Is the glorification of Ronnie Mac good or bad for the sport?

Bineano
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Whitecourt CA
10/22/2017 10:30am
Suit and Tie SX or Ronnie Mac?
Shoot, I think both are great, have some fun with it and enjoy it for what it is :-)
Beeby
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Chicago, IL US
10/22/2017 11:13am
I laughed a lot watching the event. I don’t recall ever laughing at a supercross or motocross event. That to me says a lot
Motoxdoc
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10/22/2017 12:08pm
Rumor has it Ronnie is hooking up with Georgia Lindsey on the down-low. If this is true he's my hero...and how could he NOT be good for the sport?
DanDunes818
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10/22/2017 12:57pm
This is definitely one of those "Lighten up Francis" moments. People wonder why riders are so fucking PC, this is why. Any time someone loosens the corporate screw on SX/MX, fans freak out.

Riding dirt bikes is fun and Ronnie Mac represents about 90% of the guys that ride them. Go to your local track on Saturday and count the racers. Then, go to your local off-road recreational riding area on a Saturday and count the people. Shit, just count the people that are on clapped out 2 smokers drinking PBR and smoking a bowl before each trail ride--that alone will be more than are at the local track.

Is Ronnie Mac good for the sport? Yes. Anything that gives the "common fan" someone to relate to is good for the sport.

The Shop

APLMAN99
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10/22/2017 1:00pm
Like I said earlier, it's not my style of humor, but I didn't really mind it either.

But like Stephon said earlier, I thought the cut up helmet thing may not have been such a good idea. It definitely wouldn't have been legal in any sanctioned race, obviously, and just about resulted in some serious dental/medical work when his head snapped forward just prior to his crash. I'd say you could still make the character amusing while still following basic safety rules, but maybe that'd make the schtick unfunny to too many folks.

I actually dig the overalls, as a taller guy my shirttail always comes untucked and I've always worn bibs instead of ski pants, etc.
goony
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10/22/2017 1:17pm
The ronmac-villopoto-reed thing was funny, if this sport cant handle this kind of stuff its already broken
Before social media this kind of talk was normal between racers where im from
TXDirt
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10/22/2017 1:58pm
I was kinda tired of it last year but this year I enjoyed it. I dunno why lol

Half mask helmet, overalls, just hucking it....

I'm good with it.

What would be totally awesome is to have him line up like that and qualify for a SX main!!
gt80rider
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10/22/2017 2:29pm
While hell yes, I find the Ronnie Mac character funny, that character is like a worst case scenario to mainstream soccer mom's. I'm fine for one event, not cool with it more than that.
KDXGarage
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10/22/2017 3:13pm
This is definitely one of those "Lighten up Francis" moments. People wonder why riders are so fucking PC, this is why. Any time someone loosens the...
This is definitely one of those "Lighten up Francis" moments. People wonder why riders are so fucking PC, this is why. Any time someone loosens the corporate screw on SX/MX, fans freak out.

Riding dirt bikes is fun and Ronnie Mac represents about 90% of the guys that ride them. Go to your local track on Saturday and count the racers. Then, go to your local off-road recreational riding area on a Saturday and count the people. Shit, just count the people that are on clapped out 2 smokers drinking PBR and smoking a bowl before each trail ride--that alone will be more than are at the local track.

Is Ronnie Mac good for the sport? Yes. Anything that gives the "common fan" someone to relate to is good for the sport.
" People wonder why riders are so fucking PC, this is why. Any time someone loosens the corporate screw on SX/MX, fans freak out. "

Excellent observation, sir. I thought back to posts in this thread and others and see that is quite on point.

I would like to say that Villopoto did have at least one emotional interview in his career (Canard 2008) "He ran me into a damn pole" or something like that. Smile

For Dungey, a google throw was his most outlandish act I remember.

