Sorry guys , so does the dollar always come first or is the riders ability more important?

Snow-man, this is obviously horses for courses.

But there is simply no doubt that money talks, and money buys opportunities which talent can not.

I read elsewhere that a rider in Moto2 with a rich family has just secured a Ducati MotoGP bike for next year. Apparently he has been racing GP's for 5 years without a podium.......

I reckon it's a mix between being in the right place at the right time or having money behind you.

Look at Josh Waters, he has an opportunity with Suzuki in AMA Superbike and if he does get the job for 2011, it's likely that he'll get a place on the best team in the pits with a good sign on. That's largely thanks to the great initiative that Suzuki Australia has with developing young riders, and Josh's results and talent tell the rest of the story.

Josh Brookes has had a long and hard road, but he's now on one of the best teams in BSB and makes good money doing it. It hasn't always been easy, but talent rarely goes unnoticed if you have the determination to make it happen in the long run.

The important thing to realise is that the majority of these riders who are 'buying' rides in GPs and whatever are simply doing so through sourcing sponsorship and taking it to the team - it's hardly ever that their parents are providing the cash. The difference is, European brands get much more leverage out of sponsoring a young Euro rider than what an Aussie company would by backing our young guys just because the world championship is mostly in Europe.

That's not to say it's impossible to create relationships with sponsors from the grass roots, but not many people seem active on chasing them and building those contacts (although I know some who are and aren't having a whole lot of success just yet).

It's also important to realise that those guys buying rides by taking sponsorship dollars are also taking a cut from the deal, effectively giving them a living so it's a win win situation for them!

Even Mark Webber had the Yellow Pages behind him as a young race car driver, which was instrumental in him making the transition from Australia to Europe. I work with a lot of riders who are chasing sponsorship and I think the key is networking for the future, not just for today. Even if a company says no for now, don't give up straight away.

Money might get you so far, but true talent and determination like Brookes' will also rise through the BS at the end of the day.

At the end of the day, the current state of the economy worldwide means that most teams will possibly go for an approach where one rider will pay big bucks and that cash will help to secure a top rider. This will allow the team to gain results to entice companies to front some cash for exposure.
To be perfectly honest, unless you are a proven front runner, there is no way in hell that you will land a top ride anywhere unless you have some financial backing.
I was lucky enough to have Honda behind me in my WSS era... and that cost them some cash ( I know how much, but I aint saying) and that was after me winning a bucketload of races here.
JB had proved his worth many times here by winning championships and the WSS race at the island, but he still did not have an easy run to BSB... even his WSS ride was not exactly ideal, but he made the most of it.
So many good riders have had a crack at it, and fallen by the wayside... Russell Holland ? I honestly dont know what he is doing now. Basically what I am saying is that talent alone is never a guarantee of a good seat... but if you have talent, as well as cash...... rip it up brotha... hahaha

Josh Waters gig with Yosh in the AMA would be a great opportunity for him.... the AMA treat their riders very well, and they used to pay quite a bit..... (Just ask Mr Editor here) Al made about 2.5 mil one year I think ??? 'bout the same per race for me... hahahahahaha

It has slowed quite a bit, but a good step if a wildcard at Indy was in the cards....


Anyways, enough rambling.... I need another drink.... adios

Thanks for the insight Krusto!

Don't forget though that no matter how much money you have, you still need to be able to ride. Maybe not like Rossi, but at a very high level. These guys 'buying' rides, they're still exceptional riders.

In 2010 its all about the cash it happens here already ,it not right Talent sould came first but money pays the bills

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GOT A RHYME FOR YA

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