Open Mic: Ricky Carmichael
Friday, January 4, 2013 | 9:50 AM
KICKER provides the sound from the Open Mic – since 1973 our concert-like acoustics and gritty design in mobile stereo put us on the map. KICKER Subwoofers and Amplifiers for vehicles and boats are sought worldwide, and now critically acclaimed MP3 Docks, Earbuds and Headphones are shaking up what remains.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
This week, Feld Motorsports announced the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, which will require riders make three night shows at an AMSOIL Arenacross race before they are eligible to race a Monster Energy Supercross event (in either the 250SX or 450SX class). The program does not become a requirement until the 2015 Supercross Championship, which means amateur riders will have to start using the Arenacross program in 2014 (they can use 2013 Arenacross races to earn their supercross license for 2014, but it's not required).
We saw Ricky Carmichael himself at Anaheim Stadium so we asked him about this new program.
Racer X: Kind of a surprise when we see a press release connecting you with arenacross, which isn't a series we've known you to have a connection with. So what is going on here?
Ricky Carmichael: Well, I didn't have much a connection with arenacross. But I have to say, I've always had this thought in my mind. Feld wants to make supercross the F1 or MotoGP of dirt bike racing, and we need to start acting like that. When we come to these supercrosses, there are guys out there that really shouldn't be out there. Number one, they're risking their health, and there's no amount of money, fame or fortune, or even just pride in front of your family and friends, saying “I suited up for a supercross and went out there” that is worth risking your health like that. There are just guys that have no business being out there on a full-blown supercross track in these conditions. We've got to make a qualification system, somehow, someway, to benefit the young guys coming up. They need to race in a confined area like this, where it's tight, it's loud, and sometimes you can't hear your bike, things like that. So we came up with the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross concept. It's new, but where I really think you'll see the benefit is three to four years from now, when you come to a supercross, and you will only have top guys out there. I just think it will grow the integrity of supercross—it's not a place where you can just come and try to qualify. It's only for the best of the best. And I don't want to say that in a way that sounds disrespectful, but it's only going to help. It will give the track builders more time, the other riders more time, it will make the track better, you won't have everyone running around like a chicken with their head cut off trying to figure out what to do out there.
Arenacross has undergone a major face lift during the last few months.
Simon Cudby photo
Now, also, what is this going to do for arenacross? I think it's going to do a lot for arenacross. You're going to have guys, a top amateur like a guy at Adam Cianciarulo's level, they will have to go there [Note: riders will only be required to use the AX seeding system in 2014 for the 2015 SX races. Cianciarulo and other current A riders will still be able to race supercross in 2014 using the current system. After 2013, though, the new rules come into effect, so most likely today's B riders will be the first to use the AX system en route to a professional supercross license in 2015]. You know, Ryan Dungey did one in Fresno once, for some supercross pre-prep. And I know being a team owner now that it's good to get the young guys some experience in a tight, enclosed environment, instead of sending them into the deep end of 250SX Supercross. That was my goal, that was my vision.
People always think top down—how does this effect guys like Cianciarulo, or a guy like you when you were starting out. You guys could ride a supercross track safely. So maybe this doesn't seem necessary at first, until you start thinking about those local riders who don't have factory deals and supercross test tracks.
Well, that's what we say, but Ryan Dungey went and did it when he was a factory Suzuki rider. He's got some pretty good credentials! It has to be the same for everybody, and I honestly believe it would be good for a rider like Adam Cianciarulo. I was extremely successful as an amateur, and even with all of my off-season testing with Pro Circuit for supercross, I felt like a fish out of water at my first race in Indianapolis.
Well, this all begs the question: do you wish you had done this yourself?
Absolutely. And I know it sounds so cliché to say that, because obviously I've done a deal with arenacross now. But really, looking back, I wish I would have done an arenacross or a race of that nature so I could cut my teeth a little bit. It's just different, and I don't care how much testing you do, nothing can simulate being out here in a supercross. This closest we can get is arenacross.
