Kiwi Biker Scholarship?

[LMFAO]

There is a lot of Kiwibiker members, if we all got together and put $100 in it would go a long way toward offering a young rider a race bike and maybe some tyres to go pro light racing?
We could get the bike stickered up with the members names that put the $$ in.

What would you pick up a cheap ex250 for and get it on the track? $6000 entry fees + some tyres I think 10k would cover it. 100 members $100 each? All the person has to do is get the bike to the track and im sure plenty of the racers would offer a hand in that.

[superman]

How good are they already? How many years have they ridden?

[LMFAO]

How good are they already? How many years have they ridden?

I dont have anybody in mind but i would say they would need to be under 18 and have a backround of racing motor x or bucket racing

[superman]

I dont have anybody in mind but i would say they would need to be under 18 and have a backround of racing motor x or bucket racing

If you line up a good potential candidate I'd definitely chip in a hundy.

[Paul in NZ]

People Sam and Andrew Croft up in Kapiti? History of family success and involvement in the Vic club, done very very well at the lower levels struggling to get a leg up to the next? Yeah - I'd kick in some $

[Hoon]

Great idea. I've thrown $100 at an impressive aspiring rider before when he asked for support via the internet and I'd do it again.

But before contributing to a larger collective I would need a bit more reassurance as this has the potential to burn bridges and ruin it for others if not managed properly.

Everyone contributing (and even more that don't) will have their own ideas on who the money should go to. You'd need to form some transparent panel comprising of respected members of the racing community, stipulate some application criteria and have a solid selection process.

Another vulnerability is what happens if selected rider bombs out and quits the sport (i.e. worst case scenario). Accountability issues aside, would there then be another drive the following year to raise funds for the next recipient or is this a one off?

Sorry to ask such tricky questions right at the start but if you have a sound plan then they will come and is more likely to suceed than asking people to buy into an idea.

[wharfy]

Great idea. I've thrown $100 at an impressive aspiring rider before when he asked for support via the internet and I'd do it again.

But before contributing to a larger collective I would need a bit more reassurance as this has the potential to burn bridges and ruin it for others if not managed properly.

Everyone contributing (and even more that don't) will have their own ideas on who the money should go to. You'd need to form some transparent panel comprising of respected members of the racing community, stipulate some application criteria and have a solid selection process.

Another vulnerability is what happens if selected rider bombs out and quits the sport (i.e. worst case scenario). Accountability issues aside, would there then be another drive the following year to raise funds for the next recipient or is this a one off?

Sorry to ask such tricky questions right at the start but if you have a sound plan then they will come and is more likely to suceed than asking people to buy into an idea.

Yes all valid questions.
The selection criteria would need to be fairly strict (and transparent) so that both donors (sponsors?) and rider know what is expected of them.

Perhaps putting some money towards one of the existing schoolarship programs would be more effective. (e.g. Vic Club ) :yes:

[LMFAO]

billy seems pretty pasionate about the young guys and he organises them bikes already so he would seem like a good choice to run the bike

[Crasherfromwayback]

billy seems pretty pasionate about the young guys and he organises them bikes already so he would seem like a good choice to run the bike

Best in the business for helping people

[Maha]

I dont have anybody in mind but i would say they would need to be under 18 and have a backround of racing motor x or bucket racing

Haven't really thought this through have you?
Need more than just an idea for me to hand over $100.
I ''donated'' $500 to a known bike racer a few years ago.
I even offered money to another racer once, it was declined.
Would I even bother again?..possibly but a years format would have to be produced.

[Katman]

Haven't really thought this through have you?


You're a serial poll stalker.

[Maha]

You're a serial poll stalker.

Better that than a poll stroker....:blink:

And you didnt even see that coming.

[LMFAO]

Haven't really thought this through have you?
Need more than just an idea for me to hand over $100.
I ''donated'' $500 to a known bike racer a few years ago.
I even offered money to another racer once, it was declined.
Would I even bother again?..possibly but a years format would have to be produced.

nope you right i havnt thought this out at all and this is far from a proposal. this is a pole to get a feel for the type of commitment people would be happy to shell out. if there are enough people are interested in putting donations forward then i will put some serious work into it and create a proposal and put it up here. you seem like the sorta person that would be hugely helpful and if the goal was 10k i dont think it would take much work

[rustys]

Hope this is Ok if I put this on your thread, for some info.

