Photo by: RedBull
Ever since it was announced at Unadilla that Travis Pastrana, Ronnie Mac and Ryan Sipes would be teaming up to represent Team Puerto Rico at the 2018 Motocross of Nations and using it to raise money for the people of Puerto Rico, the industry, fans and social media alike have been going crazy for and against it.
What are the people against the announcement of Team Pueto Rico saying? They basically all think that Ronnie Mac’s R-rated antics would make the most prestigious race in motocross a clown show. Whether you agree or disagree, it is hard to be against bringing money and awareness to a cause like turning lights on and helping the people of Puerto Rico.
Personally, I see and understand both sides of this one, but I think the cause alone outweighs any foreseen or unforeseen damage someone like Ronnie Mac could do to the event. The worst part of all the Ronnie Mac blowback is that it put TP199 in a tough spot. He is 100% just trying to use his name to do something that helps the people of Puerto Rico. Even with Nitro Circus and Ronnie Mac having to pull out of the project, though, he is a man of his word and will be on the line to race. Check out what Travis had to say below.
“To put it mildly, this week has been nothing shy of a catastrophe,” @TravisPastrana said in an Instagram post that I think has since been taken down. “We had a clear goal to add (not take away from) the MXoN. Build up to MXoN to people outside the industry through what I belive could have been one of the greatest documentaries ever filmed. All while raising funds to help hurricane relief in Puerto Roco.”
“We had approval from the top, but it all came crashing down,”The chances of us making the A-Main at the MXoN on 2 strokes was slim to none and our plan was to never effect the outcome of the event..but rather to show how tough the truly is and to be a part of what will surely be the most incredible event ever held in the US. Thanks to the people trying to protect the sport, this now looks like a joke and we have taken attention away from the event I hold most dear to my heart.”
“Nitro Circus has pulled out of the film project and Ronnie Mac has been pulled from the team,”Travis continued.”Having said that, I am a man of my word and I promised you guys I would race and the people of Puerto Rico that I would help. Ryan Sipes is not afraid to spend his own money, race his heart our or swing a hammer..and that’s what we are going to do. More announcements to come on the third rider.”
Talk about people knowing how to ruin a good time. Like I said, I understand both sides of the coin, but sometimes you need to—in the words of Sergeant Hulka—lighten up, Frances. We are hearing that the third rider might be Kevin Windham, so this still might be pretty fun to watch unfold.
