After a week off from this column, the most notorious slinger of motocross filth in the pits is back. And after crushing it at Spring Creek with a 9-8 for eighth overall, Filthy Phil Nicoletti threw on a scoop tire held and it wide through topics like international riders, ripping holeshots, and fan appreciation.
As always, to submit your own burning question the man who's resting expression always involves a scowl and a middle finger, send an email to phil@racerxonline.com.
International Phil,
It seems like we’ve been getting more international riders in motocross lately. If you go back, I dunno, even ten years, there weren’t many at all. Sure, there have always been some top guys here and there coming over, like Marvin Musquin, Ken Roczen, or even Greg Albertyn going back a few years, but we’ve never had as many as we do now. Reading the results sheets now requires a subscription to Rosetta Stone! I’m not saying that’s a good or bad thing, just something I’ve noticed. What do you think is responsible for the influx of international flavor here in America?
-Keg Man
Keg,
To be honest with you, I’m not really sure. There must be a little more incentive or upside to race an AMA national vs. an MXGP. Maybe it's cheaper to do an AMA for signup and all, compared to MXGP. Also, even though it’s not a ton, but there's purse money as well. I think it’s cool to race guys I have no idea who they are. Harri Kullas and I have become pretty good acquaintances, and we have a pretty good banter of shit talking. But just in general our sport is very international. It’s crazy to think about all the different nationalities. There is a reason why they want to be here, especially the ones who are multi-disciplined in SX/MX. The money that can be made by a champion in the United States compared to MXGP is quite a bit more substantial! It’s around 50 percent more. But for me personally, the more of a melting pot we get, and different personalities, it makes it that much better.
-Phil
Hi Phil,
I'm curious to know what goes inside the racer's mind as you are looking down at the gate. I'm focusing just on the result part. I have a three-part question. Where did you feel you were going to finish lining up at 12 years old? Then at 25, as a young adult into his MX pro career? And now, next Saturday looking down the start strait at the tail end of your pro career?
Lastly, can you transfer your starting prowess to Simonson over at Club?
-Simonson Superfan.
Superfan,
The thought process has changed a significant amount. When I was a kid, it was a do or die. I always felt like there was a lot of pressure, when in reality there wasn’t any pressure. It was just I wanted to win so I could get free bikes from Honda! Then it was to get a factory ride. Then it turns into getting enough results to get paid. Every year it’s felt like a do or die. Literally. Even at 24 when I lined up when I was with JGR. It was to always prove I was worthy to be there. I lined up to rip a holeshot and lead, and to prove I was a top 5-10 guy consistently. That continued for many years, but now it’s different. At 35, I do it for me and me only. It’s not about a paycheck next year. It’s literally just me enjoying the last bits on the starting gate that I’ve never felt before. Even in supercross. I’ve never sat on the gate and actually looked at the crowds. For years and years I never sat there on the line and looked around and took it all it. I’ve never done a parade lap and looked around at the crowd at an AMA national. The “lock in” phase has subsided. I’m in the enjoyment phase.
-Phil
Phil,
If what I hear on podcasts and read online is to be believed, you truly seem to be one of the grumpiest, most ornery riders in the pits. Like, for real. By all accounts, it’s not just an act. But you’re also a fan favorite! That begs the question, how does someone like you, who hates people, deal with people constantly trying to get pictures with you and asking you for stuff like fenders and goggles? I’d imagine there has to have been more than a few encounters with entitled, relentless, and drunk fans that left you wanting to apply for a concealed carry permit.
-Chicago Sam
Chicago,
Honestly, most of the fans are badass. Very few annoy me. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some I wanted to headbutt. But for the most part everyone is good. I understand where they are coming from. They use their hard earned cash to come watch us losers ride dirt bikes. If it wasn’t for those people buying the brands and products that support me, I wouldn’t have a job. The fans make the sport go round. The issue comes when there are 50 people who want to talk, and they each want a minute of time. Like I said in a past column, it’s impossible. So if it’s a picture here and there, that’s cake and takes no time to do so. It’s the people who want to ramble that kills us. We aren’t being pricks, we just LITERALLY DON’T HAVE THE TIME. But for me, I dreamed as a kid to be in the spot that I am now. A place where fans of the sport want to take a picture. I remember when I was a kid when I was on the outside looking in, and knowing that’s where I wanted to get to.
-Phil
