David,
I truly believe that the vast majority of us forget how old (rather, how young) these riders are. I believe if we kept that in mind we could be more understanding of their off-handed comments and, in some cases, poor decisions. I think we also tend to forget that these young men are still some parents little baby boy fighting the awkward effects of puberty between growth spurts, Peter Brady voice, complexation problems and enough new hair in new places that if coated in milk, a hungry cat could remove. Also, am I right to say that a high percentage of riders are home schooled or privately tutored? I guess the point I am trying to make is, how smart are these riders? We hear that teams are recruiting younger and younger kids in the amateur ranks with the notion of producing a seasoned non-professional for his transition into the pro ranks. If their lives are consumed by moto, which seems to be the norm, where are the life lessons? The day to day, the venue that helps mold the mind in preparation for the struggles of life. My guess is there isn’t any. If that’s the case than why get upset when a young rider says the wrong thing, tweets the wrong message or acts or says something we believe to be inappropriate. Personally, I just look at it as being a dumb-ass. Truthfully, how many of us have done or acted like a dumb-ass in our lifetime? How about in the last 24 hours? My hand is raised, is yours? I have spent a fortune on private schools from pre-k to the top college in my state on my two kids who are about the age of a 450 rider. Guess what? It doesn’t guarantee a dumb-ass free lifestyle. What are your thoughts? Do we have any future Warren Buffets or Steven Hawkins lining up at the gate?
Thank you in advance for the consideration,
GVC.
New Orleans, LA
GVC,
That’s a difficult question to answer, actually. Some folks like to throw around the phrase, “I’m not book smart, but I am street smart.” That sounds like something a stupid person would say if you ask me. That’s like an ugly girl trying to convince people that real beauty is on the inside. Sure, sweetheart… whatever you say. You have to realize that the complexion of high-level amateur motocross has changed significantly in the past couple decades. If you want to succeed these days you can’t really attend school in a traditional fashion. The fastest kids are being pulled out of classrooms before they finish grade school so they can ride more. Sure, they la-di-da through a homeschool program but unless their parents create an environment where school work is the priority, little Johnny is going to pencil-whip the crap out of that homework and get back to riding as soon as he can. That model does not produce intelligent children.
The lucky few will actually make the transition to pro racing and earn enough money to float them through to another career. Only a handful of riders per decade will make enough money to retire and not have to work again. You are more likely to win the lottery than make enough money racing to completely retire when you are done. I don’t have numbers to back that up, but you get my point. The thousands of kids who walked away from school and then couldn’t make it work as a pro will corroborate my story. I don’t know if we have any MENSA members lining up at the nationals, but any good racer will at least walk away from this sport with some good life lessons: Work hard if you want to see results. Never give up. If you fall down, get back up and get going. Those traits will get you almost anywhere you want to go in life if you have the courage to just start moving in the direction of your goals.
PING
Mr. Ping,
I don’t really have a question. I am just using your column to get my word out, since everyone reads your stuff and I severely dislike social media and refuse to be any part of it. The podium interviews last weekend at Millville were really good by all the riders. Shake and Bake (the Martin bros) were very personable with Jmart even putting a little humor in his thanks to baby Jesus, but he forgot teenage Jesus. Personally, I really appreciated every single 250 podium guy thanking Jesus first and foremost. Just thought I’d say good job to those guys since everyone else on social media is probably telling them how they could do it better.
Thanks again,
Sean
Sean,
Something I think we can all agree on is that it’s nice to see some genuine answers, emotion and personality out of the guys on the box. It is much more difficult than it seems to give a good interview when you pull your helmet off and before you can spit the roost out of your mouth and wipe the snot from your nose you have a microphone hitting you in the chin. Between adrenaline and the emotional buildup of your race it’s shocking more riders aren’t dropping F-bombs and throwing their middle fingers around while scream-crying into the camera. The Martin brothers did a great job and Cooper is always honest. Even if you don’t like what he has to say, you have to respect that. The 250 class has been fun to watch all summer and it’s awesome we have good personalities to go along with it.
PING
Hey Ping....
There is a great story out there that is NEVER mentioned by the TV announcers.....Gared Steinke on a 125cc Husky. I know he is at the back of the pack, but he is making mains. Is it not mentioned because it exposes the disgusting rules favoring 4 strokes?
Thanks
John
John,
Take it easy, conspiracy theory. What could the broadcast team possibly have to gain by pushing the manufacturers' agenda? The television crew is trying to produce a quality show that focuses on the leaders and stars of the sport. I’m sure they would love it if more riders were capable of winning and getting some camera time, but that isn’t the way our sport works. Those privateers filling out the pack, whether they are on a 250F or a 125, have to run up front to earn a factory ride and the television time that comes with being at the front of the pack. Steinke has a huge following at the races because there are a huge number of people who want to see two-strokes make a comeback in some fashion. It just so happens there is a 125 race at Washougal this weekend and, if it goes well, it wouldn’t surprise me to see more of them. Don’t misplace your anger… just buy a 125 instead of a 250F and cheer on Stank Dog when he’s on the track.
PING
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