OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => Competition => Topic started by: DG 26 on August 30, 2009, 08:13:24 am
-
G,day all
Heaven VMX is holding the 2009 EVO/Pre85 challenge at Happy Valley springs Clarance(Lithgow)
Classes are Evo125,250 & over 260cc Pre85 125,250 & over 260cc
Will have AGE races Juniors & Presidents invertation Race allong with Rd7 of Heavens points score
DATE is the 12th & 13th of September 2009 so Get your ENTRY in NOW to HEAVEN VMX Po box 920 Moss Vale 2577
Hope to see you there :)
DG26
-
Thanks Don
I had a great time last year with the Evo Challenge and the Presidents race.
Should be a blast and looking forward to it.
I hope everyone save you all that last minute entry stuff and gets their entry in early.
See you at Lithgow.
PB
-
Crossedup 2 are you going to race the YZ400 at the EVO challange? & is Dennis Racing A Husky ?
The Clarance track has had some changers It was great fun last time should be even better this time ?
Has any one riden up there ?
-
Is there a special entry form, Don,?
or do we just use the standard form.
will there be racing on Saturday, ?
Cheers
Noel
-
Two Day Of Racing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# Practice
-
Two Days of Racing
Saturday
Sign On and Scrutineering 9.30 to 11.30
Practice 10.00 to 12.30
One Full Round of the Heaven Points Round...
End of Day One ...
Sunday
The Evo Challenge Races
Please Note NO Riding Up Class Bike Must Fit the Class ..
Evo 125cc
Evo 250cc
Evo Over 260cc
Pre 85 125cc
Pre 85 250cc
Pre85 over 260cc
Age Race Must be on a Evo or a Pre 85 Bike Only .....
16y to 39y
40y to 49y
50y to 101 years old
Then One more Round of Heaven Points Round
-
Guys,
Apologies for the tardiness on entry forms and flyer etc. Trying to sort out the website as we type.
ROUND 7 HEAVEN VINTAGE MX
CLARENCE –13 & 14 SEPTEMBER 2009
Our Round 7 and EVO Challenge race meeting for 2009 will be held at CLARENCE MX TRACK
(lot 139 Bells line of Rd Clarence) in the Blue Mountains near Lithgow.
Date: 12th & 13th September 2009
The Event Round 7 at Clarence. 2 day meeting.
Practice: Saturday from 10am, scrutineering 7.30am – 9.00am & Noon. (modern bikes welcome)
Racing: Saturday from 1.00pm EVO Challenge
Sunday scrutineering 7-30 – 9am followed by briefing & racing
Track Type Motocross
Classes All classes
Entry Pre-entry closes 3/09/2009
Track Location The Happy Valley Springs motocross track (see directions)
Site Facilities &
Camping On-site camping permitted. Toilets provided.
Catering Drinks available during the day at the canteen.
Accommodation
Closest accommodation is at Lithgow approx 15 -20 mins drive from track.
Motels
Best Western Bowen Inn
Great Western Hwy Bowenfels
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 5111
Rating: **** Colonial Motor Inn
84 Great Western Hwy
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6352 1655
Rating: ***1/2
Lithgow Valley Inn Motel
Cooerwull Rd
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 2334
Rating: **1/2
Parkside Lodge Motel
Great Western Hwy
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351
Zig Zag Motel
Cnr Chifley Rd & Clwydd St
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6352 2477
Rating: ***1/2
Hotels
Commercial Hotel
198 Main St
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 2312
Court House Hotel
1 Main St
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 3234
Exchange Hotel 83 Main St
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6352 3307
Grand Central Hotel
Cnr Main & Eskbank Sts
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 3050
Tattersalls Hotel 151 Main St
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 3387
Apartments
No. 1 Ferro St Services Apartments
1 Ferro St
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 4524
Facsimile: (02) 6351 4524
Caravan Parks
Lithgow Tourist & Van Park
58 Cooerwull Rd
Lithgow NSW 2790
Telephone: (02) 6351 4350
Facsimile: (02) 6351
Directions:
From Windsor / Richmond, follow Bells line of road toward Lithgow. About 10km short of Lithgow you will come to Zig Zag railway on right hand side.
