Slaw Dog
The AMA has announced that privateer Bobby Piazza has been suspended for round 14 in East Rutherford and placed on six months probation following a paddock incident at round 13 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Piazza came up with a brilliant idea at Daytona to have people pay $20 donations to rev his bike. The project has been a hit and helped get the privateer to races.
“It costs around $1,500 every weekend just to get there, whether you’re driving or flying to all these rounds after sign up, fuel bill, hotels, all the other fun stuff,” Piazza told NBC Sports. “At first, in Houston, I did a $20 donations and you’d get a free t-shirt because you’re not allowed to sell t-shirts [in the paddock]. Then I had people take pictures with me and my bike.
“I had a couple of kids rev my bike and it went off pretty much there. People started digging it and then Daytona came around. I said, screw it, rev my bike for $20 donation. Try to get me to the next round.”
In Atlanta, Piazza was reportedly asked to stop as officials deemed it to “compromise the safety of the event.”
Here is the penalty from the AMA:
Piazza suspended for this weekends race and 6 month probation. Not for revving his bike (he’s been doing that for weeks w no issue) but for his conduct towards security.
— Steve Matthes (@pulpmx) April 19, 2023
Piazza posted a video of an interaction between him and the official.
“🚨CANCELLED🚨 Where to even start? Week in and out it’s a different problem with not only me but other privateers. I feel the problem is nobody will stand up and speak. Bike rev is for the fans the enjoyment and happiness it brings to people. I do this for you guys and myself bc I love it! “They” came up aggressively and made me feel like a criminal bc of whatever power trip they’re on. I wouldn’t be racing if I didn’t do bike rev it cost around 2k just to get to each race YOU guys keep me going the support is unreal. So much more then them just shutting us down behind the scenes but I’ll leave it at that. Most act like there too good for everybody in this sport but I’m as real as it gets heart an soul! Waiting on a call to see what’s next.”
In another IG post, Piazza said his problem wasn’t with Feld or the AMA, but the official.
Twitter should be fun for the next few hours at least.
They’re just mad they weren’t getting their cut of the money. You guys really need a union! If you went on strike think of all the money they lose, TV money, ticket sales etc. without you guys there is no show! Let the 5 or 6 factory guys race by themselves, I bet that brings a crowd, NOT!
We are with ya Piazza, see ya at Nashville
..If there’s any money to be made,it will be by the AMA and/or MX Sports/Daytona Motorsports.By the way..in the pro license application,it states anyone who organizes/takes part in/supports a riders union,is banned for life.I could write a book on how crooked it is towards privateers at this level.
Stories like this will probably net him enough funds to finish the season. People hate bullies, whether the official was in the right or not.
Coming from nj You should be use to communism! America is on the down side!
This is just another show of corporate greed and their quest to keep the little guy under foot. This security dude is a total tool and asshat. He is the one who should be punished. Shame on Feld Entertainment for hiring someone with SDD (Small Dick Disease) and for defending his actions. This guy and Feld are the ones disgracing the great and awesome sport of supercross. They are the ones who look ridiculous and act with a disregard for their athletes. Thank you, Bobby, for standing up to the corporate greed and corruption. Fight the good fight and ride on!
I’m a career FF and proud union member. Someone needs to take these nut suckers to Federal Court because it is ILLEGAL to ban individuals from joining or forming a Union.
Feld and the rent a cop are wrong! These privateers are just surviving on the few crumbs tossed their way. I was at this race in Atlanta and the fans (especially the children) really seemed to enjoy getting to experience it. I stand with Bobby!
The state of Washington is on your side Bobby! We love it!!!
WTF? AMA you should be ashamed of yourselves. Do you even understand that without the privateers you don’t have a race? These guys bust thier asses to get to each race and you don’t appreciate it? What happens when they get injured? Do you just turn your back on them then as well? I am a serious fan and go to at least 3 races a season. I can afford to. Sometimes the cost is in excess of $1500 between travel, hotel, tickets etc. I can boycott your greedy asses and watch the races for free on you tube. I urge all fans to do the same until you (AMA) understand you need to support all your riders not just the factory guys. I’m sorry to all the riders for having to say this but the AMA is being foul here.
The AMA has ruined dirt bike racing for people who don’t have the funds to compete with the sponsored teams. Never mind the cost of a new bike for someone who is just looking to have a good time racing or riding. Cost of supercross tickets have sky rocketed while inflation has hit people hard. The AMA needs to know who thier fan base is just like Bud Light.
Ama is a joke…causing problems over nothing.