Who is responsible for sustaining our sport?

EastFlorida
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EastFlorida
Edited Date/Time 3/4/2013 6:52pm
Is it the AMA, MX Sports, NMA?

Who is actively making the effort to recruit new riders/racers into our sport?

Who is making a marketing effort to bring new riders into racing at the local level?

What effort is being made to bring trail riders out to tracks to ride and race?

Can anyone tell me of a national or local effort to grow our sport on a local/amature level?
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CR250Rider
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CR250Rider 9/8/2011 7:57pm
9/8/2011 7:57pm
bike manufacturers
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 7:59pm
9/8/2011 7:59pm
CR250Rider wrote:
bike manufacturers
Bike manufacturers reap the benefits of promoting the sport. What promotions have you seen locally to get new riders involved or for escalating trail rilers to race?
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:05pm
9/8/2011 8:05pm
I'd really like to see Swap's, GuyB's and DC's input on this since they are the primary industry press.
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:11pm
9/8/2011 8:11pm
Are there that few riders on here? Are most simply fans, thus they can not contribute from experience on the status of our local participants?

Maybe I am out of touch in believeing that most on here ride and race and may be able to contribute some local insights to the challenges we face.

The Shop

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stillwelding
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stillwelding 9/8/2011 8:15pm
9/8/2011 8:15pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2011 8:15pm
CR250Rider wrote:
bike manufacturers
You sir, are 100% correct. All other answers are just flat wrong. Just look back at the last 45 years of MX in the US (or world for that matter) and it all comes back to the Manufacturers or their national entities.
Mstock
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Mstock 9/8/2011 8:15pm
9/8/2011 8:15pm
The industry does not care about grass roots mx racing. The focus is on Pro youth racing and Pro mx/sx. No one is responsible for weekend warrior riders/racers. Why do you think they got rid of 125's and made all bikes cost $8,0000?
sbarrington314 9/8/2011 8:15pm
9/8/2011 8:15pm
local dealerships? the kawasaki commercial that is on all the time? honda "i wanna ride i wanna ride i wanna ride"?
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:19pm
9/8/2011 8:19pm
sbarrington314 wrote:
local dealerships? the kawasaki commercial that is on all the time? honda "i wanna ride i wanna ride i wanna ride"?
When was the last time you had a local dealership have a riding seminar?

What do they do to help the trail rider move up to consider racing?
sbarrington314 9/8/2011 8:25pm
9/8/2011 8:25pm
sbarrington314 wrote:
local dealerships? the kawasaki commercial that is on all the time? honda "i wanna ride i wanna ride i wanna ride"?
EastFlorida wrote:
When was the last time you had a local dealership have a riding seminar? What do they do to help the trail rider move up to...
When was the last time you had a local dealership have a riding seminar?

What do they do to help the trail rider move up to consider racing?
no riding seminars, but i know honda and ktm have ride days locally around here. and kawi did that deal at redbud. and the dealers will sell you the bike and gear and tell you all about local riding areas and might even be able to find a local pro that does riding classes.

wtf.
Sondy132001
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Sondy132001 9/8/2011 8:27pm
9/8/2011 8:27pm
I'll keep you posted on what CMC is doing but have to wait for the contracts to be signed !!!

S
AZ35
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AZ35 9/8/2011 8:28pm
9/8/2011 8:28pm
Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!

