|
Post by cingred on Aug 19, 2014 23:27:39 GMT -5
Pro riders - there has been a meek turn out of pro riders at all events. Tim said that he only had FOUR pros come out to his last race. What can a promoter do to attract more of you to come out to the race? I understand money, as Pro is short for Professional and that implies payment for services. Is that it though? Is there anything else that could happen? Your input will be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by beaupre716 on Aug 23, 2014 1:19:34 GMT -5
I suspect the decline of the local race scene in recent years is a factor in the low turnouts in the pro class today. That may seem like an obvious statement, but what I mean is that riders have always cycled through the pro class over the years -- it's hard to ride at that level season after season -- but there appear to be fewer and fewer riders arriving to replace the guys who have stopped over the last few years. Today's 65cc and 85cc racers are tomorrow's pros. If there are fewer kids racing those classes at a given time, it will spell trouble for the more advanced classes in a few years. Look at it this way: - For every 30 young racers at the track today, maybe one will make it to the pro class (a very liberal estimate -- the actual number of eventual pros is probably much lower).
- Thus if there are 300 young racers active in local racing at a given time, 10 or so may become local pros someday.
- But if racing shrinks to the point where there are only 150 young riders in the pool in a particular generation, you're only looking at four or five eventual pros coming from that generation.
- When the numbers dwindle to that point, half of those pros may not even find it worth the effort to race.
I think this is one explanation for why the upper classes have been hit especially hard by the decline in turnouts. You need big beginner and junior classes to create tomorrow's pros, and if those classes don't get the turnouts over time, we may be bound to see fewer and fewer pros as time goes on.
|
|
|
Post by cingred on Aug 23, 2014 11:46:23 GMT -5
This is true - the entire local racing scene has seen a big decline lately. MRANN has even seen its turnouts decline. The B, or Junior classes should be the biggest classes. If you want to get serious about racing, this is the time to decide. Intermediate is a big jump and then of course, pro is the largest.
|
|
|
Post by promoto776 on Aug 24, 2014 14:34:27 GMT -5
I agree with both comments. The reasons for this decline are many. The main that started it was the economy with a storm of changes that killed it. The AMA rules that killed two-strokes and at the same time rapidly rising new bike costs. Who would have ever thought a new 450 would be ten thousand dollars or 7-8 for a 250. A pro would need at least two practice & two race bikes minimum...Dads used to put set rings in straighten the pipe and go now you hope you don't break the 800 dollar pipe and blow the 2000 dollar stock engine. If enough money is put up for a pro purse they will show up but we will still be riding older equipment and most with only one bike for two classes, not many can afford to travel far with the price of fuel. We used to say when the gate drops the bs stops now its I hope my bike don't blow . Back to the basics for most go find a friend hopefully after a nice rain and go ride in the hills.. good day . Ron
|
|
|
Post by cingred on Aug 24, 2014 17:41:07 GMT -5
Ron - thanks for your reply. We need feedback.
|
|