How DC can save the 2010 US Nationals

davis224
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davis224 10/12/2009 6:27pm
10/12/2009 6:27pm
I respectfully and very strongly disagree.
Devil1nNj
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Devil1nNj 10/12/2009 6:57pm
10/12/2009 6:57pm
I have to agree with OldTiddler. As much as we love it, it's still very "niche". I find myself constantly explaining to ppl about our sport. I almost feel as though people really enjoy sports that they can relate to. Stick and ball sports are obvious we all grow up participating in those. Nascar, we all drive cars. With our sport, not so much. Not nearly as many people can relate.

I can't tell you how many debates I have had with people over the amount of energy, and stamina that goes into a moto. People on the outside just don't see it. They see the jumps, they like the jumps. Maybe that's why SX draws more outsiders.

On a side note, it also seems like this is happening with other smaller sports as well. How many Skate and Snowboard Half Pipe comps can you watch. It all seems to be getting to a point where it's all been done. I watched Shaun White throw his new trick down on youtube and for the first time realized, Eh, it's all starting to look the same. Same goes for FMX. I'm totally burnt out on watching that.
In these smaller sports, when things are new or fresh there is all this buzz. Now that people have seen it. It's loses that "Hey you GOTTA SEE THIS!!!" feeling.
Motodude
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Motodude 10/12/2009 7:36pm
10/12/2009 7:36pm Edited Date/Time 10/12/2009 7:36pm
What if the teams say 'not doing outdoors, no budget for it' ? Its possible.
BobbyM
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BobbyM 10/12/2009 7:59pm
10/12/2009 7:59pm Edited Date/Time 10/12/2009 8:00pm
GuyB wrote:
Is it time for everyone in the U.S. to start telling Australia how to run their nationals? Wink
paul telling dc anything is quite entertaining...keep on it.

he coulda emailed dc too guyb...damn drama queen calling dc out on vital, who the hell does he think he is?

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JW381
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JW381 10/12/2009 8:03pm
10/12/2009 8:03pm
OW38B wrote:
Hard to detect sarcasm sometimes on a forum…………….
JW381 wrote:
LOL or in this case, VERY easy. I find the best way to combat such obvious sarcasm is to take what they are saying serious. I...
LOL or in this case, VERY easy. I find the best way to combat such obvious sarcasm is to take what they are saying serious. I dunno dude, I thought it was kinda funny haha
Poker_Player wrote:
Thx. It's true tho. I heard the 2T is going to balance the budget too. I thought it was funny too, I mean mine part not...
Thx. It's true tho. I heard the 2T is going to balance the budget too.

I thought it was funny too, I mean mine part not yours. Smile
I think mine part was the funniest.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 10/12/2009 8:03pm
10/12/2009 8:03pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 2:42am
The current "Number" system is pretty damn fair, to me: Win a CHAMPIONSHIP, pick an AVAILABLE NUMBER...keep it until you quit earning points...

The current National Format is, also, in pretty damn good shape: Coombs has already changed the format to make it less expensive: In on Friday/Out on Sat-nite or Sunday (Was In on Fri out on Sunday-nite or Monday) That's one less Hotel nite, one less day on the road...less money.

A rather un-fair money saver (for most Moto-related entities, teams and riders) would be more W.Coast/Western rounds...Now, that's gonna bring down the hate!

A Dbl-Header or two would be fine; however, then everyone's gonna bitch about which venue does or doesn't get a Dbl-Header. Shoe-in's? Glen Helen, Unadilla...the Bud.

Did someone pay homage to the Trans Am's/Trans USA's...now that's Ol'School!

As for "fairness"...the "economy"...or..."Saving Money"...

Get this: There's an upside to all this...

Salaries are gettin' cut to much more reasonable levels (Riders); And, there's gonna be fewer "Factory Riders". There aren't gonna be too many (so many) guys gettin' paid to got out there and just "Ride around" or get mediocre results 'cause they're "Just not feelin' it." I actually heard a "Single-Digit" guy say that!

Also, I think this may level the playing-field, at-least a lil' bit, for the "Real" Privateers...at the Nat's that is.

Think about it: A kid racin' outta the back of his Toyota has a better shot ot one of the 40 positions on the starting line if there are a whole lot less Factory or Support Team riders...think about it.

While we're here: Can we PLEASE quit callin' guys racin' out of one of the "Support" team rigs a "privateer"...

Let's see how many of these guys REALLY believe in themselves enough to go racing on thier own...if they have to.