For Ronnie Mac, I think he might be at a pivot point. He was not saying vulgar / dirty stuff on TV. Some are OK with that level of character, but not the stuff posted on the internet. I can see more than one parent throwing away a Ronnie Mac t-shirt they bought their kid after seeing all the internet stuff later on.
wfo4ever
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10/22/2017 3:24pm
Now because of all of these negative comments on Vital. I hear Ronnie Mac is from Oklahoma but that he really loves to ride in Georgia. This will only make Ronnie Mac want to 69 even more and only fuel Ronnie Mac's desire to drink even more PBRs. This will make him ride the fastest bike on the planet a 1998 Honda CR-250 even faster, like only Ronnie Mac can do. RM69 has his own overall style. There is no way to stop Ronnie Mac, his fans, and all of his inside and outside sponsors from World Domination in SX, MX, FMX, SMX, MXGP, GNCC, RBSR, AFT, and MotoGP. All aboard on the Uncle Ronnie's Crazy Train!!!
bsharkey
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10/22/2017 3:33pm
I thi k its fine. Hes Mostly social Media like instagram. I'm more amazed someone could ride a bike that old and do that well. He puts a lighthearted spin on a sport thats always serious all the time. I wish the sport could go back to the 90s where the riders were not like robots all the time having to thanks sponsors every time they get up there that gets a bit old.
NorCal 50+
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10/22/2017 4:36pm
Beeby wrote:
I laughed a lot watching the event. I don’t recall ever laughing at a supercross or motocross event. That to me says a lot
My wife kept asking me what's so funny on the race. I tried to explain, but it's just something you can't explain.
TogaSet
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10/22/2017 4:44pm
Ronnie Mac came a gnats ass away from taking home the gold on a twenty year old bike. American hero.
rutsmash
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10/22/2017 4:45pm
It’s not good for the sport in general. For those that know the sport, it’s a funny joke because we know better. But to those that might tune in and see him say he has been drinking Pabst all day is not good. It reinforces the stereotype that many have about this sport.

One of the biggest issues I think we have is "non factory riders" ability to make money. Imagine if everyone knew (like those that ride) what it took to go fast and how much skill it really necessary. They might start to admire the sport more and more which will only help the growth of the sport. I don't think this type of portrayal of a "dirt bike rider" is good for the sport on national tv or where it can reach anyone.
mxb2
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10/22/2017 4:48pm
bsharkey wrote:
I thi k its fine. Hes Mostly social Media like instagram. I'm more amazed someone could ride a bike that old and do that well. He...
I thi k its fine. Hes Mostly social Media like instagram. I'm more amazed someone could ride a bike that old and do that well. He puts a lighthearted spin on a sport thats always serious all the time. I wish the sport could go back to the 90s where the riders were not like robots all the time having to thanks sponsors every time they get up there that gets a bit old.
Yea, screw those pesky sponsors that help you. Good thinking.
Squidward
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Ocitillo, CA US
10/22/2017 5:04pm
Let's just call up Dungey and have him be the permanent poster child. So whenever people think of moto, he pops into everyone's head. Then Mac can do his thing in the back, and we all win.
BobPA
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10/22/2017 5:06pm
bsharkey wrote:
I thi k its fine. Hes Mostly social Media like instagram. I'm more amazed someone could ride a bike that old and do that well. He...
I thi k its fine. Hes Mostly social Media like instagram. I'm more amazed someone could ride a bike that old and do that well. He puts a lighthearted spin on a sport thats always serious all the time. I wish the sport could go back to the 90s where the riders were not like robots all the time having to thanks sponsors every time they get up there that gets a bit old.
mxb2 wrote:
Yea, screw those pesky sponsors that help you. Good thinking.
We get it, you cannot handle a joke...and have never attended a party. Either lighten up or get out of this thread.
mark_swart
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Chapin, SC US
10/22/2017 5:35pm
I'm not sure about Ronnie Mac, but the 20 year old CR 250 giving the most modern and advanced 250 two stroke everything it can handle definitely sends some interesting messages.
23champ
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Troy, KS US
10/22/2017 5:51pm
Lighten up and laugh a little. There are kids at my local track on 85’s, 125’s and some even on 250f’s that dress up as Ronnie and hit the track just messing around. People like to laugh and have a good time. However, when it comes race time no one is wearing the Ronnie Mac garbage. Things get serious and they race to win. I think it’s good to see people lighten up and have fun, after all, isn’t that the initial reason we all got into this sport?
10/22/2017 5:59pm
Nothing WWE about the ass whooping he delivered Saturday night, bro. Go crack open a seltzer and cover your ears, Ron is here to stay.
JohnnyD13
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Loganville, GA US
10/22/2017 6:11pm
Ronnie Mac is our happy Gilmore. Golf didn’t like him. And I promise RBSR was watched a ton more because of all the hype. It’s the different personalities that make the sport. I don’t understand why some of you people don’t see that. When Ryan Dungey gives an interview, are some of you clapping and laughing on the edge of your seat? Calling you wife over? you people that hate on Ronnie suck at life.
TXDirt
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10/22/2017 6:46pm
rutsmash wrote:
It’s not good for the sport in general. For those that know the sport, it’s a funny joke because we know better. But to those that...
It’s not good for the sport in general. For those that know the sport, it’s a funny joke because we know better. But to those that might tune in and see him say he has been drinking Pabst all day is not good. It reinforces the stereotype that many have about this sport.

