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Post by nmxd on Dec 23, 2008 15:23:10 GMT -5
Like many of you I have been watching the "press releases" here at MX 775 and I hope for the sake of local racing the coming changes are healthy and inspire growth. Time will tell and I hope 2009 turns out to be a great year for Moto in the 775 for ALL involved. While new sanctioning bodies and transponders may offer some very legitimate values I cant help but feel the need to address the issue of pricing and efficiency at the event level. My immediate thoughts on the subject of "what will help" local MX are more focused on tangible concepts that everyone can understand. MONEY! Let me preface by saying I am only speaking for myself and these concepts are aimed at inspiring positive feedback. Furthermore, I can’t even say for certain I be will promoting MX racing in 2009. There is undetermined factors (I wont air here) that will dictate whether or not NMXD will go forward. I feel that reality has given me a fresh perspective on the "what ifs" as I ponder the future and ask myself if I do go forward, what can I do to make things better, more affordable and make the sport grow once again… all at the same time? For weeks I have pondered the following thoughts to help racers, specs and promoter/club: Some ideas... - Price incentive packages that help large multi-entry family purchases. Programs need to be offered by promoters and clubs for pre-event sign ups at a discounted rate. This will help the promoter plan for an event (do to having an idea of how many riders are coming) and will obviously help the racer thru providing a price break. In this age of email there is no reason we cant offer this service and make it a win win for all. - Promoters (clubs same) need to focus on working closer in their communities to bring out more spectators and bring the sport to the people. Grass roots marketing. From the promoter/club perspective, this is aimed at ways to help survive poor turnouts and exposing people to our sport (farming racers) Yes this means working with schools, large businesses, etc. Example? Create a program where every student (who shows a student I.D.) in Lyon, Washoe, Churchill, Douglas, Mineral and Carson Counties get in at a discount. Then, for every kid that comes in under this promotion $1 gets donated to his school. Sounds like a great reason for local TV/media to show up at your event. Hey, I know for me it was just SEEING that first race as a little kid and man I was hooked. Up to that point I thought I was going to be a bull rider (LOL) . I instantly threw away my chaps and riggin and bought an MXA and Dirt Bike mags and began my love for moto. You may have a similar story. Also, consider Radio ads, print, etc. What you can buy media for in this economy is AMAZING! Its very affordable. - Give back to the riders: Here is an example concept that can be activated. Say an event gets over a certain number of entries. The promoting entity announces (and puts on the flyer) that if the event hits “X” number of entries, they will double the pro payback from 100% to 200%. Here’s why and here’s the facts: Pros bring riders, make for a better event and the kids LOVE (and benefit) from watching the pro class race. Our pro classes have dwindled to nothing. Again, I gaurentee if you have ANY type of incentive or program to support the Pro classes the intermediate classes will begin to grow again and the turnouts go up. Both in spectators and riders. I GAURENTEE IT!! Also, by working with the shops, coupon contingency programs can be created for the amateurs (we did a lot of that with MX West and it worked really well) where in conjunction with trophies riders receive discounts on certain products at a variety of local shops or from aftermarket suppliers. Example: BVH Bucks, Michaels Moto Money, etc., are all programs from the past. I feel really confident the shops will do ANYTHING they can to work with a track or group that will bring peeps to their door step. Again, just a concept aimed at win, win, win. - Again, Work closer with ALL the motorcycle shops and KNOW who is buying new or used bikes. THEN, have a program in place at each shop to offer price breaks to that new rider to come out and play at your track. Every dirt bike sold in Nevada (at every shop) needs to have a care package that tell them where to ride. This will also serve the interest of the shop. We have to support them especially if you are gonna want their support. Finally, offer a better price to spectators that come in after 9:30am. In the case of Stead, I may offer a 2-3 dollar discount after 9:30. This may help some family members that don’t need to be there at 6am. This also helps traffic flow into pits at 7-9am and makes things more affordable (and done correctly should drive up spec numbers). - High School Motocross. Yep! In the old days (the 70's) Southern Cal had a HS MX series. What if we add a class where schools compete against each other, example: Reed vs, Reno High vs. Hug vs. etc..(like HS Rodeo).. OR, for starters, kids simply list on the entry the school they go to and at the end of each series, points are tabulated and a school is crowned Champs. Braggin rights for now but you never know, it could grow. Just some ideas I felt the need to share for whatever its worth. The biggest challenge here for the clubs and promoters will be the part of the equation that is a four, letter word “work”. I say ask your favorite track, club or promoter to get to work and when he or she does support that track. Commit to riding EVERY track in 09 at least once. I heard a saying recently.. "Families that recreate together, stay together". I thought that was pritty cool and really made sense. Merry Christmas MX’rs
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Post by rooster on Dec 23, 2008 17:28:01 GMT -5
Not bad Ty, some very postive ideas and it shows you are thinking about MX as a whole. Thanks................ We should get some time to talk and hash out some things.......................Later, Rooster
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Post by beaupre716 on Dec 23, 2008 18:07:33 GMT -5
It's good to see some fresh ideas like these out there, Ty. As FDR urged during the Great Depression, we need to "try something" to get things back to where they should be. And I think these proposals are a great start.