Turn right off Bells Line Road at Zig Zag railway.
Follow dirt road round to the right and over railway line.
Follow dirt road for 3-4 kms until you come to a fork in the road. There is a small sign that says MX
Turn left and follow for about another 1 km and you are there
-
Try this one as well. Bit more info even if jumbled. Hopefully will be up on HEAVEN website by tomorrow night.
HEAVEN VINTAGE MX
PROUDLY PRESENTS
THE 2009
EVO CHALLENGE
AT CLARENCE MX TRACK
WELCOME TO THE 2009 HEAVEN VMX EVO CHALLENGE
When - 12 & 13 SEPTEMBER 2009.
Where – HAPPY VALLEY SPRINGS - CLARENCE
Event – Heaven Round 7 & Evo Challenge Trophy Races
Site Facilities & Camping - On-site camping permitted. Toilets ONLY
Catering - Drinks only available during the day at the canteen.
HEAVEN VMX INC 2009
EVO & PRE 85 CHALLENGE
ENTRY FORM
ENTRIES
CLOSE LAST MAIL 3 SEPTEMBER 2009( PRE ENTRY ONLY)
ENTRY FEE $65 ADULTS, $25 DEPENDANTS, $15 JUNIORS, $130 FAMILIES
INCLUDES HVMX CLUB MEMBERSHIPS FOR INTERSTATE RIDERS (RESIDING OUTSIDE NSW AND ACT)
PAYMENT CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER.MADE PAYABLE TO HEAVEN VMX INC. PLEASE INCLUDE
A STAMPED SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.
POST
ENTRY AND PAYMENT TO THE SECRETARY
HEAVEN VMX INC
PO BOX 920
MOSE VALE
NSW 2577 EFT Payment details Cheque or money order Made payable to Heaven VMX Inc.
National Bank BSB 082-135
A/c No 576796849
Account Holder Heaven VMX Inc.
STATE YOUR NAME & RACE No. AND EVENT DETAILS AND EMAIL OR POST A COPY TO THE SECRETARY.
CLASSES PRE 65,PRE 70, PRE 75 250,OPEN,PRE 78 250, OPEN, CLASSIC 125,(PRE 75,125 & PRE 78 125) POST CLASSIC 125 (EVO 125 & PRE 85 125), EVO 250, OPEN, PRE 85 250,OPEN, LADIES, JUNIORS AND 4 STROKE.
AS PER PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES CLASSES MAY BE ALMALGAMATED IF INSUFFICIENT RIDERS. MINIMUM THREE ENTRIES FOR A CLASS. THERE MUST BE 10 ENTRIES TO BE A SEPARATE GRID.ALL CLASSES POINT SCORED SEPARATELY.
- ONE BIKE ONE CLASS IN TROPHY RACES -
RIDING NUMBERS PREFERENCE FOR RACE NUMBERS WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT HEAVEN VMX MEMBERS. ALL OTHERS WILL BE ALLOCATED NUMBERS AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO PREFERENCE. NUMBERS MUST BE DISPLAYED ON 3 NUMBER PLATES AS PER GCR RULES.
PITS CLOSED PIT AND PADDOCK RULES APPLY AS PER M.N.S.W DIRECTIVES
GRID FIRST IN BASIS
.
SCRUTINEERING & RACING 7.30 -9.00 AM & NOON SATURDAY & 7.30-8.30 AM SUNDAY.BIKES & RIDING GEAR MUST COMPLY WITH M.N.S.W.DIRECTIVES. PRACTICE RIDING SATURDAY MORNING. IST RACE AFTER LUNCH SATURDAY. SUNDAY RACING STARTS AT 9.00 STARTING WITH PRACTICE.
