A question about the outdoor nationals. (DC, can you answer?)

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8/17/2009 3:20pm
rocrac wrote:
I recently went to a Vans warped tour festival. It had a lot of young up and coming bands that were able to have small booths...
I recently went to a Vans warped tour festival. It had a lot of young up and coming bands that were able to have small booths to promote themselves along with their CD. shirts Etc. They looked like they were manned by friends, family, groupies whatever but It really added to the overall festival atmosphere. I couldn't help thinking this is exactly what the privateers need to help promote their sponsors and maybe put a few bucks in their pockets.

Even in something like CART racing, when it was huge, the booths tend to be staffed by family and friends. I got to meet Robbie Gordon's mom and dad one year when they were working the booth on Friday during practice.

It's a shame that the series is charging these guys to enter the race and then dictating how they promote their own image at the track. If their image is so valuable as to assign a monopoly on vendor's row for t-shirt sales then you'd think they'd be so happy to have the guys there racing they wouldn't be charging them an entry fee to race.

I can't think of how the director of racing having a monopoly on t-shirt sales at every round of the series could possibly be construed as anything other than a huge conflict of interest. But this is a series run to make to money for the people organizing and running it. I don't expect much change in this area any time soon. If I had a monopoly on something I would sure fight like hell to keep it.
8/17/2009 3:26pm
i thought that the permanent number system was to help "brand" each individual rider and give the fans an easy way to identify with that rider. if that is true, then every rider that has a permanent number should have his own T-shirt, hat, coffee mug or numbered jockstrap for sale. either through authorized vendors with a percentage of the sales going to each rider or give each rider license to sell their own merchandise at their own risk. #17 comes to mind. RRSis has #17 shirts for sale, but can't sell them at AMA events. why not? no one else sells them and i'm sure that the AMA, NPG, MXSports, Allisport, Speed, NBC or John Ayers won't take the risk to sell them, so why not let those riders try to capitalize on their name? if a rider could sell merchandise with his name/number/likeness/trademark/phrase out of the back of his van at the races, he might be able to make a little cash to help with expenses to the next race. or they can get on the internet and panhandle. hey huck, don't you have one of my shirts?
flarider
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8/17/2009 3:36pm
People are also thinking small or too narrow...why does it have to be individual rider merch trailers or even team merch trailers....why not Fox, featuring their Fox riders and other merch, or Oakley, or Scott, or Answer, or Thor?
Each of those companies can sell merchandise for their riders, PLUS other clothing and merchandise...then you can buy an AUTHENTIC Chad Reed/Makita Suzuki Jersey for him to sign during the Thor autograph session at the Thor Merch trailer.

Think wider, broader.....
8/17/2009 3:57pm Edited Date/Time 8/17/2009 3:57pm
I can go to an AMA/DMG ,whatever, dirt track race and buy many of my favorite riders T-shirts, right from the riders pit area. And they are more than gracious to accomodate an autograph,picture,etc. I quit buying event T's at AMA events when Dirt Shirts was canned and all you could get was the bunk the AMA was selling.

The Shop

RMZ819
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8/17/2009 4:03pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 1:36am
i thought that the permanent number system was to help "brand" each individual rider and give the fans an easy way to identify with that rider...
i thought that the permanent number system was to help "brand" each individual rider and give the fans an easy way to identify with that rider. if that is true, then every rider that has a permanent number should have his own T-shirt, hat, coffee mug or numbered jockstrap for sale. either through authorized vendors with a percentage of the sales going to each rider or give each rider license to sell their own merchandise at their own risk. #17 comes to mind. RRSis has #17 shirts for sale, but can't sell them at AMA events. why not? no one else sells them and i'm sure that the AMA, NPG, MXSports, Allisport, Speed, NBC or John Ayers won't take the risk to sell them, so why not let those riders try to capitalize on their name? if a rider could sell merchandise with his name/number/likeness/trademark/phrase out of the back of his van at the races, he might be able to make a little cash to help with expenses to the next race. or they can get on the internet and panhandle. hey huck, don't you have one of my shirts?
You make great points but you can't keep a rider down with your logic.
MXDAD140
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8/17/2009 4:05pm
flarider wrote:
I'm the bestest


