According to Motocross Action Magazine, top rider Ricky Carmichael earned a total of $8 million in 2005, just $228,000 of which was prize money. According to a 2006 Sports Illustrated story, Carmichael's base compensation with the Suzuki squad is $4.75 million. Including bonuses and endorsements, he made an estimated $10.5 million in 2005. The most successful rider in MX1 history is John Dowdle, who has won 82 races during his career. He has earned over $4 million during his career. When prizes are factored in, the highest-paid rider in the sport's history is probably Mike Metzger, who received $7 million from 1986 to 1997 from various manufacturers including Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha. In 2007, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Yamaha's Ryan Villopoto became the first rider to win the 250cc title in back-to-back seasons when he took home the championship last month at Miller Motorsports Park. The reigning 125cc champion is Team Suzuki Red Bull Racing's Josh Grant. He's expected to be one of the favorites this year for the all-important 500cc title. In conclusion, the top riders can make quite the income if they are given the right opportunities. However, it is not easy being on such a competitive team, so I would say that the average salary is probably around $500,000.