Does VMX in Australia need a refresh?

[John Orchard]

In light of the problem of lack of entries for the 2013 Post Classic MX Champs I thought I'd start this thread, that way nothing can be perceived as having a go at the Lakes Motorcycle Club.

I think we need to break this issue down into the following categories (feel free to add what you think I have missed).

This is all stuff quickly off the top of my head, I know you all will have some great ideas, if anyone wants to bitch, start your own thread  ;-)

Cost
Effort
Support
Advertising
MA
Races
Classes
Age
Prize money / awards

COST
* Number of days racing.
* Entry fees.
* Accommodation at event.
* Distance travelled to the event.

EFFORT
* Getting bike scrutineered.
* Washing bikes at event.
* Size of paddock.
* Closed paddock?

SUPPORT
* Need for assistance by a pit crew.
* Pit boarding area.
* Entry closing date, a period is needed to structure classes.

ADVERTISING
* Sending out printable & emailable promo posters & entry-forms.
* National club register for mail-outs.
* Bike shop (VMX friendly) register for poster & entry-form mail-outs.

MA
Now this could get me in some grief, maybe vmx'ers could look at running outside of MA, could it save the costs of permits & complying with class categories, all this would it make the event more rider friendly and lower the costs greatly?

RACES
* Length of races.
* Minimum entries or no-go.

CLASSES
* combining classes.
* Adding new classes (eg: Super Evo Pre 95?)
* Running non-comp classes, allowing recreation licence holders to ride.

AGE
* Set the eligable machine for age racing by numbers, eg: Keep upping the accepted year models until the field is substantial?  If you have to allow modern bikes to get a good field of 60 - 70 year olds so be it.

PRIZE MONEY / AWARDS
* Certificates that can be scanned, laminated, board mounted.
* Not many riders have ever raced for prize money.
* Do not let presentation eat into riding time.

I think it is time to think outside the square and make events as easy, low cost & fun to do, what worked in the past will not work in the future.  Maybe this thread will give some constructive ideas to clubs thinking about running events?

[VMX247]

* Sending out printable & emailable promo posters & entry-forms.
* National club register for mail-outs.

Riders know when  National and Club Calenders are out.
If they are going to ride they are going to ride.
How hard can it be.
 

[gdr]

You need to get off the pian killers , have never read so much B#&% S#!@ in all my life.

[John Orchard]

You need to get off the pian killers , have never read so much B#&% S#!@ in all my life.

I told you start your own thread

[JohnnyO]

Is there really a problem Australia wide? National titles, Classic Dirt, State titles and club days in Qld have always attracted large numbers.. I might be biased but that's the facts.

[John Orchard]

* Sending out printable & emailable promo posters & entry-forms.
* National club register for mail-outs.

Riders know when  National and Club Calenders are out.
If they are going to ride they are going to ride.
How hard can it be.
 

Obviously not, I haven't looked at a calendar yet, I know other riders that haven't but even so, with the memories like we have it does not hurt to promote an event closer to the date when everyone has a better idea of where they are at.

It appears that there are a few people that are not prepared to think outside the square and move with the times.

[gdr]

You might want to stick to your non competive club .As far as compatition goes ,you seem to have no idea .

[John Orchard]

Is there really a problem Australia wide? National titles, Classic Dirt, State titles and club days in Qld have always attracted large numbers.. I might be biased but that's the facts.

Yeh it seems like you have good turn-outs in Qld.  I think events like Classic Dirt have a wider appeal and will always attract more riders, just like the Broadford Bonanza.

[Nathan S]

The club scene in NSW is healthy enough - Heaven typically gets 50+ riders, Northern gets 20+, Vinduros are well supported.

There's plenty of reasons why the post-Classic Nats aren't bursting at the seams - I don't believe that this is a particular sign of ill-health in the post-classic era of the sport.

[VMX247]

I haven't looked at a calendar yet,

Can I ask why ?? so I can perhaps have more of an understanding of why 100 odd riders havent entered a National Comp yet.

cheers

[John Orchard]

You might want to stick to your non competive club .As far as compatition goes ,you seem to have no idea .

Me supporting a non competitive club is just me trying to move with the times, non-comp motocross & roadracing is already larger than competition classes, I think lessons can be learned.

Just because I am the President of a recreation riding club doesn't really mean I can't contribute in racing circles, I have a National competition licence, have had since 1974, I am on the Board at Motorcycling Victoria, I am an A grade roadracer and I also ride modern MX, I would think I am eligable as anyone here to try and offer contructive idea's?

[JohnnyO]

Is there really a problem Australia wide? National titles, Classic Dirt, State titles and club days in Qld have always attracted large numbers.. I might be biased but that's the facts.

Yeh it seems like you have good turn-outs in Qld.  I think events like Classic Dirt have a wider appeal and will always attract more riders, just like the Broadford Bonanza.

For sure mate, Victoria used to be a very healthy VMX state..

[John Orchard]

I haven't looked at a calendar yet,

Can I ask why ?? so I can perhaps have more of an understanding of why 100 odd riders havent entered a National Comp yet.

cheers

I don't know why riders haven't entered the National event yet, I guess that is my reason to starting this thread?

My case in not studying the calendar is a bit different to some, having 5 major operations this year has not had me thinking about what events I can race at.  But even with all those ops I have still run our clubs monthly ride days, so I know the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

[gdr]

You say you are on the Board Of MV , but you suggest that VMX runs outside of MA . As for the other dribble A grade road racer,modern mx who realy gives a s%$( .

[John Orchard]

You say you are on the Board Of MV , but you suggest that VMX runs outside of MA . As for the other dribble A grade road racer,modern mx who realy gives a s%$( .

Yeh whatever.