The "Victoria Motorcycle Club" have just recently spent the last four months Documenting up a very good future program for young Riders,( see www.vicclub.co.nz for info on this.
We are working with Billy from acrfibreglass@actrix.co.nz and Steve from Moto Academy for the coaching side, steve@motoacademy.co.nz this is a complete package for young riders who want a start in racing.
The Scholarship has to fund itself, so the Scholarship Sub Committee are looking for help in this area, the "Vic Club" has heavily subsidised the packages available, to get the young ones going, so we are doing fundraising ourselves to support it in the way of a Future Quiz night, raffles at the Race Days, sausage sizzles, Sponsorships etc.
If there is anyone out there or "Kiwi Biker" is interested in putting something towards the Scholarship funding by some sort of Sponsorship etc, it would be greatfully recieved, see us on Race Day or contact scholarship@vicclub.co.nz
We have three Riders on board for this season.
Cheers Russell.

[Maha]

nope you right i havnt thought this out at all and this is far from a proposal. this is a pole to get a feel for the type of commitment people would be happy to shell out. if there are enough people are interested in putting donations forward then i will put some serious work into it and create a proposal and put it up here. you seem like the sorta person that would be hugely helpful and if the goal was 10k i dont think it would take much work

In that case, keep up the good work and all the best in your endeavour.

[cowpoos]

There is a lot of Kiwibiker members, if we all got together and put $100 in it would go a long way toward offering a young rider a race bike and maybe some tyres to go pro light racing?
We could get the bike stickered up with the members names that put the $$ in.

What would you pick up a cheap ex250 for and get it on the track? $6000 entry fees + some tyres I think 10k would cover it. 100 members $100 each? All the person has to do is get the bike to the track and im sure plenty of the racers would offer a hand in that.

nope....I think its a silly Idea

[gixerracer]

nope....I think its a silly Idea

What about for a Superbike rider then

[cowpoos]

What about for a Superbike rider then

We could do a bit of a hand around for some funds for a trophy for a superbike race during the year...we could call it the C**g Sh*#$$@ffs handicap???

[roadracingoldfart]

We could do a bit of a hand around for some funds for a trophy for a superbike race during the year...we could call it the C**g Sh*#$$@ffs handicap???

I know a handicapped guy named that same name Poo's , just give the trophy to him and save the engraving fee.

[neil_cb125t]

What about for a Superbike rider then

its funny how money and support seem to always go to those who are entering the sport and not those that are actually promoting it......

[gixerracer]

its funny how money and support seem to always go to those who are entering the sport and not those that are actually promoting it......

Whar are you trying to say?

[neil_cb125t]

hmmmm maybe im being bitter (never had a free ride) - im probably also being naïve, im not sure how much support you fellas (top contenders for national champs) receive. I know prize money is extinct and even a free ride for a season is like a willy wonker golden ticket. Yet people love throwing up the idea of giving a newbie a totally free ride.

The problem with free rides to newbies is once the free season is over they have no idea what it takes (money, time, effort) to get onto the track. My brother received a free season on a rg – the next year dad picked up the tab and now hes “taking a break“ due to it costs too much…....?:violin:

The classes are easy and cheap enough to get to have a taste. There is support a plenty out there to get newbies on track, VMCC have 2 bikes, Billy has a few. Its more efficient for those who are approached to refer guys/girls to these avenues – it will only grow THOSE avenues. You see guys/girls with talent who have put thousands of laps, and dollars in for a national or even club level season, who ask for a mere few dollars get snobbed for asking for support. WHY?

[LMFAO]

hmmmm maybe im being bitter (never had a free ride) - im probably also being naïve, im not sure how much support you fellas (top contenders for national champs) receive. I know prize money is extinct and even a free ride for a season is like a willy wonker golden ticket. Yet people love throwing up the idea of giving a newbie a totally free ride.

The problem with free rides to newbies is once the free season is over they have no idea what it takes (money, time, effort) to get onto the track. My brother received a free season on a rg – the next year dad picked up the tab and now hes “taking a break“ due to it costs too much…....?:violin:

The classes are easy and cheap enough to get to have a taste. There is support a plenty out there to get newbies on track, VMCC have 2 bikes, Billy has a few. Its more efficient for those who are approached to refer guys/girls to these avenues – it will only grow THOSE avenues. You see guys/girls with talent who have put thousands of laps, and dollars in for a national or even club level season, who ask for a mere few dollars get snobbed for asking for support. WHY?

this is a bloody good point and sorta does change my opinion. when i was 17 i was racing mx nationally out of my own pocket on minimum wage sso there is no excuse why a young person cant afford it

there are few riders at the moment that i can see may do well for nz internationally maybe jayden cause he is young and fast but he is a bit big but it doesnt worry him now and camier is tall spies is sorta. jake lewis is impressive. i really like johnny small