flarider wrote:
Never heard of him
Trip
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8/17/2009 4:27pm
Trip wrote:
John Ayers, another guy we will never see Matthes write a story on based on rumors and whispers.. Just sayin
What should he be sayin' that isn't bein' said?
I do like where this thread is going, people are questioning how is it NOT a conflict of interest?

I'm just saying there is dirt on everyone including Ayers. We wont be seeing a story in Matthes' column on any dirt on him personally, or how he has a monopoly on event shirt sales anytime soon.

Matthes says he wants to report on things and not pick sides. So this is what we the fans are talking about, lets see the story. Go snooping around and see what people really think of that guy when it's "off the record."

When it comes from Matthes whether I like it or not, more people take what he says as fact.

I know, I know, he would be stupid to do the story on someone who actually has some pull. Bashing J-Law and Mike, are one thing, but if were going to go all TMZ and Perez Hilton with behind the scenes stories, let's see this one.

Like I said I do love the way this thread is going. Seems twice a year this very thread comes up. Each year more and more people are taking the side of the race teams and less are taking the side of the NPG.. Will see what happens next year.
crowe176
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8/17/2009 4:35pm
Mototees needs the monopoly in order to sell their ugly shirts.
500 Mike
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8/17/2009 4:46pm
What ever happened to "Dirt Shirts"? They used to sell the event T shirts before MotoTee's took over. The 1st year MotoTee's took over, those shirts were TERRIBLE.
redalert144
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8/17/2009 4:47pm
if i were suggest the best way imo, is to have the pits just like the NHRA does. the pits are open everyone from when the gate opens till close. that is one of the best parts of going to one of those races, getting to watch the wrenches fly as they tear down and get the engines back together. if i'm not mistaken most all the teams have little trailers that you can go to and buy shirts from. even the bracket racer little guys got shirts with their car and sponsors on them. just seems to me that the way its done now, doesn't seem to work well. the shirts that are sold are home made looking. for example, i when i went to the san diego supercross, i wanted a shirt that said "2009 Monster Energy San Diego supercross" on it. what did they have for sale? generic "supercross '09" shirts. so say someone buys one those shirts and wears it around town, to me that outs a bad, cheap, image across to people that would see it. to some up quality shirts for sale, with official team and rider sponsors, i think would make a huge difference in, outside industry sponsorship, and image of teams and the series as a whole
mx338
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8/17/2009 4:54pm
Think about it ...A team shirt is cool to have but in the wrong hands and fake credentionals this person can walk with almost anything under the awning.... Something to think about!!!!!
offroadtoday
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8/17/2009 4:55pm
DC, I will take spinners jersey if he doesn't want it.......jk
Adam43
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8/17/2009 5:20pm
The only person that would be hurt in changing the status quo here would be John Ayers. I think its clear this is all quite an opportunity for the riders and sponsors.
Holigan
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8/17/2009 5:25pm
You guys are a little confused on how it works in NASCAR. Yes, drivers have trailers at the races selling their merchandise. The company that owns those drivers trailers and produces the merchandise is owned jointly by SMI (Speedway Motorsports) and ISC (International Speedway Corp). SMI and ISC own almost every track on the NASCAR circuit. ISC is controlled by the France family, which owns NASCAR.

There is a 15% royalty on sales that is split three ways equally between the driver, team owner and primary sponsor (5% each). It is some additional revenue, but back a few years ago Gordon and Jr. merchandise were 80% of all sales (I haven’t looked at it recently so I don’t know what it is today).

