5:40 Phil hit the nail so hard on the head. When I quit racing it was like there was always a hole, and I fully believe that it was that adrenaline dump that we've all become so hooked on then when you quit it's no wonder we'll all scratching our necks, and I didn't even race at that high of a level for very long!

These SX/MX Dudes have always been my super hero’s. They’re truly on another level in regards to their physical & mental dynamics.

Dude even as a casual rider if I take time off of riding I am addicted I miss it I feel that

I think SX 10 rounds MX 10 rounds and top 10 in points in both go to a 5 round WSX. Would be awesome. January to July

Gotta love Phil .what a legend he is seems well down to earth .he the elite of the elite in our sport .top twenty rider day in day out in the world imagine beeing able to say that

I love this sport and watching this leaves me asking myself what should I do, as a fan, to help? Cause I paid 200USD just in tickets to attend Unadilla this year with my family. Probaly a 100$ in fuel to get there, 200$ for the hotel and probably around 50$ in food and other stuffs trackside. And I was happy with the show and all. But I'm not a millionnaire... I don't bring my kids to hockey games or other expensive shows worth like 150 bucks + a ticket cause I just can't afford it. What can I do to help? And this is not me displaying dispair. It really is a sincere question you know...

2 Things; 1, in Circle Track dirt racing it's the same problem, these guys just race CONSTANTLY there IS no off season. It's extremely difficult to survive an entire season let alone perform well. and 2, the biggest sport in the West is NFL, and they play so many fewer games than every other sport, AND it's the most popular. Less frequent racing would be better for EVERYONE.

MXoN took in a estimated $12,000,000 this year at Redbud just on gate fee's, parking and Merch.. not one rider made a prize purse, not $1.. someone is laughing to the bank

This sport is going to.miss Phil, love his honesty

I fucking love Phil. He has to be absolutely one of the top interviews in moto. He has real points and I appreciate that he is willing to give an honest representation of the sport as he sees it.

Dude, this episode was so fu#&ing good. Such a real insight into a lot of things that fans and others just don’t see or think about. We need to protect these riders and compensate them soooo much more than they are right now.

You gents should try concreting, just for some perspective😂. We all wish our jobs would be half the year and double the money but the world simply can’t work like that. The state of motocross is dictated by the over supply of highly motivated, extremely talented riders trying to make a dream come true. If bricklaying was fun then bricklaying would have exactly the same “issues” as moto does.

Gonna miss Phil, he always said what he thought, never sugar coated anything.

Great interview. Phil is so real about this it hurts. What Phil so calmly describes sounds like a special kind of Hell. While there is no physical danger or adrenaline hits involved, the soul crushing cubicle Hell middle management accountable but no authority 70+ hours a week corporate grind sucks too. I mention this as it was my work reality for 35 years, and misery loves company. There is no way I would have hacked it and probably would have "gone postal" if not for the motorcycle habit as a release and safety valve! They say "follow your passion". BS I say - there is nothing that can kill passion like turning it into a grinding job. It is better to find work that you can do easier/better than others, and do that. At least then the grind isn't quite as bad, until the corporate overlords figure out that you are part of the 20% that can do 80% of the front line work. Then they relentlessly pile more work on with no financial rewards other than nice words in your annual review that don't pay your bills. Getting promoted to "strategic" do nothing executive positions in the corporate world is a boot licking popularity contest, it is like fucking High School all over again. Lately there are "DEI" promotions going on too. Not "PC" of me to say this, but forget it if you are a straight white guy. A lesbian black chick? Promote her ass to SRVP of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Dept. and pay her 250K a year to show the world just how progressive and inclusive we are. I'm not making this shit up, I've lived it and been pulled away from my busy pile of work and subjected to the mandatory sensitivity training. As you may surmise from this little rant, the training didn't really stick... So even at the elite level, being a pro MX racer isn't all it's cracked up to be, and working for corporate America typically sucks ass. There are no more 40 hour a week punch the clock, make decent middle class money with benefits, go home and leave it behind over the weekend jobs anymore. Where did the middle class jobs go? They got outsourced to cheap labor hellhole nations, all so we can buy cheap shit at Walmart, and the corporate executives and shareholders can compound their wealth. What to do then? Hiding out in some sort of managerial government job seems like it it is about the only viable option, as the relative work utopia I describe doesn't really exist in the private sector, whether one works for a corporation or even those who are entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs are probably the hardest working people of all. As for my recent college grad young adult daughter, I have a friend who owes me a favor who is in management at the state Health Dept. She is feeding us inside info and working to get my kid into that cushy insulated from reality government job paradise 😂

we see it! No break between SX and AX

Tripping on shrooms with Phil would be epic.

