Posts
341
Joined
11/9/2014
Location
Dubuque, IA
US
Edited Date/Time
1/16/2016 7:18am
Has anyone here purchased a VIP fan experience with KTM BTOSPORTS? I've been debating a buy but looking for some reviews from those that have experienced it. The price difference between outdoors and supercross are huge. I would rather do the outdoors but was also wondering if it's worth the $350. I can't justify spending $750 for a supercross experience but if it would convert my old lady to being a die hard fan, sign me up!
The Shop
Worked for Brotocross.
http://www.pulpmx.com/stories/inside-bto-vip-fan-experience
I'm sorry I'm not "cool" enough for you, I really try to give everyone the best possible experience I can. My biggest point of confusion is how you would know any of this after reading your first three words??
We do feel that we offer an experience that is unique in the sport, though. I try to lend insight after so many years of racing and being around the sport in different facets. In no other sport can you get as close to the athletes as ours, and we try to take that to the next level. I take a lot of pride in both the team and the program and try to reflect that in what we deliver.
We didn't spend much time at all back at the BTO truck but that was our choice. My wife, dad and I like watching every bit of practice that we can. Another neat thing that I had never done before was going back into the pits after the race. I didn't bug any teams or riders for free stuff but rather went around looking at the bikes post race, seeing what the mechanics were addressing (if anything) and eavesdropping a little on what they were talking about. That is the stuff that interests me.
Overall I enjoyed it and I'd do it again if we didn't have a baby due a couple of weeks after which means there's a strong possibility we won't be able to make it out there at all.
The rest is your opinion and you're entitled to it. I may disagree but maybe I was just having a bad day or who knows. I do regret leaving you with that feeling, though. It wasn't intentional.
Or maybe they did go through the experience and don't want to be figured out, who knows
Don't really know how JT$ would be blamed for all of it, just might be doing what he is told to allow them to do. Maybe there wasn't as much to see at the time, or there were other issues going on which prevented access to some stuff.
Some people probably think that a rather large cost would let them do whatever the !$*&^ they wanted to do while there.
Show them Davey's locker and tell them that's where the magic happens.
Edit - See the above post that came in while I was typing
And they will let you see anything you want to see inside or outside the rig.
Pit Row
You arrive at the track like 9-930, call JT on his cell and he immediately meets you at the entrance to the pits. He hands you your credential and you walk in the gate past the 100-300 people standing there peaking thru the fence ooing and aweing over the pits. You walk into the pit (probably stopping and talking to a rider or some other industry person along the way, as JT seems to know everyone). You get to the truck and shoulder past the line of people waiting for autographs. You walk up to Nate and the the guys getting the bikes ready. Some "hellos" or "whats ups" are exchanged with the guys and JT hauls you into the truck to show you your personal locker where you can stash your phone charger, jacket, or whatever. He introduces you to Forrest and the guys who tell you basically "make yourself at home". You grab a bottle of water and its immediately off to track walk. You stroll past all the checkpoints with your credentials feeling like Wayne and Garth at the concert, Everyone sees who you are with and waves you thru. By this point you most likely have picked up Matthes and are listening to him jabber about something. Out on the track you are walking with JT and other riders, listening to "damn dude, you think we can go 3, 3, 4 thru this?" You are sitting here looking at the track going "holy shit" JT is like, "yea thru practice this line will be good, but by the night show the guys will be going inside and rolling the first jump" (which he is usually right). You walk around trying not to act like an idiot while talking with everyone. (JT is probably the most social dude out there so you will be stopping like every 30 seconds to talk to someone).Track walk is done, you try to behave yourself and be quiet during chapel and then its back to the truck. After a few bites to eat and sitting under the awning looking at the now 3 mile long lines waiting for autographs, you realize just how damned awesome this is. Of course you stroll into the truck to "check your phone" but what you are really doing is showing all the schmucks in line just how bad ass you are. Be prepared for Short, Brayton and Maybe Jackie flicking you some shit as being "another JT groupie" but you are just stoked that they are talking to you. After that JT hauls you up into the press box. Up the elevator that is filled with Kdub, Bevo, and some dude called Weigandt. You find your spot and lay your stake to some seats as they may be empty now, but come night show its packed up there with all the whos who's and their wives. Watch some practice, and no doubt Matthes and Pookie walk up and sit next to JT. Of course you tell him "I love your show" and then you feel like a fool for saying that, but Matthes is cool as hell and you will no doubt be shooting the shit before long. After a while you will wander around, Most likely going up and down that elevator a few times (because you can and everyone else cant). Probably head back to the pit to hang out with the guys and listen to them talk shop about the practice and such. (the trucks wreak of race gas and you begin to wonder how the guys dont develop gnarly headaches). Once things start getting ready you will make your way back up to the press box when opening ceremonies start. The place is now packed and you're glad you and JT grabbed spots earlier. You will watch the races and talk with a ton of industry people (as I stated, JT knows EVERYONE) and enjoy the race from a perspective you will never forget, all the while sitting 3 seats down from Kdub or Davey Coombs rather than some drunk 909er with a flat bill. After the race you will go back to the truck (thru special walkways and away from the 50,000 people rushing out) and listen to the riders talk about the race. JT will most likely snag you some signed gear, goggles or something and answer any questions you may have left. After a few minutes of hanging out, you will shake hands with the guys and try and keep out of the way of the crew (who is no doubly feverishly tearing down the canopy) and JT will send you on your way. On the way out you will start to reflect on just how fucking bad ass the night was and you will be thinking about when you will do this again. The BTO VIP experience was everything I thought it would be times 3. You couldn't ask for a better group of guys to hang with ( Davi wasnt there yet when I went so cant speak on him) and JT is a kick ass dude to have show you around the race, the dude know his stuff (and all the people). I will no doubt be doing this again and if anyone has a chance to do it, DO IT!!!! You wont be sorry.
-Nathan
Outdoors are great and everyone knows that they are the lifeblood of the sport. It is tougher for me to give that exclusive experience though, with no special seating or unique aspects other than being with and around the team.
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