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 GNCC Professional, Chad DuVall had to say...
ATV Scene: Are professional ATV racers getting what they deserve out of their racing efforts?
DuVall: No. Especially in the GNCCs. I think the GNCC is looked at a much lighter note than the GNCs are or any other aftermarket sporting series. Why? I'm not sure because the GNCC is growing leaps and bounds.
ATV Scene: Do you think that ATV aftermarket companies are taking advantage of the efforts of their sponsored riders? If so how?
DuVall: Yes. There is just as much advertising in the magazines that sells, but it seems GNCC gets much less support than any other ATV event from the aftermarket
industry, which seems to have just as big of crowds as the GNCs.
ATV Scene: Why do you suppose some people
are thinking that ATV aftermarket companies are getting rich from their sponsored
riders?
DuVall: In
the past most people beleived it would benefit them to go pro to get sponsorship
from aftermarket companies and of course once you become a pro and
advertise for that company it should come easier for the sponsored rider to
get the equipment they need. Not the case! After a 2-hour race in the rugged
mud and
rocks of a cross country race you go through alot of parts that in most cases
the rider pays for in one way or another. That part of a professional aftermarket
supported racer never gets out, but that's how it really is.
ATV Scene: How is the ATV manufacturers'
lack of involvement in ATV racing effecting the sport?
DuVall: It's too costly for the average
hard working talented middle class family ATV pro racer to continue doing what
he loves to do because he cant make a living or even come come close to breaking
even in the end. So in turn it cost the sport that great racer. If the ATV manufacturers
stepped up it would help the promoters step up there purses and help to not
kill the sport of ATV racing.
ATV Scene: What does a professional ATV
racer need to do in order to make a comfortable living?
DuVall: There is at this time not a way
in the ATV racing professional series to make a comfortable living. Unless you
come into this sport with money you wont make a living at it.
ATV Scene: Why is it so difficult to field
an ATV racing team?
DuVall: The support for teams is so little
that it is not possible to spread out a sponsorship or contingency throughout
a whole team. A team may look and sound great but in the end thats all you get
is a great looking professional team not any more money or support.
ATV Scene: What needs to be done to accelerate
the sport further?
DuVall: The aftermarket industries must
come to a settlement with the ATV manufacturers and promoters to step up the
sponsorship levels and the purse amounts for the racers, -- not just for the
fact they can sell the product at the expence of the racers.
ATV Scene: What ATV racing series has
the most potential money for a professional rider?
DuVall: Unfortunally the GNC at this time.
For what reason I am not sure, but GNC riders get better one-on-one sponsorships
with the aftermarket companies . They have a minimum of five thousand dollar
purses, full sponsorships, two different race bike and practice bikes, trailers
and all expence paid travel. I know only one to two GNCC pro racers with this
kind of opportunity, while there are just as many other talented Pro racers
that deserve the same kind of deal.
ATV Scene: What series is the most competitive,
(has the most talented riders)?
DuVall: Again it seems to be the GNCs, but
if there were more support and money for the GNCC ATV racers the talent level
might be much more equal. On another note, there is no series more family oriented
than the GNCCs, so to define talent and feel good about racing you need a combination
of it all!
ATV Scene: What do you see happening in
the future of ATV racing?
DuVall: I would like to think the larger
manufactures will step up to the plate and help aftermarket companies in a way
they have never shown in the past. It takes
more than a winning racer to continue to better the sport and its time to bring
everyone together in the ATV industry and work together to make sure it survives.
