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Linton, IN
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Indy mxer
8/28/2016 10:24am
8/28/2016 10:24am
After watching every race on tv and attending the Ironman yesterday, I've come to the conclusion the Outdoors need some tweeking, at the least.
Now I'm not saying we need a NASCAR chase format, although I think it should be on the table for discussion. But we need something to create a little drama at the end of the season.
At the race yesterday we were sitting in the back corner of the track, by the 180 degree turn after the big uphill triple. A number of times we saw many of the top 6 or 7 riders, including Tomac, Barcia and Andersen look back as they exited the turn to see where the other rider was. They seemed content to just ride hard enough to stay in that position. imo.
And I think the results support that, there was very little finish order change from the first to second moto.
Now, I understand that there wasn't much to race for. So I don't blame the riders for just wanting to finish out a long brutal season. And there was some good racing at times in the 250 class. But as much as I love the sport and the great facility Ken has built, that is just an hour and half form my house, the 450 race was a snoozer. I felt like I went just to watch them ride around.
I feel it's time for the powers that be do what NASCAR did a few years ago to try and improve the product.
And yes I know this isn't car racing.
Bring together DC/MX Sports, the OEM's, riders, teams, and promoters, and just brainstorm ideas to see if they can make the racing better. They do a great job with all that goes into the presentation. The place looks great on race day and it's run very well.
I know that the rider plays such a large role that it's hard to to get good bar to action. But the racing needs help imo.
In the group I mentioned there are a lot of really smart people that care about the sport. And they may just come up with some good ideas.
Anyway, just a thought.
Now I'm not saying we need a NASCAR chase format, although I think it should be on the table for discussion. But we need something to create a little drama at the end of the season.
At the race yesterday we were sitting in the back corner of the track, by the 180 degree turn after the big uphill triple. A number of times we saw many of the top 6 or 7 riders, including Tomac, Barcia and Andersen look back as they exited the turn to see where the other rider was. They seemed content to just ride hard enough to stay in that position. imo.
And I think the results support that, there was very little finish order change from the first to second moto.
Now, I understand that there wasn't much to race for. So I don't blame the riders for just wanting to finish out a long brutal season. And there was some good racing at times in the 250 class. But as much as I love the sport and the great facility Ken has built, that is just an hour and half form my house, the 450 race was a snoozer. I felt like I went just to watch them ride around.
I feel it's time for the powers that be do what NASCAR did a few years ago to try and improve the product.
And yes I know this isn't car racing.
Bring together DC/MX Sports, the OEM's, riders, teams, and promoters, and just brainstorm ideas to see if they can make the racing better. They do a great job with all that goes into the presentation. The place looks great on race day and it's run very well.
I know that the rider plays such a large role that it's hard to to get good bar to action. But the racing needs help imo.
In the group I mentioned there are a lot of really smart people that care about the sport. And they may just come up with some good ideas.
Anyway, just a thought.
I think in 5 yrs with sx going 22 races the outdoors could be something the top guys avoid if the factories get tired of the logistics it takes to do them.
For the Fans, the Teams, and the riders. I LOATHE SX, let's make that clear, but the current set up of the Nationals with so little money, cross country trips several times/season, and facilities that are often not up to standards that modern fans and participants expect, needs to change.
All things must adapt to the times, and I feel like this series is going to lose relevance quickly if some changes are not made to make it more desirable for all involved. Especially given that Monster and FELD seem to be pushing ahead to corner the market.
The Shop
Maybe the young bucks coming up will bring some excitement back but the Nationals really seemed half done this year.
What ever happened to a hard packed track once in a while? Dating myself but Calrsbad and the like made for some good racing. Soft one week, hard the next. SX is no better, same every week.
They are all roughly the same and it shows when the riders are actually finishing in roughly the same positions in every race except Southwick.
And then the second obvious thing is the production value(that has steadily gone downhill, GPs have already passed US nationals in that case) and the coverage for anyone outside the US. But i have gone on and on about that for such a long time that i'm sure you know what i think of it if you have read my thoughts about it before.
Pit Row
Shoot, yesterday I saw mechanics frantically working on Andrew Short's bike at the starting line, just before the gate drop. Then I saw Shorty rip a holeshot to start his last-ever AMA National moto. Then, after his shock failed, I watched a pit report with Andrew where he explained his DNF.
That is not boring to me. That is not a 'snooze fest'.
And, what's the bet you probably worship them?
Seriously, if it's just too boring for you, stop watching / attending the races, and watch crap like NASCAR and mainstream ball sports.
The sport has been bastardized hugely as it is. Some of you might just learn a bit if you went looking for pictures and videos of major races, decades ago, when they were 40 + 2 x 2 Moto's. Huge spectator attendance.
I guess it just might be down to tiny attention spans. Perhaps most of you should just play computer games.
Sad bastards, so many of you
And whether you like Nascar or not. They saw a problem and brought together all the invested parties to try and solve it. I just think MX should do something like that.
You can say all you want about action behind the gate. But the racing gets boring most of the time after a few laps. Especially in the 450 class
And yesterday, there was no reason for a rider to push it. I saw very little entertainment value in the 450 race, unless you're KR fan.
For me mx is line selection, inside out, outside in, rail the outside, hug the inside. Ruts take all that away.
Finally, what do you have to do to get fired as the director of a sports broadcast? I'll suggest missing the start of a race cuz you were on commercial break should be a fire-able event. Christ, all you have to do is watch for the 30 second girl!
Knockout qualifiers
No ruts
No jumps
No brakes
http://m.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/check-out-this-final-worth-…
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