How I Paid To Live and Race Motorbikes...

[@okboomer1241]

Great topic! Sorry for the book here, but you got my brain spinning. First let me say that the golden era of racer salaries was roughly 1997 to 2008. When 1998 US Superbike Champ Ben Bostrom was riding for Ducati in WSBK back at the turn of the Century, his leathers contact alone was $1m a year. Today a "factory" rider is lucky to get free leathers. Before the Great Recession, racer salaries in the US were paid by the motorcycle manufacturers. In 2008 Suzuki was paying multi million dollar contracts to their Yoshimura Factory Superbike riders Mat Mladin, Ben Spies, and Tommy Hayden (Nicky's older brother), plus funding the team itself. But they were also paying the salaries of at least 10 other riders in the paddock riding for factory and/or privateer teams in Supersport and Superstock. Then there were privateer teams whose riders were paying for the ride, but all the bikes, spare parts, and a minimum operating budget were provided by Suzuki. The 4 Japanese manufacturers all did this to one degree or another, but Suzuki was the most prolific. By the end of 2009 it was all gone. Honda and Kawasaki left the series completely. Honda abandoned Neil Hodgson to finish out his contract with a privateer team. The second "factory" superbike seat at Yoshimura Suzuki even became a paid ride. The only factory left standing was Yamaha who still dominate to this day. Word on the street is their factory riders are paid low 6 figures. Everyone else is funded as you describe, begging like a charity, and/or funded by contingency. For example, if you're riding a Kawasaki and you podium then Kawasaki pays you a bonus called contingency. Usually helmets, boots, and leathers companies do too. What's so crazy is how little MotoGP riders are paid compared to American ball players (American Football, Basketball, & Baseball). The quarterbacks and running backs in the NFL are signing $20m to $40m a year contracts. Then they get performance bonuses on top of that. The league minimum salary in the NFL is almost $1m a year (guys like the 3rd string lineman who never plays), and there's 45 swinging dicks per team, and 32 teams! But all 22 starting players (out of 45) per team have multi million dollar contracts. And Marc Marquez gets a measly 6m Euro per year from Honda. Incredible!

[@1000sofusernames]

I was involved with a superstock 1000 team in the 2000s and they spent 80k a year. Bike racing is big money.

[@evanhartshorne]

Well explained Taylor, I'm positive all your experiences and honesty will make you a fantastic team manager

[@johnwiffen6655]

I’ve done a few track days. If I regain fitness for next year I could probably ride for your team. I don’t get my knee down and I only ride Silverstone. Oh and I don’t like going too fast on the straights , it makes the corners too frightening.

[@markgoscinski3509]

Hard to believe how tough it is in motorcycle racing , and you've had the benefit of your dad's experience and contacts too . Well done for your persistence .

[@Anderstorp1199]

I have a lot of respect for you for beeing so honest and answering questions that are really awkward. Please keep up this channel as it is so good. Thanks a lot from Germany.

[@Desmo904]

An incredibly honest (as usual) look into the world of bike racing. When I heard that even Superstock 1000 was looking for a budget of 200k a year I was gobsmacked! All the very best for next year Taylor!

[@richmcnab8925]

I work my arse off and can't afford to do a full season of club racing. It all looks rock and roll to the fans on the TV but the work most of you guys have to put in to get out there, compete and live is something else. Here's hoping you can let the hair down a bit now in retirement and live it up a bit pal!

[@ChasingTenths]

This is the kind of stuff hardly anyone opens up to, well done mate

[@petethemod1]

Very interesting video Taylor. Loved the vodka sponsor🤪 ha ha. I am sure all your past experiences will stand you in good sted to be a team manager. Your knowlage and experience will be very beneficial to the new team.

[@fishyfool]

Think about this; you and your brother have paved the way for your father to have a career in broadcasting. Before you guys started racing, they didn't ask for comment from him, but now he's pretty involved. I've watched the BSB series for years and all the racing (i'm a nut for the small displacement bikes) that goes with it.

[@grahamdakin282]

Great to hear how you did it,good luck with your new venture

[@neilmunro7556]

Another interesting video Taylor (and some more adverts watched), good luck with your new MotoGP position! This year BSB, next years ...... the world...

[@fasthracing]

I used to be a private sponsor of A British 125 champion who then went to 600's and then Superstock 1000. He was a mechanic at a bike shop I used.