[SWERVE]

Some very valid points here. If you want to raise $10,000 to help a youngster such as Daniel Mettam - Jake Lewis who have already proven their intentions to race at real professional level (jake should be joining daniel for 3 rounds of the European Junior Cup) thats great and it would be a brilliant thing:woohoo:
But if you want to keep the money in NZ supporting one specific rider at club/national level would be counter-productive and as others have said give them a false idea of the commitment/money needed to race proper. And whats to stop them having one paid season then giving up due to reduced finances the following year.
That kind of money would be better raised to help introduce lots of younsters into the sport at grass roots level by helping training programs such as MCC Junior development or Vic club scholership etc. This way many youngsters could benefit and the natural selection process would see those who are commited and those not.Which means you WOULD see a return(s)/ results on your time & money from one or more parties.
These programs are run by volenteers and usually on a very limited budget.... and look what has been achieved already. Imagine what $10,000 and 100 people with a vested interest in their donation could achieve.
And this would not just last one season it would greate the future of NZ racing and possibly some more to follow Daniel & Jake.......... :yes:

[oyster]

Merv is right on it.
Cash handouts, scholarships and exclusive little training groups are proven as a waste of time. Well proven in the south is that all that's needed is for clubs to create the right environment. Once that's done it'll thrive. There's no shortage of young riders, talent and money. Why people outside of Canterbury persist in ignoring this proven simple formula and try to reinvent the wheel puzzles me.

[jellywrestler]

I know prize money is extinct
Prize money extinct??
I arranged $1000 for the 600 class at the Manfeild nationals, stood up at riders briefing and asked all competitors in the class to wear a sponsors sticker as they needed looking after and they were at the track too.
One third of them did not bother to display a sticker for the first race.
You can lead a horse to water....

[Kickaha]

Prize money extinct??
I arranged $1000 for the 600 class at the Manfeild nationals, stood up at riders briefing and asked all competitors in the class to wear a sponsors sticker as they needed looking after and they were at the track too.
One third of them did not bother to display a sticker for the first race.
You can lead a horse to water....

All the bikes that didn't carry the sticker should have been excluded from the prize money

[jellywrestler]

All the bikes that didn't carry the sticker should have been excluded from the prize money
Not the point Kick and the reality was that most of, but not all those who didn't wear one weren't really in the hunt.
I pushed for the money, and for the club to accept it, made the call which class and to have it for all 600's on the track rather than superstock/supersport and as such I wanted to do my best for the sponsor.
Anyway, it's not really thread about this shit is it...

[CHOPPA]

Prize money extinct??
I arranged $1000 for the 600 class at the Manfeild nationals, stood up at riders briefing and asked all competitors in the class to wear a sponsors sticker as they needed looking after and they were at the track too.
One third of them did not bother to display a sticker for the first race.
You can lead a horse to water....

The only reason I wouldnt put the sticker on is if it clashed with one of my existing sponsors like at Ruapuna we were supposed to put suzuki stickers on the bike....

In oz if you dont have the sticker on they wont let you on the track. Dunlop has to be on your front fender in a certain place, QBE and Viking. Its very strict and there is no tolerence

[schrodingers cat]

Merv is right on it.
Cash handouts, scholarships and exclusive little training groups are proven as a waste of time.

The biggest talent a rider can bring to the sport is their wallet. Or the desire and skill set to get others to open their wallet

Seeking sponsorship as an alternative to other advertising forms in New Zealand is a waste of time. The market is too small and (gasp) the interest of the public compared to other sports is virtually zero.

Why doesn't the sport get any coverage? Because the advertising/media outlets have done their homework and know that there is more interest out there in a bottom of the league basketball game than a motorcycle race.

Also, the cost of running a race vehicle capable of generating any interest (ie TV time or media images where the brand is clearly displayed) compared to the cost of putting a logo on a sports team where 11 - 15 players have the logo clearly displayed for 90min makes it a no brainer.

Don't dispair children.

In New Zealand the model you need to buy into is attracting a patron/mentor. Someone with money and an interest in YOU as well as some interest in the sport who would rather enjoy being invovled in the journey (The 'ride' as it were) than paying tax.

Think of any product/money you ever get as an investment in the GIVERS entertainment. If they give you $100 are you going to give them more pleasure than 2 or 3 reasonable bottles of wine or 6 Hollywood movies?
If they give you $500 are you going to ensure their contribution buys them more pleasure than a days skiing?
Realise that
a. The 'sponser' probably isn't really expecting true commercial return from their spend so don't try to justify that. The exposure your branding can achieve in a drop in the ocean
b. You get the pleasure of doing what you love. How are you sharing the love?

