Posted April 13, 2006

We've Come a Long Way

By Doug Morris

It seems like only yesterday, but five years have passed since I was hired to be the first director of the then-newly formed All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA). I can't help but get excited about how far we have come in that short amount of time.

But we still have some really big challenges facing us.

Let's take a journey in the wayback machine. Let's see, it's 2001 and I'm at an ATVA National race, walking through the pits and taking in all excitement.

But where are all the factory riders? There are none in sight.

Go to any of this year's ATVA Nationals and factory support is everywhere, starting with the Pros all the way down to the youngest riders on stock 50cc machines.

In addition to factory-sponsored team riders, The Honda Riders Club of America has just stepped up its support of ATVA racing by increasing the money available to Honda riders in their Red Riders Rewards program. Are you ready for this—$250,000 is up for grabs.

First place can win you anywhere from $500 to $100, and racers all the way down to 5th place can earn $100 to $20.

If you race any of the 14 ATVA National MX Championships, Honda has set aside $92,050, and this is not just for Pro riders but, A, B, C classes, veteran (30+) and senior (40+) and the women's class as well.

If you are into the exciting Extreme Dirt Track ATVA National series, all eight rounds will qualify for awards, and all the same classes as MX are eligible to claim a portion of the $52,600 in Red Riders Rewards.

Honda has committed $104,975 for Honda riders for all 13 rounds of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series.

Honda is the first manufacturer to offer a nationwide contingency program. Hopefully others will soon follow.

ITP, meanwhile, the series sponsor for the ATVA Motocross Nationals, has increased its rider support with its "MX BUCKS" contingency program for 2006.

All you need to do is use ITP tires and fill out the paperwork at each event. You can earn $150 for a first-place finish down to $25 for a 5th.

Fourteen different classes are now eligible.

On another note, do you remember a while back what the hottest competition ATV on your local dealer's showroom floor was?

Kind of depressing isn't it?

Stop by your dealer now and you have many choices, from the Honda TRX450R and the Yamaha YFZ450 to the all-new Suzuki LT-R450. Plus, the Polaris 500 comes in three different models, one with independent rear suspension.

What about youth models back in 2001? I think the two most common models were the Honda 90 and the Suzuki 80.

Boy, have things ever changed in youth ATVs! Now we have Cobra with full-blown race 70cc and 50cc youth machines.

The narrow, under-suspended back yard models are still around, but every week we receive calls from new manufacturers with youth ATVs that are stable (wide), with long-travel suspension, and they handle like a dream.

Meanwhile, you may have thought that factory support was only for the Pros. Well, think again.

Many of these new youth ATV manufacturers are supporting youth teams. Some provide trackside support with parts and mechanic support, while others provide ATVs to race, and separate practice ATV and parts for the season. This is for kids as young as 5.

What about the number of races today compared to five years ago?

Back in 2001 there were only six Motocross Nationals and six TT races. For many ATV racers this was about all the ATV racing there was.

That's because ATV classes at local events were very small, and youth classes were non-existent.

Now there are dozens of races to choose from.

The one big thing that hasn't changed is the very real threat to the future of the sport we all love—family ATV recreation.

The Consumer Federation of America and its supporters haven't given up on their goal of banning all children from riding ATVs, any time, even in our own back yards!

If you are not a member of the ATVA, please join today to help give us the clout to fight these threats. If you are a member, we thank you and ask you to sign up a friend if you want our kids to continue to be able to ride ATVs.

© 2006, All Terrain Vehicle Association