Why isn't motorcycle racing more popular in the United States?

Question

It seems to be pretty popular in some other countries, so why not here?

Answer 1

Motorcycle racing is more popular in other countries because more young people overseas own motorcycles rather than cars (the price of gas). USA is a car society. A motorcycle in America is a toy or fun machine where as in other countries it is the mode of transportation. These kids grow up on scooters, move up to smaller displacement bikes, and race everywhere they go.

I raced motorcycles in the US for years. When I finished my motorcycle racing career I went to Europe and did the Elf Formula 3 car racing school at Paul Ricard. Coming down out of the mountains, where Paul Ricard is, we were in a Mercedes and had young kids on mopeds and scooters racing us down the hills on the twisty windy roads. These kids were good and I was impressed on their ability at such a young age.

Racing is about to get bigger in the US. Today the announcement that Roger Edmondson and Jim France are handling motorcycle racing for the AMA starting next year. Roger started the Championship Cup races back in the early 80's which I was lucky enough to be in despite only racing for two years. He brought professionalism to amateur racing in this country and has great credentials. Jim France is from the famous NASCAR France family. If they can do what they did for NASCAR to motorcycle racing it is about to get huge in the US.

If you want racing to get bigger make sure you race yourself. The bigger the ranks of club racing gets the more people will be involved in professional racing.

Answer 2

It's more popular than it was a few years ago, the average Americans relate motorcyles to gangs,something that never happened in England.

Answer 3

Because Harley's can't turn corners. Actually you guys have had some good riders in 500cc racing- Kevin Schwants, Freddie Spencer etc. Like others have said it's bigger than you think. I can think of the Daytona 200, supercross,motorcross (we're always getting American riders coming to Oz for motorcross or speedway in your off season)

Answer 4

I think it's pretty popular. I go to Mid Ohio when they (AMA) are there and by far they are the number one draw. For the last 15 or so years they have filled the place up.

I think I heard a guy say that they were going to start marketing it (AMA) similar to how NA$CAR is.

I also think to that the racing that you are talking about is like F1. The series that travels from country to country are the absolute best from many countries. This year they will be at Indy so I think that will help out a bunch. I hope to be there.

Answer 5

I don't know what you are talking about. Name the country who wins the motorcross of Nations? Which country does every supercross racer in the world  try to get to? Watch an MX race and then tell me that America dosen't love motorcycles.

Answer 6

I think that it is a lot more popular in america then you may realise and perhaps you are looking in the wrong areas and so do not realise it.  There is so much more media and sponsorship, also tracks and places to race all disiplines in america than the country I am in (Australia).  People here in oz who are serious racers main aim is to get to America to race as they know that is where the real racing is and my son is one such who is aiming to head there as soon as possible.  

I do however agree that many people don't give the sportsmen who race as much credit as they deserve and do not realise that they are elite athletes.  When they think elite athlete they think track, or swimming or some such sport like that.  The strength of body and mind required to race bikes of any disipline requires the person to be at peek fitness and that is just not recognised.

Answer 7

I think you will find that M/ Racing is popular in the U.S.

Take a look at the AMA' s website. Im sure that will take care of any doubts you have.

Answer 8

In my opinion, there are several reasons why it's not popular in the US, because motorcycle has more accident's in US, people want safety and comfort to their rides, people are fat in the US! and most of all US is filled with cars which causes more traffic that cars fill up space avoiding motorcyles