[@buckleheid]

Another insightful and informative video Taylor, some eye watering money involved!

[@1000sofusernames]

The other side of the story is guys like Chaz Davies getting into teams with a Dorna arm-twist and then his team not really wanting him there. I also read Scott Redding's parents dropped 250k to get him into 125s in GP.

[@mattmid7012]

Still find it mad that most riders have to pay for a ride. Plus add in the fact that there is no prize money on offer as well even in a series as successful as BSB. Just seems very wrong to me for a professional sport.

[@paulbaldock6313]

Bike racing at any level is super expensive. Always has been and always will be!! In general I’m not sure how much the spectators realise how much sacrifices the racers and their family’s make to get on the track and to stay on it at any level. Entry fee’s, Leathers, lids, etc race fuel, travel costs, purchase of bike, crash damage, etc. Majority of racers have to put everything they have into it, BUT....... it’s such a great sport to participate in it’s worth every penny. Sponsorship: Banks, credit cards, Uncle’s, Nans, brothers& Sisters the list is endless!!!!! Great video as always Taylor.

[@raydean9330]

Well done for admitting that some times you have to live on a tight budget Hopefully you can now enjoy yourself & actually get paid for the job you are carrying out

[@terminator672]

Great insight as always, nice to see you open up about the struggles and pressure of paying to ride motorbikes and living in between. Must be a relief to work for Michael now and explore the world and do a dream job.

[@buzzybee8463]

Great insight Taylor Going to miss seeing you around the paddock Keep up with these great vlogs 👍🙂

[@ramboracing702]

One of the few channels worth watching the adverts on!! 🤜💥🤛

[@jmurphy3350]

Another great video Taylor. I’ve seen people bankrupt themselves racing time and time again and I’ve seen a couple riders totally take the piss out of sponsors. Have you a list of up and coming riders you feel like deserve a bit of a plug? I’m sure people here wouldn’t mind helping out. I think the reason our sport is loved so much is because raw talent on a bike can’t be dismissed by anyone. I love the fact that almost all moto gp and world Superbike champions weren’t born into money like you see with formula 1. They just had the talent and it was picked up and nourished.

[@letsdothis9996]

It is pretty clear that most large companies do not think they will get value from there brand being involved in bsb or else there brand would be involved in BSB !! BSB must change and evolve to survive and thrive, from the TV production through to social media, bsb,s profile is woefull ,in comparison to some other sports.Wake up and smell the race fuel ⛽ Every rider at superbike level should be getting paid. End of !!! Wicked video t love true facts of racing.

[@marcusFZ6]

Another magic video on how hard it is to get and maintain money to allow racing to happen. I think the way that you looked after sponsors and other people is more down to how you we brought up, what you've experienced through life and generally just doing to the right thing. Speaks volumes about you as a person and what values you have and want to achieve.

[@crumblymal8479]

Nice on Taylor I hope you will continue with these vlogs through next season it's gonna be a great insight ,well I hope it's possible cheers : )

[@darrenparr1658]

Thanks for the insight Taylor. The reality of racing is quite shocking really. I don't know how it's sustainable for people to keep paying that much money. Can BSB as a series not pay each rider a fee to race? I always dreamed of being a motorbike racer having been brought up going to watch BSB all my life but the reality is even if I did it's not even a career which is sad.

[@tREVVA1]

Good job, as always... I've NEVER expected anything less from you, tbh - final third of this is the most entertaining & amusing, especially 😉

[@gerardedmond9151]

I knew this was the case but I bet loads of people did not realise this actually happens, great stuff.

[@bez750]

Back when I was racing with emra and Derby phoenix I had little help from a local motorbike shop and a haulage firm. It wasn't much but if I hadn't had pestered them I wouldn't have got anything. Plus I think a company can write it off as tax?

[@glennrickwood7532]

Thanks Taylor, this was brilliant. I always wondered how things worked and that was a great insight. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@Watfordherts]

A lot of questions I always wanted to know the answers to but never ever in me to ask as it’s private . Thanks for sharing and the wife said your such a polite young man , oh she is Scottish lol

[@AuProspecting-Scotland]

Constantly working on and off track just so you can race , i can see where the stress came from now, you did the right thing by retiring , stress level from all angles must have been immense, now your ok, your with Michael, and from what i seen on fb (Balcony pic) you have your work cut out for you with those two lads lololol p.s nice sun shot lolol

[@tmac77]

Thanks mate 😂 I feel a lot better already 😁

[@AuProspecting-Scotland]

@@tmac77 i bet you do , enjoy life bud.

