Image vs. Speed in Supercross
Sat, Mar 13, 2010 - 12:36pm
VS.
photo: F. Hoppen
Just wanted to see opinions on riders "image vs. speed". What do you think is more relevant now and in the future in supercross. I would initially say speed because these guys are racers and they are participating in "racing". But on the other side is the show aspect of this sport we love, (laser lights, dancing girls, extensive fan pits, etc.) Feld Entertainment owns Supercross not Feld Racing so it's hard to deny the show is an important aspect in today's supercross experience. Swizcore and Matthes in the "Swizcore" podcast mentioned that NYK#27 got a lot of flack on forums for maybe not being the fastest guy for the Factory Kawi ride. But they added that he is fan favorite, he has great image and rider persona etc. If you were to put a percentage value on NYK's speed vs image, what do think has a higher value. So what does a corporation or team manager tell someone in Nick's position, all we want is to have you in the show (main event), then if you can get top 10, you have earned your paycheck. Is this a valid line of thinking when your on a track racing or does this line of thinking encourage riders to "participate" but not technically race each other. What is more important for sponsors and how do they value their return on their investment in the sport. Is the goal just to have a rider in the main, so they can tell their marketing/ branding boss that the company participated in the evening and the event. Or is there still an importance on finishing positions, additionally for sponsors what is a good finishing position?, what gets you sufficient air time on TV? I usually only see racing from 1st to 8th, they rarely show the the back of the pack and any potential battles, so is that really a valid place for riders and tiny logos on bikes. I hope this is a cohesive line of thinking... need more coffee this am.
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 - 2:31pm
#2
I believe it is part of the whole package that a rider brings. image is as important as speed at time and Reed being one of the 2 fastest in 07 and 08 didn't have the best image with the fans. A guy like Nick Wey, or KW (yes, still fast) or DV towards his last couple years, promote a great image of the sport, are very liked by the fans at the races. Attitude is very important and these guys brought a good one in.
bagging on NYK because he finishes just Top 10 isn't fair, especially to compare him with RV or RD. Those guys on the forums are loonies 
at times. Nick has been a pro for over 10 years and was as fast as RV at some points. It is racing but it is a show and the image is a very important par tof why we like rider A and not rider B, or don't care about rider C. This started with Hannah and Stripes and RJ throwing undressing and throwing his gear to the crowd at the first Paris Bercy supercross and 7-Times showing his pierced niples, LOL.
the show counts a ton on casual wear sales and those guys do that too.
I think it cannot be speed vs. image. Image along with results, is a very important part of the sales package a rider brings to a sponsor. To be honest, I would have loved signing NYK with AGV if I could have, because he has a great image and promotes well and the only thing I would have asked him is to try to do as many Top 10 as possible.
I think what pisses us law-abiding,hard working, decent folks off is when a bad image pays, such as the case with Jason Lawrence. Its dissapointing when fans choose to align themselves by buying product, or see more of themselves in a rider such as Jlaw(breaks laws) as opposed to Tim Ferry(doesnt break laws).
I dont think Im too influenced by the riders a company sponsers though. Ive never had an "energy" drink and never will. Same goes for Jaegermeister and Muscle Milk. What the hels Muscle milk anyways? Is it like a protein shake mixed with Red Bull?
I wear Malcom Smith gear because of the clean lines/non-clown like/non-tribal/non skulls look it provides. I wear Scott goggles because I always have and I ride a Yamaha because I get along with my local Yamaha dealor.
I dont want to pre-pay for my gas so I never go to Am/Pm's
The only way I will be branded a follower of a certain rider is if Natty Light steps up and sponsors a team.