The motorcycle industry is always trying to increase exposure for our sports in mainstream media. In the off-road world recently, Ashley Fiolek has been one of the most popular figures to reach a wide audience of non-moto interest. The Women’s Motocross Association champion has brought outside attention for her accomplishments as well as her gender. James Stewart is another rider who generates interest because of his skill and race. These prolific champions are the best examples, but these past weeks we’ve seen the worst.

FMX rider Jeremy Lusk died at Calderon Guardia Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica after suffering major injuries and head trauma in a crash at the Saprissa Stadium. The Los Angeles Times ran a good article in the Sports section on February 11. This definitely isn’t the type of publicity we all hope for when it comes to our sport, but recognizing Lusk for his courage and ultimate loss is important for our industry and community to pay respects – a necessary evil. 

USA Today has put the recent ban on motorcycles and ATVs in its headlines. Lead law throttles youth powersports explains the devastating effects of this hasty lawmaking and generally puts our sport in the position of a positive influence unfairly struck down. It’s bad news for us, but good to see in a popular news source. 

These are just two examples of mainstream media coverage, neither or which are pleasant topics. However, it begs the question as to whether we actually want some stories told. Should we not tell the general public about Lusk because it makes dirt bikes look dangerous? You could argue it either way, but I think he deserves to get recognized. There’s also the notion that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Regardless, here’s hoping that we get some good news in the near future that’s worth talking about.