Pro Motorcross Salary
The actor Steve McQueen stated, "riding is life; anything before or after is just waiting." Riding enthusiasts love the lifestyle, the action, the camaraderie, the competitiveness, the pure joy of racing as fast as possible to the finish. Spectators love the atmosphere, the races, the riders and the sheer joy of being in a crowd of like-minded fans. The motocross circuit of men and women racers ride as long as possible because of their love of the sport. Only a lucky few actually make a living at motocross racing.
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The Reality of Racing for a Living
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Statistics tell the story succinctly. Less than 10 percent of national motocross riders work for a professional motocross team and earn a salary. The other 90 percent rely on various other means of earning a living on the racing circuit. Their biggest hope of winning a sizable amount of cash is to perform well enough in motocross events to receive a chunk of the winning purse. Additional sources of income include championship bonuses and corporate endorsements. Most riders' annual earnings are below the $20,000 mark.
Two Groups of Riders
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There are two categories of motocross circuit riders. Elite riders are the lucky ones riding for one of the motocross professional teams. Team riders are called factory or factory-supported riders. They are paid a salary, and are provided with bikes, mechanical support personnel, transportation to races, and other equipment and supplies needed to successfully compete. Privateers are independent riders who may qualify for discounts on bikes and other equipment, but do not receive a regular paycheck. Privateers provide their own transportation to races and maintain their own bikes and equipment. Most privateers and weekend warriors do not earn enough money from the sport to support themselves or their families; they participate because they love what they do. Many hope to eventually win a coveted spot on one of the professional racing teams.
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Motocross Salaries
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Salaries for professional motocross riders vary widely depending on a number of criteria, including the company sponsoring the rider, location, industry, rider experience, and benefits. The average freestyle motocross salary as of October, 2011 was $36,000, according to a survey by Simply Hired. Top athletes make millions of dollars a year, but they are a tiny, fortunate elite. Their earnings are composed of a number of components, including a team salary, winning purse money, bonuses and advertising endorsements. A larger number of riders — but still a small percentage of the total number of racers on the circuit — make six figures, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
The Americanization of Motocross
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Outdoor racing in the sport started in Europe after World War I. Indoor tracks were introduced in Europe after World War II. The sport gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, and by the 1980s Americans dominated the field. The competition is fierce, but adherents harbor hopes of breaking into the big time. One of the most successful riders is Ryan Dyngey, who announced a move from the Rockstar/Makit Suzuki team to the Red Bull KTM team for the 2012 and 2013 racing seasons. It is rumored he will make over $5 million for the two racing years. Kids and young adults all over the country dream of becoming the next Ryan Dyngey.
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