and not on site but at the fairgrounds. It is only $60.00 if you want to take your child with you to the races. If we keep paying and attending they will continue to charge us.
Everyone’s just trying to make their living I guess! Bummer when greed comes in
@@mattburkeen820 Agreed, they know how much desire there is to race and win and IMO they exploit it.
I just brought my son to Hangtown. It was $85 for both of us. There are awesome areas of the track to watch from at H he Hangtown so no complaints there. Actually the tented VIP areas had shit views. I guess what I’m getting at is this. For under $100 to go to ANY top level sporting event is cheap now a days sadly. I also think for 2k where else can an amateur/ privateer get out and compete at the highest level, especially a motor sport??? I also find it odd that outside of the top 3-5 for both 250-450 most the guys aren’t making shit compared to other pro sports, especially motor sports. But that’s because the sponsorships are only isolated to mainly dirt biking which in the scheme of things is a very small market. Where NASCAR Home Depot and Coca-Cola and other household products. Unfortunately MX is a niche market with niche sponsors. That’s where the real problem lies.
Waiting for a better comment to post. Do I have to pass a test for YT?
Hahah no you do not