Earlier this summer I was posed with the question “what is going to save ATVMX?” And at that point all I could do was scratch my head. Since then I have had a few revelations and ideas that may help our sport achieve new levels and excitement. The only obstacle is participation on a grand scale. It is imperative that we are all on the same page in order for anything to work. I thought about what kind of events would showcase our sport and bring the fire back that seems to be waning. Then it hit me like a ten-ton hammer. It's not big events we need to focus on, we need to strengthen the core!

As strong as the numbers in ATV have ever been on a national level numbers have never really been super strong on a local level. That is unless there is a strong quad following in the area, and there is an organized body to help promote the sport and help to cohere the project. In these areas ATV racing seems to be stronger. So the obvious finally became obvious. In order to grow our sport we must start at the grassroots and build our sport from the ground up. 

It is kind of surprising though that this sport has reached the level it has without such a program in place. The big picture is that any successful professional sport has a solid feeder system that helps to build the participants. It is truly the only way for anything to survive the long haul. This obviously leaves us with the next question of how do we make this happen. The answer is that it will take us all working together and only then will our sport have a true future. 

What's the first step? I believe that there is already a great plan in place and being implemented by organizations like TQRA, LSQRA, SE Quads, NEATV and North West Quadcross Racing and hopefully more that will come to light soon. Their needs to be more regionalized organizations that follow similar models to ultimately build racing on a local and regional level. 

What's the second step? Support, support, support! In order for anything to work we must support these organizations. How? Attend the events whenever possible, show local folks what kind of racing exists in our realm. 

Step three then would be the obvious! Reap the reward?! Unfortunately it will likely not be that easy. Step three will be to continue to work and support and build things at the grassroots level. It's not an overnight process, but we are a few steps ahead with a strong nationals program. So ultimately we as a racing community will have to continue to work the system to make it strong. It must be a longer process than we may want, but it won't be as long as what it could be if we were starting from scratch. 

So with that, I challenge anyone who has the desire to see things happen to step up and organize something in your region. Reach out to fellow quad riders in your area and actively campaign your local tracks to eventually bring quad only days in conjunction with their bike races. We know as well as anyone that the two do not mix, but if we could alternate days it may be the combination that will work for racers and promoters.

Right now the focus must be on organizing and getting things off the ground from the grassroots level. If you have any questions feel free to contact representatives from any of the organizations that are already working and successful. These organizations will be happy to share their plans as well as what has worked and what doesn't. 

We call ourselves a nation and in order to have a strong nation we must stand together. We must work together and we must be tenacious in your approach in order for our sport to not only grow but maybe even more important now simply survive.

That it's for me for now. Let’s check in with Ken “I made my point” Hill. 

Keeping up with Ken Hill:

Well it is Friday again and if it were not for Site Lap I would have plum forgot! My head is in a completely different world with no races to cover so while I apologize, I am pretty sure you can understand!

Now just because I get a few weekends off doesn't mean there is no racing. In fact at this very moment I am seeing posts all over social media as riders prepare for the Soaring Eagle event. It will be pretty cool to have a ringside seat via the Internet as this thing plays out. The biggest news may be that of the Ironman John Natalie making his return to racing after being sidelined from his wreck at Muddy Creek. We sure do wish him a safe and successful event! If you are at the event and post updates or pictures/video, be sure to tag #ATVMX so we can help share the news!

This week also seemed to draw out an issue that crosses the lines of different racing styles and that is the call for home schooling youth racers who are having difficulties with their states schools who do not see racing as a justifiable sport. I have reached out to the one man I hope can bring me the information I need to get some of you on a path to programs that already exist in our motosport world that may be of help.

That is all from me this week, short and sweet! I will start doing interviews again as we press on through the off-season so don't be surprised if I contact you and bend your ear! Be safe this weekend and everyday!

The Edge of Summer MX Update:

This update was just posted on ATVMX's instagram! Congrats to Thomas Brown, Jeffrey Rastrelli and John Natalie on your top 3 finishes in moto 1! Keep checking for updates on Instagram and Twitter.