Who has some others they'd like to add?
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Post by max924z on Dec 23, 2008 18:31:33 GMT -5
First of all, I to have been following all the recent post as I always do and find it to be somewhat discouraging. It seems that people want to spend more time complaining about things rather than provide possible solutions. This includes myself, although I don't complain, I have not offered any solutions, as I don't know what those solutions are at this point.
Although NMXD (TY) you have made some very good suggestions in your post and I believe a number of them are obtainable and would benefit the MX community and I commend you for that.
I think the single biggest thing that needs to happen to benefit the local racing is the fact that people need to put there personal issues aside. This needs to start with the local sanctioning bodies and clubs. As long as they continue to have there differences what ever they are, this so called motox family will never truly be a family. Unless your idea of family is dysfunctional and non supportive. With that being said the burden also falls on us as riders. If we don't support ALL of our local tracks someday they will be gone and then what are we left with, going over the hill to CA. People talk about the expenses, now what happens when you have to drive for several hours at $2, $3, or even $4 a gallon for gas. I get very discouraged with the so called MX family when the clubs want everyone to support their races at the Fern, but you see very few of those club members supporting any other tracks. It's great that the Fern usually gets good turn outs, but I for one will not continue to race if the Fern ends up being the only track still alive because we as riders don't support them ALL. I race because I like the competition and variety of tracks, if the Fern is the only track going then I will go desert racing at least there will be some variety. If other people feel the same as I do then it wont be long before the Fern doesn't have the riders to put on a race, and again we are left with going over the hill to CA. I'll be honest a couple years ago I would hear people saying how Ty's tracks were to hard or dangerous and that they would not race one of his events. I have never had an issue with Ty but I found myself starting to buy into what people were saying about Ty's events. Then I stepped back and took a look at the whole picture and realized there are always going to be some tracks that don't necessarily fit my riding style. I came to the realization that my family just loves to ride and race and that we were going to support all the tracks and promoters in this area, and that is what we have done for the last two years. Sure we like some tracks better than others and some tracks are tougher than others, but I control the throttle and if it's dangerous it's because I made it dangerous by riding beyond my abilities. So Ty, I hope you will continue to promote races as well as all the other promoters in the area, and make them the way you see fit based on input. A challenging track only makes me and my son more determined to be better riders, besides isn't that what competition is.
So maybe for the new year we should all make an effort to just get along and support what we have, be more positive rather then getting on this web site and talking crap about a track or promoter that you haven't even been to in the last year.
My family will continue to support ALL the local tracks, promoters, and clubs and pray that they can find a way to work together in 09 to make this truly a moto-x family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Max Brokaw
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Post by lyle115 on Dec 23, 2008 18:47:13 GMT -5
Well said Mr. Brokaw.Ive been racing around here for awhile.And it sucks to see all the back biting and complaing about i wont ride here or there because this or that.I JUST WANT TO RIDE MY MOTOCROSS BIKE.Its my addiction.I dont care who puts on the race or practice.If I didnt work so much I would be more than happy to volunteer my time and effort to help out. Ty dont leave us.You are a pioneer in this area and we need you around.Great ideas.
