Helping privateers get to the races is a long-standing grass-roots part of the professional side of this sport. Many efforts have appeared over the years, including  the Wonder Wharthog program (where a privateer would even don a Wonder Wharthog cape on the main event sight lap), our own Racer X Gas Card (which paid $750 to the rider who finished one spot shy of making the main event), and countless other do-gooders who reach into their own pocket to help others live a dream. Some run teams, some sponsor riders, and some keep their financial and logistical assistance completely behind the scenes. A lot of people like to help, but everyone does it in different ways.

Probably the longest-running high-profile privateer program in the pits was Teddy Parks' The Privateer Journey (TPJ). It transported bikes and parts to the races to help defray the costs for privateers. It was similar in concept to the Wharthohg program, with a truck, a tent, and a whole bunch of privateer heroes who would spend less pooling assets than they would if they did it all on their own.

If you look up Texas in the dictionary you might find a photo of Teddy Parks, who is as Texas as it gets. He dreamed big, talked big and built a big program, and his trademark cowboy hat and boots always along for the ride. But alas, after nearly two decades at it, Mr Parks finally decided it was time to come off the road and see his grandkids more. The TPJ program, effectively, was done.

Or maybe not! The baton has been passed to a new program called the McGinley Clinic Privateer Support Program. Similar to TPJ, it will house a bunch of bikes and parts in one truck and let the riders all share a pit area. It will make logistics and costs lower for riders on the program compared to doing it solo.

Dr. Joe McGinley, who you may have seen with appearances in Pro Motocross and on SMX Insider with updates on rider injury and recovery, is the title sponsor of the program via his McGinley clinic. The program has announced the 2025 rider list for supercross as well as additional sponsors, and that info is below. Dr. McGinley tells us he's talked with Teddy Parks quite a bit about what it takes to run such a program and is proud to try to keep the flame alive. More info is below:

The following is a press release from The McGinley Clinic:

New Program Supports Privateer Racers, with Title Sponsor The McGinley Clinic

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new and innovative racing initiative: The McGinley Clinic Privateer Support Program. This program is designed to help Privateer Supercross and Motocross racers achieve their goals by providing crucial support to help with transportation costs, logistical planning, injury support and sponsor product support. Aimed at supporting privateers, the program offers the next level of professional assistance, ensuring that these talented riders can focus on what they do best—racing—without the worry about staggering travel expenses and challenges.

Title Sponsor Announcement: The McGinley Clinic

We are proud to announce that The McGinley Clinic, The Official Partner and Orthopedic Clinic of The Pro Motocross Championship, has signed on as the title sponsor of the Privateer Support Program. The McGinley Clinic is known for its top-tier, cutting-edge orthopedic care, and is excited to expand their services in the world of racing. As part of their commitment to the privateer community, The McGinley Clinic will provide privateer riders, their team, friends and family with access to an elite network of orthopedic surgeons and physicians across the country. Whether injured on or off the track, these riders will be referred to some of the best medical professionals, ensuring they receive the highest level of care. Riders will also benefit from the latest advancements in orthopedics and sports medicine, including minimally invasive treatments for arm pump.

“At The McGinley Clinic, we take the health of the sport seriously, and supporting privateers felt like the perfect way to contribute and further our commitment to SuperMotocross,” said Dr. Joseph McGinley, founder of The McGinley Clinic. “As a former amateur motocross racer myself, it is my honor and pleasure to support privateers of the sport. I am excited to see the name “The McGinley Clinic” on the transport in the pro pits. We really want to draw attention to bringing high-quality care to riders and their families.”