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 Rath Racing's, Daryl Rath had to say...
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Rath: No. I think they had better coverage back in 1988-1990. Some of the big national races don't even receive magazine coverage at all. .
ATV Scene: Do you think that ATV aftermarket companies are taking advantage of the efforts of their sponsored riders? If so how?
Rath: Yes. I feel some are by promising things they can't deliver, and then not standing behind the agreement.
ATV Scene: How is the ATV manufacturers' lack of involvement in ATV racing effecting the sport?
Rath: Outside sponsers need to see current race quads built so they take us more serious. Would Supercross be where it is today if McGrath rode a 1989
CR250? Also if we all raced current quads, we would have more riders, which means more outside involvement, more press etc. Not everyone can afford
$14,000 - $18,000 for a race quad or have the knowledge to build a competitive machine, that really closes alot of riders out of the sport.
ATV Scene: What does a professional ATV
racer need to do in order to make a comfortable living?
Rath: Until this sport grows (keep in mind
this is not Nascar, Supercross) they will have to work a day job something many
of the top riders are doing.
ATV Scene: Why is it so difficult to field
an ATV racing team?
Rath: The cost is very large compared to
the return. There are many sponsored race teams out there that are involced
more out of the love for the sport than for income reasons.
ATV Scene: What needs to be done to accelerate
the sport further?
Rath: More exposure
and better TT tracks.
ATV Scene: What ATV racing series has
the most potential money for a professional rider?
Rath: GNC but not even close to what the
rider has to spend to get there and
compete, let alone win.
ATV Scene: What do you see happening in
the future of ATV racing?
Rath: I see the GNCC growing because riders
are able to race a machine that everyone can buy on Saturday and race on Sunday.
The factories are showing more interest here as well. ATVracing is one of the
few sports an entire family can enjoy at the same race track, from the 5-6 years
olds to the 40 plus, there are not many sports like that. This is a valuable
point that doesn't recieve any media attention or coverage. The only way to
keep a sport growing is give the general public (not the ones already racing
) a reason to check it out. That is up to the current riders, the track promotors,
the sponsers and the media.