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Post by beaupre716 on Dec 23, 2008 18:50:59 GMT -5
I think the single biggest thing that needs to happen to benefit the local racing is the fact that people need to put there personal issues aside. This needs to start with the local sanctioning bodies and clubs. As long as they continue to have there differences what ever they are, this so called motox family will never truly be a family. This is a great sentiment, but no amount of urging from local riders and families has had much impact on the relations of race organizers yet. Scheduling squabbles and a general sense of mistrust remain the norm. The bottom line is that people aren't willing to do business with people they don't see eye-to-eye with, and at this moment in local motocross, only a few people see eye-to-eye. However, I'd like to think that recent hard times might make everyone reconsider their priorities, forge new alliances and regroup for the better in 2009. But if I were a betting man...
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Post by crosthwaite242 on Dec 23, 2008 19:00:03 GMT -5
Great ideas!! I really hope they work and I also hope to see you out there!!
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Post by alexficco on Dec 23, 2008 19:30:46 GMT -5
those are some great ideas. i know a few kids at douglas high that tried to get an mx "team" a few years ago. the school wanted nothing to do with it... but maybe if every school had a team
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hatch406
Amateur
When in doubt, pin it.
Posts: 7
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Post by hatch406 on Dec 23, 2008 20:13:24 GMT -5
Thanks Ty... everything seems a lot more possible with a positive attitude.
In my opinion...
Folks get back into racing a full series when they have that one epic day at the track. How are they supposed to have that epic day when, by 7:00am, they have already spent $100 on something that might end up not being fun at all.
If you are a first time racer, or one that's coming back after a couple years, your morning looks like this: $10 Gate fee $10 Spectator fee (depending) $25-$35 Entry fee $35 GFI membership fee $15 Transponder rental
As for me, this is fine. I'll go broke racing because I love it and I always will.
My father and many like him see this list and WILL NOT RACE... PERIOD. Motocross has lost the average Joes that come out on that off weekend when the wife is out of town. If you give these guys an excuse to come (start by cutting costs at least once in a while), then you have your full time racers back.
"Holy crap, I'm 4th place in the points! I better come back earn some more..." -Average Dude
Communication is also key. I used to get race results and point standings in the mail along with race fliers. These days I have to initiate effort in order to know when and where the racing is. E-mails from the promoters, not just about races, but points standings as well,will get even a +50 novice like my pop stoked on coming back out.
Just some thoughts...
Thanks again to Ty for starting the conversation.
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Post by xo♥ Miss 177 ♥ox on Dec 23, 2008 21:20:04 GMT -5
Ty, those were some awesome ideas!
Hatch is saying that $100 is sticker shock for a weekend of racing, but its pretty much what I expect for any first race if you have to purchase the membership and what not. There are ways to cut down on expenses, ie one-day card, don't rent the transpo and just race for fun, etc.
I know that everyone putting on the race needs to make a profit in order for them to keep putting on races and make it worthwhile for them. That is why it is a business and not a non-profit organization. I personally don't know what the business plan looks like for a track or a promoter, but I'm sure that it's fairly complicated and involves a steep insurance cost. Although, being a business major, I'd love to see what a local one looks like =)
There can definitely be incentives created in order to generate new interest in MX as a sport - such as the things Ty mentioned. Also, create incentive for those that are in it for the long haul; the people who race or practice just about every weekend. I think it would be great if someone offered season practice passes or even season spectator passes. There has to be a way to make a profit from the passes yet still pass on a discount to the people who want to practice, race, or spectate all the time.
If we could generate new interest, and get the regulars to keep on keepin on, then things in N. Nev MX would be awesome!
