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10/16/2014
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Buda, TX, USA
Edited Date/Time
2/26/2021 8:49am
What things could you suggest that you feel would help raise participation?
Nobody wants to sit around all day for 16 minutes of track time.
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I don't really know the answer, but those are personal observation based opinion..
I'm not saying you need to be everyone's best friend at the track, but just be open and welcome to others around you to show people how much fun this sport can be.
Need only look at the massive turnouts for the GNCC and those sorts of races to
get an idea of what works.
No club or AMA membership requirements. The hell if I'm going to drop that extra $$$ for a race I might do once a year.
And on the classes, there has to be a way to be able to race similar lap times together. I really don't see a problem with an older vet rider on a 450 racing with a younger person on a 125 if their lap times/skill levels are similar. What sort of racing is that called in other motorsports? Bracket?
I'd also have a massive "Sandbaggers go fuck yourselves" on the sign up sheet. hahahaha
Maybe a small pee-wee track for little kids and super beginners with a pure emphasis on just going out and having fun. Again with a "Little League parents go fuck yourselves" attitude.
And yes, 125 A, B, C. I think it would be so great to see a parent and son or daughter both racing the same day on the same bike. Keep it fun, keep the cost down.
A steeper poppy jump on the track for higher level riders wouldn't be terrible either. I live in WA and 95% of the tracks up here make me want to fall asleep they're so basic. I have a better time on my rough as nails turn track in a field than any of the tracks up here. Nothing really gets me excited to go ride because its all vet tracks everywhere we go. There are ways to make larger obstacles that are safe for everyone. Vet level tracks are definitely needed, but its hard to keep the 20-35 age group riding when its so boring all the time. And that's a key demographic that's spending within the industry.
My brothers first race was an unfortunate experience. He was the VERY LAST moto. So from practice to his 1st moto, there was 3 hours inbetween. He raced 4 laps. Then was like, there is absolutely no way he was going to wait another 2-3 hours. So we left, plus he was in the beginner class so to me, I dont think its wise having the most inexperienced and most sketch at times class at the very end with the most beat up track and sun in your eyes.
These days tracks are ripped deep and practice is a sloppy mess. By the end of the day the ruts are up to your foot pegs and it feels like slot car racing.
This is intimidating, especially for new riders.
In Australia we don't seem to have the number of classes you guys on the US do, we generally have 2 age groups of each mini bike class then senior 250, 450 and vets is +35. It is still an all day event.
One thing though, race days have never been about getting maximum seat time for your time at the track, that's what practice days are for. Race days are about lining up and finding out who is the best. I like practice days, turning up, punching out 4 motos then going home but for me nothing beats racing, even if I have to sit around for a while
Pit Row
A good example of this can be found in your great State of Ohio at MX Express. Back when it was called Zero Gravity, it was a fun little supercross style track with bowl turns. The current owners proudly state they "rip 'er deep" with heavy water and then let the C-class goons lay down horrible wall-to-wall ruts. It's laughable to stand back and watch 75% of the guys "ride" around that track. I can't believe they actually enjoy gooning around a slot car track. They must be too afraid to speak up and say anything.
I love a rough motocross track with berms, bumps, and naturally-occurring deep ruts. But for Peet's Sake I wish the track owners would STOP IT with the over-tilling. We don't need wall-to-wall ruts down every straightaway.
Many of you make good points. But they're not new ideas, and this problem has been around for 20 years.
Eliminating classes won't work. We've went too far down that road. But don't get me wrong, I race too and race days are too long.
Even off road has a lot of classes, but they can have way more on the course at a time. Plus those riders only race 1 class, so they don't have to worry about running back to back. When we run a race, we combine classes as much as possible and still end up with 18 to 20 moto's
You want less classes, tell MX Sports. Loretta's dictates classes to a certain extent. You have to run the classes riders want and many run 2 or 3 on race day.
Everybody wants to get rid of classes until it's theirs you eliminate.
Plus,and this is key, less classes=less entries. So less income for the track. You can't assume if we eliminate half the classes the same number of riders will show up.
And trust me, for most tracks the profit margins are really thin.
As far as 125's go, I think that will help some. But it's no magic bullet either. Kids can get into the sport now on a 2 stroke 65 or 85 that's very affordable. And there's many good used ones out there.
I wish more OEM's would make 125's for a different reason. I think they're a great stepping stone from an 85, instead of jumping right on a 250 4 stroke. Many aren't ready for the extra weight and power. And the 125 will help them hone their skills.
As a rider, I feel your pain. As a matter of fact, I was at a poorly run race last fall and I was one of the last moto's. My first moto was going to be at 4:30! I finally got so sick of waiting around to race I just packed up and headed home about 4. I was so pissed I didn't even ask for a refund.
Off road seems to be booming lately.
Reducing the costs would make it more fun.
And if all my old racing buddy's would get back at it, it would be a blast.
Note: During The Zombie Apocolypse (I'm just tired of saying COVID...or Virus...or...whatever) I've seen MORE people out riding, at the track, out in the Dez, out in the Forest...everywhere I ride "off-road" or "track"? I'm seeing LOTS of peeps and plenty of new bikes.
I've helped quite a few friends find a new bike to "get back into" riding during this last year, too.
In what sport (Besides moto) do the adults play on the same day as the kids? I get the family atmosphere of moto. But we don’t have to watch 50 kids classes before we race every weekend. And same for the kids, they are bored out of their minds. Again not every weekend but it’d be nice to be able to go to the track and have a short program every once in a while.
I don’t ride moto for this reason. Off road only. More seat time and less time Sitting at the track. But I would do some moto if I could race a few motos and get back home at a reasonable time.
Log road in MI does a vintage series w/ modern support class. Has about 6 classes. 1-2 practices depending on turn out and 2 motos. Done by 11am. It’s the best moto format I’ve done in recent years. Open practice afterwards.
Now, Its enduro events / Transmoto.
so basically a team event that you race a enduro loop/ grass style track. 8 hour race and its you as a team on who does what amount of riding. camp over night, few beers and a bbq's with all your mates, meet others and its just a good time.
less competitive, more seat time, brutal tracks, big turn outs, lots of prizes and massive turn crowd.
Entry fee is a lot.. but you get your moneys worth and its so hard to get into the event because its sold out within the first hour.
https://events.transmoto.com.au/how-it-works/
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