If you want to own and operate your own trailer, it is allowed. TMS for example charges $25,000 to park on vendor row and takes a percentage of your sales.


breck
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8/17/2009 5:40pm
Scott Does already, FMF Does already....
DC
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8/17/2009 6:18pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 1:36am
John Ayers does not have a monopoly on anything, it's basic vending business. His company made the best deal to sell T-shirts at the races with each of the promoters. When that contract ends, it will be up for bid again. But whoever gets it will want to have what every vendor asks for, in every stadium or arena in the world, and that is some sort of exclusivity in the marketplace. Who sells at Supercross? Who is allowed to set up at the MX des Nations? NASCAR? What about the last Coldplay or U2 concert you went to? Did they let everyone just set up and sell soft drinks and CDs?


It's not as simple as you guys think, but this we're trying to come up with the best way to do the most things that will help the series, the riders, the teams and the fans.This year TV was a priority. Next year, if it's open pits and more vending opportunities, we will make whatever adjustments we need to that make sense.


DC

MX Sports

cpj36
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8/17/2009 6:29pm
if i were suggest the best way imo, is to have the pits just like the NHRA does. the pits are open everyone from when the...
if i were suggest the best way imo, is to have the pits just like the NHRA does. the pits are open everyone from when the gate opens till close. that is one of the best parts of going to one of those races, getting to watch the wrenches fly as they tear down and get the engines back together. if i'm not mistaken most all the teams have little trailers that you can go to and buy shirts from. even the bracket racer little guys got shirts with their car and sponsors on them. just seems to me that the way its done now, doesn't seem to work well. the shirts that are sold are home made looking. for example, i when i went to the san diego supercross, i wanted a shirt that said "2009 Monster Energy San Diego supercross" on it. what did they have for sale? generic "supercross '09" shirts. so say someone buys one those shirts and wears it around town, to me that outs a bad, cheap, image across to people that would see it. to some up quality shirts for sale, with official team and rider sponsors, i think would make a huge difference in, outside industry sponsorship, and image of teams and the series as a whole
I've wondered why mx pits have to be impenetrable like that, as soon as pits are open to the public the riders disappear into the haulers, pretty funny to watch. Nascar couldn't do what NHRA does, too many people but mx doesn't draw any more than the drag races, albeit the mx pits are packed into a smaller area but why not scatter them around like the drags? We could even have the equivalent of the nitro mall in a moto mall for all the ugly generic crap the woman always have to buy.
88sdad
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8/17/2009 6:31pm
I agree, the riders/teams should be able to sell their own shirts, I'd buy one.
I've never bought a Moto Tee shirt, they look cheap.
I only buy shirts from the AMA Official Event Merchandise trailer.
trick121
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8/17/2009 6:34pm
Sort of silly the teams give free posters out yet they can't sell shirts. Can teams give shirts out? I remember Tyler Evans giving them out....I remember Ryan Clark selling shirts. I remember getting a free shirt during the 86' Supercross season. It's just a shirt.
My take is buy a shirt at the local shop and support them. Vital sells shirts too...9 bucks...cheaper than Ross or Marshalls.






cpj36
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8/17/2009 6:50pm
DC wrote:
John Ayers does not have a monopoly on anything, it's basic vending business. His company made the best deal to sell T-shirts at the races with...
John Ayers does not have a monopoly on anything, it's basic vending business. His company made the best deal to sell T-shirts at the races with each of the promoters. When that contract ends, it will be up for bid again. But whoever gets it will want to have what every vendor asks for, in every stadium or arena in the world, and that is some sort of exclusivity in the marketplace. Who sells at Supercross? Who is allowed to set up at the MX des Nations? NASCAR? What about the last Coldplay or U2 concert you went to? Did they let everyone just set up and sell soft drinks and CDs?


It's not as simple as you guys think, but this we're trying to come up with the best way to do the most things that will help the series, the riders, the teams and the fans.This year TV was a priority. Next year, if it's open pits and more vending opportunities, we will make whatever adjustments we need to that make sense.