The energy drink makers are clearly responsible.....
Moto East Mag 9/8/2011 8:29pm
9/8/2011 8:29pm
I don't think you can pin it on any one entity. It's a collective effort that also includes riders and fans.
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:31pm
9/8/2011 8:31pm
Moto East Mag wrote:
I don't think you can pin it on any one entity. It's a collective effort that also includes riders and fans.
You can't include the fans, but you must include the OEMs and the dealers.
Moto East Mag 9/8/2011 8:40pm
9/8/2011 8:40pm
Moto East Mag wrote:
I don't think you can pin it on any one entity. It's a collective effort that also includes riders and fans.
EastFlorida wrote:
You can't include the fans, but you must include the OEMs and the dealers.
I do think fans and riders are part of the success equation. Like being a responsible rider for instance and not making people hate motorcycles. Or telling people about motocross. Do you see yourself as just a consumer of the sport?
4mxonly
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4mxonly 9/8/2011 8:41pm
9/8/2011 8:41pm
Good post EastFlorida. I think your questions would be best directed towards the AMA (whether you get answers to those questions is a whole other story). You made a good inference regarding the transition between trail riding recreation into competitive racing (in fact, I would be interested to see some quantitative research on that subject). With that said, I think the AMA has always taken the position of an organization who should have those answers, i.e. "protecting your right to ride". Furthermore, they are the sanctioning body for all forms of organized racing, and oversee what I would consider the spectrum of migrating from trails to the track (e.g. enduros, harescrambles, motocross, flat track, etc.). I guess if they were to pursue issues like making public lands more available to motorized recreation (and perhaps they do), making off-road licenses more accessible/marketable, etc., then you might see some spillover into motocross.
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:45pm
9/8/2011 8:45pm
4mxonly wrote:
Good post EastFlorida. I think your questions would be best directed towards the AMA (whether you get answers to those questions is a whole other story)...
Good post EastFlorida. I think your questions would be best directed towards the AMA (whether you get answers to those questions is a whole other story). You made a good inference regarding the transition between trail riding recreation into competitive racing (in fact, I would be interested to see some quantitative research on that subject). With that said, I think the AMA has always taken the position of an organization who should have those answers, i.e. "protecting your right to ride". Furthermore, they are the sanctioning body for all forms of organized racing, and oversee what I would consider the spectrum of migrating from trails to the track (e.g. enduros, harescrambles, motocross, flat track, etc.). I guess if they were to pursue issues like making public lands more available to motorized recreation (and perhaps they do), making off-road licenses more accessible/marketable, etc., then you might see some spillover into motocross.
When I was racing in the 80's in NC, district 29, the AMA races were wher it was at. There were very few "outlaw" tracks.

When I m moved to FL, the AMA was only involved in large series.

Thus, the rest of the time it was an "outlaw" race.

I don't see any effort locally to get new riders out to the tracks.

Nothing is done to make it "easy" for newbies to come out an be a part of the events.

Unless you are part of the "clic", you are made to feel an outsider....
Ryan_Huddleston 9/8/2011 8:46pm
9/8/2011 8:46pm
um whose responsable? the people. If you wanna ride "track" go to the nearest track and go ride...sheesh this is like the dumbest question
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:48pm
9/8/2011 8:48pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2011 8:49pm
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
um whose responsable? the people. If you wanna ride "track" go to the nearest track and go ride...sheesh this is like the dumbest question
It may be "dumb" for you as apparently you already participate.

But it isn't "dumb" for a new kid that may be scared and needs a little help to be accepted into the fold.

We should be making extra efforts to bring in the new guys and make it easy for them vs being scared on the whole scene of being at a "race track"

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ThePipe
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ThePipe 9/8/2011 8:49pm
9/8/2011 8:49pm
Joe Boehler calls the shots!
Ryan_Huddleston 9/8/2011 8:52pm
9/8/2011 8:52pm
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
um whose responsable? the people. If you wanna ride "track" go to the nearest track and go ride...sheesh this is like the dumbest question
EastFlorida wrote:
It may be "dumb" for you as apparently you already participate. But it isn't "dumb" for a new kid that may be scared and needs a...
It may be "dumb" for you as apparently you already participate.

But it isn't "dumb" for a new kid that may be scared and needs a little help to be accepted into the fold.

We should be making extra efforts to bring in the new guys and make it easy for them vs being scared on the whole scene of being at a "race track"
You know how i got into racing like everyone else? I went to my local track, signed up for a beginner class, and bam! so hard. honestly what else would you like to see? some one at a truck stop selling moto brochures like the mormons...