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Post by Mr Moto on Dec 24, 2008 0:58:07 GMT -5
Like many of you I have been watching the "press releases" here at MX 775 and I hope for the sake of local racing the coming changes are healthy and inspire growth. Time will tell and I hope 2009 turns out to be a great year for Moto in the 775 for ALL involved. While new sanctioning bodies and transponders may offer some very legitimate values I cant help but feel the need to address the issue of pricing and efficiency at the event level. My immediate thoughts on the subject of "what will help" local MX are more focused on tangible concepts that everyone can understand. MONEY! Let me preface by saying I am only speaking for myself and these concepts are aimed at inspiring positive feedback. Furthermore, I can’t even say for certain I be will promoting MX racing in 2009. There is undetermined factors (I wont air here) that will dictate whether or not NMXD will go forward. I feel that reality has given me a fresh perspective on the "what ifs" as I ponder the future and ask myself if I do go forward, what can I do to make things better, more affordable and make the sport grow once again… all at the same time? For weeks I have pondered the following thoughts to help racers, specs and promoter/club: Some ideas... - Price incentive packages that help large multi-entry family purchases. Programs need to be offered by promoters and clubs for pre-event sign ups at a discounted rate. This will help the promoter plan for an event (do to having an idea of how many riders are coming) and will obviously help the racer thru providing a price break. In this age of email there is no reason we cant offer this service and make it a win win for all. - Promoters (clubs same) need to focus on working closer in their communities to bring out more spectators and bring the sport to the people. Grass roots marketing. From the promoter/club perspective, this is aimed at ways to help survive poor turnouts and exposing people to our sport (farming racers) Yes this means working with schools, large businesses, etc. Example? Create a program where every student (who shows a student I.D.) in Lyon, Washoe, Churchill, Douglas, Mineral and Carson Counties get in at a discount. Then, for every kid that comes in under this promotion $1 gets donated to his school. Sounds like a great reason for local TV/media to show up at your event. Hey, I know for me it was just SEEING that first race as a little kid and man I was hooked. Up to that point I thought I was going to be a bull rider (LOL) . I instantly threw away my chaps and riggin and bought an MXA and Dirt Bike mags and began my love for moto. You may have a similar story. Also, consider Radio ads, print, etc. What you can buy media for in this economy is AMAZING! Its very affordable. - Give back to the riders: Here is an example concept that can be activated. Say an event gets over a certain number of entries. The promoting entity announces (and puts on the flyer) that if the event hits “X” number of entries, they will double the pro payback from 100% to 200%. Here’s why and here’s the facts: Pros bring riders, make for a better event and the kids LOVE (and benefit) from watching the pro class race. Our pro classes have dwindled to nothing. Again, I gaurentee if you have ANY type of incentive or program to support the Pro classes the intermediate classes will begin to grow again and the turnouts go up. Both in spectators and riders. I GAURENTEE IT!! Also, by working with the shops, coupon contingency programs can be created for the amateurs (we did a lot of that with MX West and it worked really well) where in conjunction with trophies riders receive discounts on certain products at a variety of local shops or from aftermarket suppliers. Example: BVH Bucks, Michaels Moto Money, etc., are all programs from the past. I feel really confident the shops will do ANYTHING they can to work with a track or group that will bring peeps to their door step. Again, just a concept aimed at win, win, win. - Again, Work closer with ALL the motorcycle shops and KNOW who is buying new or used bikes. THEN, have a program in place at each shop to offer price breaks to that new rider to come out and play at your track. Every dirt bike sold in Nevada (at every shop) needs to have a care package that tell them where to ride. This will also serve the interest of the shop. We have to support them especially if you are gonna want their support. Finally, offer a better price to spectators that come in after 9:30am. In the case of Stead, I may offer a 2-3 dollar discount after 9:30. This may help some family members that don’t need to be there at 6am. This also helps traffic flow into pits at 7-9am and makes things more affordable (and done correctly should drive up spec numbers). - High School Motocross. Yep! In the old days (the 70's) Southern Cal had a HS MX series. What if we add a class where schools compete against each other, example: Reed vs, Reno High vs. Hug vs. etc..