If you mange to get your sponsor/patron to the track what do you do to ensure their enjoyment? Are they welcomed into the team environment? Do you provide food and drink for them? What do you do to ensure their family members enjoy the day?

This is where young people and money on the whole fall down. Accustomed to being given everything they think that it is their unbelievable talent that is being rewarded, take the money and complain.

[Deano]

sponsorship is not easy to get but it is achievable.

i get a fairly significant portion of my annual racing costs paid for - you've got to make your pitch to the right people - look for opportunities where you can reciprocate and give something back. this strategy as well as just playing the numbers and sending out your cv.

biggles is excellent at getting sponsorship and proven it can be done - put in some effort and you will achieve something at least - every little bit helps

as much as some of my sponsors would like to come and watch the racing, not many have taken up this offer so that is not cruciual to everyone. they still enjoy reading the race reports though.

[ajturbo]

Merv is right on it.
Cash handouts, scholarships and exclusive little training groups are proven as a waste of time. Well proven in the south is that all that's needed is for clubs to create the right environment. Once that's done it'll thrive. There's no shortage of young riders, talent and money. Why people outside of Canterbury persist in ignoring this proven simple formula and try to reinvent the wheel puzzles me.


From MY personal experience with this I agree with Peter...

What the Vic club used to do was a good idea,
but now that i have "been there and done that" i can see the pitfalls...

If this gets off the ground, the riders MUST have some sort of checks and targets to aim for.. or the bike is lost to them...
and for targets I mean
* Lapp times, (that are pre-set for the year)
* report writing ( and fronting up with a verbal account)
* personal presentation

ETC

if these things are all in place....i think there would be too much money coming ...!

[trev]

In New Zealand the model you need to buy into is attracting a patron/mentor. Someone with money and an interest in YOU as well as some interest in the sport who would rather enjoy being invovled in the journey (The 'ride' as it were) than paying tax.

etc. etc. etc.

.

As a former sponsor who put up reasonably serious money let me say the above post has a lot of truth to it.

[schrodingers cat]

As a former sponsor who put up reasonably serious money let me say the above post has a lot of truth to it.

What else would you tell the hopefuls?

[oyster]

"This is where young people and money on the whole fall down. Accustomed to being given everything they think that it is their unbelievable talent that is being rewarded, take the money and complain.[/QUOTE]"

Most of Shrodingles Dog's post is pretty right, but not this bit. I've worked with probably a hundred teenagers (and younger) in Road Racing in the last ten years and a big part of the job is explaining how sponsorship works. For pretty well all of them it's such a foreign concept they don't easily get it straight away.
None of them have been "stuck up" as described above. What they are is quite the opposite. Most of them hide it best they can , but they actually rate their performances much lower than they should. As a result they shun support when they're offered it (don't think they're worth it) and when they get it their sense of under achievement invariably makes them slow to respond by recognising the sponsor.
Some I've worked with have made dramatic changes once that's been explained and they get the confidence to phone up a supporter after a meeting, and even if the the results were pretty ordinary, they speak confidently about their exploits. As
Shrodinger said, that's usually the main reward a sponsor wants.

[Shaun]

As a former sponsor who put up reasonably serious money let me say the above post has a lot of truth to it.



You put up very serious money Trev, thanks for being who you are

[schrodingers cat]

None of them have been "stuck up" as described above.

My point was that anyone who gives you any support whatsoever need to become your new BBF (best friends forever). Genuinely.

Because not every report is going to be rosy. And endless excuses and 'spin' are tiresome.

The better you can understand your sponsor's motivations and what they like the stronger the relationship grows.

Ultimately you want a situation where, if they decide that they can no longer continue support, that the door is open for the future.

In your case the youngsters have the benefit of you drilling them. Look at the sport as a whole and ask yourself how many sponsors you've seen 'burnt' over the years?

[neil_cb125t]

Prize money extinct??
I arranged $1000 for the 600 class at the Manfeild nationals, stood up at riders briefing and asked all competitors in the class to wear a sponsors sticker as they needed looking after and they were at the track too.
One third of them did not bother to display a sticker for the first race.
You can lead a horse to water....

Yep that was AWESOME - I was meaning Consistant prize money, like what Wanganui USED to put on:facepalm:

[oyster]

Thanks Schrodinger, we're now in total agreeance! Thanks for your input.