On Their Own: 450 Privateers

By
Tue, Feb 5 2013 5:41 pm | Comments

Sequestered into the back sections of the pit area is the true backbone of the sport, the privateer. With little to no support, they chase the dream of racing in the packed stadiums of Supercross and will go to great lengths to do so. They’ll drive from round to round in a truck or van, squeeze in whatever training they can during the week, prepare the bike for the weekend, and then tackle the track when it is at its worst. Each rider has a story, and in the coming weeks, we will find out more about the guys doing it on their own.

While scouring the Anaheim pit area, we stopped and spoke with Michael Akaydin, Alex Ray, and Matt Schneider, who make up the Spyder Energy team. In order to train in California’s stable weather, they have moved from around the country and to a house in the desert that they share with a number of other racers. The motley household works alongside one another on their bikes, train, and ride their own private track, improving themselves and their roommates.

Matt Schneider
Fort Wayne, IN
718

Spyder Energy Drink, PRL (Privateer Race League), Titman, JT Racing, MotoConcepts, Factory Connection, EVS, GNS Racing, Shoei, Dubach Family Dentistry

Michael Akaydin
Louisville, Kentucky
918

Spyder Energy Drink, PRL (Privateer Race League), Fly Racing, Leatt, MotoConcepts, Silkolene, FMF, S&R Enterprises, Gateway Cycles, Engine Ice, UFO, Sunstar, Motographics, God’s Given Talent, Works Connection, MotoSeat, TZR, FCA MX, Asterisk

Alex Ray
Milan, Tennesse
314

Sypder Energy Drink, MotoConcepts, Bob’s House of Honda, Noleen J6, Yoshimura, PRL, Jett, Hinson, Works Connection, Silkolene, Ohlins, JT Racing, Liquid Performance, Pro Taper, Hot Cams, Vertex, MotoGraphics

Austin Howell
Red Bluff, California
83

Dragon, Motostar, Power Curve, Spider, Silkolene, Moto Pro, enzo, Fox, Weisco, DT1, CV4, Guts Racing, Novik Gloves, Creason Family, Twisted Wrenching

Lance Philips
Gig Harbor, Washington
281

Chaos Graphics, Motostar Clothing, VP Racing Fuel, Dunlop, Troy Lee Designs, Renthal, Wiseco, FMF, Gaerne, DNA Wheels, Alliance Steel, Evo Suspension