Ask Ping!
Friday, August 27, 2010 | 9:31 AM
ODI dates back to the 1980’s as the leader in grip manufacturing. Focusing primarily on the bmx and mountain bike industries through the 90’s and early 2000’s, ODI re-entered the motocross scene when they developed the patented lock-on grip system that eliminates wire and glue. Continuing to advance the way riders hold on to their bikes, ODI has worked closely with the teams they support such as Troy Lee Designs to create the product that is now being used by some of the top teams in the industry.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
So why is it that from of all the Action Sports our culture has to experience today, Moto consistently attracts the most recycled, haggard-looking women to its athletes and events? Just look at the quality of female that sits beneath the arm of a professional Surfer, Snowboarder, Wake boarder, Skateboarder, BMX rider, or even NASCAR driver. Bomb shells! Then come to a Moto event and see the prison tattooed, bleached-blonde-haired, fake tanned, clapped out ‘91 RM125-looking, desert-rat women attending 95% of the SX and Outdoor events.
How is this possible?
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
I blame California. Sure, the trash comes out a little bit back east, but not nearly as bad as out west. For whatever reason, nice girls don’t like the "bro" image of the motocross industry and that came courtesy of the Golden State. They would rather go check out the beach, the mountains or the private jets and helicopters of the NASCAR world. It’s a good thing we don’t like this sport for the class of women that hang around.
PING
I'd like your thoughts on Loretta Lynn’s and ex pros. It's supposed to be an amateur national but there are many, many ex-professional and current local professional riders that race. How is a true amateur supposed to compete? I'm speaking of the vet classes, which are filled with not only former national pros but also an ex-world champion. I have no problem with them racing the vet nationals and such, as those events are not billed as "amateur."
Thanks
Paul
Dear Paul,
Sounds like you got your ass kicked in Tennessee, man. That is my first thought. But I can understand why you are mad. It isn't cheap getting to that race or spending the week there and when you have to line up against guys that have national (or world) championships to their credit, it could be irritating. The last time I heard they were trying to create a vet pro class for anyone over the age of 30 that has ever been a pro racer. I’ll have to check with DC to see where all that went. Next year, if nothing has changed, just go over and steal the forks off Trampas Parker’s bike during the night. Only Rick Melon could come back from adversity like that.
PING
What is the deal with Nick Wey getting so much love in the industry? I am a fan, to an extent, but his results just don't justify the exposure I see him getting in the industry/media. He's constantly on podcasts, radio interviews, videos and most obviously, a factory ride with Monster Kawasaki. I've also heard the rumor that MSR paid him more than Windham to be their poster-boy. What gives? He fights for top 10s, and is currently outside the top 10 in points. Is a pretty face and good personality all you need to get preferential treatment in the industry? If so, I'm getting plastic surgery and asking for a factory ride! I know there are some fresh rookies who would smoke Wey, given the chance to have factory support.
Thanks for everything...you're hilarious.
P.S. How is the shameless plugging of your video working out? Keeping food on the table still?
Jake
Atlanta, GA
Dear Jake,
I think Nick gets a lot of play because he has a personality. There aren’t a lot of guys in the sport that can say the same thing. They get in front of a camera or a crowd and they go into robot mode and say the same boring thing every time. Nick is actually a funny, unique guy and people like him. Remember, at the end of the day these companies are trying to sell products. And while I agree that running outside the top ten isn’t exactly what you want out of your guy, a good personality can go a long way. And trust me, I know lots of young kids that are fast at their local tracks but it’s a different world at a national or SX. Those boys would have their hands full keeping up with Nick in tenth.
P.S.- Still alive, but make sure you buy a video. I’m out of ice cream. www.motocross101.com
PING
Got a question for Ping? E-mail him at [email protected].
Did you like this article?
Check out ON TOUR
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
The Monster Energy Supercross tour is staffed by an intensely dedicated group of sponsors and support staffers. Here’s what life is like on the SX road. Page 136.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Hey Jake from Atlanta, you sound like a really jealous guy. Nick Wey will be in the industry for many years to come, either as a rider, team manager or business rep. He has been around a long time and still finishes top ten in most Nationals or Supercrosses and how many riders in the world can say that. He is very smart and knows what it takes to make a long career in this industry, why dog him for that? Its been a long time since Nick was an amateur but I still havent seen a guy go around my local track as fast as Nick did.
He is dead on about the personality more than results for sponserships. There are alot of guys more deserving than Wey that could have some pretty good rides on that factory Kawasaki.
Agree natty. I remember seing Nick as as Am in 97 or 98 riding a kawi at my local track(Log Road MX in Bronson, MI) and he went faster than I have ever seen any one go on that track. He was doing a triple out of a tight corner that I was not supposed to be a triple. He completely KILLED every other "A" rider there that weekend, lapping fast guys. Won the 125 & 250 classes. Nick has crazy talent. Look how long he has been runing with the fastest riders in the world.
Long Live to NiK-27!!!! He rocks no matter what. Funny as usual Ping, thanks!!
Wow Ping, kinda hard on the moto babes don't you think? Nothing wrong with a 91 RM 125 with Pro Circuit suspension and Twin Air filters and a FMF tail pipe. BTW where did you meet Mrs Ping? Was it at a track or through your moto connections? Plenty of MX riders have very nice looking ladies. Just ask Mr. "Out of the Top Ten" Nick Wey. The majority of Nascar drivers are millionaires and that will always get you access to high quality tail.
Theres nothing wrong with the moto chicks i see at the track. Your probably just tired of being turned down by them, Kevin.
So all those healthy looking women we see in the pictures posted here and there are not really at the races?
Moto chicks are ugly? Really? I must have lower standards than you guys because I see tons of hot babes walking around MX tracks.....I suppose your observation do not apply to Mrs. Wey.... because she is certainly on par with any NASCAR babe.... BTW..... speaking of The Wey's ..... why does Nick get the love? Because he's awesome.... he's been running in the top 10 of this sport for a long time, and that is impressive... NW27 is a hardcore racer...guys like Nick are the glue that holds the sport together.....someone new will always be running up front, but guys like Wey will always be keeping the pack honest.....that makes for good racing....
i would ride that that 91 rm 125 in the pic until something blows!
I agree with ss97, but I would like to know how you decide how many periods to use after each statement...........
'Winner Takes All' available on Videocassette and Laser Video Disc. Whoa, that was the future?
Kevin you gay or what? The hottest girl i've ever seen on this planet was a redbull chick at glen helen. Not sure what they look like outside the cali rounds but here in cali it doesnt get any better my fury little twink.