I'm jus' sayin'...
ProMed
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ProMed 10/12/2009 8:09pm
10/12/2009 8:09pm
If this thing gets to 4 pages you may get a DC nibble.
JW381
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JW381 10/12/2009 8:10pm
10/12/2009 8:10pm
ProMed wrote:
If this thing gets to 4 pages you may get a DC nibble.
How's the weather in Brazil?
2T42
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2T42 10/12/2009 8:14pm
10/12/2009 8:14pm
Earlier someone said that said the nationals are doing great and don’t need any help using Redbud as an example. LOL! I was there and have been for many years straight and there have been noticeably fewer people there each year for the last few. This year there were no lines for the men’s restrooms, very small lines for the concessions and wide open spaces across the infield. Five years ago, I stood 45 minutes to get ribs, 10 to take a whiz and could take a step without tripping over someone. Anyone who thinks attendance at Redbud is fine is not paying any attention.

The elitist attitudes of the big 4 not caring if the core of the sport can afford to participate are not helping. High dollar bikes and maintenance do not fit into small budgets no matter how hard you market. Unless they can "market" more money into peoples paychecks, reality will step in. I hear it every week that someone parked their bike because they can’t afford $1200 to repair it. I never heard anyone say they couldn’t afford to rebuild a 2 stroke they just did it and were back to riding the next week.
MX7MX
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MX7MX 10/12/2009 8:37pm
10/12/2009 8:37pm
How about this? How about having the events at venues OTHER than the ones that normally hold them? Like some in AL or GA, places that havent had them. Advertise about it and I'd be willign to bet that ALOT of people would show up who have never had the chance to go due to travel etc.
ProMed
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ProMed 10/12/2009 8:49pm
10/12/2009 8:49pm
MX7MX wrote:
How about this? How about having the events at venues OTHER than the ones that normally hold them? Like some in AL or GA, places that...
How about this? How about having the events at venues OTHER than the ones that normally hold them? Like some in AL or GA, places that havent had them. Advertise about it and I'd be willign to bet that ALOT of people would show up who have never had the chance to go due to travel etc.
Not a bad idea.
86honda
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86honda 10/12/2009 8:53pm
10/12/2009 8:53pm
I live in an area where so many people ride motorcycles its unbelievable, but very few of them have dirt bikes. Devil 1 you make great sence and I agree with you about the "niche"
But what I can tell you is this. My kid quit playing ball sports to ride bikes because "nobody sits on the bench in motocross". It ought to be the national slogan out there when you talk to your nonmotocross friends.
Most of my friends kids would give a right nut for a dirt bike and to race, but their dads want them to be ball sports hero's and the town big shot. Me and my son have spent so much time together and we have so much in common because of this sport. Its expensive and Im in debt doing it, but when I get old I promise I will not want the money Ill want those moments and you can market that buddy!
Lightning78
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Lightning78 10/12/2009 9:02pm
10/12/2009 9:02pm
TerryB wrote:
Or fewer indoor rounds... That would be an acceptable sacrifice.
Yea I like SX but dam they are putting all their eggs in one basket and seems (aside from DC) majority of the focus is going to SX. I understand why with the market demographics accesability to fans and comfortable seating not in 100 plus degree heat etc..... but the outdoors are far more entertaining for people that actually ride moto unfortunately we aren't the ones spending money, families and fariweather fans are.
motogeezer
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motogeezer 10/12/2009 9:33pm
10/12/2009 9:33pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 2:42am
I have an idea...


Bring back the TransAMA.


Capitalism and consumerism has taken over our sport.


Call me an old fart, call me a socialist, call me what ever, but my first two"real" motocross bike were made in Czechoslovakia, and everyfuckin'body at the races had a day job.


Was Jim Pomeroy a millionaire?


Mike Bell?


Joel Robert?


Roger's a millionaire now, but only because he carried his passion into the modern age.


Remember when there were more than three brands of bikes racing for the title?


Life used to be about making a living, supporting your family, and doing what you truly loved.


I still have a few friends that race motorcycles for a living.


They're broke most of the time, but they're happy.


Marketing and consumerism has fucked up our sport.








DC
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DC 10/12/2009 9:44pm
10/12/2009 9:44pm
Paul, thanks for the input, I appreciate your concerns and all the other ideas on the thread. It's hard to cut down a schedule when fans and teams and promoters are all counting on those races, but yes, there is some contraction in the industry and the world in general, and we are as aware of it as anyone else is. It's the world we live in right now, unfortunately.

But I think we can expect a full schedule here. Pick one of the 12 rounds and I will meet you there for some bench racing and Stellas.

DC
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500guy
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500guy 10/12/2009 9:46pm
10/12/2009 9:46pm
DC when you get this fixed,

I have a truck that needs repaired in the morning.
motogeezer
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motogeezer 10/12/2009 9:50pm
10/12/2009 9:50pm
500guy wrote:
DC when you get this fixed,

I have a truck that needs repaired in the morning.
Jay,

your truck won't get fixed with a few Belgian beers.