PLEASE FILL OUT ALL PAGES OF THE ENTRY FORM
CLUB MEMBERSHIP FOR INTERSTATE ENTRANTS ONLY
NAME MA LICENCE
ADDRESS TOWN
P/CODE CLUB
1ST CHOICE RACE # 2ND CHOICE
EMAIL PH
MOBILE DAY LICENCE YES/NO
I HEREBY APPLY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF HEAVEN VMX INC AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES OF THE ASSOCIATION.
SIGNATURE DATE
HEAVEN VMX 2009
EVO & PRE 85 CHALLENGE
RACE ENTRY FORM
ENTRANT MA LICENCE RACE #_____
CLUB LICENCE EXPIRY
CLASS MACHINE YEAR MODEL TROPHY RACE
PRE 65
PRE 70
CLASSIC 125
PRE 75 250
PRE 75 OPEN
PRE 78 250
PRE 78 OPEN
POST CLASSIC 125
EVO 250
EVO OPEN
PRE 85 250
PRE 85 OPEN
LADIES
JUNIORS
4 STROKE
ENTRY FEES PER RIDER FOR TWO DAYS
POST CLASSIC 125 IS EVO 125 AND PRE 85 125 COMBINED
CLASSIC 125 IS PRE 75 125 AND PRE 78 125 COMBINED
RIDERS PLEASE COMPLETE INDEMNITY FORM. FEES PAID
$65 ADULT
$50 PENSIONER (aged only must have pension card)
$25 DEPENDENT
$15 JUNIOR
$130 FAMILIES
$50 EVENT LICENCE (1OR 2 DAY)
REC LICENCE(NON RACING) $25
TOTAL FEES PAID
PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO HEAVEN VMX INC.
INCLUDE A SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE WITH YOUR ENTRY.
-
Dear Don,
Looking very much forward to the Evo Challenge. What age group are you in exactly in Don? Pre race stategy is what its all about. Bike? Prep? Fitness level? Special Drinks for Sadnie night (Fernando) A lot to tinkk about. Info is the key and this is the info main straight......
Pete
-
G,day HusabergPete
40+ 0 fitness
to many drinks
There was to be an entry form on the web site But we have tecnical problems with the web site ???, #%^!!ing computer,s So send it the standered entry form with your Evo challange classes on it
see you at Clarance ;D
-
:o :o
Have you got your entry in ? should be a top weekend ;D ;D
New Members welcome Ph 02 48695279 For details See you on the start line ;D if you miss out :'(
Cheers Don
-
It appears that as a result of technical difficulties in getting entry forms up on web site,
entry date has been extended ,
still time to do it
Cheers
Noel
-
Not to late to enter email [email protected] or ph 48695279
-
A the winners are,
Damo Pre85 125 and 250,
CZerk (Carl Bletcher) pre85 open ,evo250 ,evo open,
Brian Ramond Evo125,
and Honda 166 four stroke,
Giving the dusty conditions it was a good thing the entries were a little low for this,
all the same I had a good day ,
nice easy relaxed with every body pitching in to make the day happen.
Then home before dark, all good ;D
Cheers
Noel
-
Fellow VMXers,
HEAVEN ran the EVO challenge on the weekend and as indicated previously, the entries were dissappointing to say the least. To receive only thirty odd entries compared to 80 plus at past EVO challenge events is something that needs to be investigated in my belief. I had a ball on the weekend even though the numbers were down and I am sure that a lot of the other fellow racers did as well.
The weekend presented a huge challenge for the committe to conduct the event but to their credit, they got stuck into it, invited feedback and input from the members that attended and got on with the job. Everyone that was there pitched in and got the event running. Even with the lower numbers, I would say that we had less trouble getting flaggies than we normally do, go figure.
Congrats to all those guys that made the effort to turn up and race. Carl Bletcher put in a super human effort in the trophy races by riding all except the juniors and the fourstroke. Carl needed an extra trailer to carry all his silverware home but more credit to him for being there. There were guys that picked up trophy's for the first time so that was great to see as well.
The whole weekend at the track reflected the spirit that is alive and well in the HEAVEN club. All picthing in to get the event running, helping out new members ( Phil , number 777 , on his pristene Husky 250 ) and sitting around the campfire on the Saturday night solving the problems of the world whilst enjoying a few quite ones ( not like the crew that stayed in town??????).
