Factory-backed deals are the ultimate goal for any aspiring racer. Bikes, parts and bonus programs are great rewards for all those podium finishes. But behind the scenes, race team structures aren't always what you might think. In times gone by, when a rider signed onto a manufacturer-backed program, their deal was not only inclusive of bikes and parts, but the team usually covered other big-ticket items such as riding gear, tyres, and plastics.
Throughout his teenage racing years,