[@fasthracing]

IMO the top British tier should be at 1000 Super Stock level (same with 600's) to keep the costs down. Does in matter that a Superbike is 2 or 3 secs a lap faster bearing in mind he cost.

[@akilagun1]

A really good behind the scenes view of how racing is paid. Great info for anyone starting or needing ideas. Taylor you are truly a GodSend. May you continue to deliver quality video. Thank you. ps love your humour too...must be a Scottish thing lol :)

[@EmperorNerox]

The helmet squares were good idea . When I raced you'd get paid for having certain brand stickers of certain sizes on your bike. Think you needed to podium n also end of year standings .

[@kawi704racing]

It's crazy how it works. All the best.

[@claytonknight3078]

I have noticed that the BSB riders can't hardly fit all their sponsors on the bikes and leathers. In Moto America there is really only one semi factory team in Yamaha. Nobody has sponsors like in the UK or Europe. I think as a whole that most Americans just don't like motorcycle racing. They like stick and ball sports which I don't get. Racing is so much more exciting! Great video though, just love to hear the real scoop. Thanks again.

[@tmac77]

True, though they may just have fewer but bigger sponsors!

[@thomas1112002]

Who the hell gave it a thumbs down he is being honest about costs I use to club race and know what he is talking about I had to make sure I never crashed as that would lead to time off work if broke any bones but again needed the job not to just race the next weekend but to pay bills and keep a roof over the family's head

[@roygregory1250]

Nice one mate, another excellent insight into racing, hope you're all well, any insight into what taz is doing next season, all the best 👍

[@tmac77]

No news yet but I'm sure there will be soon 😁

[@lockdownletdown7408]

Good on you Taylor am very proud on your tremendous racing career and I'm sure you have a great future ahead for you

[@findus605]

As always Taylor informative, entertaining and truthful. Could you do an update vlog on your managerial role with MLav. Thanks as always for the content 👍

[@tennispennis7579]

Great vid thks TM , raw n honest and a useful insight into what it takes to get into racing if not any sport at the pro am level.

[@6arethevan5]

Another insightful video, thanks as always for sharing 👍

[@shaunwhitfield112]

Taylor as ever love these vids 🙌🙌super cool kiddy still watching the bloody adverts as well 😂😂😂😂👍🙌really looking forward to your next journey as team manager 😎😎😎😎👍

[@iananderson4422]

Another great video, was amazing the amount of work you put in as well as concentrating on your racing, the guy from the vodka sponsor loved his product made me laugh 😃, keep the videos coming 👍👍👍

[@dodger132]

Really good insight to the why's and wherefores of sponsorship, not sure I would get much sleep if it was me. Thanks Taylor.

[@tmac77]

😁

[@robbiemclernon5873]

It's crazy the cost that goes in to bike racing, obviously bikes ,trucks etc are needed but footballers get paid unbelievable amounts and bike racers need to take money with them 🤯 Listened to tosland on chasin the racin pod it's crazy to think he got paid being a rookie in wsbk but now national champs are expected to take mega money with them

[@rfox864]

I was looking for Ron Haslam Race School the other day, (having been 3 times before) noticing it is now closed having run for a long time. On the face of things it seemed to be very successful and its a shame it or something like doesn't exist anymore. It seemed to be a fertile ground for all involved manufacturer/organiser/instructors/talent identifier?. One to One instruction on a fire blade is something I've relived many many times (especially saving a highside at Foggy S's ). Surely someone in the racing fraternity could carry on from where Ron left off. Or was it a loss maker?

[@fasthracing]

That's a shame I went on there events a few times.

[@lonpfrb]

I suspect that RH Racing school depended on Honda to supply the bikes at cost or even below. The end of the CBR 600RR thanks to Euro-5, and relative decline of the sports bike market from the hayday when 1000's of bikes were sold would limit their enthusiasm. Since the CBR 1000RRR has moved up to match the cost and sophistication of the market leaders, the support of Honda would have to be on another level than before. I guess Ron has more time to go flying now...

