Paeroa on tv? (6 March)

[onearmedbandit]

I don't think numbers are such a big problem for spectators. OK maybe for officials (not timing) it can be a problem but the average spectator does not look out for race numbers.

Humans remember colours and shapes much easier than numbers. Think of a rider in motogp, do you remember what their bike looks like or what their race number is?!

You're speaking to a spectator here who had an issue with it. Every other spectator I spoke to complained of the same problem. MotoGP? I can look anywhere online and find a million pics of those guys and their bikes, NZ racing is hardly in the same league of promotion.

But as long as you don't think it's an issue disco. I won't be seeing you around the track because the programmes only tell me race numbers, not colours. The racer who rep'ed me saying 'cheers there will be a big xx on my fairing' will be getting my attention.

[White trash]

How about introducing a number board in the front lower corner of the fully faired bikes? This will be visible when the bike is upright and also banked over.

Like the AWESOME NS400R of yesteryear. Fuckin oath brother, I'm with you.

You will, however, have racers now crying about having to change their graphics design and it'll be a bit of nightmare for big sponsors. You do need to remember one thing, I know A LOT of racers and none of them are racing for the spectators enjoyment.

[onearmedbandit]

I know A LOT of racers and none of them are racing for the spectators enjoyment.

I agree with you there mate, in fact I'd say none of them are racing for the spectators enjoyment. But would they still have a national series without spectators? If so, then sweet I'll save my money and go out for a ride instead. You see, standing on the side of an embankment for 8hrs listening to garbled shit coming across a 60yr old PA system in rain and wind ranks pretty low on my list of 'fun' things. But I know a few racers now, and am a fan of RRR superbike team so to ensure the series gets better I put up with that, and I encourage as many other people to get out there as well.

But if the racing fraternity don't give a fuck about the paying spectators being able to identify who is who, then they can do it on their own.

Funny but I recall threads where racers have been complaining about low spectator numbers at events, and what can be done to reverse that.

[White trash]

I agree with you there mate, in fact I'd say none of them are racing for the spectators enjoyment. But would they still have a national series without spectators? If so, then sweet I'll save my money and go out for a ride instead. You see, standing on the side of an embankment for 8hrs listening to garbled shit coming across a 60yr old PA system in rain and wind ranks pretty low on my list of 'fun' things. But I know a few racers now, and am a fan of RRR superbike team so to ensure the series gets better I put up with that, and I encourage as many other people to get out there as well.

But if the racing fraternity don't give a fuck about the paying spectators being able to identify who is who, then they can do it on their own.

Funny but I recall threads where racers have been complaining about low spectator numbers at events, and what can be done to reverse that.

Preaching to the choir my friend, you're 100% correct. In fact, maybe that's been the issue all along. Racers bitch that no one comes to watch, and what are MNZ doing about it, when in fact, they could do a HELL of a lot to make it more pleasurable themselves.

[jellywrestler]

I don't think numbers are such a big problem for spectators.
Humans remember colours and shapes much easier than numbers.

absolute popycock.
Then why do they buy programmes??? when the commetator mentions a name people want to follow it, either using the number stated by the commetator or cross referencing the name in the programme.
People soon lose interest if they don't know whose who.
simple as that

[codgyoleracer]

I don't think numbers are such a big problem for spectators. OK maybe for officials (not timing) it can be a problem but the average spectator does not look out for race numbers.

Humans remember colours and shapes much easier than numbers. Think of a rider in motogp, do you remember what their bike looks like or what their race number is?!

In answer to your question - watching world supers the other day from Aussie & especially the 600s, with so many new names & bike colours out there , - the primary reference i had for "who was who" was definatley the number. And in main the front number as this one is most TV friendly.

For instance Haga & J Rea, had very similar colours - and hard to distinguish, but number no problem. Team-mates on the same colour scheme have the same issue.

I say - get the basics right for the spectators at all key meetings. 1) A sound system that can be heard at popular standing/sitting points, clear numbers, good programmes, a variety of food stalls (healthy & junk), some shade points if needed, + places for mum & the kids to go and hide from the noise.