Yeah where did you finish in that first supercross race?
I think 19th! I fell down and my clutch lever broke off, and I ended up pulling off. But the next weekend I won. See? I could have gotten that out of the way. You're just so nervous out there, there's a lot of hype, it's so tight. You get that out of the way at an arenacross—and that's extreme, it's even tighter than a supercross—get that out of the way and you're ready to go.
But on the other hand, clearly, this is a big boost for the arenacross series.
Yeah and I think a lot of people are going to say, “Oh, they're just doing this to help arenacross.” Well, let there be no doubt about it, short term, it's going to help arenacross. But, long term, it is going to help supercross. It's going to keep people safer in my eyes.
Well, if it makes arenacross better, how is that a bad thing anyway? If that series grows, the riders in that series make more money and get more exposure and fans, which is good anyway.
Hey, take a guy like Buddy Antunez. He made a great living in arenacross, and those guys are taking the same risks as the guys in supercross. They should make a great living. For some guys, maybe supercross isn't their thing, but they're good at arenacross. Take a guy like Tyler Bowers. If arenacross becomes popular like it was when Antunez was racing, Tyler can make a great living at it. And there's nothing wrong with that. I see it all the time in NASCAR. There are guys who don't even have a goal of making it to the Sprint Cup Series anymore, they race the truck series and they make a good living at it. That's great for them. This is all part of a big package for arenacross, a lot more TV coming into it and things like that. But my big thing is the Road to Supercross. You can't have guys trying a supercross who only have local experience—I told the guys at Feld, hey, I can't just jack up my four-wheel drive and try to qualify for a Monster Jam event either!
The Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program will require riders make three night shows at an AMSOIL Arenacross race before they are eligible to race a Monster Energy Supercross event (in either the 250SX or 450SX class).
Okay, people will get mad if I don't ask you for some preditions on supercross 2013.
Well, my prediction for the year is you can never bet against a guy like Ryan Villopoto. He's even more rock solid every single year he's on his program, with his training, and he's getting older and getting wiser. I would like to see Chad Reed do good and come back from that injury. But I think in the next few years you're going to see the tides change. Barcia is going to do good, and jumping ahead, next year you're going to see Baggett come in and Eli Tomac, Dean Wilson, these guys ride really fast, and they believe they can hang with those guys. Look at what Barcia did at the Monster Cup. I think Villopoto is the favorite. But, same old thing, I think Dungey is going to win races. I think Stewart is going to win races—I think he's in a must situation this year. It's the same old thing, but I think slowly we're going to see the younger guys evolve.
You doing TV?
Yeah, at eight races.
Hey, it's your first time doing TV as a team owner. You going to resist the urge to yell at or cheer for your guys as the race is going?
(Laughs) I know everyone thinks I'm a hard ass but I'm really not. We have our constructive criticism during the week, but at the races you need to embrace the guys and help them finish the best that they can.
Did you like this article?
Check out LONE STAR RISING
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
The James Stewart Freestone AMA Spring Classic in Texas has quickly earned a place on the list of must-attend springtime amateur events. Page 182.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Spot on Ricky. Keep using your credentails to influence smart decisions my man...you will be protecting young, developing riders along the way..
Really can't see anything negative about this! I also like the fact that it will help develope the AX series. I'm hopeful for more coverage of the Arenacross series....it's intense racing and good viewing. Way to go Ricky.
Thanks again Ricky!
He is always trying to better the sport.. He is a real ambassador to motocross..And he seems to still just be a huge fan..
Seems like a fair system to me, plus it will greatly benefit the arenacross series.
will the international riders have to go through this system to access Supercross?
I am thinking about guys like Jeffrey Herlings who has zero experience in US supercross now but is obviously no slouch on a mx bike.
Im24:
That's a good question, I have talked to the AX staff and they say every rider will have to go through this program for SX 2015, so I assume that includes even riders coming over from Europe and such. I'll circle back with them to find out for sure.
