I have no problem with a signup fee. This is not a team sport that plays in a home stadium.
I do have a problem with the fee AMOUNT compared to the purse.
SO for this we should compare it to NASCAR or any other professional motorsport.
Nascar signup fee = $4,300 per race. wow. But last place pays $8,500 on average
Pro Moto fee = $250 per race Last place pays $424 on average.
That is pretty comparable.. right?
NOPE
Look at the total purse. Moto = $36,000 or 175% payback
NASCAR = $4,167,000 or 2,250% payback
Monster is paying NASCAR 20 million a year for naming rights. What do they pay for Supercross? No one knows because they (MX Sports/ Feld / AMA) don't tell you.
Is that "good for the sport"?
Scoob, Think about what you just said. The owners care about their bank account. Very true, but That is NOT the sport. Paying more to the riders hopefully keeping them in the sport longer. Build that name recognition. That builds the sport and profits.
They aren't totally comparable, but in MX last place gets back around 170% where last place in NASCAR gets about 198%. If an MX'er got $198% payback for last place or $494 does that make it all warm and fuzzy?....
Now total purse is a different story. I'd guess that has to do a lot with sponsors and the amount being paid in by others. You think Feld, MX Sports, and the AMA are clearing what NASCAR is?... I get you though, but within reason...
And yes, owners do care about their bottom line, no question. Do you go to your job out of the goodness of your heart and not care if you get paid? Granted, different bottom line, but you get what I am saying? I'd bet some owners are owners because they love the sport in which they own in, but some...no chance. Just as greedy and in it for the money as in any role. Some are just more greedy and worried about getting theirs than others...
I dunno. I'm not saying changed couldn't be made, but it has to be able to be supported long term "for the good of the sport". I haven't a clue what that looks like. I admit, I am unedumacated there. I barely have an idea what's good for the sport of Scoob and I own the entire industry. See, you're different. You've figured out the sport of ck1racerx hand over fist so you have the time and knowledge to fix other owners. I do not.
Best of luck my friend! Merry Christmas!