And seriously whats with this "scared" its motocross not for pussies
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 8:54pm
9/8/2011 8:54pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2011 8:55pm
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
um whose responsable? the people. If you wanna ride "track" go to the nearest track and go ride...sheesh this is like the dumbest question
EastFlorida wrote:
It may be "dumb" for you as apparently you already participate. But it isn't "dumb" for a new kid that may be scared and needs a...
It may be "dumb" for you as apparently you already participate.

But it isn't "dumb" for a new kid that may be scared and needs a little help to be accepted into the fold.

We should be making extra efforts to bring in the new guys and make it easy for them vs being scared on the whole scene of being at a "race track"
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
You know how i got into racing like everyone else? I went to my local track, signed up for a beginner class, and bam! so hard...
You know how i got into racing like everyone else? I went to my local track, signed up for a beginner class, and bam! so hard. honestly what else would you like to see? some one at a truck stop selling moto brochures like the mormons...

And seriously whats with this "scared" its motocross not for pussies
Ryan,

I guess you're a better man/boy than I was. I know I was scared to death the first time I showed up for a race... I suspect most felt the same way.

If we can make it easy, we'll get more participation...
Ryan_Huddleston 9/8/2011 8:57pm
9/8/2011 8:57pm
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer?

honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring things out...adventure?

i think we should be focused more on keeping the LIBS from taking away riding areas, and promoting safety
4mxonly
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4mxonly 9/8/2011 9:10pm
9/8/2011 9:10pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2011 9:30pm
EastFlorida wrote:
When I was racing in the 80's in NC, district 29, the AMA races were wher it was at. There were very few "outlaw" tracks. When...
When I was racing in the 80's in NC, district 29, the AMA races were wher it was at. There were very few "outlaw" tracks.

When I m moved to FL, the AMA was only involved in large series.

Thus, the rest of the time it was an "outlaw" race.

I don't see any effort locally to get new riders out to the tracks.

Nothing is done to make it "easy" for newbies to come out an be a part of the events.

Unless you are part of the "clic", you are made to feel an outsider....
There are a lot of promoters/clubs here in Michigan that are run by average Joes who have an incredible passion for motocross and dirtbikes. Unfortunately, that passion is rarely coupled with business experience or solid strategy--most don't even know what a business plan is, much less how to use one. You have the standout tracks like Redbud (sustained by their entrenched stake as part of the pro motocross series) who are successful, while most all other tracks struggle to find a competitive edge and gain their share of the small mx racer pie. There have been efforts to create co-ops in the recent past (i.e. "GLMX" separated from the district to create their own series), but there is really only one beneficiary in that equation from what I can tell--Redbud. It's a catch 22 really because most tracks don't have the capacity to help themselves grow and national organizations (e.g. AMA) don't have the resources or answers to empower the ill-fated promoters. That's my humble opinion.
4mxonly
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4mxonly 9/8/2011 9:20pm
9/8/2011 9:20pm Edited Date/Time 9/8/2011 9:28pm
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer? honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring...
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer?

honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring things out...adventure?

i think we should be focused more on keeping the LIBS from taking away riding areas, and promoting safety
Until you understand consumer behavior of the common motocross racer, you can't very well offer solutions. While I agree that public land grabs and safety is a major issue in motocross, you're dead wrong about the majority of racers simply showing up to a motocross race and all of a sudden immersing themselves into the sport and it's culture. Most motocross racers are graduates of humble trail systems or backyard riding, and for obvious reasons--barriers to entry (cost, travel, juniors safety, etc.) are much less with recreational riding than motocross. And as EastFlorida pointed out, motocross can be an intimidating scene for a young kid. Think about it like this: ever been moved to a new area and found yourself as the new kid at a new school with no friends? That's what it's like for many getting into motocross for the first time. I know your bias and pride won't let you believe that, but that is the sentiment of many a motocross racer and their first-time experience.
jeffro503
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jeffro503 9/8/2011 9:30pm
9/8/2011 9:30pm
Who is responsible for sustaining our sport?