@ BD200
agreed.....glad he's got his mind right and left the 4 wheel world. He belongs in MX......even though I do wish he was still riding, his growing involvement is the next best thing! I've recently become a bigger Tickle and Hill fan.....go RCH
I believe Ricky will be much like Decoster in that his post race career will probably impact the sport as much as his racing.
This is a great, great idea and very necessary. Thanks Feld and Ricky. One question: if Supercross becomes F1 where does that leave the Outdoors? Many riders and ex-riders love the Outdoors much more than Supercross.
Win Win all the way around!!! This will make the AX series very exciting, and as RC said, the proven SX' rs will have better focus as well.... I know this isn't all RC's doing, it takes a village. Cheers fellas!!
Let me add- it is impossible to communicate to people what a 10' 60 degree jump that's 30' out of a corner looks like. Holy S*&t! The kind of timing and precision needed to nail that is really hard to explain. I love the "camera on a wire" or on the back of an ATV shots, please use these more often.
Did anyone consider that we may end up with a freight train of the top amateur riders blowing into arenacross (temporarily), knocking off three main events, then jumping over to supercross as quickly as possible? Wouldn't this dilute the attention the arenacross professionals currently get (and perhaps some of the money) and make them appear "not quite supercross" as opposed to "badass arenacross specialists"?
It has always appeared (to me) that attempts were being made to market arenacross as a unique and seperate type of racing. This change would seem only to make arenacross the supercross amateur hour.
Kind of like some of those feeder series you see in NASCAR. Sure it's racing, but I want to see the big show......
@ mxdgnr8
To each their own? if you're only interested in the "Big Show" then don't tune in an hour early tomorrow. I'm a fan of MX/SX/AX....anything involving two wheels and dirt, so I'm glad to hear AX will be getting more exposure. One of my favorite series to watch is the Canadian MX nats.....great racing and the best commentators in the business bar none!
Does this mean if Pro Circut signs a top prospect like RV was or Wilson was, they have to start in Arenacross, or will a big team with big pull in the AMA be able to put their top dogs straight into supercross. Its not like they couldnt compete their first year already.. GEICO Honda also..
BD....if that is the case then the up and coming prospects will all be running the East coast so they can get their AX rounds in while the West is getting going?
That might be a good thing. You have a young rookie raring to get going in SX but forced to temper the excitement and get some AX experience before the SX guys head out east. Should help quell the nerves and maybe even avoid some injuries when the get to the show.
This idea of a "learning curve" requirement is not a bad thing. Sure there will be some issues along the way, the international riders, the already signed amatuers to Big Teams (P.C. & Geico). They may have to have some exceptions. Would you make Tony C. a multiworld title holder go through Arenacross to start with SX? (just an example). I tried to qualify for a few SX rounds back in the '80s, I was out of my league by far but it was legal for me to try. Arenacross was a better fit for me at that time. Now a days I just scream at my Flat Screen and trying to control my arm pump, while my wife reminds me to "breathe, breathe".
Can't wait for SAT. NITE !!!
Issue needing to be resolved - AX is predominately in the midwest. It does not even visit the west or southeast regions of the US. Also, I think Carmichael is completely insincere to make a statement that riding an AX track will prep a rider for SX. His attempt at justifying his rationale was terrible especially when it is all about the $$$.
@Ripdown....
Sweet, my first internet comment board throw down.....
As it stands right now (to me) arenacross is its own "Big Show". Making it this feeder series for supercross casts it as the "not quite ready for primetime (showtime?)" indoor racing training-thing.
The guys that are there (in arenacross) are the best of the best at what they do.
As a stop on the "Road to Supercross" they may become just the guys that couldn't quite make it.
