Posts
62
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Jacksboro, TX, USA
Edited Date/Time
2/4/2016 5:56am
I read several comments on my other topic regarding no ambulance runs during our inaugural 2015 Scramblecross season. I personally like the one stating I was using the topic as a promotional tool... "Really"? After spending over 50 years in this industry as an amateur to pro rider, then the last 30 years selling hundreds of thousands of tickets, millions of dollars in sponsorship, I'm a little familiar how to generating awareness to riders, fans, our industry and media.
For those that don't know, after retiring from professional racing in 1983 I launched the AMA National Arenacross Series. Spent 20 years not only dedicated to the promotional aspect of the series, but safety as well. We created the no jump white/flag with a red X (which was the ambulance flag when you ordered flags), first to install the safety lights backing up the flag with very strict guidelines that disqualified riders if they jumped, ask any of the AX stars from the 80's-2005.During that time we also learned how to make the tracks safer by slowing them down, speeding them up in certain areas, using different types of dirt, sand, etc..
So now let me tell you why at 62 years old I'm not done in this industry. I have promoted events with fatalities, young and adult riders paralyzed, had several sleepless nights after watching the ambulance make continuous runs. I have been in racing accidents where other riders lost their lives. I'm out of fingers counting friends that give it their all.
I am NOT going to stand up to say motorcycle racing is dangerous because we all know the throttle goes both ways. However I believe now is the time to create a day at the race track with the elements that can create tragic accidents be removed... rider friendly without having to have the best suspension available to just compete. Every major manufacturer sells a show room stock motorcycle that only about 20% of the riders can ride to it's full capability. Throw in the intimidating jumps and big berms, the riders go into survival mode. Even the best riders in the world with the most experience, perfect skill levels and top physical condition have a hard time making it through a season.
Although my professional career was competing in the AMA Grand National Series, I raced motocross as an amateur, even raced a few AMA Trans Am events in the early 70's. I don't remember seeing big dozer's at the track creating big jumps, most tracks were up and down hills, through creeks, ditches, fields...what ever the promoter could find. You know what...we had FUN.
Scramblecross is for all level of riders that don't want to be intimated by the 90' triples, no time to train, doesn't have the funds for all the expensive add on's, must go to work or school Monday morning. Riders that just enjoy a day at the track...our biggest classes are the over 30, over 40 and over 50.
It took 4-5 years to get Arenacross up and going strong. If you like the concept of Scramblecross take off and would like to see one in your area, please have your promoter get in touch with me. We have rule books, track guidelines and I will personally help promote Scramblecross with him.
Our first event for 2016 is Sunday, February 21st the day after the Dallas Supercross at the Askey Ranch an 1100 ranch just 45 minutes from AT&T Stadium. Go to google maps search Scramblecross Askey Ranch.
Thank you,
Mike Kidd
mkidd72@aol.com
Had my share of injuries, broke left femur. Santa Fe Speedway - Chicago, IL - 1973
For those that don't know, after retiring from professional racing in 1983 I launched the AMA National Arenacross Series. Spent 20 years not only dedicated to the promotional aspect of the series, but safety as well. We created the no jump white/flag with a red X (which was the ambulance flag when you ordered flags), first to install the safety lights backing up the flag with very strict guidelines that disqualified riders if they jumped, ask any of the AX stars from the 80's-2005.During that time we also learned how to make the tracks safer by slowing them down, speeding them up in certain areas, using different types of dirt, sand, etc..
So now let me tell you why at 62 years old I'm not done in this industry. I have promoted events with fatalities, young and adult riders paralyzed, had several sleepless nights after watching the ambulance make continuous runs. I have been in racing accidents where other riders lost their lives. I'm out of fingers counting friends that give it their all.
I am NOT going to stand up to say motorcycle racing is dangerous because we all know the throttle goes both ways. However I believe now is the time to create a day at the race track with the elements that can create tragic accidents be removed... rider friendly without having to have the best suspension available to just compete. Every major manufacturer sells a show room stock motorcycle that only about 20% of the riders can ride to it's full capability. Throw in the intimidating jumps and big berms, the riders go into survival mode. Even the best riders in the world with the most experience, perfect skill levels and top physical condition have a hard time making it through a season.
Although my professional career was competing in the AMA Grand National Series, I raced motocross as an amateur, even raced a few AMA Trans Am events in the early 70's. I don't remember seeing big dozer's at the track creating big jumps, most tracks were up and down hills, through creeks, ditches, fields...what ever the promoter could find. You know what...we had FUN.
Scramblecross is for all level of riders that don't want to be intimated by the 90' triples, no time to train, doesn't have the funds for all the expensive add on's, must go to work or school Monday morning. Riders that just enjoy a day at the track...our biggest classes are the over 30, over 40 and over 50.
It took 4-5 years to get Arenacross up and going strong. If you like the concept of Scramblecross take off and would like to see one in your area, please have your promoter get in touch with me. We have rule books, track guidelines and I will personally help promote Scramblecross with him.
Our first event for 2016 is Sunday, February 21st the day after the Dallas Supercross at the Askey Ranch an 1100 ranch just 45 minutes from AT&T Stadium. Go to google maps search Scramblecross Askey Ranch.
Thank you,
Mike Kidd
mkidd72@aol.com
Had my share of injuries, broke left femur. Santa Fe Speedway - Chicago, IL - 1973
Will you be having more events at other locations this year ?
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Enjoy,
Mike
At 56, my days of sizing up a 60' (40', lol!) double are pretty much over, but I can remember a time when we unloaded at the track (Western NY) and raced a truly natural terrain, challenging but not deadly, mx track. As Mike says, we had FUN, and crashed happened but major injuries were very rare. In fact, in my years racing between the ages of 13-20 I don't recall a life altering injury EVER at our local tracks. Broken collar bones, legs, arms... infrequently, but never the "big" stuff.
I'd love it if a track in Florida could host something like this, but I'm afraid we're all a little too "supercrossy" around here because of our flat land.
I commend you, Mr. Kidd for taking a stand. If I can help in any way, I'd be happy to do so.
Mark Edwards
Well said Mike, I'd bump my vote for the big office from any of those other blow hards we have to choose from to you fine man. Boots on the ground, gets 'r done!
Thank you for giving back, adding to our choice and sport.
We have a great venue in Nor Cal, just need someone with a clue... give Stormie a call!
I've done these kinda races before, use to be a track in Alabama called runninbrand. And now there's a guy in Tennesse. Scramble cross just sounds like vintage racing for the modern bikes to me. So what's the issue? Tons of fun and safe err. I did break my arm at runninbrand lol
Once a month at Glen Helen. Ton of fun.
Pit Row
on me and withholding the good info
See ya in Feb
Aaron R
It sounds like a clear way to race and cut down on the nastiness of a current MX track. Please don't look at my icon photo after that statement....that was 8 concussions ago.
There are so many boomers out ther that have a ton of cash.....and want to race.....
Love the idea too
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