The Fox Australian Supercross Championship today confirmed details of the 2024 Privateer Support Program, which again will be proudly supported by partner MXstore, and includes a new Privateer Champion award for the SX1 and SX2 classes. Words: AUSX
The inaugural program, launched in 2023, aimed to support, profile, and financially reward privateer riders. In 2024, the program will continue to offer key incentives, including MXstore’s Privateer Payout, with $1,000 awarded across the top three in SX1 & SX2 at each round. Additionally, the prize money structure for SX1 and SX2, which pays down to 20th place, will provide further financial recognition.
The program also includes off-track support through media, content and social opportunities, the supply of professional rider imagery from race days, presence in the main pit areas & fan activations, as well as racewear & apparel discounts for riders.
Mick Sinclair, from the Australian Supercross Championship, emphasised the series wider commitment to supporting privateer riders, who are essential to the growth and strength of the sport.
“We understand the crucial role privateer riders play in our industry and the renewal of the Privateer Support Program this year marks a vital step in our commitment to supporting and cultivating talent in Australia,” said Sinclair.
“Last year’s program helped drive more than a 20% increase in gates of privateer riders which was a great result. Importantly feedback from that group on the enhanced inclusion, back of house support and financial incentives was positive.
“We understand the financial challenges privateer racing presents, and we hope this program will continue to help ease those burdens, as these dedicated riders pursue their dreams.
“A big thank you to MXstore for backing the program again – we share an aligned goal of wanting to see supercross grow, so it’s awesome to be able to collaborate on initiatives like this together.”
MXstore’s Brand Lead Alex Miller emphasised Australia’s largest online moto retailer’s ongoing commitment to privateers and nurturing the sport.
“MXstore are thrilled to be back on board supporting the 2024 Privateer Support Program via the MXstore Privateer Payout,” said Miller.
“Last year’s program was a huge success, and we can’t wait to do it all again when the gates drop this year.”
Last year’s leading SX1 privateer rider, Joel Wightman, was one who reaped the benefits of the Privateer Program & MXstore Privateer Payout and duly endorsed its return in 2024.
“As a privateer, funding a full season of racing is extremely costly with bikes, parts, travel, and everything that comes with racing,” said Wightman.
“I race because I love it but having an additional $1,000 on the line for privateers at each round was a nice reward. It was also great to be recognised by the series for our commitment to the Championship through the Privateer Support Program. It’s great to see it back this year.”
Fellow SX1 Privateer, Elijah Wiese shared the additional exposure the program offered was another crucial component in their quest for greater reach.
“The Privateer Support Program gives us more reason to put in the extra work on and off the bike,” said Wiese.
“It’s not just the financial support but the opportunity for media exposure and to be able to reach new audiences, which in turn helps us grow our brands.
“It incentivises us to step up our programs and be more active in putting ourselves out there which is translating to fans taking a vested interested and following our progress, not just the factory guys, which is exciting.”
A privateer rider is defined as someone who is not part of an official manufacturer or manufacturers’ satellite team, or receives any financial payment or reimbursement, other than result bonuses. Additionally, the rider must not have finished in the top three in the SX1 or SX2 AUSX Championship in the last three years.
Image: AUSX
