WSS: Hayes returns to US with Yamaha.

This is a shame, Hayes was begining to show real potential, and on the right bike would have been challenging for podiums and wins. I guess the money is better in AMA aswell, however, that does seem to be one fooked up series at the mo....which is also a shame!

I read that Hayes said that it was no way he could race in WSS becasue of the money - it would have been less than half than what he made last year. It's a shame on one hand becasue he would have easily been a front runner but he deserved a Superbike ride in AMA and he finally got it.

It is sad when a rider chooses a domestic championship over the world stage because of money. The AMA motocross and supercross seem to attract world riders for the same reason, take Chad Reed and Grant Langston as prime examples of men who could have been multiple world champions.

Maybe the focus has shifted from boys who want to be world champions to riders who realise they have a finite proffesional life and therefore need to earn the most money possible - such a shame.

money talks bull:::t walks. if your ego is fine money is all that matters

Dan, whats that say about your "world championship" when all the best MX riders in the world are actually in the AMA?

Its more than a money issue with Hayes. He's wanted a piece of SuperBike for years and never had the opportunity. Who in their right mind would take a undercard ride over a factory deal in the premiere class? If he had a superbike ride in SBK than maybe I could see it as a tough decision, but 600's... thats a no-brainer.

I was thinking more along the lines of preffering to tell my grandchildren that I was world champ rather than AMA champ etc

"Yes Little Danny boy, yes I am a world motocross champion. However, I never raced the top riders in the world because all I wanted was a title and a plaque. I was afraid to race the best riders in the world because I knew I couldn't make top 10, so I raced elsewhere and received this sham of a title. Aren't you proud of papa?"

No George, I would consider an AMA title a stepping stone to the world stage but it doesnt seem to work like that. Its like football, its the money that counts above all else now.

I am sure if the ama didnt pay so well then guys would be less inclined to stay there for a whole career.

Wouldn't it have been easier for Stephan Everts to go to America to race the best(RC, JS, JM), than the whole lineup from the US go over to europe? If you want to prove you're the best, you go find them, you dont wait for them to find you.

If its really the money, than why be so tightfisted when a few more bucks will get you more talent. It's STUPID to lose talent over money. SuziGP is the epitome of stupid.

I remember reading somewhere that it was easier to finance a domestic team than an international one - sponsors just dont seem as interested, so I guess thats why they struggle to come up with the cash that riders like Spies demand.