[@shirleyboy8859]

You might be tight like ya Dad.... Just be grateful you didn`t pick up the Accent!!!!!! :-)) I applied for and got an RAC racing License but soon realised that I was not the kind of person that could raise money..... It is very hard and upsetting when you get turned down... You did a great job Taylor, and reaped the rewards... :-)))

[@spitfire188]

Your a legend im glad i got to see you race love your videos 😃

[@bigeein]

Still looking forward to the track set up chat with you and a mechanic. Covering the different setups fo tracks. Live a knockhill set v a donnington GP set up. Forks , brakes , rake , gears , engine mapping , wet weather v dry weather set up. You could do this over several videos 😉👍🏻🙂

[@xpersix9222]

Great video loved this honest and straight

[@thetruth6693]

What an honest guy, hats off to you mate. If you're ever in Walsall pop round for a cuppa 👍🤙

[@quinjames1]

Another informative video, 👌 How much would you charge for a one to one trackday at Brands Hatch ( Novice) ? 👍🏍

[@andymcilwaine]

Do we still need to watch the adverts?? Asking for a friend.... 😉 🤣

[@ianyams]

Your Mum And Dad have done a decent job with you lad 😜 it’s hard to imagine going to work putting your life on the line every time and paying out shitloads of money for the privilege 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@derekgray7716]

Coming from the Mother Land myself, I see that as perfect living my friend 🎯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙌🏻

[@goldfox399]

Perhaps if there was a gambling culture around the sport the money would start flowing in again? Tobacco sponsorships seem to have been replaced by gambling companies. I tried to place a bet on who was to be the MotoGP champion last season but it was a hard bet to find.

[@604ccm]

Brilliant insight as always

[@geoffreycasey875]

Always great to watch your videos..👍🇮🇪☘️

[@Liz25.91]

Very interesting 👌 👍. Will you be going along to bsb with Tarran?

[@Exonic_]

In your honest opinion if you didn't grow up with bikes or grow up with a racing family that funds your racing from a young age what's the chance of being able to race in even low level events? I would love to race but I won't be able to comfortably afford track days and races till I'm 21-25 should I just stick to track days?

[@ADobbin1]

I've got a better question. How did you pay for the training and track time before you got to the point of racing motogp and such.

[@aderiley6592]

Taylor! Great vid mate 👍 Just one suggestion though and I've gotta say it's a bit of a glaring omission on your part fella! Don't really get how you've not done this by now, you might have been the owner of your own race track in The Sottish Tavullia islands (downtown Leith) by now if you had done this mate. Hey ho though we can't all be superb examples of million pound medallion wearing, hairy chested, brut aftershave drinking, helicopter hat wearing, one percenter Bidness men like me I suppose. Still... that said... ...I honestly just can't see how you missed it chap, I just can't figure how you've not utilised this as a solution to financing all your racing dreams over the years, I mean the bloke is always round your house aint he?! Is he a bit tight or are there like rights issues or sumfink? Hopefully you can redress the balance a bit now though by pointing some of your young 38 year old 3 Moto off road scooter racers in the right direction in time for next season. I only refer to the 3 Moto off road boys to reassure you that I DO follow the global world motorcycling highly priced national championship series of international cups. I don't normally name drop but this way hopefully you'll be comforted in knowing that we are both singing from the same bible brudda. I know McPints labourers Uncles cage cleaner and she says McPint used this method in several titties. So think on eh ✌👍🙏 The genius idea of which I talk is simply so genius! You'll deffo slap your own forehead when you hear it though so put your lid on. It's a one stop championship winning finance solution to any struggling racers woes surely! But don't tell anyone else or your 3Moto boys will have some competition next year if they're all at it. Ready? Get your crayons ready to do a screenshot of this before Neil Hodgson sees it. 👀 🙄🤯 Mknd you he couldn't afford the 3 grand I paid for mine so you're safe I reckon! All you gotta do is get two of that there MAD MARKS glittery GO FASTER VAN STICKERS, just like the ones you sent me the other week [thanks for that btw] and stick them on one of your old mans Fizzies! You'd have been getting no Christmas cards from Rossi before you knew it if you'd done that 10 years back mate. DOH EH?! You just need to arc weld one sticker on the front wheel, and Tig the other one on the back with a cable tie and then pin the throttle lever, if you'd done that in 2016 you'd have been blowin' that Cal Hickman off his Goldwing before you knew it. You don't even need fuel ffs! I welded both of mine to my van windscreen the same day I got them and I swear I shit myself on one bend I usually take flat out. I looked down at the speedo at the time and I couldn't believe I was going so quick. I need a braking sticker now too really, but like Mad Mark says they only slow you down right?! Phew. Right I'm off to buy bog roll and deodorant. Don't worry I'm never going to do 37mph again on public highways, ever again. I'm responsubble me. I've cut one of the stickers in half now anyway so the van now tops out at 35! It's just not worth the risk to me anymore. Think about it though 37 in a van that's gotta be worth at least 82⅞on a 3moto scooturo right!!! Ciao! X