Oh, and I'll be there that hour early to watch the arenacross. AND I'll have already scoured every website for information on qualying at Anaheim. AND I'll record both of the races and watch them again later in the week. AND I'll get so wound up I'll be at the track (in the snow, probably) on Sunday to ride. AND I'll buy tickets for the arenacross (for me and the wife) when it comes to town (Denver). AND I'll be at the national. AND I'll probably be at the Vegas and SLC (Utah) supercross rounds.
You see, I'm a big fan of this dirt bike stuff, too.
And @BD200:
I'm totally with you on that. I will not be surprised when (not "if") they add the "$pecial Big-Dog Factory (Toll Road)(of cour$e)" bypass on the "Road to Supercross".....
My goodness, this is fun.
I can only imagine the sketchyness of local A riders on full blown pro supercross tracks. I mean sure they are fast alot of times but local fast and when riding with the top pros they look like C riders sometimes. I think its smart, see how it goes in AX if they are all over the place and sketchy there after a hand full of races dont move to SX. There is a newer indoor track in Western PA and while its challenging for me, I can get around it and the local fast riders get around it alot faster, I know it isnt close to a real pro SX track.
I think Ricky is selling out a bit here. I just love the fact that you are forcing a rider to compete in another series because you think getting a few arenacross races under their belt is going to elevate the supercross venue? I'm not buying it for a minute. I'm sure Ricky has good intentions, but this smells like a money making scam.....
@ mxdgnr8
Good to hear.....and while surfing the web....see if you can find some CMRC coverage of the Canadian Nationals......some great tracks, good talent and a very entertaining duo of commentators.
I do agree that some guys shouldnt be on a supercross track.. I have seen guys run an entire race and never clear a big triple..They shouldnt even be there, its kinda dangerous..And I am not so sure that the Areacross is a big show of its own.. I have seen their champs struggle to make the top 15 in a supercross race, and in the LCQ just to make the main..
@Mcmoto--Tony Cairoli might benefit from some arenacross before hitting the big-time of supercross.. He hasnt raced it before, he doesnt do the small ones in Europe.. He would have a hard time even qualifying I think..
We will have to see if this means they will make an AX East and AX West series. They would almost have to, to make this a successful attempt in the direction Feld wants to go with this. I couldn't flip the bill to make East coast rounds in AX coming from Nevada all the time. I would almost rather be groomed in an AX environment and skip the Loretta's thing all together. This just run family's straight into the financial dirt for a shot. Guess we'll have to stay tuned here. Good points on all comments though fellas.
I am totally online with this concept. Instead of farming down into the pee-wees, the factory connection level teams need to farm into the AX coffers. Make AX like the college series which feeds the NFL. Can you imagine the pucker factor rolling out your practice bike to qualify for a supercross??? Do you want to get in front of Bam Bam's way and get punted into the stands??? Right on!
I like the idea a lot. I liked it when it was my idea over fifteen years ago. It baffles me that it takes a guy like RC to get this implemented. I wrote numerous letters to the AMA, Davey Coombs,Clearchannel etc. but I guess they fell on deaf ears. Another idea I have, they need to mandate all riders where chest protectors, body armor, neck braces. It's ridiculous. Riders always getting hurt, it would only help. And spare me the garbage riders spew like 'it limits my mobility...I can't see.' Bull! Anyone see Deanthony Thomas run that kickoff back last night? Full pads, didn't seem like mobility was a problem there. Apologies for the rant.
BD, I agree with you on Tony C. I was kinda using an example of "Big Name Accomplished Riders" getting some favoritism po$$ibly. Just as mxdgnr8 and yourself were bringing to point. I feel that there will be ways around this system, time will tell.
Got a new "Grip seat cover" on the couch for those occasional 'seat bumps' before my arms pump up Sat. nite ! Everybody enjoy, takin' an early out this afternoon to do some Gray haired powder shreddin'. Go Barcia !
@McMoto....
You do that too......?
Helmet cameras freak me out! I find myself riding the couch. My feet move as if I've got a brake and a shifter. Lean forward, elbows up......
