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.