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 Outerwears, Scot Smith had to say...
ATV Scene: Are professional ATV racers getting what they deserve out of their racing efforts?
Smith: For the most part I would have to say no they aren't, especially compared to motocross bikes. As everyone knows the factories back the bikes and put alot of money into that area, also many large corporations that have nothing to do with the racing/performance industry sponsor those guys and have some deep pockets. When we start seeing Pepsi and Reebok etc. sponsoring ATV racers, along with some factory $$ - then they'll start getting what they deserve.
ATV Scene: Do you think that ATV aftermarket companies are taking advantage of the efforts of their sponsored riders? If so how?
Smith: From Outerwears standpoint I would say yes, we get good exposure from pro racers. The pros give us invaluable feedback on how our products are performing and what we need to do to improve them. You won't find anyone harder on equipment than a hard riding pro ATVers!
ATV Scene: How is the ATV manufacturers'
lack of involvement in ATV racing effecting the sport?
Smith: I believe it effects the sport tremendously.
There is a huge hole in the money flow that should be going back to ATV racers.
You've heard the adage you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, there is
no scratching coming from the ATV manufacturers. They are selling a bunch of
ATVs but you see about zero dollars coming back to us, and that hurts financially.
ATV Scene: Why do you suppose some people
are thinking that ATV aftermarket companies are getting rich from their sponsored
riders?
Smith: Although it certainly is not the
case, there are a number of aftermarket companies that just don't pay anything.
At Outerwears it's always been our philosophy to give something back to the
people that have helped us become a success. In ATV racing we are a major sponsor
with the GNCC and GNC so that alone is a considerable amount of money, combine
that with the win bonuses we pay (3 places for every pro race, again both GNCC
and GNC), year end championship bonuses, win bonuses for SFX, and all the product
we give away to sponsored riders and you have a considerable amount of money.
Also nearly every request we get for special races, banquets, and awards presentations
we honor so I can hold my head high in terms of giving something back to ATV
racing and specifically the pros that have helped us to be where we are.
ATV Scene: What does a professional ATV
racer need to do in order to make a comfortable living?
Smith: From what I've seen you have to have
nearly every ATV aftermarket company that pays money on your side, along with
that you must have some outside sponsors that will pay you regardless of results.
Combine this with staying healthy all season, win some races, and then you can
make some money. Problem is only a few guys can do that now and that's definitely
not the way it should be.
ATV Scene: What needs to be done to accelerate
the sport further?
Smith: We need outside $$, both from the
factories and sponsors outside the ATV industry that have promotional money
to spend. And more press coverage that involves media exposure from sources
outside of ATV only publications.
ATV Scene: What ATV racing series has
the most potential money for a professional rider?
Smith: A year ago
I would not have hesitated to say GNCC, now I think it is pretty close between
GNCC and GNC with what Ray Christy and his group have done with the GNC.
ATV Scene: What series is the most competitive,
(has the most talented riders)?
Smith: It's so close I couldn't pick one
over the other.
ATV Scene: What do you see happening in
the future of ATV racing?
Smith: As long as we don't have federal
intervention I think it looks great, look at what has happened in just the last
4 or 5 years -- you have to be pumped about the future!