DC

MX Sports

How about a national in the SE? I drove 12 hrs to Freestone, getting ready to head to Budds, a race within reasonable driving distance would be great.

Open pits would be good for the idle time waiting in the heat, baking in the sun with NHRA is pretty similar but having something to do, even walking around looking at the same thing all day has a huge influence on the overall experience.
WORCSRacer
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8/17/2009 7:07pm
flarider wrote:
People are also thinking small or too narrow...why does it have to be individual rider merch trailers or even team merch trailers....why not Fox, featuring their...
People are also thinking small or too narrow...why does it have to be individual rider merch trailers or even team merch trailers....why not Fox, featuring their Fox riders and other merch, or Oakley, or Scott, or Answer, or Thor?
Each of those companies can sell merchandise for their riders, PLUS other clothing and merchandise...then you can buy an AUTHENTIC Chad Reed/Makita Suzuki Jersey for him to sign during the Thor autograph session at the Thor Merch trailer.

Think wider, broader.....
What about the Teams and Companies using direct marketing and sales via their websites? I know that there are sales to be had in the instant at the race but sheez this is the 21st century...

How about using the retail outlets that the sponsors products are sold in i.e. Tony Stewart Goods at The Home Depot and now Office Depot. That's the real "magic" of NASCAR retailing not trackside sales. Fan's come to the track already wearing their team gear.

Example of how to a racer markets in NASCAR: Tony Stewarts website

Example of how a racer markets in SX: James Stewarts website

It's all about the money, sales and marketing in NASCAR.
flarider
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8/17/2009 7:07pm
Did you guys know that at a SX, a team is not even allowed to give away decals?
Can't even give away your sponsors decals

(and no, you can't give away tshirts either)



WORCSRacer
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8/17/2009 7:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/17/2009 7:18pm
Trip wrote:
John Ayers, another guy we will never see Matthes write a story on based on rumors and whispers.. Just sayin
What should he be sayin' that isn't bein' said?
Trip wrote:
I do like where this thread is going, people are questioning how is it NOT a conflict of interest? I'm just saying there is dirt on...
I do like where this thread is going, people are questioning how is it NOT a conflict of interest?

I'm just saying there is dirt on everyone including Ayers. We wont be seeing a story in Matthes' column on any dirt on him personally, or how he has a monopoly on event shirt sales anytime soon.

Matthes says he wants to report on things and not pick sides. So this is what we the fans are talking about, lets see the story. Go snooping around and see what people really think of that guy when it's "off the record."

When it comes from Matthes whether I like it or not, more people take what he says as fact.

I know, I know, he would be stupid to do the story on someone who actually has some pull. Bashing J-Law and Mike, are one thing, but if were going to go all TMZ and Perez Hilton with behind the scenes stories, let's see this one.

Like I said I do love the way this thread is going. Seems twice a year this very thread comes up. Each year more and more people are taking the side of the race teams and less are taking the side of the NPG.. Will see what happens next year.
Good Lord Trip give it up there is no vast right wing conspiracy against the Clintons or the Alessi family.
WORCSRacer
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8/17/2009 7:14pm
flarider wrote:
Did you guys know that at a SX, a team is not even allowed to give away decals? Can't even give away your sponsors decals (and...
Did you guys know that at a SX, a team is not even allowed to give away decals?
Can't even give away your sponsors decals

(and no, you can't give away tshirts either)



The only reason that this makes sense would be the issue of cleaning up after the idiots who would plaster those stickers on everything in sight at the venue.
oldx
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8/17/2009 7:21pm
flarider wrote:
Did you guys know that at a SX, a team is not even allowed to give away decals? Can't even give away your sponsors decals (and...
Did you guys know that at a SX, a team is not even allowed to give away decals?
Can't even give away your sponsors decals

(and no, you can't give away tshirts either)



Any team should be allowed to give away decals at any event.
DC
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8/17/2009 7:22pm
WORCSRacer is right on that. They end up in the urinals, on bleachers, on telephone poles, and the promoter (Feld) has to pay for the labor to clean up the entire stadium. I really don't blame them for not allowing the stickers handed out in the afternoon, even though I was against it when they first told us to leave the Racer X stickers home.

