Below is the entire Metcher proposal as submitted last year by Col.
To: The Chief Executive Officer
Motorcycling Australia.
Cc: The Chairman
Classic MX Commission
PROPOSAL Ref 18.13.1.2 That it be mandatory that Australian Classic MX Championships be run as separate events for Pre’78 and earlier, and Evolution, Pre’85 and later.
Rationale - The National Classic MX Championship has become a victim of its own success with increased numbers due to recent class additions of Pre’78 and Pre’85. Pre’90 is already being run at club and state level, and it is logical that this trend will continue. Other factors that have added to this are the increasing numbers of young riders, and the resurgence of interest in sidecars.
All this is good news, however is coming at a cost.
Observation - The fallout from this increase in numbers has several ramifications:
1. Organizing clubs, for the past four years, have gone to a three day event in an endeavour to fit in all the classes.
2. Traditional classes, such as the age/capacity classes in Pre’75 have been dropped (except Conondale).
3. Less well supported classes, such as Pre’60, Pre’65 250, and Pre’70 in some instances, have been combined.
4. Practice time has been reduced.
5. Very little leeway for hold-ups such as accidents.
6. Presentations often late.
Ramifications -
1. The move to three day events is great in some respects, but adds to the demands on volunteers and resources, track maintenance, costs for ambulances, etc. Also while it suits many, it also places greater demand on time off, loss of work time (income) for others.
2. A statistical example of the effect of dropping the age/capacity classes in Pre’75 is, using the Conondale entry and applying it to the Broadford programme:
- at Conondale 42 riders competed in their respective age races in the 263 – 1300 capacity class:
• 6 of the 42 rode two other age/capacity races (12 entries)
• 13 of the 42 rode one other age/capacity race (13 entries)
• 42 riders entered the 250 class in their age group, and of those who didn’t ride the big bore class, 6 also rode the 125 age class (6entries).
The result is that applying the Conondale figures to the Broadford programme immediately loses 31 entries.
A further statistic from Conondale is that of the total number of riders that rode in their age/capacity classes, only approximately 50% also competed in the open capacity classes.
Added to this, is the number (hard to quantify) of riders who won’t enter at all because of the dropping of their age/capacity classes. I know this number from WA and Qld to be quite significant for Broadford.
The Vintage movement was largely based on the age divisions, and the current trend can only result in a loss of support from the average older riders who have been the backbone of Pre’75.
An interesting quote by Graham Noyce (1979 500cc World Champion who now rides Evo class) in a recent article in MOTO (English MX magazine) is “ They’ll have to sort out the age issues. I don’t want to be racing against 30 year olds.” Graham was, and is, a fearless rider, so when he at 51 feels like that, spare a thought for our 60+ riders (6 riders over 70 at Conondale) on the gate with teenagers.
3. A separation as proposed would allow time to run all the early classes, regardless of numbers. Even if minority classes, such as Pre’60, do not qualify as a Championship under MA Rules, they deserve a ride and most enthusiasts appreciate seeing these bikes in action. The hope would be that when owners see that these bikes are guaranteed a separate start, more will show up. It is a chicken and egg situation – do promoters not cater for them because they don’t show up, or are numbers down because they’re not catered for. Obviously there is a natural attrition in older bikes and riders, but if programmes and tracks were more friendly to them the rate would at least be slowed.
4. Practice has often become a frantic period if several bikes are entered. More time would obviously allow a more relaxed practice session. We are not pros riding one class, but vintage enthusiasts often riding three or more classes. There is an obvious safety issue as well.
5. Hold ups with accidents, track prep- particularly if hot and dusty, and other unforeseen glitches put pressure on an already overcrowded time frame. A more relaxed time frame for both volunteers and competitors would, I am sure, make for an enjoyable event. One could even have a lunch break.
6. Even with transponders, the pressure on volunteers to get presentations under way is immense. Presentations in the dark with utes and trailers driving out in the back ground is commonplace. WA and Tasmania overcame this by a planned formal dinner/presentation at a separate venue. However the trackside presentations generally are as above.
SUMMARY:
I have covered mainly the effect of the increasing popularity and scope on the earlier classes, however there are also benefits to the newer classes with separation.
1. The programme could include more motos. As it is now, a rider with say only a 250 Evo bike gets one ride one day and two the next.
2. Longer races (more laps) more suitable for newer bikes could be run with the extra time available.
3. Age groups, perhaps initially over and under 45, could be introduced in Evolution class, not only encouraging the older riders, but giving extra starts per bike. I am sure age races would attract more riders.
4. Resistance to the introduction of Pre’90 would be invalidated.
5. Tracks could be laid out better to suit the now widely disparate eras. There is 30 years of development within existing classes.
I would envisage the two eras, Pre’78 and Post’77, being run by different clubs at different venues at differing times of the year. The aim would be that the benefits of separation would result in more overall entries, ensuring the events are financially viable. Many riders would choose one or other of these events, but also many would do both.