The other night, as I was falling asleep, I went into this corner and kind of lost the front wheel. Well I was holding my baby and as I tensed up to save it, I about damaged some of her, uh, "soft tissue".
She's used to it, though. She squeeked a little, turned to me and asked, "did you crash again....?"
I really, really love dirt bikes.
@ripdown...I used to love those commentators. I assume they are the same ones I'm thinking of. Those guys could make anything seem exciting.
I don't think this is a good idea at all. If you can't ride sx you're probably not going to do any better at ax. It just seems like a way to push out the little guy so Feld can get what it wants...All the $$$$$$$$$$$$! Plus this seems like another way to squeeze out MX. I can see it now. SX will keep increasing the schedule until riders have to choose one or the other. If you don't have a big team behind you, you race MX. Which means less of the big name riders in mx, which means less sponsor money, less support less of everything.
Man I'm rally "Tickled" about RCH......
the bottom 10 riders in the supercross main will aways get lapped. the top guys are just crazy fast. the supercross main should just be 10 riders .with 2 motos. that would make it safer. the top AX guys now would be lapped about lap 13.
@Ripdown: I Agree. Canadian Motocross commentators are the best in the business. I dont even know all of the Canadian riders but i get super excited watching there races because of the commentators. H@ll i even root for the random battle for 19th place because of the commentators. The best in any country on commentating. Expecially the " HHHHHHOOOOOLLLLLEEEEEESSSHHHHOOOOOTTTTT!!!!!!!!! LOL.
But in all seriousness they need to do a east and west arenacross series to make it more financially sound for every racer. I could travel to different areas of the country comfortably for my son. I could do it but it would put a strain on the household.
This concept may help bring in other sponsors for exposure on both Supercross and Arenacross if you tie in the aspect of sponsorship that Mike Genova said the other day. All in all it will bring more money to Arenacross and make Supercross a tad safer with more experienced Racers. You could be the best amature in Motocross but Supercross is totally different.
@hunsaker814: I wouldn't technically call it selling out. The one issue that all have said including Charmicheal while commentating is that certain racers should not be on the track because they are in the way or not doing a section. A new Pro racer at Supercross may not know how to get out of the way or have the will to finish the race strong.
And honestly if someone came to you and said "Hey if you can think of any changes that could bring our sport to the next level we will give you a 30% of the profit (Which could be as much as a Million a year)" would you turn it down because it may look like you are "Selling Out". H@ll No!!! He better make all the money he can while his name is still relevant to our peers and young riders because if he turned this down and it wound up working.... He will be kicking himself for life.
RHC will definitely have a tough "Hill" to climb...
@ Misoheye
Yep same ones....Marc Travers and Brian Coster = knowledge and entertainment.
PS.....you bring up some good points on the direction SX is going. It is where the money is unfortunately.....would be a shame to see MX get pushed aside by corporate America. I'm an SX fan for the excitement and production value but MX is still where it's at for me. Next few months are just filling time for me until the Nationals commence. Too bad the field will likely be depleted come summer time as I do believe this SX season is going to be a war.
Leave it alone. It is a different discipline. Undermines AX. YES, SX is DANGEROUS. DUH! THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE.
I don't know, I guess I can see how AX might be a useful feeder for young guys before they start their career in Lites. Get them a little more experience racing indoors. Then again, watching guys like Cianciarulo, Webb, and McElrath at the MEC last October....those guys don't really need to race any AX before making the jump.
I think the young amateurs who come up with Team Green or Factory Connection or Star are more or less getting factory support and riding time on the factory SX tracks well in advance of starting their first 250SX race. It is the other guys the cut below who really are the ones who will benefit from coming through AX.
For the 450 SX class, when it comes down to it, anyone who makes the cut out of practice into the heats is probably a decent SX rider. Look how deep the field is for tomorrow, there will be very good riders who don't make the main. But when I watched the lowest-seeded practice in 450SX at Vegas last May it was clear there were a few guys out there who were in WAAYY over their heads. Not sure how FELD and the AMA can address that.