So, why were the numbers down so dramatically?? For the benefit of the club members and future events, I would invite people to share their thoughts on this . So get typing guys and give us all some feedback.
Cheers and see you all at Canowindra.
-
Too many competing events (eg Nats a few weeks ago, DT Nats next weekend), and not enough advertising. Events have to be marketed - made to sound like a fun thing to do that you'd be mad to miss. A flyer on a website a few weeks before an event, with barely enough time to get an entry in let alone decide to ride it, doesn't help. Too many clubs are falling short with marketing. A website isn't enough, you have to get out there and grab people's attention. And you need to keep their attention. It's hard work, but the old HEAVEN website under mark Austin made you feel like you really were part of something.
More than anything though, I think there are too many events for the few riders...
-
More than anything though, I think there are too many events for the few riders...
Hallelujah Graeme. I fully agree with everything you've said. If you look at our sport over the previous years it becomes pretty apparent that the well promoted events are the ones that come out on top. You'd be surprised just how many clubs contact the magazines through Ken, AJ or I a week or two before their event with a half hearted badly written copy that does more to put you off going rather than being pumped enough to go. A week before is too late and those events invariably fail. The PR has to start 6 months before and the the racers need to be continually reminded through the media, this forum and other outlets.
The sport needs to get their act together locally before new interstate series are introduced. If they won't travel locally, they sure as shit won't travel interstate for one event, let alone three. The answer of our sports future success is in fine tuning what we've already got and producing a calendar that is more user friendly.
-
Location and the number of other events competing for participants.
Its the fluctuating nature of the game in NSW , so i wouldnt read to much into the numbers.
-
Thanks for the feedback guys. Keep it coming. All constructive critiscism is encourgaed.
-
Location and the number of other events competing for participants.
Exactly Rob, the calendar is too cluttered in the June-October period. I would also add that Clarence isn't a very desirable RACE location but you must admit that the racers in the Premier State are a fickle bunch, the piss poor response to your own second Vinduro still sticks in my mind. After the great success of the first Vinduro and the number of "I'll be back for sure" responses, the lack off support was baffling to say the least.
There's a need for some restructuring here in NSW and I'm more than willing to help in any way I can.
-
Firko,
What are your thoughts in regards to the re-structuring? I am a relative newby to the VMX scene and this is only my second full year of competing. I hear a lot of different opinions and idea's from people on how things should be run but not many are willing to put there hand up to do the hard yakka when it comes to running or promoting an event. From what I can understand you have a lot of experience and passion when it comes to the VMX scene and would really appreciate your input. I am keen to assist in anyway I can here in NSW (especially within the HEAVEN club) to make the sport more of a success and enjoyable for all those that participate and those who might potentially participate.
Dan
-
I think the timing of this one had an effect,
HSC coming up, football finals, etc, Just too much else on, this time of year,
Clarence isn't every bodies favorite, but I had fun on my Pre70/78 machines in the support races,
and it was pretty easy going on the Evo bikes.
Cheers
Noel
-
I didn't make it because The Wife was away and I was baby sitting/building rally car.
Its been a great event in previous years and Clarence isn't too far from home, so the desire to be there competing was not lacking.
I know the committee had looked at the issue of the missing entries before the event, and that several regulars were out for reasons othr than dis-interest.
-
Don't get to dejected, NSW is not the only state that is suffering in this way.
-
I would like to thank Dan T 166 for sacrificing his 3rd place position in the last Pre85 race of the day, I crashed out of the lead on the last lap and was stuck under the bike (1st time in 30 years of racing, how helpless do you feel!) Dan stopped and pulled the bike off me.
I am nursing some serious gravel rash and a corked thigh a pro footballer would be proud of, thanks to the concrete like surface at Clarence MX track. :( :( :(
I would also like to thank Don Gibson and Therese for the enormous effort they put in to make the weekend happen.
