It ain’t easy being on Privateer Island—and we’ve got the numbers to prove it
WORDS: STEVE MATTHES
PHOTOS: ALIGN MEDIA
Parked adjacent to the factory big rigs at every race are the privateers. These independent riders lack the resources of the factory guys, so they piece together support however they can, trying to build a semblance of a competitive program all on their own. Some make the main event often; many others don’t. But just know that when the night show kicks off at Monster Energy AMA Supercross, three-quarters of the 450SX class are riders who live on what we like to call Privateer Island.
We checked in with some of our privateer heroes on the far side of the paddock to talk about their programs, their funding, their struggles, and more.
We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
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