Kyle,
Well, unfortunately this question can be answered in a few different ways. Has there been a riders union talked about amongst guys? Yes. Has anything happened with it? No. Do I feel there should be some sort of “union?” Yes, I do. To the extent of the union, I have no idea. But I do feel there should be some sort of representation on the riders’ behalf. But the issue with all that is there would need to be two separate unions. A manufacturers’ union with Feld Motor Sports and MX Sports, and a riders’ union with the teams/Feld/MX Sports. Because a riders contract isn’t with promoters, it’s with the teams. The riders signs their rights away with credentials. My biggest thing isn’t money, or even merchandising. It’s health insurance. Yes, there is a type of health insurance that Feld/MXSports provide that does help and covers up to $50,000 if you leave by an ambulance. I have used it, and it works. But let’s be real, $50,000 ain’t a whole lot when it comes to the USA and our medical system, especially if you need to be put in the OR [operating room]. To get that insurance to coordinate with your own insurance is also a pain in the ass. That’s more where my mind goes with it more than anything. I do really feel there is a way to make that work, and I feel there is a certain time and place to make small changes like this work. 
-Phil

Wise One of Motocross Phil,
You’ve done a great job in becoming one of our sport’s prominent personalities. Do you think it’s fair to say that having a public persona is as important these days as being competitive? Okay, obviously for the guys competing for wins and factory rides, speed is king, but what about the lower-tier guys? If two guys are about equal in speed, is a team like PRMX, ClubMX, Rock River, or whatever, more likely to sign a dude who has a larger fanbase and puts himself out there more in the media (social and traditional)? Do you think your large, middle-finger-waving fanbase has enabled you to extend your career? That’s not to say you’re not talented, you’ve got that part of course, but does being popular with fans help keep things going? Besides yourself, who are some of the riders you think do a good job in this regard?
-Shot Glass Mo