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 2001 Fourstroke Pro-Am Champion, Kory Ellis had to say...
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Ellis: No. The money, effort and time that's put into the sport is not equal to the payback. However, most racers would agree, we participate in this sport not for money but because we enjoy what we're doing.
ATV Scene: Do you think that ATV aftermarket companies are taking advantage of the efforts of their sponsored riders? If so how?
Ellis: No. The majority of ATV aftermarket companies are producing a product that is not highly marketable to a large amount of people. Therefore, I think they're doing the best they can for us.
ATV Scene: Why do you suppose some people
are thinking that ATV aftermarket companies are getting rich from their sponsored
riders?
Ellis: I think a lot
of guys don't realize what goes into aftermarket production. If ATV aftermarket
companies were truly getting "rich" - they would have posh facilities
like Pro Circuit and other motorcycle aftermarket companies do.
ATV Scene: How is the ATV manufacturers'
lack of involvement in ATV racing effecting the sport?
Ellis: I think this is the biggest reason
why the sport hasn't grown like it should be. ATV Manufacturer support equals
publicity via television coverage, etc. We definitely need to get our sport
more recognized, and manufacturer involvement is key.
ATV Scene: What does a professional ATV
racer need to do in order to make a comfortable living?
Ellis: Have a high
paying second job. Unfortunately, this sport doesn't produce money to live on,
except for multiple national pro champions and only if they play all their cards
perfect.
ATV Scene: Why is it so difficult to field
an ATV racing team?
Ellis: Without manufacturer support, the
cost is far too great compared to the return.
ATV Scene: What needs to be done to accelerate
the sport further?
Ellis: Manufacturer involvement, media coverage
and an image which appeals to young kids -- like supercross does, (which may
come with media coverage).
ATV Scene: What ATV racing series has
the most potential money for a professional rider?
Ellis: The indoor stadium series because
of audience attendence and television. That's where the big exposure is and
that's what manufacturers and other sponsors are interested in.
ATV Scene: What series is the most competitive,
(has the most talented riders)?
Ellis: The
GNCs
ATV Scene: What do you see happening in
the future of ATV racing?
Ellis: Unless manufacturer involvement
steps up accompanied by media coverage, the sport will most likely remain right
where it's at, which is not where it should be.
