Australian Supercross Championship launches privateer support program

International Entertainment Group (IEG), promoters of the Australian Supercross Championship, today revealed a prize money initiative to support privateers throughout the 2013 season. Factory riders and industry leaders are praising the bold initiative, which will see $25,000 paid out to privateer riders across the six rounds of the 2013 Australian Supercross Championship.

IEG Managing Director, Yarrive Konsky, understands all too well what it’s like to be a privateer. “When I started racing I was working nights in a petrol station to pay for my racing,” said Konsky. “Getting to each event was a struggle so any prize money was appreciated. While factory riders have reasonable contingencies built into their contracts, as well as personal sponsorships and contingencies, it was important that we put a support package in place for privateers.”

In addition to the prize money, Pirelli will continue their privateer contingency support valued at $9,600. In a first for Australian privateer racers, the Australian Supercross Championship is also providing free freight for the first two rounds in Darwin.

Queensland’s Robbie Marshall, who currently runs his own privateer operation, says it’s fantastic to see the championship providing a prize money structure to reward the efforts of privateer riders. “It is definitely hard as a privateer trying to get to all of the races and cover costs,” said Marshall. “Sponsorships are scarce now days and without prize money, it’s near impossible, nor is it worth while even going to the races.”

Daniel McCoy, who will at this stage run as a privateer in the 2013 series, also praised the new initiative. “It’s awesome to see the series actively support the privateers as every dollar counts in our sport to help get us behind the gates,” said McCoy. “I’m really excited about the supercross season after finishing second last year, and I will be ready when we head to Darwin in September.”

The opening round of the 2013 Australian Supercross Championship will be held at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway, September 12-15. For more information, click here.