Okay, I am off this topic, time to work on my real job. Spinner, you never did answer my questions, do you need a special hat or T-shirt? I would be glad to try to help.

DC
MX Sports
yz465h
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8/17/2009 7:23pm
In local Sprint Car racing a significant number of teams are on the track solely from sales of t-shirts and other items at the races. They generally set-up a small stand near the concession stands as well as selling them out of their haulers pre- and post-race.

You could keep a lot of Privateers on the road by allowing them to do this and who know they might actually be able to make a small profit from their racing activities. You also see people who begin following a driver simply because the first few times they went to a race they liked the drivers shirt design, bought one and then became a fan who buys more and more items.

There are other dynamics at work that separates Sprint Car racing and National Motocross but I made that point as a way to help the Privateers. Anything that can be done to keep them on the road and to make a living should be taken seriously and addressed sooner rather than later. Sure it would be great to have a two full gates (250 and 450) of highly sponsored riders. If it happens great but in the meantime look for ways to help the little guy instead of pushing them out.

I know the sport is looking to make the next leap but there is something to be said for keeping a little bit of the roots of the sport. The roots that saw the nobody show up at the a National and if he was fast enough he could line up next to Mr. Factory Racer. There is something to be said for that and something that could help the marketing of the sport if spun the correct way.
WORCSRacer
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8/17/2009 7:27pm
DC wrote:
WORCSRacer is right on that. They end up in the urinals, on bleachers, on telephone poles, and the promoter (Feld) has to pay for the labor...
WORCSRacer is right on that. They end up in the urinals, on bleachers, on telephone poles, and the promoter (Feld) has to pay for the labor to clean up the entire stadium. I really don't blame them for not allowing the stickers handed out in the afternoon, even though I was against it when they first told us to leave the Racer X stickers home.

Okay, I am off this topic, time to work on my real job. Spinner, you never did answer my questions, do you need a special hat or T-shirt? I would be glad to try to help.

DC
MX Sports
I want a DC for President T-Shirt.

Keep up the good work Davey, Sure seems like you're living the ideal of everyday is an opportunity to keep getting better.
wilcom121
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8/17/2009 7:46pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 1:36am
DC wrote:
Spinner, that has not historically been the case in either motocross or supercross, but we are looking at an "open pits" policy next year that would...
Spinner, that has not historically been the case in either motocross or supercross, but we are looking at an "open pits" policy next year that would open up opportunities like this. As it stands now, teams and riders can work through the existing vendors, which are Gear Racewear/Moto-Tees and DFY, just as they do through the promoters in Supercross to sell through their vendors at the stadiums.

We also tried to use the NASCAR model, which is to charge teams to sell, but that didn't work out for the teams or the promoters. We have been talking to Mitch, Coy, Ryan Clark and others about how to proceed.

Why do you ask? Can I help you get a certain team shirt?

DC
MX Sports
I wouldn't mind a L & M, Yamaha, or JGR team shirt, hat, koozie, or lanyard.
KAWboy14
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8/17/2009 7:48pm
rocrac wrote:
I recently went to a Vans warped tour festival. It had a lot of young up and coming bands that were able to have small booths...
I recently went to a Vans warped tour festival. It had a lot of young up and coming bands that were able to have small booths to promote themselves along with their CD. shirts Etc. They looked like they were manned by friends, family, groupies whatever but It really added to the overall festival atmosphere. I couldn't help thinking this is exactly what the privateers need to help promote their sponsors and maybe put a few bucks in their pockets.

that will never work in moto......they over think everything and worry they are missing out on a buck!

remember your talking to and dealing with a group of individuals that think they are the show, not the riders, so they miss a lot of other things too!

Post a reply to: A question about the outdoor nationals. (DC, can you answer?)

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