I have a question with the new evolution of electric motorcycles being produced. Starting with the minicycle is a great move in my opinion, mainly because the standard gasoline 50cc is automatic, just like an electric mini. How would the skill of racing change if everyone is on an automatic bike with no clutch lever? I know with Rekluse this has been possible for years, and some pros utilize this. It just seems odd to me to take away a clutch and shifting for everyone. Racing might be closer on all levels, but is that a good or bad thing?
Bryce Riggs // Amboy, WA
Bryce, that’s a really good point that I personally never considered. I do know that kids today who grew up driving automatic-transmission automobiles probably consider the clutch and gear shifter in a standard car to be some kind of anti-theft device! DC
There are many voices in our sport of moto, but I feel that Jason Weigandt and Steve Matthes stand apart from the field in their power over the conversation within the community. Between the many hours of podcasts and various innovations of Matthes, and Jason’s ability to literally be the actual voice for so many sporting events, as well as a major editorial voice of both the largest moto magazine as well as the largest moto website, these two probably have the power to craft the opinion within our community. I would love some insights into what it is like to be these men from their perspective “at the top.”
Doug Taylor // Albany, OR
Well, thanks for the letter. . . . Mom, is that you? Anyway, there are a ton of people in media who are just like Weege and me. They love the sport and want to cover it the best way possible. I think what Weege and I have in common is we absolutely loved the sport as kids and feel fortunate to talk and write about it for a living. Like, I text with Ron Lechien. How cool is that? Bottom line, we love it, and maybe it comes through in our stuff. Matthes
Why do you think Eli Tomac is so consistent in motocross but can’t put together a winning supercross season?
Martin Bibeau // Quebec City, Canada
Martin, if we knew the answer, we would be looking for a job as a supercross team manager! DC
I know this question is old, but I’ve been around this sport for many years. Can someone give a simple answer as to why these pro riders will never get paid like ball sports? Some reasons are obvious, but the overall risk and skill cannot be matched. Is it just the business itself or lack of support needed? What’s the most accurate answer?
Berndt Freeman // Racer X Online
Thanks for the note, Berndt. SX/MX is not even close to being as big and popular as mainstream stick and ball sports, and the amount of industry sales and eyeballs on the races are not nearly what, say, professional golf has, or the NFL, NBA, whatever. Our athletes definitely deserve every dime they get, and like you, we all wish it were more, too, but the numbers just aren’t there. DC
I was looking at the list of all-time SX winners and started wondering: which of these champions actually raced against the greatest number of former and future champions? Was thinking that might be a fact that fans might find interesting.Jesse Brandt // Racer X Online
Good question, Jesse, but my guess is that it wouldn’t be an actual champion, but someone who had a very long career as a contender over a whole bunch of years. In other words, Mike LaRocco! Counting SX champions alone, The Rock raced against Johnny O’Mara, Rick Johnson, Jeff Ward, Jeff Stanton, Jean-Michel Bayle, Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Emig, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed, and James Stewart! That’s a lot of championships. DC