Where do we start?

I think the foundation of the solution is simple, get more people riding dirt bikes. I find it almost comical that we have the people at Feld almost falling over themselves trying to bring changes to Supercross, talking about a chase format or the triple crown or doing away with semis etc. Then we have the major media outlets discussing these changes like they are oh so important. We are told these changes need to take place to keep things fresh and bring in new viewers. I don't really care what they are doing I'll still watch it but it feels like change for the sake of change, if I was a new viewer or I just started watching last year I'd just be confused. If you look at other main stream sports they may change up a few aspects around its core but it still remains what it is, I don't see the Super Bowl going to a best of seven play off series anytime soon and for good reason.

Then there is money problem, the top five riders in the 450 class make great money and everyone else struggles. I've read where many people have said the pay structure needs to be changed but I disagree I think we need to bring in more money. Over the years we have seen big sponsors come and go, you don't have to look too far to find articles covering this issue and giving their opinions of what happened and how Motocross and Supercross are just niche sports, I say that's ridiculous. Motocross and Supercross are decades old if we are going to continue to use the "niche sport"excuse then the riders may as well be showing up in 20 year old Ford Rangers racing for purse money then going back to their regular job on Monday. If we want to attract and maintain new sponsors from outside the industry then why aren't these potential new sponsors offered a better deal than they would get else where? If they are only being exposed to 400,000 people per race weekend then charge accordingly, as the audience numbers build adjust pricing.

So that brings us to the meat of the issue doesn't it? How do we build the audience? Get people riding dirt bikes. More people riding dirt bikes equals more interest in Motocross and Supercross and greater value for sponsors. The grassroots of the sport has always been the driving force and still is, of course this blog is about how to grow that grassroots base and there is much more to discuss on that issue but I just wanted to illustrate how it all comes back to that. I take a passing interest in Loretta's every year and every year what I find mind blowing is the amount of money that has been invested in these kids so that they can work their butts off and miss most of their childhood so they can take a shot at becoming one of the five riders that actually makes a decent living. The sport needs new money from consistent sources which can only be achieved with a bigger audience which will come from more riders.

Thanks for reading I would love to read your opinion in the comments.