But who/how do you do it all, Suggestions please ???????

[onearmedbandit]

I say - get the basics right for the spectators at all key meetings. 1) A sound system that can be heard at popular standing/sitting points, clear numbers, good programmes, a variety of food stalls (healthy & junk), some shade points if needed, + places for mum & the kids to go and hide from the noise.

But who/how do you do it all, Suggestions please ???????

Start with getting the numbers easily viewable on all the bikes. I don't need the commentary most of the time. However a lot of people do, so MNZ need to ensure that everyone can hear what is being said. Who heard the national anthem being played at Ruapuna? No one, that's who, what everyone heard was some screeching coming at you in 100 different pitches. Yes yes it should be the responsibility of the track, but if they are not going to do it, then MNZ need to address it, maybe with the track owners.

The programmes are already fantastic, no worries there. Shelter? To be honest I realise that at an outdoor event I'll have to put up with the elements. Same as an open air concert. However, at an open air concert I can at least hear shit and I know who is playing.

Didn't Peter Fenton organise for SubWay to be at the John Britten event? What's stopping this from happening again? Surely SubWay can be convinced to come on board, what with a captive market and all.

[discodan]

But as long as you don't think it's an issue disco. I won't be seeing you around the track because the programmes only tell me race numbers, not colours. The racer who rep'ed me saying 'cheers there will be a big xx on my fairing' will be getting my attention.

I know what you are saying and it sounds like you are not the average spectator but I always hear people talking about 'the guy on the [insert colour here] bike' rather than their race number.

And I think you WILL see me on the track actually due to the bright colours on my bike!

[onearmedbandit]

I know what you are saying and it sounds like you are not the average spectator but I always hear people talking about 'the guy on the [insert colour here] bike' rather than their race number.

Usually followed by, 'oh you mean #12?'.

And I think you WILL see me on the track actually due to the bright colours on my bike!

I'll see you, but unless you've got your race number displayed where I can see it I won't know it's you...

[Bykmad]

Didn't Peter Fenton organise for SubWay to be at the John Britten event? What's stopping this from happening again? Surely SubWay can be convinced to come on board, what with a captive market and all.

Problem being that ALL circuits have contracts with caterers and that contract excludes ANY other caterers being able to operate or provide food of any type within the venue

[onearmedbandit]

Problem being that ALL circuits have contracts with caterers and that contract excludes ANY other caterers being able to operate or provide food of any type within the venue

Wonder-fucken-full. So we're stuck eating hot dogs and chips from a shitty old caravan? If that's the case, I don't see any progress being made in making bike-racing events more spectator friendly. No slight against the racers.

[Quasievil]

Doesnt help either that they all wear the same leathers
Fuck me, I reckon in one race I counted 5 guys wearing the same bright orange and black Bericks, what the fuck is that all about.


especially when you can get a full custom one piece for not alot more from many of the fine suppliers in New Zealand.

[Billy]

Start with getting the numbers easily viewable on all the bikes. I don't need the commentary most of the time. However a lot of people do, so MNZ need to ensure that everyone can hear what is being said. Who heard the national anthem being played at Ruapuna? No one, that's who, what everyone heard was some screeching coming at you in 100 different pitches. Yes yes it should be the responsibility of the track, but if they are not going to do it, then MNZ need to address it, maybe with the track owners.
.

MNZ do NOT run the meetings!They are run by the clubs,If you have an issue with the way your local round is being run,Contact Mick Ruane @ Motorcycling Canterbury

[Billy]

In answer to your question the primary reference i had for "who was who" was definatley the number. And in main the front number as this one is most TV friendly.

Speaking of which,Thats a funny looking number 2 on the front of your bike.Bwahahahahahahaha

[onearmedbandit]

MNZ do NOT run the meetings!They are run by the clubs,If you have an issue with the way your local round is being run,Contact Mick Ruane @ Motorcycling Canterbury

Thanks for clearing that up. I know Mick, and I know he's aware about the quality of the sound at the Ruapuna round.

Who runs the national series? There must be a governing body right?