Nobody forces riders to race. They do it because they love it. The top guys who people want to watch a millionaires in a sport that is smaller than lawn bowls.

Striving to be the best has done this. There will always be somebody whiling to do more for a championship and that started with Ricky.

Gotta give a shout-out to Jase's retro black Rat-Racing t-shirt. I had one of those (with a full-sized graphic) as a race jersey in the late 80's.

racing supercross is a choice. nobody HAS to do it. they do it because its their passion. yall chose that life

So an idea would be every rider gets out of 31 rounds has 5 throw outs. It could be used for injuries or recover strategies and track/rier preference strategies. And the series gets to keep the ridiculous schedule of 31

I just can’t imagine that and it’s why we lose so many racers . I was there myself I raced and raced and raced that’s what was important all through my 20s and 30s . The grind killed it for me and im only local fast like winning district stuff no national titles . I took a step away from the sport the last few years and have found road racing .

It will be like boxing and mma sports. There will be good riders in each series that we will never get to see race each other. The system wasn't broke.

Love "Keep it real Phil"

The problem with the sport of MX and SX is that it’s not as popular as the major sports, the big money is simply not there.

good one

Most people don't understand just how many risks a SX or MX racer takes every lap! After years of racing these risks are never removed but more that of just being dismissed through skill but like anything it is a numbers game. every so often something happens to remind you of just how many thousands of risks you took with near complete abandon

Phil is a bad ass.

This is the best Auntie Donna skit I’ve ever seen.

Schedule solution: The riders can handle more riding in shorter periods of time and this would allow a longer Offseason which is what is required. This was shown during the pandemic with residencies. So to shorten the number of weekends that the riders race without sacrificing rounds. Supercross- have 7 Friday night and Sunday race weekends. This would shorten the overall season by 7 weeks and I don’t think that the Racers would struggle to recover in that period. Depending on scheduling and marketing a Tuesday night race could also be an option. Motocross - To promote change, 4 rounds should be 3 x20 minute motos, this would work in the hot races also. You would then be able to have 24 motos over 10 rounds, again shortening the season by 2 weeks This would then add an additional 9 weeks off in the off-season for the riders and not sacrifice any racing as that could affect the series financially.

Sounds like the supercross only contracts are the future!

Thirty years ago, riders were chastised for not having the regiment and dedication of a Jeff Ward or Jeff Stanton.

No respawn on dirtbikes for sure. My last race I was ran over four times on my head. I was the only one walked away not injured.

World Cup Downhill MTB riders have 7-8 major races per year. The stakes are super high for each race, so they have to put everything into the event, but if they get seriously hurt they have a legit 4-6 month offseason to recover. Most of them want more races (10-12 seems like the perceived ideal). But going flat-out, elbow-to-elbow, for 10 months per year seems completely unsustainable. Seems like a big event once or twice a month is the sweet spot, with smaller regional events in between if the racers want more. It would allow more time for travel and recovery, and would probably lead to better racing because the athletes could be in better condition.

Its interesting the dichotomy, because for every 1 guy that made it to the grind there are at least 1000 that tried and failed behind them. That said, maybe having more races would make teams think about splitting the races up and having double the riders? I don't know enough "inside baseball" to know if that sounds completely stupid or not. But from what I do know it is a thought.

Part Of me says “man up you pussies”. Then another part says “I couldn’t do that either “… Tough life

There's always the option of selling parts at the local Honda dealer

Epinephrine is adrenaline. Not recommended for repetitive usage. The starting gate was my adrenaline dump! LOL.

Come build houses 12 hrs a day and work weekends if your behind if you think that will be better for ya

The powers that be know that when a rider gets injured, there is a bunch of young bucks just chomping at the bit for a ride. Personally, sx riders really do some amazing stuff, but there is so much good vintage, super evo etc racing out there now, it's quite often more entertaining.

Mid - season break ( possibly two) . No ride /testing rule mandatory. Works in other sports . Understand the financial implications, however the gain is longevity of the stars .

The rules that prevent riding, like they implement in road racing, would help a lot.

Doesn’t matter how comfortable you are whilst travelling it’s still tiring. Personally I only get a good nights sleep in my own bed.

Phil’s awesome

Something that could help is go back to how 2021 was. Making multi race stops in one city for supercross. Cut down on the travel year to year. The down side does limit the cities that are raced each year, however that can be resolved kind of by rotating certain cities on a yearly basis.