We are.
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 9:33pm
9/8/2011 9:33pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Who is responsible for sustaining our sport?

We are.
who is "we", that's the point...
EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 9/8/2011 9:35pm
9/8/2011 9:35pm
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer? honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring...
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer?

honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring things out...adventure?

i think we should be focused more on keeping the LIBS from taking away riding areas, and promoting safety
4mxonly wrote:
Until you understand consumer behavior of the common motocross racer, you can't very well offer solutions. While I agree that public land grabs and safety is...
Until you understand consumer behavior of the common motocross racer, you can't very well offer solutions. While I agree that public land grabs and safety is a major issue in motocross, you're dead wrong about the majority of racers simply showing up to a motocross race and all of a sudden immersing themselves into the sport and it's culture. Most motocross racers are graduates of humble trail systems or backyard riding, and for obvious reasons--barriers to entry (cost, travel, juniors safety, etc.) are much less with recreational riding than motocross. And as EastFlorida pointed out, motocross can be an intimidating scene for a young kid. Think about it like this: ever been moved to a new area and found yourself as the new kid at a new school with no friends? That's what it's like for many getting into motocross for the first time. I know your bias and pride won't let you believe that, but that is the sentiment of many a motocross racer and their first-time experience.
Excellent, you get the point... Hope others will get it too...
Ryan_Huddleston 9/8/2011 9:42pm
9/8/2011 9:42pm
Ryan_Huddleston wrote:
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer? honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring...
Shall i go to my track and hold hands with everyone whose a first timer?

honestly isnt that the fun? being in a new environment figuring things out...adventure?

i think we should be focused more on keeping the LIBS from taking away riding areas, and promoting safety
4mxonly wrote:
Until you understand consumer behavior of the common motocross racer, you can't very well offer solutions. While I agree that public land grabs and safety is...
Until you understand consumer behavior of the common motocross racer, you can't very well offer solutions. While I agree that public land grabs and safety is a major issue in motocross, you're dead wrong about the majority of racers simply showing up to a motocross race and all of a sudden immersing themselves into the sport and it's culture. Most motocross racers are graduates of humble trail systems or backyard riding, and for obvious reasons--barriers to entry (cost, travel, juniors safety, etc.) are much less with recreational riding than motocross. And as EastFlorida pointed out, motocross can be an intimidating scene for a young kid. Think about it like this: ever been moved to a new area and found yourself as the new kid at a new school with no friends? That's what it's like for many getting into motocross for the first time. I know your bias and pride won't let you believe that, but that is the sentiment of many a motocross racer and their first-time experience.
i dont think im dead wrong

i too was once in this position. My dad talked to some people at the track, and before we knew it we were racing every weekend

I also was a new student at a new school, guess what? i sacked up and talked to people...bam friends...

Generally dealers and the simple use of a google search bar will provide you with all youll ever need to know

Its not DC's or Guyb's responsibility

if you wanna change things, go to the track make a banner saying "new riders here" and tell them of all the gum drops and rainbows in the world of mx
jeffro503
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jeffro503 9/8/2011 9:44pm
9/8/2011 9:44pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Who is responsible for sustaining our sport?

We are.
EastFlorida wrote:
who is "we", that's the point...
Well....Us local weekend warriors. weather you are on the track , trail or just out having fun with your buddies. The problem is , it's in the advertising on TV. It brain washes people.......like our friggin' government! Things will always stay this way unless we ( every rider ) stands up and does a complete revolt against the system and the manufactures.......which won't happen. Because local Johnny racer wants the latest and greatest bike on the planet....even though he runs mid pack in the C class. We are fighting an uphill battle....we are pretty much done for. Kind of like Custard.
Ryan_Huddleston 9/8/2011 9:51pm
9/8/2011 9:51pm
SImple answer. For sustaining the Sport we need Oem support. People buying new bikes=more support and SUSTAINABILITY...gosh i sound like frick'n Obama

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