Posts
858
Joined
6/14/2014
Location
Crestview, FL
US
Edited Date/Time
8/28/2014 1:50pm
So, I live in NW Florida and we have no races here. We have a few tracks within 1.5 hours but none of them hold races and what a bummer that is. The rider base is not as good as it used to be and I am sure the economy has taken a bite out of our sport. There was a glimmer of hope as one of the 3 was supposed to join the series we run in Alabama but they backed out saying they couldn't be ready with the level of prep and commitment that the series deserved. The closest track that races is 1:45 min away so I have a question or two about what needs to be done. I don't have the resources or the time / money to buy land and start a track but I would really like to see a resurgence in this area.
1. It seems that 95% of the riders that we do have only practice, how can they be convinced to race?
2. How do we convince the track owners to invest in the sport and build something good here?
3. Our local dealerships do not support mx (probably because nobody buys bikes or gear there). How can we change that?
It sure would be nice to be able to attend a 5-6 round series like TWMX has in both ends of California. It would be nice to have something like Vet X or OTHG racing here with some support classes for the kids. Can someone help me with that in our area? Ok, I know that isn't going to happen but it would be nice to have that level of racing here.
I know all of the track owners here and can pass on some ideas.
Thoughts??????
1. It seems that 95% of the riders that we do have only practice, how can they be convinced to race?
2. How do we convince the track owners to invest in the sport and build something good here?
3. Our local dealerships do not support mx (probably because nobody buys bikes or gear there). How can we change that?
It sure would be nice to be able to attend a 5-6 round series like TWMX has in both ends of California. It would be nice to have something like Vet X or OTHG racing here with some support classes for the kids. Can someone help me with that in our area? Ok, I know that isn't going to happen but it would be nice to have that level of racing here.
I know all of the track owners here and can pass on some ideas.
Thoughts??????
So-cal seems tightly regulated as far as private land riding, so maybe that helps push people to mid week practices and weekend races.(chime in Cali guys)
The Shop
It's ok to plan big, but start small and learn the drill-you will have to learn how to handle sign-up. scoring and track prep and that will be easier with fewer racers/motos to deal with.
One of the local track owners would probably be able to work out a rental fee based on entry numbers so neither of you are left hung out to dry. Maybe they would agree to talk the bulk of the gate fee and leave the entry fees to you. Build it steadily and you could have a nice local series that is fun first-serious second.
Just don't go into this looking to get rich-watch the money and be careful about going into business with any other people.
The last few years a handful of tracks have stepped up with with great track prep, a fun atmosphere, and a respectable pro purse.
The result? 500-600 entries and 30+ pro entries. This weekend we had 40 riders in the pro class. Earlier this year one track had a 5000$ pro purse with no entry fee.
Pro riders draw a crowd. Shocking right?
One more thing, always round up flaggers, bring the flags yourself and ask for volunteers. If you are short of flaggers offer discounted class prices or a free class and allow them to switch off during their moto with someone else. No one wants to race without flaggers.
We used this system to hold races at tracks in Pennsylvania, and it worked pretty well for us. Some tracks we had more room to negotiate for more time and help as the series grew. We ended up building a small little community and it was a blast for many years. Hope this helped some and if you have any questions you think I could assist with, let me know!
https://sites.google.com/site/mraracing1/
I've thought a great way to have competition at a practice track would be transponders and lap times.
That way you could point at your buddies lap time and laugh at him.
Pit Row
All these LL specific classes are pointless for weekend warrior racing.
it's a point series and they do legit tracks like buds creek and Tomahawk.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzergj8v/mastersmx/id9.html
2014 Classes
30+A
30+B
30+C
35+A
35+B
40+A
40+B
45+A
45+B
50+A
50+B
55+
60+
Open A
Open B
Open C
250B
250C
Beginner
Women
Unlimited B/C
I also think the bikes are so good that your normal average joe can't jump on a bike and go race it or even ride it a day or two a week. The bikes these days require so much setup and time(read..$money$) to make them safe that you can't even ride at 100% unless MX is your full time job. I got to the point where I was bored because I was cruising around at 65% which is no fun so I bailed. The technology is amazing but technological progression is slowly taking this sport from BMX style simplicity to the complexity of a real motorsport. Most people don't have the time or resources to compete at that level which results in a trickle down where turnout suffers and dealerships can't sell bikes so they quit stocking them. This sport/ industry is in a serioius depression and is on the verge of becoming a distant memory for the local racer.
Have one or two long motos at the end of the day for anyone who qualified top 40 in open practice (or however many riders the track could accommodate). All the benefits of open practice days, plus real full-length motos. Would stop the sandbagging problem dead in its tracks too.
AMA is a joke in IL.
Seems like most tracks are deciding to have their own series.
Post a reply to: MX racing dead in my area.....