Maybe the pro moto will split. Something like Nascar with the different series deals... I don't know how Nascar works, but not all the pros doing all the rac. Phil, come race NGPC (AMA BIG 6) or WORCS, . . .you'll be busy!

It is ridiculous they need more time to rest and enjoy. They need multiple series in one year it is not dependent on them making it to the next. I do want to see the best versus the best it could be simply at triple crown style formats

I think the neverending season would be cool If the race pay was significantly higher in all series. Then riders could pick and choose and have more power in their deals instead of being committed to certain full series for team obligations, or simply knowing that they race for peanuts so over-committing to a crazy schedule to try and get bread. Always comes back to pay the guys more ,they ain't circus animals they are top G's!

The fact that you’re semi self censoring because you need a press badge is a huge indication of a much larger issue at hand. Honest ppl don’t fear criticism. Liars and cheats do tho

Living the dream 🤣

It is ridiculous that there are 31 races a year and that these athletes have such a tight schedule like they do and I feel for them but, There are middle class citizens who work that same sort of schedule for a lot less money and not to mention they are not riding dirt bikes to make money. There is a lot worse things they could be doing with their careers. I have mad respect for these bad asses and I envy them. I would dream about that lifestyle as a kid only for my dreams to never come true due to lack of money to keep up with the sport and injuries that still plague me today because I did not have the financial means to see top doctors and surgeons. Now I am an old man that works as an engineer and lives through his kids. But I still manage to do a handful of motos and a handful of desert races per year.

I can’t go a month with out racing and I can’t go a day with out riding but I’ve raced my whole life though.

Eli does it everyday, every year, never gets hurt while beating everyone. How does that guy do it?? That’s the million dollar question.

Welcome to life fellas . This is reality for 99.9999999 percent of society . Doing shit that isn't fun to make ends meet

It would be hard enough without the injury factor. I’d say once you get established enough ride SX or outdoors only

Participation is a choice.

Great video. If you think about the risk to get there in the first place - and the pay for all but the top - it’s not worth it. It’s ridiculous - might as well be a gladiator and be fed to the lions to get it all over with. Love our sport - but not what it does to these riders.

haha Jocko Wilink would say "Good!"

MX is to F1 as Trucking is to MX. Talk about a job with travel, burnout and lack of pay or luxury. I know it's different when you're in the industry and living it but my sympathy is right where Major Payne said it was.

There are guys that are fast and just rip. Most of it being tons of practice since they were like 5 yrs old. Its not as much natural talent as it is practice , plus your dad pushing you , then while your at school - Hes on the tractor moving your triples from 60' to 65' . You suddenly are doing 95' -100' triples when you're 14 yrs old no hesitation. Yeah those guys are fast and aee super talented. But its been a combination of dad pushing you and you have built a reputation as a fast up and coming kid . But , you have guys that just have something special ,naturally talented, and have just have to be in front of everyone no matter what ! Plus will send it without hesitation with perfect bike control. This guy loves every minute on a a dirtbike and a track, and loves riding all the variaty of tracks plus has his favorites that he would ride without pay or sponsors. Just loves these tracks and loves grabbing those easy leads because he ia having fun and loves what he does + has problem being 2nd. He has to be in the front . If your the guy who doesn't truly love every part racing dirt bikes ? You consider it work and you feel good as long as you make it to the mains and grab some podiums. Well you probably should get a job and give up the dream . Maybe in a couple years , you will miss racing so much you will actually become that guy . The guy who does have winning talent and loves just racing his dirt bike in every venue, being in front is the cherry on top. You are making a living doing what you love and no one is passing you .

Look at the scars on Phils arms. Thats MOTO

We need dope motorcycle sims.

It must stink to be a pro athlete and have to cry about how you're flying to these amazing events to make money to do what you love... Nobody twists your arm to be there and as much as I love Motocross and I love the Riders and I want them to stay healthy as a fan I am more than glad to watch all these races

people dealing in high stress situations, with adrenaline, let's introduce more chemicals to people already predisposed to creating reactions in their brains, straight line to addiction. Fuck that. I hope the riders unionize.

It's the same in Europe some ones making money but the riders are not no money for privateers look at the MXGP start line Italy no full gate.

Racers need to do motocross or Supercross only contracts. This came about because they didn't want the new Supercross competitor series to become viable and cut into their business.