(like HS Rodeo).. OR, for starters, kids simply list on the entry the school they go to and at the end of each series, points are tabulated and a school is crowned Champs. Braggin rights for now but you never know, it could grow. Just some ideas I felt the need to share for whatever its worth. The biggest challenge here for the clubs and promoters will be the part of the equation that is a four, letter word “work”. I say ask your favorite track, club or promoter to get to work and when he or she does support that track. Commit to riding EVERY track in 09 at least once. I heard a saying recently.. "Families that recreate together, stay together". I thought that was pritty cool and really made sense. Merry Christmas MX’rs WOW! Nice work.....Way to think outside the box. First of all, I to have been following all the recent post as I always do and find it to be somewhat discouraging. It seems that people want to spend more time complaining about things rather than provide possible solutions. This includes myself, although I don't complain, I have not offered any solutions, as I don't know what those solutions are at this point. Although NMXD (TY) you have made some very good suggestions in your post and I believe a number of them are obtainable and would benefit the MX community and I commend you for that. I think the single biggest thing that needs to happen to benefit the local racing is the fact that people need to put there personal issues aside. This needs to start with the local sanctioning bodies and clubs. As long as they continue to have there differences what ever they are, this so called motox family will never truly be a family. Unless your idea of family is dysfunctional and non supportive. With that being said the burden also falls on us as riders. If we don't support ALL of our local tracks someday they will be gone and then what are we left with, going over the hill to CA. People talk about the expenses, now what happens when you have to drive for several hours at $2, $3, or even $4 a gallon for gas. I get very discouraged with the so called MX family when the clubs want everyone to support their races at the Fern, but you see very few of those club members supporting any other tracks. It's great that the Fern usually gets good turn outs, but I for one will not continue to race if the Fern ends up being the only track still alive because we as riders don't support them ALL. I race because I like the competition and variety of tracks, if the Fern is the only track going then I will go desert racing at least there will be some variety. If other people feel the same as I do then it wont be long before the Fern doesn't have the riders to put on a race, and again we are left with going over the hill to CA. I'll be honest a couple years ago I would hear people saying how Ty's tracks were to hard or dangerous and that they would not race one of his events. I have never had an issue with Ty but I found myself starting to buy into what people were saying about Ty's events. Then I stepped back and took a look at the whole picture and realized there are always going to be some tracks that don't necessarily fit my riding style. I came to the realization that my family just loves to ride and race and that we were going to support all the tracks and promoters in this area, and that is what we have done for the last two years. Sure we like some tracks better than others and some tracks are tougher than others, but I control the throttle and if it's dangerous it's because I made it dangerous by riding beyond my abilities. So Ty, I hope you will continue to promote races as well as all the other promoters in the area, and make them the way you see fit based on input. A challenging track only makes me and my son more determined to be better riders, besides isn't that what competition is. So maybe for the new year we should all make an effort to just get along and support what we have, be more positive rather then getting on this web site and talking crap about a track or promoter that you haven't even been to in the last year. My family will continue to support ALL the local tracks, promoters, and clubs and pray that they can find a way to work together in 09 to make this truly a moto-x family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Max Brokaw Great post Max....Two thumbs up!Merry Christmas.... Layne
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Post by Sam361 on Dec 25, 2008 11:51:15 GMT -5
Real good ideas Ty. I really hope that when track promoters look at them they dont shrug them off because they didnt think of them. A good idea is a good idea no matter where it came from. There will be people who will say, "well thats Ty's idea so i'm not gonna do it" and thats a shame. I have in the past not raced a race because they wanted me to change my backround colors. Thats silly and i am not going to do it anymore. But usually i dont care whos running the show. Show up and watch or race. Would love to see more pros out racing. Have to make it worth their effort and risk to get them there. Theres something about watching a pro haul the mail... Lets all go skiing and think about what a great year 2009 is going to be!
Sam Mosier
Merry Christmas and a happy new year ( please dont drink and drive)
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Post by frankt on Dec 25, 2008 12:59:42 GMT -5
Very positive post (looks like others feel the same) Good luck in 2009 Frank Trujillo (A Bull Rider? can't see it,don't remember it back then)
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lakeman
Support Rider
Now operate website, www.nvracingnews.com
Posts: 101
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Post by lakeman on Dec 28, 2008 2:13:51 GMT -5
Ty I'll commend you for starting this post with some great ideas. When I did the profile on Layne for the Daily Sparks Tribune one thing he emphasized was that everyone needs to start thinking of the sport and not just of themselves. We used to have big crowds of riders, and many pros. I'd hope that this next year the motocross community here can finally turn a corner and get back to what it was, a wild fun weekend of racing. I loved those times and still like writing about the races. There are some good ideas in this post and I hope this will start people thinking so once again Northern Nevada becomes a great place to race and have fun in. Have a great New Year's then start working to put this thing back together again. And it will take work and putting personal feelings aside. But I think everyone can do this for the betterment of the sport.
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