I'm pretty sure Scotch whiskey will be required.

Maybe some burned chicken thighs...
bvm111
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bvm111 10/12/2009 9:53pm
10/12/2009 9:53pm
please tell me this isnt going to go 27 odd pages tooWhistling

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GuyB
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GuyB 10/12/2009 10:19pm
10/12/2009 10:19pm
bvm111 wrote:
please tell me this isnt going to go 27 odd pages tooWhistling
Oh, that reminds me...the other one should go into the dumbgeon now. Wink
The Rock
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The Rock 10/12/2009 10:28pm
10/12/2009 10:28pm Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 2:42am
Larry wrote:
Motodude is such a prick but one of our best National series ever was only 5 rounds.
The truth hurts sometimes.
True but we're in the 21st century now.


The Nationals don't need saving the economy does......I think it is more than a bit unrealistic to start throwing out suggestions at this point in the year with the outdoor schedule being worked on,


The reality is 2010 will be an off year but the sky is not falling....
bvm111
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bvm111 10/12/2009 10:33pm
10/12/2009 10:33pm
bvm111 wrote:
please tell me this isnt going to go 27 odd pages tooWhistling
GuyB wrote:
Oh, that reminds me...the other one should go into the dumbgeon now. Wink
you might as well send this one there with it!!
DanDunes818 10/12/2009 10:46pm
10/12/2009 10:46pm
felpro wrote:
Anyone who thinks the sport or the just the nationals does not need saving, should talk to one of the many 'unemployed' riders out there. Team...
Anyone who thinks the sport or the just the nationals does not need saving, should talk to one of the many 'unemployed' riders out there. Team managers are making decisions on whether to hire a rider or not. They are getting budgets for a year of racing, indoors and outdoors.

Less rounds is one idea. It have advantages and disadvantages. It needs to be discussed. Other ideas need to be raised. Things get discussed and people that matter may read and implement the ideas that come from any intelligent discussion.

Some traditions may need to pass into memory for the sport to survive next year and the one after. That'll hurt some people - but people are hurting out there !!

Some want to see the greats on TV racing the outdoors, some would be happy to have the sport small enough to enjoy the family picnic at turn one while their Aunt does her turn at flagging ...

You can't have it all when times are tough. Throw around ideas, debate the ideas

To me, more TV means more sponsor dollars and better riders lining up at the starts. If that means less rounds and a tighter series ... it has to be a benefit in the long term.

What is it w/all the Aussies thinking that nationals is a sinking ship. They are'nt going anywhere any time soon.
DanDunes818 10/12/2009 11:00pm
10/12/2009 11:00pm
86honda wrote:
I live in an area where so many people ride motorcycles its unbelievable, but very few of them have dirt bikes. Devil 1 you make great...
I live in an area where so many people ride motorcycles its unbelievable, but very few of them have dirt bikes. Devil 1 you make great sence and I agree with you about the "niche"
But what I can tell you is this. My kid quit playing ball sports to ride bikes because "nobody sits on the bench in motocross". It ought to be the national slogan out there when you talk to your nonmotocross friends.
Most of my friends kids would give a right nut for a dirt bike and to race, but their dads want them to be ball sports hero's and the town big shot. Me and my son have spent so much time together and we have so much in common because of this sport. Its expensive and Im in debt doing it, but when I get old I promise I will not want the money Ill want those moments and you can market that buddy!
Now there's a man who's figured it out.. There's nothing that sticks in my head more then the memories of my father and I working on bikes,going out practicing,camping at race tracks,racing on weekends and bench racing all week. Any time my pops and I talk about those days you can see the smile on both of are faces from miles away. Those memories are worth every penny.
feelnjstfine
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feelnjstfine 10/12/2009 11:08pm
10/12/2009 11:08pm
My thought for all of this: bring back the Grand National Championship aspect to the sport,combine both SX and MX series's and make it where there are only 2 champs a year( yes that would also mean de-regionalizing the 250 class and making it a completely true national series). You could reduce the number of rounds from 28(16 SX,12MX) to say 24 total(-1 or 2 Anihiem's,-1 lesser market SX and MX's each). You could use the southern swing to add an outdoor( teams didn't like the stand alone Gatorback National because it could affect the SX series,ala RJ, but if it were all one series it wouldn't have the same stigma). A single series would allow riders that do get injured more of a chance to recover points from a missed round( what's gonna hurt more,missing 2 rounds from a 12 round series or a 24 round series?). It could also help divert the SX only contracts that so many of us can't stand because it would be mathimatically impossible to be the champ racing only the SX rounds. While I'm sure it is nothing more than a pipe dream that something this logical and idealistic could happen,it sure would be nice( I'm pretty sure though that DC will smile reading this because he is a fan first,promoter second ,and could see the rational behind this kind of thinking)
HansiKursch 10/13/2009 12:06am
10/13/2009 12:06am
If teams cannot afford to make all the rounds it's their own fault. It wasn't that long ago that vans and box vans were the norm. Now everyone needs a million dollar rig with every amenity to satisfy every whim that pops up.