This was me 6 months ago on the hospital bed 😂 4 broken ribs, cut liver, and torn back fascia… back on the bike thank God but so much risk

It’s all about the money fellas.

Respawn after body flys 80ft into the dirt. I wish!!! 😂

Plain and simple all other athletes take a back seat to top tier moto riders!!! Period!

two words,Riders Union.

But then I was never Happier Driving in my Loaded Van Sometimes alone to a Race ! 😂

i want to go on a shroom trip with filthy phil and watch the show squidbillies

Should have taken time off to be a roofer or ditch digger like Christian Craig give you whole new appreciation.

Hearing this cast makes me appreciate the Old Schoolers that drove across the country in their Vans, slept in them, all for a beer budget reward. You guys are complaining about having to fly and sleep in a hotel bed. Damned, get some wine and cheese sponsors for your teardrop soaked pillows.

These are the issues you get when a sport becomes so popular it gets a tv audience. It's a catch 22.

“Chiushsday” what? Tuesday hahahaha

I say cut the SX schedule in half!

And I always thought because they have sweet Motor home at the Races they have it made 😂 Maybe 1% fly private jets if that !

The evolution of the bikes has gone to far they are to good imo. They need to make tight corners and other things to slow the pace down imo for the safety if the riders!

Why Epinephrine bottle on the thumb nail?

Many points made - however each ends in contradiction. 😬

It's why Eli is only doing Supercross, he's got 2 more outdoor championships in him .

Unfortunately, the promoters of professional moto and sx, here and abroad , have shows like gypsy tales, pulpmx, and a couples others to know the riders in the industry are well - not well represented. They know at best a pro rider has 16 - 28 yrs of age to make money then done. I love to race, ride, compete - like an addict Phil says. But then “ its insane the season is now Jan to Oct.”. . We dont make a lot of money- pay us more- he says. Your options and these are the best options pros have ever had. Top talent race a lot from 16-28 and retire and never really work hard again. Option 2 - 16-28 work hard manage your money really wisely and hardly work - part time - the rest of your life. Option 3- work hard have a great experience and network and work good jobs from 30 to retire. Those are all good options for 40 to 50 dudes in a sport a not much bigger than surfing.

Comon man

Point your finger directly at Feld who simply doesn’t care about the sport or the riders or the fans it’s just money to them.

The harsh reality of motocross racing

Bring back a rule of stock 2stroke dirtbikes so everyone sees who's the best rider really. Make rule of so many practice days and give blokes 2 too 3 week breaks between certain rounds. It will bring back the fun to both riders and spectators. At end of season make rule you can drop worst result. Avagud1

These brands have millions they sould have big 707s to fly the mechanics and riders wth all this money

The new generation complains about everything and no matter how much money they make its never enough.

I get and agree but at the same time the dangers of the sport is nobody’s fault but your own for choosing to do it no one is forcing you you don’t hear every day riders crying about getting hurt that is what used to draw people to our sport the danger the risk reward you just might not be meant for it mentally you don’t hear Travis Pastrana crying about all his injuries the only ones who cry are the ones who aren’t successful

Just realized this is from a year ago, it's worst today. Too much money involved. Modern Day Gladiators, circle up warriors

More races = more $

What the, are you kidding me.

Hole shoot king

Just yesterday yall were talking about how there needs to be MORE races. Now today there needs to be LESS races? okay..... supercross is the only sport where the riders and teams continuously push for gnarlier and more dangerous tracks, and then complain about how demanding and dangerous it is. They want more pay, but want to race less and risk themselves less. Make it make sense. Car racing is different, because they actually work to minimize the risks on each track. Supercross, their goal seems to make it as dangerous as possible, and if you make a single mistake you're breaking bones. I want to see RACING, i dont care how far you're jumping or the fact that if you come up short on a quad, you're dead. Make them all tabletops i dont care, and I don't think im alone here.

They see the riders as billboard's. The entire sport is propped up by all these automotive companies. If the economy is in a rough patch, they'll put you all to work. What else are you going to do, give up your passion? That's how they turn your passion into servitude.

So quick story true story Phil's dad stole money from his job to get Phil to LLR he came from nothing I remember see him sleeping in the back of an old box track it's crazy out of all the riders from district 34 in NY he some what made it

Here’s my opinion, they need to provide medical insurance for the riders, because guys are gonna get hurt we all know that. I mean from January- October? That’s insane I don’t care if their is a 10million dollar purse, the factory’s need to pay there riders at least 5 million just to ride, hell they need to figure out a way to pay every rider.

but we listened to the riders haha