I feel all gooey inside. I hope Ralph yells my new screen name sometime this season.
@ripdown...I don't live far from Canada and will some day make at trip up to ride. Some of those tracks look like fun. Can't recall the name of the track, it had a step-up into a left bowl corner that led into a step-down into a left bowl corner. Looked like so much fun.
Ummmm, didn't they try this a few years ago and it didn't work? They were supposed to earn so many points before they were allowed to race SX, but then top amateurs got to go right to the pros, so they nixed it. And what about someone like Cooper Webb who will debut at the nationals this year. In theory he could win the outdoor championship and then have to "step down" to AX before he can race indoors and the series overlaps so, he would have to sit out some rounds of SX (i know it doesn't affect him personally because of the year, but just an example). Stupid, stupid idea.
Miso
sounds like one of the western tracks....maybe Wildrose or the Wastelands? If you're anywhere near the Ontario border and want to check out what us hosers up north have to offer for riding look me up. We've got some great natural terrain tracks......I'm getting a little long in the tooth but will do my best to keep up. lol
@Fred
You out there buddy? Did you read this? I guess I'm not the retarded one after all.
Good to see someone of RC's influence saying the words safety out loud.
My two cents worth.
1) Track design. Look at the injury list last year and you see primarily top twenty guys. Its not just race day either ....how may laps do guys put in on the team tracks during the week ? How may times has a name gone done during the week ?
2) An option alongs the lines of RCs' idea is setting a minimum standatrd lap time . Everyone still gets track time . This area is tough because guys 25 second off the pace provide some of the most excitng moments as the leaders get into lappped traffic
3) Trey Canard Rule : Now guys of Ryan Morias caliber deserve to be on the track but I hold my breath for the riders in the first moments off the start. This portion of the race probably presents riders with the biggset reward risk opportunities in the race.
Off the subject but tackle this one RC:
Race purses.
JimM
Pala374
@ripdown...finger lakes area so not far. I think it was the wastelands. I'm waiting for my "paperwork" to clear before your fine government will let me visit again. I used to race a few of you that came across. Usually lost because they were allowed to ride a class lower. Is it true that I would be bumped up a class if I raced up there?
@jimbo... Rule #2 is a great idea. #3 I've raced tracks that don't allow tripling on the first lap. I'm sure riders would be insulted though.
Stay tricky Ricky. Moto needs you.
i feel like it could be a good idea, but the arenacross series needs to expand locations more. There are not much for west coast arenacross rounds for an up and comer or any of the local guys to really try and earn the points needed to advance to supercross.
I don't quite understand, would an upcoming rider (Ciancirilo for example) have to complete an entire AX series? Or just qualify for one AX Main? I don't get it. Either way sounds pretty cool.
^^ Nevermind, I didn't read the italicized intro. Ma' bad
i Think its a good idea, and just because a top up and coming rider is fast doesnt mean there gonna clean house in arenacross. it would give young riders a chance to experience the intensity of a professional race on a smaller pressure scale. and just because some guys have contracts with big teams doesnt mean there ready for supercross guys. i got business degree but that doesnt mean im ready to open a multibillion dollar company. Its just extra practice for these kids that will be more realistic than the test track
@kx408 I was thinking the same thing. I could have sworn I had heard something like this a few years ago during the off-season, and then I never heard anything else about it.
It seems easier to do the % rule like they do sometimes in road racing. If you're lap times are 25% slower than the average of the top 10, or however you would work it out, then you go home. If riders knew that was the case, they may be motivated to not spend all the money it takes to race a SX, and go to an AX instead. It just seems better than forcing them to race AX.