If the teams were doing this outrageous spending and still staying afloat then that would be great. But when people want the sport radically changed to cater to this overspending that's just BS.
Poker_Player 10/13/2009 2:29am
10/13/2009 2:29am
JW381 wrote:
LOL or in this case, VERY easy. I find the best way to combat such obvious sarcasm is to take what they are saying serious. I...
LOL or in this case, VERY easy. I find the best way to combat such obvious sarcasm is to take what they are saying serious. I dunno dude, I thought it was kinda funny haha
Poker_Player wrote:
Thx. It's true tho. I heard the 2T is going to balance the budget too. I thought it was funny too, I mean mine part not...
Thx. It's true tho. I heard the 2T is going to balance the budget too.

I thought it was funny too, I mean mine part not yours. Smile
JW381 wrote:
I think mine part was the funniest.
If you drill down far enough. Mine part? WTF. Mine English teacher would be pissed.
JustMX
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JustMX 10/13/2009 5:16am
10/13/2009 5:16am
The sport will adjust.

The arrangements between the riders and factories will change.

It will become strictly performance based.

Another thing that may be coming is the factories making agreements to haul bikes for riders.

10 bikes to a rig.. Riders keep purse they earn plus bonuses/contengencies. No salary and no long term commitment. You earn your ride weekly. If the team manager (or rig driver) observes you out partying on Friday night and you suck wind on Saturday you will be looking for another ride after the next event.

Nothing builds discipline like the reality that you have to work to eat.

Level the playing field.

Suspension components are subject to claiming at every event, at any time, even after timed qualifying. Simply stamp or seal them and the claimer can pick them up at the end of the day.

And PLEASE bring back the 250 two strokes for the outdoor nationals. What are the factories really worried about? Some local pro on a refurbished two year old YZ 250 embarassing them?

agency399
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agency399 10/13/2009 6:28am
10/13/2009 6:28am
After watching the Josh Grant Alli show, I was thinking how far the nationals have come.....

I say a few less supercross rounds IF anything.......and i only say that because it seems like after 12 rounds, it gets a little old. (last year was kind of an exception)
Poker_Player 10/13/2009 6:44am
10/13/2009 6:44am
agency399 wrote:
After watching the Josh Grant Alli show, I was thinking how far the nationals have come..... I say a few less supercross rounds IF anything.......and i...
After watching the Josh Grant Alli show, I was thinking how far the nationals have come.....

I say a few less supercross rounds IF anything.......and i only say that because it seems like after 12 rounds, it gets a little old. (last year was kind of an exception)
I don't see them cutting the SX rounds. 50 - 60K people at the races. What were the attendance figures for the outdoors this year.
-eagle-
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-eagle- 10/13/2009 6:50am
10/13/2009 6:50am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2016 2:43am
Unreal. I'm not their biggest fan but what they did in one year was more progressive than what had been done to the outdoors in the past 10 years. The things I would like to see changed are down the priority list. The three biggest priorities were tackled in the first year. Got to give credit where it is do.


-Do you people realize how big locking down a title sponsor was when everyone has a death grip on their budgets? If they didn't do this, right now we would have an non sponsored series in a time when teams are folding and nobody is signed.


-How about live races on a major network, & same day on speed.


-Saturdays gripe some "purist" but it works better for the industry AND it puts mx in a time slot were they aren't competing with big time Sunday sports that people would watch over mx. This catch 22 (number pun intended) makes riders want to come back because its a one day deal with great exposure.


I would like to see qualifiers come back in some form though. 40 riders clogged up on a constantly changing track is not comparable to cars by themselves racing the clock on a consistent surface. A outdoor mx track changes more than any "time qualifying" racing surface on the planet from first practice to race time.

I'm sure we all know a few bubble guys that drive 10 hours and miss the race by .05 seconds without ever dropping a gate. It doesn't help when they have the first practice, soak up all the slop and slice in all the lines for the factory boys. Meanwhile that .05 was lost from a caution flag. Someone was cruising and fell while the guy was "putting down their race lap." The consi is a joke and even if they do make the back 15-20 they make shit for it.


The things they did get knocked out were by far the most important. Small tweaks from here on out will only make it better. Good job on prioritizing though.


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