We've heard more than one conversation that involved the question of ATV aftermarket companies taking advantage of professional ATV racers.
With that, we decided to throw ten questions in front of a few professional riders and aftermarket people in the ATV industry. Here's what Randy Howard Memorial Award winner, Byron Goggin had to say...
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Goggin: Not at all. Riders are definitely being taken advantage of. Why should the manufacturers do anything differently when they don't need too? What are the riders prepared to do as a result. What are the aftermarkets prepared to do? ATV
racing is so hybrid and specialized that manufacturers don't want to touch it with a pole, but as long as they can capitalize on it, they will continue. It's like Freestyle Motorcycle jumping. Only one manufacturer supports it and I'm surprised to see even one. But the manufacturers capitalize on the exposure and use the indirect affiliation to their advantage. They are not stupid, and there is nothing a racer can do about it but quit racing. I think in many ways ATV racers need to come to the harsh reality that there is very little that they are going to get in return for their efforts. ATV racing is a
sport that you participate in because you love it. Your own personal satisfaction is the only payback that a racer will receive. That's the cold simple truth. If a racer expects anything more then they will walk away poor an unsatisfied. Ask Gary Denton, Shane Hitt, Doug Gust, and Tim Farr when they are going to retire on the winnings they have accumulated from their many championships. The only rich people in ATV Racing are those who came in with money and the aftermarket manufacturers who are making a living off the sport. Racers, unfortunately, are left holding empty purse strings and
dreams of being recognized.
I must leave you with this thought. Race because you love it. If there is any
other reason you will be left empty. There will never be a parade waiting for
you in your home town or the lour of a million dollar contract. I loved racing,
and still do. I gained some recognition over the years but it is amazing how
quickly it can all go away.
Time washes away everything. When it is all gone the only thing you will have
left is the solemn memories of friends and accomplishments. If you were truly
successful you can be proud of those things. Race because you love it!