[@MrAnthonyHilton]

Interesting insight to this side of the sport, asking people for money is one of the hardest things, makes you want to cry sometimes, maybe not cry "Angel Tears" though 😉 😂

[@bikerboy7126]

Nice one Taylor. Thanks. 👍

[@rdiren22]

So roughly what's the difference between you and your brothers racing then

[@robertlashley4268]

Good on you. You still have to thank the man from the vodka company .lol.

[@gideonsikk8733]

I've started selling duty free cigarettes to my friends but I'm still way under budget 🙃 lol

[@fasthracing]

Toseland had a big backer from a care home company

[@tmac77]

That's the same guy 😁

[@ramboracing702]

Legend!! 🤙✌️

[@BJ0BHAX]

I watched bad sport, it was good. That's a stressful life chasing sponsorship. I'd imagine raw talent will get missed because they cant afford it. I've heard " stories" that at the TT you can compete with a s1000rr with carbon wheels straight from the factory and be competitive. I know nothing about it though.

[@kgsxr7s085]

Just wondering why couldn’t you ask for round numbers example 5000$ from 1 sponsor and give 4000 to race and 1000 for yourself to live and next sponsor and so on and so on

[@michaelclarke3684]

Great video thank you

[@Norton1531]

I wanna hear some more stories about the vodka guy!!!!! All anonymous of course!!

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome bud 👍🏻

[@andywilliams7510]

Will you still be trying to raise money the same way for your Moto3 venture?

[@tmac77]

Finding sponsorship is part of my job yes 😁

[@stephencole4498]

It seems there is no money in this sport anymore, this is a guy who was a national superstock champion and he has to scratch around to pay for his racing. God knows how the others survive.

[@charliepower9192]

It all makes sense now , it's like you didn't have a life of your own with all of what you had to do , I hope you're on the firm in your new roll 👍

[@johnattwood2935]

Vodka sponsor, probably better than Stella!

[@michaelroberts108]

Keep forgetting your Scottish, thanks for the reminder 😆

[@williamlorimer060867]

We Scottish people are not tight just clever with money 😉 just that some are more clever than others anyway thanks for answering my question Taylor 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@johnlewis5330]

You certainly are a very charming young man so I can see the attraction for sponsors.

[@iancullen954]

Take Suzi Perry away and there really isn't much glamour in the racing game is there ? No wonder you were stressed Taylor.

[@gitaneVYS491R]

Another video that makes time pass quickly.

[@zweispurmopped]

The sober truth…

[@peppemberton9948]

Random companies, random names, random figures, unknown vodka sponsor......no answers at all to any questions..

[@SchmozzleGTO]

It's only going to get harder, sadly... all motorsport, much as we love it, is the wrong side of 'sustainability.' Tobacco was forced out, but corporate social responsibility will ensure majority of companys won't be able to go near racing even if they want to - its just not a 'sustainable' look as they try to make their offices more energy efficient etc... hence the shift to many small sponsors who don't have shareholder pressure to be green while most teams are full factory... Bike racing is legitimately at risk of extinction, its just too resource intensive. Internal combustion engines to be phased out by 2030 most places... where will bikes fit? Knowing S.Higgs, he'll likely be first national championship with a moto e grid (outside gp) but will it attract enough attention, as everyone gets in AI self driving cars? I hope I'm wrong.

[@Diddy65]

I was at brands hatch watching from opposite of the pit lane, only frankie Chilli acknowledged the crowd, Rossi did it in SPADES. Been to Moto gps and Rossi stalls are packed, even SIC stall selling more than Marq or Lorenzo. Dovi will do it with a good bike. Ducati must be kicking themselves.

[@alanshill4347]

Wow so really it's like gambling pal

[@morrisbagnall2690]

WE WANT FIGURES. :) Without the context of what you shelled out we have no idea what the real cost is. Come on, Taylor.