A lot of the Aussies coming over are ready for SX, and may not want to have a year of their career go to waste doing AX. Just seems like there would be a lot of exceptions needed to be made, and then what would be the point?
this is as far as I got reading this interview. ( be patient)
Ricky Carmichael:
Well, I didn't have much a connection with arenacross. But I have to say, I've always had this thought in my mind. Feld wants to make supercross the F1 or MotoGP of dirt bike racing, and we need to start acting like that. When we come to these supercrosses, there are guys out there that really shouldn't be out there. Number one, they're risking their health, and there's no amount of money, fame or fortune, or even just pride in front of your family and friends, saying “I suited up for a supercross and went out there” that is worth risking your health like that.
PIECE OF S#%T.
Isn't that exactly what he did when he first rode a pw ( or whatever ) in a race. It could of just as easily happend to him falling down and driving his head into the ground, breaking his neck.
Hypocritical jackass!
All respect lost! ( means absolutely nothing, but it's my story )
I'll believe it when I see it with my own to eyes.I remember they were talking about doing this back in 07 when Steve Whitlock was with the AMA.Except riders moveing up from Loretta Lynns with factory rides were exempt.That would of been total bullshit and probably set the AMA up for a big law suit.This will be great for Arena Cross though.
@ hamandcheese
Why not do it like Nascar does it. Let's just have the same 18 guys garrantees a gate and have everyone else race for the last two spots.
Leave it the way it is!!!! there is already limited talent out there, and now you want to add a rule stating who can compete?
WHY even watch a hockey game? Why not view SX in the same light. I'm prettty tired of watching 10-15 guys taking the exact same line every lap of a race. Why not make a multiple line broken obstacle race track. WITH HUGE SECTIONS THAT TAKE A 450'S POWER TO CLEAR. Maybe that will sort out the wannabees from the men.
This idea is half-baked at best. When do west coast riders get their 3 ax races in? Can 15 year olds race arenacross? How far will these young riders have to travel to get their 3 races in?
Very elitist. Sounds like the "there's a race going on and you're not in it" comment.
What happened to "if you can't win, wreck someone who can"?
So RC pimps his name out to Feld for use on a pro supercross license qualification? I think it's a good idea but why the whole 'Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross' label, why not just add it to the rule book and call it a day? I lost a lot of respect for the guy when he decided to go back to Loretta's and now he's selling his name so that Feld can get some credibility on a rule change that is reasonable on it's own? Whoop dee doo.
This means top teams signing top amateurs will need to start an areacross team to support them and get them to the races. Teams might not have the budget for this and may not sign the young talent until they have gone through the areancross. So this could be a negative. Imagine a team like PC, they would need another big rig and staff for areacross just to secure their talent for SX.
I think previous SX experience should be acknowledged. Like the Aus SX series for instance. But from a marketing perspective I can understand FELD not wanting to do that.
Sorry,i dont like the idea,,,anyways how would doin arena x (racing on the same small track week after week moto after moto)get them ready for supercross?,,the track is gonna be longer,jumps and whoops bigger,more sections to put together,,dont make sense to me,even if they are forced to race AX before SX they still will have to adjust and adapt to the bigger stadium tracks
When the greatest of all time gets behind and idea it will have it's best chance. So what if they are making money, so will the riders, so will the sport as all grow together. I'll be watching AX tonight because of this new move and I'd grown to loathe in in years past; now it's part of the larger story line and thus interesting again.
I tried to read all of the comment and a lot of you made some very interesting ones. Actually I think this is a good idea. I did ride a early Mike Kidd Arenacross and then in 88 did the Jerry Surber duh race at Texas Stadium amature thing. the next day and there is a big diffeence, It would have been better if we got more than 3 laps of practice? So I think RC is hading in the right way just a few bugs to work out and he has given it a 2 year practice run to do that. I dunno about this but then there could be some type of judge to determine if the top prospects are read? Then also they now have acess to real supercross tracks also. More thinking needs to be dine on this. It is a good start to make our sport better though.
Ricky: Go steal Tomac for 2014. Put him on a works Suzuki and you immediately have a title contender next year.