WHY DID THE CHAMP LEAVE HONDA??
above: Jeremy McGrath stands in front of his new works bike
THE STORY:
Two weeks before the U.S. supercross series opener, the four-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath ended his six year association with team Honda. Many would ask, why? Why would Supermac leave Honda. Was he not getting paid enough? (I doubt that) Would Suzuki pay him more? There were many reasons why McGrath quit Team Honda, 1997 CR250 suspension wouldn't cut it, Skip Norfolk resigned (Jeremy's mechanic), 10 pages of new contract information to be signed, and a controversy photo taken of McGrath rideing a Yamaha watercraft, all helped in the final desicion.
Now the detail:
When McGrath first test rode the 97 CR250, his thoughts pointed at a good bike, but that quickly ended. Later when McGrath rode the CR he found the suspension setup far from comfortable, or far from what he would consider a good setup.
Then came the contract. On November 21, McGrath found nearly 10 pages of new issues. Most in which he did not favor. In the contract, Honda stated that exclusive video rights would prevent McGrath from starring in any video not licensed by Honda. (ouch) Honda also wanted to eliminate McGrath's vacations to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Then Honda tells him he can't ride any product made by competing manufacturers. The picture taken of McGrath on a Yamaha watercraft for splash magazine didn't make to many friends down in Honda's corporate headquarters for the four-time supercross champion. Severe fines and penalties would go into effect if McGrath missed or was tardy to any test session. (come on Honda, he's not three) The most upseting condition was that McGrath wouldn't be allowed to accept any outside sponsorship money from MCI/1-800-COLLECT. Many more issues in the contract also helped in the final desicion, but these are probably the most important.
This table shows the most money McGrath could make with Honda or Suzuki
|
CATEGORY |
1996 HONDA $$ |
1997 SUZUKI $$ |
CATEGORY |
1996 HONDA $$ |
1997 SUZUKI$$ |
|
| asic salary |
475,000 |
300,000 |
BONUSES+ |
|||
| Apparel |
125,000 |
300,000 |
SX heat race (15) |
1,000 |
7,000 |
|
| Suzuki of Troy |
NA |
250,000 |
SX win (15) |
8,000 |
30,000 |
|
| 1-800-collect |
NA |
200,000 |
SX championship |
125,000 |
250,000 |
|
| Alpinestars |
50,000 |
50,000 |
National moto (26) |
0 |
6,000 |
|
| Bell |
50,000 |
50,000 |
National overall (13) |
8,000 |
6,000 |
|
| Spy |
NA |
NA |
National champ. |
120,000 |
175,000 |
|
| Answer Pro Taper |
NA |
30,000 |
SUBTOTAL |
484,000 |
1,214,000 |
|
|
SUBTOTAL |
700,000 |
1,180,000 |
OVERSEAS RACING |
|||
|
PRIZE MONEY+ |
World SX series |
150,000 |
400,000 |
|||
| SX main (15) |
5,000 |
5,000 |
SUBTOTAL |
150,000 |
400,000 |
|
| National moto (26) |
2,000 |
2,000 |
||||
|
SUBTOTAL |
137,000 |
132,000 |
|
GRAND TOTALS |
HONDA |
SUZUKI |
|
(potential) |
1,471,000 | 2,926,000 |