Damo
-
Dan
This is my opinion and, firstly I would like to say well done on putting you hand up and asking for everyone's input. Secondly, I believe that having 3 weeks between races events is a bit to close together and puts a little bit of pressure on the home front and money has to be taken into account as well. I think reducing the amount of races in the season could be a help to the numbers problem.
Cheers
87
-
G,day all
Yes it good to see the good sportsmanship in Vintage racing
A BIG thanks to Dan for all his help runing the meeting AND EVERYONE for chiping in and helping out including Stewy & Mike who drove up just to help
Thanks , hope the gravel rash heals soon Damo ;D
Cheers Don
-
No dis-interest on my part the Monty was ready to go :'( but a broken leg from last meeting :-[ did slow me down a bit .
I think three meetings in seven weeks does put pressure on everyone including our hard working organisers. If we look at the three meets.
Lakes - new track and first meeting for some time. So attractive to most
10th Aniversary meeting in October is a new concept and probably interesting to everyone.
I feel that this means that the Clarence meeting was probably out of luck for anyone looking to drop a meeting. Just my opinion after considering it for a few days. Probably miles off the mark as I am still taking pain killers for the leg fracture ;) ;D
-
Thanks for all the feedback guys. Keep it coming!
-
Boys,
At first I thought the lack of numbers was because, like me and the Medic, they couldn't find the joint. The numbers did pick up after 8.30am when I put the new VMX sandwich board out on the T intersection.
The answer to the low numbers is clearly with the pre-78 pre-75 chaps. There was a good deal of Evo and pre-85 punters, but stuff all of the others. Hence the flaggie issue for Evo and 85. One would have to ask them why they didn't turn up. (we're talking only about 5 of them turned up) I heard they were all going to a dirt track race the following weekend. Not sure if that's right but it would be a good excuse.
Overall it was a great weekend away. Another memory for the bank. Low numbers yes, but that had it's advantages too. The team work was something that could be proud of. No winging, everyone helping out. The Dans, Dougs, Gregs, Johns and the other doers all did a great job to keep us on the track.
Another thing was it is great to see the younger riders out having a go. Don't really know why they are riding bikes younger than themselves, but they are and adding something to our sport. Good on 'em.
Pete
#100
-
The answer to the low numbers is clearly with the pre-78 pre-75 chaps. One would have to ask them why they didn't turn up. (we're talking only about 5 of them turned up) I heard they were all going to a dirt track race the following weekend. Not sure if that's right but it would be a good excuse.
Correct, A National event needs support and if it is not supported in its own state, that state runs the risk that no other club in NSW will run it in the future and it will be lost altogether. Hunter MCC put a lot of effort into the dirt track nats and although DT is not everyones cup of tea, it does need support for the future of the vintage scene as a whole, hence my decision not to ride at Clarence . Also couldnt run the risk of destroying a pipe or a bike the week before a National Event. Unfortunately, there is only three tracks in the Heaven rounds that are remoteley Pre 70 Friendly, i.e Lakes, Buladelah and Glenbawn. Canowindra is being touted as a pre 78 friendly so that will be a test case for the pre 78ers My pre 78 and pre 70 both run down pipes and Ive had 4 pipe replacements in the past three years. It should also be noted that I and another have only missed three rounds of heaven in over three years, two due injury and this one. I enjoy the atmosphere and the riding ad drinking and friendships made, but have noticed a drop in Pre 78 numbers and I can only put this downto the tracks we ride. 4" of travel on some of these tracks is pretty hard work both for the rider and the bike and can be painful at times ::) I would believe this is the reason a decline on some tracks.The club as far as i know is trying to source tracks that are pre 78 friendly
-
Rossco, do you want me to introduce you to my good friend, Mr Paragraph?
;D
Seriously, that's one of your better posts. I don't personally agree about the tracks, but I also know that my opinions on that topic seem to be pretty much the opposite of most people's... Maybe because I don't have any down-pipe bikes running?
-
Rossco, do you want me to introduce you to my good friend, Mr Paragraph?
;D
Seriously, that's one of your better posts. I don't personally agree about the tracks, but I also know that my opinions on that topic seem to be pretty much the opposite of most people's... Maybe because I don't have any down-pipe bikes running?
