mat had no motogp or wsbk offers, because as was already said, a 180 lbs plus guy nearly 6 feet tall, over 30 years old, was not a sound investment for a team.
Right. But viewership was still shit in the USA compared to other countries. Even at its most recent peak of 2003-2004ish.
Kev, you on fire man!! :clap
very well said!The Mladin hate is strong. He was up against Spies until the last year of his career in serious title fights so he wasn't coasting. Even in 2009, he was beaten by Hayes twice and Pegram twice (Road America).
Think of racers as operating a small business instead of some character in a Rocky movie.
You have worked your ass off to get somewhere in one of the most dangerous and competitive pursuits on earth. You have endured injuries an pain to reach this position. You have been at this since you were five or six years old so the rewards came after nearly two decades of hard work. You have only a few peak earning years and you have to make the most of them. What would most BARFers do? Give up several million dollars to go race on a 2nd rate team overseas?
I don't have a problem with anyone for staying in a particular series and getting paid vs. riding for peanuts on a shitty team just to finish 10th in a World Championship race behind other riders that may or may not be as talented.
DMG and Edmondson had a fair hand in kicking out the factories from the series, iirc.
Still sad to not see American Honda in it, the series could use their money and bikes in the game.