A sit down with privateer rider Josh Greco

Josh Greco (@greco976) is a 29-year-old privateer rider from California. We had the opportunity to sponsor his entry fee in Detroit and had our logo on his bike. Durning the break we had the chance to sit down and talk with him and this is what he had to say!

Who helped make the 2022 Supercross season possible for you? I know everything came together pretty last minute!

The biggest financial supporters for my 22’ season are mx4christ, the Mahoney’s, Camel Toe Racing, Mototech Trailers, Easy Section Memes, and Pure Adrenaline Motorsports. Without them signing to a full season contract and financial support I wouldn’t have been able to have as good of a season I had this year. Other than them I have countless other supporters weather it be product you see on myself or my bike, or the families and companies that hop on board for singular rounds on a weekend or just show love here and there when they can!

 

What made you want to get into racing?

I’ve raced my entire life, I started at 4 years old, went pro at 15 years old, and have been racing Supercross since I was 17 years old. I’m not sure what else to say other than it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do!

 

Was it easier having the residency last year due to COVID protocols versus this year where it’s a normal season and you’re driving hundreds of miles race to race every weekend?

I’ve been doing this so long, the travel is normal. Last year was definitely easier on the driving the time and the wallet. I would like if we did all these venues and just had a longer season and raced each one two weeks in a row so we had time to actually do tourist activities while at the location.

 

Most people may not know this but you actually race a 250cc in the 450cc class. What advantages and disadvantages come from riding a 250 in the 450 class?

This year we did go with a 250f in the 450 class. Not to be confused with stank dog running a 250 2-stroke in the 450 class. But my reasoning behind it was we only got 2 days on the bike before Anaheim 1 and a few months of no riding before hand so I knew I’d be coming into the season out of shape and the handling of the 250 I could be more consistent and aggressive and race myself into shape. Obvious disadvantages is there’s no chance at a start, and certain rhythms are hard to pull especially when the track is extremely rough and rutted by the time I get out on the track. We didn’t even have time for motor work this year so I’m running an essentially stock bike.

 

How long have you been racing and at what year did you turn pro?

I’ve been racing over 25 years and I went pro in 2009.

 

Last weekend in Seattle you were riding your 250 in the 250 class and were so close to making the night show, when was the last time you raced the 250 class and why the change?

It’s been 10 years since I’ve ran the lites class, actually 10 years ago at Seattle was my best qualifying position until this weekends personal best at 16th overall. With having the 250 all season and just getting stronger each weekend I felt like it would be a good time to hop down and see how I can actually do against 250’s and man we were close, my stamina just wasn’t quite there and I was a gassed by the end of the night time qualifying.

 

Is racing Supercross your full-time job or do you do something on the side?

Supercross is all I do from the time the season starts until it ends. I live on the road so I don’t have time to work a normal job. Outside of racing I hold training camps teaching kids and vets on the track for proper and safe riding techniques. Other than that I have a few of my own little side gigs I do like printing stickers for iPhones and handouts, making moto dog tags, and laser engraving some other stuff “Etsy or stocking stuffer type goodies” and that basically just gets me by through the summer very minimally.

 

What would you say the hardest part about being a privateer is and not having access to everything the factory riders do?

Obviously the bikes are the biggest disadvantage, lack of power, handling, testing, and team behind you making everything work how you want. But a lot more goes into it. I don’t get flights or hotels, no gym trainer mental coach, nutritionist, riding coach, suspension and motor tech to test with. I drive to each round and deal with breakdowns or being stranded on the side of the road working on my van. Sleeping in it on the weekends. Eating whatever food is near the stadium. We don’t have as much track time to practice and also can’t spare the extra hours on the bike.

 

What does it feel like to be sitting on the line with some of the biggest names in the sport like Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and all the others?

They’re only human. We all put our pants on the same way, one testicle at a time. I know I can’t beat those guys but I’m going to line up and give it my best each weekend!

 

What advice would you give to the up and coming stars of the sport?

It’s a grind, stay healthy, and do your best to make a name and stand out. You gotta have a personality and something so people know who you are If you're a privateer.