What is your opinion of the tracks for all Pre78 in NSW, are you saying they are all to hard, to easy ??? :)
New Paragraph:
I havent said I dont like riding the tracks, just that they are sometimes painful for both bike and rider. Some tracks are just easier to ride than others for older bodies :o
-
Rosco,
Thanks for the post. I agree regarding the national event and its need to be supported by the vintage community in general, not just dirt track. I feel that it is about time that the dirt track, enduro and motocross guys get together and develop a plan to work strategically together and help each other out, rather than fighting for bums on seats at our own individual disciplans. What do we need to do to make this happen?? Feedback guys.
I would of loved to ride the dirt track nationals this weekend but due to all the other commitments and costs, unfortunately I cannot. So best of luck to all those guys riding this weekend and I'm sure that the HMCC will put on a great event. I have baby sitting duties this weekend but hope to bring the boys along on Sunday at some stage for a look and catch up with a few people.
-
Firko, What are your thoughts in regards to the re-structuring?
I can only make an opinion based on observation and past experience as I'm not privy to the inner workings of HEAVEN or any other clubs.
I reckon that there are too many rounds. 8 or 9 round series have, for various reasons, all failed in the past. In the beginning everyone is gung ho "Yeah!, gimme more rides!!!'' but after 4 or 5 events a number of racers invariably get tired of the quick turnaround and bored with the "same old same old". You'll always find that the younger racers are initially the keenest but the first to start picking events. Nothing personal, just an observation.
In the old Penrith days when the club actually gave a shit, we settled on three motocrosses and three dirt tracks as being the perfect mix. We had the advantage back then of having perfect venues in Amaroo Park and Dargle, both superbly pre 75 friendly tracks, so we had one round each at Amaroo and Dargle, two dirt track rounds at Nepean and the big Condoblin Queens Birthday weekend Greybeards meet which had a dirt track on Saturday, a motocross on Sunday.
The beauty of that series format was that all of the events were within the Sydney metro area except for Condo which was the only 'away' event, ensuring maximum participation. If you added both the motocross and dirt track Nats and a non series motocross at Mt Kembla you ended up with a full and varied year of racing.
Now, I realise that it'd be pretty hard to replicate that format considering the lack of suitable venues and the seeming lack of interest in dirt track by the new generation of vintage motocrossers. A decade ago a good proportion of the motocross racers raced dirt track, it was a natural flow on to what they'd been brought up with as back in the 60s and 70s everyone rode both without question. Having dirt track as a part of the series added much needed variety to the equation.
Another thing was did that seems lacking today is to promote, promote and promote. I personally called as many racers as possible between events to see how they were going, ask if they had any problems with the past event and to drum up the next event. We gave the next event a bit of a push with pre event in ADB, AMCN and Revs.
With todays vastly improved electronic media access it's unforgivable not to be hyping the next event and sending the occassional email or phonecall to racers to enhance the club/racer relationship. As I found, everyone likes to be treated as special so a personal email or phonecall is always well recieved. I'm often told by oldschool vintage racers that my personal touch phonecalls were a major factor in them remaining keen. We also had flyers printed which we distributed to as many bike oriented businesses as we could to be left on the counter and placed in shop windows. We even had rock band style posters printed for both of the early Nats, both dirt track and VMX that Penrith promoted. The midnight runs to place them on telegraph poles added a bit of cloak and dagger fun. ;D
To ensure that as many racers want to compete at any given event, the meeting has to have a certain desirability factor. By brushing off an event as just plain "round 3, motocross, Clarence" instead of something like say....."A Day in the Dust, the Clarence Challenge" or something a little less tongue in cheek. I realise that it was tried to jazz up the last Clarence round as the Evo Challenge but there didn't seem to be much heart in it. HEAVEN has got it right with the Crawford River Classic but it still needs to by hyped up to the hilt. The Ray Ryan/Roy East/John Hine/GE trophies need to be pushed to become Holy Grail trophies and the great social aspects of the event need to be highlighted.