One of the biggest issues I think we have is "non factory riders" ability to make money. Imagine if everyone knew (like those that ride) what it took to go fast and how much skill it really necessary. They might start to admire the sport more and more which will only help the growth of the sport. I don't think this type of portrayal of a "dirt bike rider" is good for the sport on national tv or where it can reach anyone.
And who are those that "might" tune in?

Stands were half empty and RMac got more cheers then anyone.

I think what's great is all these sissy riders always crying about bike setup. And Mac can go out there and send it and be competitive. If anything we need more Ronnie Mac. Not less. The sport is becoming to niche for many reasons. The least of which are Ronnie Mac.
JB 19
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Marion, OH US
10/22/2017 6:49pm
What completes the Ronnie Mac character is the speed at which he can ride a dirt bike. He looks like a compete idiot, speaks like one, and acts like one, looks like one when he rides .....but at the speed of a top 20 national pro.

It's hilarious to watch someone who is such a compete mess ride at that speed.
10/22/2017 7:02pm
HOLY HELL bunch of clowns in here. Lighten up dudes. Ronnie Mac is funny as hell and got more cheers then anyone else out there...hell he should line up for SX so it’ll piss you losers off even More
tunedlength
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10/22/2017 7:19pm
I ran into a frequent vital poster at RBSR and he asked "what do you think of the alcohol/riding thing that RM portrays".
Apologies to the poster but I didn't have a properly constructed reply for him at the time.
If he was to ask me the same question I would say as a parent I would explain to my kids that he is not really drinking beer while riding just as Marvin is not really drinking an energy drink on the podium after a heat race.
RM is an act and an act by a very fast pro no less.
The sport demands a high level of concentration and physical skill and you really need to be clear headed to do it well.
You cant do what RM does and be in the bag.
You cant do what Muskin does and ingest a bunch of Caffeine between races,
This would be classified as a teachable moment.
Now the few that know me here can point out the fact that my kids are now young adults and I didnt need to explain RM to them.
Looking back I did have to explain the popular urban music that they would hear as young pups was not the best road map for a happy life and more often then not the people singing these songs were driven mostly by revenue generation and not by a desire to tell others how to live a fulfilling life.
We can outlaw or sanction characters like RM but in the end there is no substitute for active parenting.


Rockinar
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Katy, TX US
10/22/2017 7:45pm Edited Date/Time 10/22/2017 7:47pm
Asking if Ronnie Mac is bad for motocross racing is like asking if the Harlem Globetrotters are bad for basketball's image.

Do you weenies think everything need to be serious and dictated by Feld and the AMA? Those two clowns are killing the sport more than Ronnie Mac.


RockyRider
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Nor Cal, CA US
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10/22/2017 9:25pm
Yeah god forbid you put some personality and persona in this sport..
Side not he had me dying when they asked how he's doing after that crash, and just says I think the PBR's help me not feel it
Kenngg727
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Phoenix, AZ US
10/22/2017 10:25pm
Motocross is a serious sport. A lot of hard work, talent, development dollars, sponsorship dollarsgo into it. Its super dangerous and things get pretty intense sometimes.

Ronnie Mac takes the edge off because he's ridiculous. Not just humorous, but absurd, and wouldn't be funny if the sport wasn''t serious. Keep in mind, the guy behind Ronnie Mac is a very talented, clever and all around great guy. I doub't Jimmy Albertson is making millions off of this - He found a way to be relavent after retirement, kudos to him for finding Ronnie Mac and bringing him to screens accross the globe.

Besides, this is a Red Bull event, second runner to MEC and they need some entertainment.

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