So, assuming that a dirt track option is never going to catch on with HEAVEN racers, my idea for a well laid out race year is 4 motocross rounds at 4 different tracks with each event taking on a "Something Special" personna. We already have the CRC at Buladelah which leaves three events to be formulated and hyped. A catchy title needs to be thought up for each round with a showcase class or feature race pushed to seperate that event from the others. The EVO Challenge idea is great and you could really push next years by perhaps drumming up the Damo v Carl, /Young Gun v Old Fox aspect
or something along those lines.
The 10th Anniversary Canowindra event is especially unique being a stadium twilight event and it should have been hyped to the hilt, not just with the usual suspects but in the Canowindra and surrounding local press for weeks leading up to the event. Local papers are hanging for local interest pieces and you can get unbelievable free promotion via sports page or general interest articles. Photos and 'colour' pieces can be pre written and submitted to the papers and any local riders interviewed by the local "ace" reporter for a bit of local input. The benefits of this are many, the downside zero. You'll encourage a lot of locals to come out and have a look and possibly encourage new entrants from among those locals. Invite the local mayor, councillors, service clubs like Rotary and Apex and business leaders along and push that you'd like the event to become an annual event and that you'd like to work in with the town to make that possible. The end result could then become another Condoblin where the Shire Clerk and many of the towns business leaders were the actual people pusshing that meeting. The Condo Greybeards was in actuality a Penrith club/Condoblin club/Lachlan Shire council three way promotion.
These are just a few random ideas garnered from my 22 years in the vintage motocross business. Granted I haven't been involved in a hands on way since the end of the last century but the theories that we used then are still relevent today.
-
The end result could then become another Condoblin where the Shire Clerk and many of the towns business leaders were the actual people pusshing that meeting. The Condo Greybeards was in actuality a Penrith club/Condoblin club/Lachlan Shire council three way promotion.
I've seen this idea work a treat at a few meetings in Victoria where the CSC has run events in small country towns and really involved the locals in the whole event, local reports in the paper and even local TV and most amazing of all to me.... crowds coming in to watch at classic events!! not the usual "hangers on" that come along with the riders but peolple coming in off the street. The towns really take some ownership in the event and get involved, everybody wins.
I think this will become more important as I can see the future for VMX meetings being on temp tracks as the perm tracks become less vintage freindly. If you can get a local council to donate some land for once a year as well as help with the promotion it has to be a good thing
Another thing the CSC does is have a Feature race at each round eg Morlang Memorial Race, Harrow Point-to-Point etc. It gives each round its own identity and adds a bit of atmospere to the event.
The electronic media should make things easier, but in some cases it seems to make promoters a bit lazy. They spray out an email and think they have covered all bases.... nothings beats the old ring around to drum up a bit of support and get a bit of feedback
-
What is your opinion of the tracks for all Pre78 in NSW, are you saying they are all to hard, to easy ??? :)
Personally, I find the jumps of Clarence and the old Canberra track a lot easier on my body than the roughness of Buladelah - even before I busted my leg there...
I think that many people have an emotional response to seeing jumps, rather than going by what actually happens.
If you look at the injury stats (and take out things like DB's bike failure), Buladelah is not the holy grail that its made out to be.
Even the new Canberra track's jumps aren't that bad - I find the fact that the tops of the table-tops aren't maintained anymore, to be heaps more of a problem than the size of the jumps themselves (don't get me wrong, it was a much better track before the ACTMCC sold their soul to the dream of bright lights and razzle dazzle).
-
Gotta back up a lot of what Firko is saying. The majority of our meets over in WA are the "round 3 motocross narrogin" type affair. However the annual Wandering natual terrain pulls them out of the cupboards - over 100 riders, heaps more bikes, spectators like I have never seen before and all miles from anywhere. Articles in the Sunday times, advertising. It seriously can't hurt and more often than not is more than worth the effort. We have started advertising for next years big event. And we even know over here (in the forgotten reaches of deepest, darkest WA) of the Crawford River Classic etc etc etc - so get teh wrod out there!
Rossco